Two More Titles: November Nomination Time
Trick or Treat or Nominate or Bust!
It’s time to nominate two more titles for the Heavy Medal 2023 Mock Newbery.
Readers nominated three titles in October for a total of 42 titles and have two more now, then a final two in December. This ask comes a little early, so we can create our “Early Six” booklist.
The Newbery Manual notes that the nominations “make each committee member aware of which books require their closest scrutiny and which they need to re-read.” Members include “written justifications” with each nominated title, and this is typically the first chance they have to share specific the rest of the Committee, beyond a “practice discussion” that takes place in the summer. The nominated titles are the ones that will be on the table when the Committee meets to discuss and select the Newbery winner in January.
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Here’s the Heavy Medal nomination process:
- Nominate two titles in the comments below. Like the real Committee, we’ll require two exactly.
- Listing the two titles is fine, but if you would like to share a bit about why any of them made your list, or any strategic rationale, that’s fine.
- If you missed last month, you are allowed to nominate five this month.
- Nominations will stay open through the end of Saturday, November 5th. We’ll post the totals on the 7th.
- The nominations list helps Steven and I decide which books to feature in future posts and develop the Heavy Medal Book List. It also helps force me to actually finish books. (Yes I promised to read and finish every nominated title)
Add your titles to the list below. And feel free to strategize. Yes, you can nominate something that’s already nominated, some argue that it adds weight to the title, others would rather not waste a precious nomination.
This is also a time to think about what books are being overlooked and what unique titles should be considered for the Newbery?
If you have any questions about our nomination process or about how it works on the real Committee feel free to ask those in the comments below as well.
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About Emily Mroczek-Bayci
Emily Mroczek (Bayci) is a freelance children’s librarian in the Chicago suburbs. She served on the 2019 Newbery committee. You can reach her at emilyrmroczek@gmail.com.
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Big and Small and In-Between – Carter Higgens and Daniel Miyares
Maizy Chen’s Last Chance – Lisa Yee
Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack.
Ruby Finley vs.The Interstellar Invasion
4. Black Bird, Blue Road, by Sofiya Pasternack. This book has a strong, linear plot with an identifiable conflict, believable decision-making and a strong resolution with character growth. THe characters are fully developed with the three main protagonists each having something to contribute to the story as a whole. A strong setting and beautiful representation of theme stand out as well.
5. Bare Tree and Little Wind, by Mitali Perkins. A linear plot, descriptive setting and good characterization make this a stand-out picture book. Also, the theme of renewal and rebirth are strong throughout the story and are presented in a graceful manner that is not overly didactic. Unique and creative title.
4. Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson. Multi-layered historical fiction evokes writing styles of L.M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott. Story quilt chapters enhance backstory.
5. Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser. Supportive staff in a homeless shelter provide hope for children with dysfunctional parents.
My Nominations are:
Oh, Sal – Kevin Henkes
Yonder – Ali Standish
CELIA PLANTED A GARDEN by Root and Schmidt
IN THE KEY OF US by Lockington
The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander
Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King
Odder by Katherine Applegate such a fun cute novel in verse. I’ve been to the Montery Bay aquarium were it takes place it a cool place. Was nice to learn how that take care of the otters.
Alias Anna by Greg Dawson and Susan Hood. Another great novel in verse was heartbreaking to learn about a part of the holacost I didn’t know much about. This is a true story which makes it even sadder. Also found the way some of the poetry was written on the page to be unique.
1. Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky
by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond
2. The Last Mapmaker
by Christina Soontornvat
Yonder- We see Danny grow so much and learn to speak up for those around him. Lou forgives Danny, but also stands up for herself.
Goblin Market- Again we see great character development with Lizzie, but the setting was also well-done. It was easy to picture this little town, and then when the description of the goblin’s house was terrifying!
FARMHOUSE by Sophie Blackall – lovely poetic text with internal rhyming that tells a sweeping story in a short word count.
THE VANDERBEEKERS ON THE ROAD by Karina Yan Glaser – the sixth Vanderbeekers story deftly manages a large cast of regular characters and new faces in a remarkable way, as well as juggling multiple compelling subplots.
Black Bird, Blue Road
Aviva vs. the Dybbuk
Top two choices:
HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN by Pamela S. Turner – strong in presentation of information (clear, accurate, creative organization), spot on appropriateness of style for kids along with humor and strong interpretation of the theme
I MUST BETRAY YOU by Ruta Sepetys – strong in delineation of characters, engaging plot, and historical information is accurate and ties in well with the story
I almost nominated THE DOOR OF NO RETURN by Kwame Alexander – it has a vivid setting, memorable characters, a riveting plot and a strong theme. I just wasn’t sure if it was appropriate for ages 10 – 13 (Alexander’s intended audience) due to violent content. I would love to hear your thoughts.
* The Patron Thief of Bread / Eagar – The characterization of Duck and Griselde was beautiful. I loved Griselde’s bawdy jokes and compassionate nature, and Duck’s growth over the story is presented realistically and lovingly.
* Maizy Chen’s Last Chance / Lee – Again, I love the characters in this story, as well as its positive message about overcoming differences. I also am a sucker for layered stories – grandfather’s tales from a former generation, the paper sons, the grandfather and his friend, the newspaper bits, and even Maizy’s fortune cookies all weave together to create a web of connection within the community.
Getting mine in at the last minute after a busy week:
ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES by Amy S. King: It’s built around the issue of book banning (or book censoring, more accurately), but it’s the characters and style that really work for me.
VICTORY, STAND by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, & Dawud Anyabwile: I’m not sure about this one, but fear it might not get any nominations, so I want to make sure it gets looked at by others.
I just didn’t want Steven to be the last commenter so had to wait for him (lol)
I’m going double picture book this month both for their lyrical composition and strong themes!!
Berry Song by Michaela Goade and BLUE by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond.