May there be MAY Heavy Medal Suggestions
New month, new Heavy Medal suggestions. Details about how suggestions work are in this post; but remember:
- No more than five suggestions, please save the rest for next month! (Less is fine too)
- Stick to titles that have been published in 2023, keep advanced reads (ARC’s, galleys, etc) for later!
- It’s OK to suggest titles already on our list. It shows more support! Take a look at April’s compiled list here.
Please add your suggestions for May in the comments below between now and Saturday, May 6th. We’ll publish the updated list on Monday, May 8th!
I can’t wait to see our list expand even more!
Filed under: Suggestions
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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My five for May:
BEAKY BARNES: EGG ON THE LOOSE by David Ezra Stein
I read this based on Emily’s recommendation. Funny and definitely distinct. Reviewers have cited Marx Brothers and Buster Keaton qualities, which seems accurate to me, and not easy to capture in a kids graphic novel.
THE MANY ASSASSINATIONS OF SAMIR, THE SELLER OF DREAMS by Daniel Neyeri
Clever and fun storytelling along the Silk Road in the 11th century. Reminded me of Lloyd Alexander’s mythology-based adventures from the 90’s “The Arkadians,” “The Iron Ring,” and others (and that’s a good thing)
NOT AN EASY WIN by Chrystal D. Giles
Strong realistic story of family, friendships, and chess.
SCHOOL TRIP by Jerry Craft
One of two excellent (and very different) books in the Graphic-novel-about-a-middle-school-trip-to-Europe category from this year (along with A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Dan Santat).
YOU ARE HERE edited by Ellen Oh
Connected short stories set in an airport, each featuring Asian-American kids. Engaging and thought-provoking, and the stories fit together neatly. By 12 different authors, but still should be Newbery-eligible I think.
I loved Many Assassinatons… but wondered if I was being nostalgic. It is so reminscent in format and style and size of the old classic illustrated kids books (think Alice in Wonderland) from my childhood. I loved the story and the writing.
The format was very appealing to me too. I started out reading that book on my phone, then when I got a print copy it was just much more pleasant…a real book experience. I still think the writing could be Newbery-worthy, but it’s interesting how those other factors impact the reader…
1. Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
2. A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
3. My Head Has a Bellyache by Chris Harris
4. Aniana Del Mar Jumps In by Jasminne Mendez
5. An American Story by Kwame Alexander
One and Only Ruby- It’s as good, if not better than Ivan with some very memorable line. Great voice. Heartwarming and heart wrenching storyline. Not to mention, it’s like putting one an old sweater on a cold day… cozy, comfortable, familiar. Kids and adults will love it.
-The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri – a story that rolls, delights and is full of surprises.
-Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow – who knew a novel about the survivor of a school shooting could make you laugh so hard and cry grateful tears as well?
-The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh – I am about 2/3 through but after a slow start, it opens into beautiful, painful novel about an almost unknown piece of history. It feels especially relevant to know this history in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This suggestion is from Laura (the original comment didn’t come through properly):
Buffalo Flats by Martine Leavitt.
SIMON SORT OF SAYS, by Erin Bow
As a teaching artist, I’ve been through two hard lockdowns with active shooters, helicopters on the roof, and terrified students. As a survivor and as a meditation teacher with a background in trauma, I am familiar many of the ways it can manifest. As a writer, I know how hard it is to address trauma and make it bearable. In SIMON SORT OF SAYS, Bow makes reading irresistible; Simon believable, charming, damaged, and true to his experiences; and the world, the characters, and the journey a compelling read. It’s a compassionate, humorous novel and an important read. For all that it deals with, SIMON SORT OF SAYS is a paper-bound joy. If it doesn’t get a Newbery award — or at least a nomination — there is something very wrong with the literary world.
Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O’Shaughnessy
Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
An American Story / Alexander
No Matter the Distance / Baldwin
Mirror to mirror by Rajana LaRocca another wonderful novel in verse about a twins relationship.
One and only Ruby by Katherine Applegate a great sequel to One and only Ivan and Bob. I thought it was cute. Also deals with the topic of poaching.
I did put You are here as the main picture so clearly I was gonna suggest that before Steven!
Here’s my five!
You Are here- edited by Ellen Oh
For Lamb by Lena Cline-Ransome (yes reads for older audience but soo well done)
Henry, Like Always- Jenn Bailey (steven loves the early readers I’m surprised he hasn’t suggested this yet)
My Red, White, and Blue- Alana Tyson
What Happened to Rachel Riley- Claire Swinarski (love what she did with the format)
There’s a lot of “questionably eligible” this year and I like it!
Simon Sort of Says
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams
Nell Plants a Tree (PB)
Our Roof Is Blue (PB) by Sara E. Echenique (Author), Ashley Vargas (Illustrator)
Superpod: Saving the Endangered Orcas of the Pacific Northwest by Nora Nickum (Nonfiction)
I know I’m too late but want to get this out there. A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner. Amazing story in verse and doodles.