We’re Halfway There: Call for July Mock Newbery Suggestions
We’re six months into 2023 which means halfway through the publishing year. What amazes me is that there’s still SO MANY Newbery potentials that are not yet published. I have no idea what the best strategy is… publish a book early in the year to give people a while to read it, or wait until later in the year so people don’t forget about the book.
By now, most people are aware of our suggestion process- but read this post from March for more information on the details. . And check out our cumulated list of suggestions so far here.
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Our July suggestion period is now open- comment with 5 Newbery worthy titles published in 2023. We’ll close suggestions on Saturday, July 8 and post the updated list the following Monday.
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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All five of mine this month are previously suggested books…thanks everyone for the excellent recommendations!
EB AND FLOW by Kelly J. Baptist – The aftermath of a school fight, told in alternating free verse by the boy and girl who fought.
THE LAST PLASTIC STRAW by Dee Romito – Starts out as an invention/history book, then switches into a modern conservation story. Easy to follow with just the right amount of information.
THE LOST YEAR by Katherine Marsh – Strong historical fiction about 1930s Ukraine seen through the eyes of a modern kid during Covid investigating his family past.
SUNSHINE by Jarrett Krosoczka – Another excellent summer vacation graphic memoir (with SCHOOL TRIP and A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING
A WORK IN PROGRESS by Jarrett Lerner – Powerful look at body image issues with a neat combination of text and illustrations.
Steve- I think the Jerry Craft graphic novel is titled SCHOOL TRIP
You’re right of course, Kate. Now corrected, and thanks!
I’ve been playing catch up, so mine too have been previously suggested.
The Labors of Hecules Beal. Just one of those well-written books that leaves you loving it.
If eligible, Nearer My Freedom. Just an amazing read.
Simon Sort of Says – Erin Bow
Aniana del Mar Jumps In – Jasminne Mendez
The Eyes and the Impossible — Dave Eggers
When Sea Becomes Sky — Gillian McDunn
Simon Sort of Says — Erin Bow
The Labors of Hercules Beal
Leeva at Last
An American Story–Kwame Alexander
The One and Only Ruby–Katherine Applegate
First Time for Everything–Dan Santat
Sunshine–Jarrett Krosoczka (although I’m betting more Printz for that one)
You are Here–Ellen Oh
LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL by Gary Schmidt
Multilayered narrative interweaving mythology, seasonal changes, community cooperation, living with tragedy and grammar rules.
A WORK IN PROGRESS – Jarrett Lerner
THE LAST PLASTIC STRAW – Dee Romito
A Bit of Earth by Karuna Riazi a nice retelling of the secret garden. It’s been a long time since I read a secret garden I only have vague memories of it. I can’t compare the two much but I liked this book.
This is a relatively recent one…
THE FIRST MAGNIFICENT SUMMER
R.L Toalson
Really important book for kids dealing with divorced parents, step parents/families, emotional abuse, and learning to accept oneself. It also covers the topic of first periods, and has themes of feminism. The heaviness of the content is offset by a quirky, funny, and witty main character you can’t help but fall in love with and root for.
Reminiscent of Judy Blume’s ARE YOU THERE GOD IT’S ME MARGARET
Thanks all, Im putting in my five and closing the comments! Well have compiled suggestions by the end of the day tomorrow!
Science explorers, search for a giant squid- Forrester and Musser
We go way back: a book about life on Earth and How it all began- Bunting and Ben-Barak
Squished- Megan Wagner Lloyd
SIMOn sort of says-
Not an Easy Win- Giles