It’s Top Two Time!: Share a pair of books you think have the best chance to win a Newbery so far
It’s time for our first Friday Feedback exercise! Every week this year our Friday post will feature some kind of a prompt where we invite you to weigh in on a particular question related to the 2024 Newbery Medal. Today it’s all about the top two:
Have you picked your Newbery winner yet? Of course not. It’s way too early. We still have fall releases to deal with. And we’ll want to re-read the top contenders eventually if we want to really evaluate literary quality and all that.
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But still…why not take stock here in mid-September and put forward our top two contenders so far? Picking two takes the pressure off a bit: we’re not making a grand prediction or going all in on a single title. But limiting it to two is still challenging; there’s a good chance that we’ll have to leave out a book (or books) that really could be great enough to win a Medal.
We tried this last year and learned that this exercise does not work as a predictor. A dozen people offered their top two at the time, and none of us named the eventual winner, FREEWATER, though it had been out since the previous February. We did see three votes for THE LAST MAPMAKER and one for MAIZY CHEN’S LAST CHANCE, though, and both of those ended up as Honor books. My own top two last year not only weren’t Newbery books, they had also fallen out of my own top two by the end of the year (though both HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN and BIG AND SMALL AND IN-BETWEEN are excellent).
I thought I’d have an easy time picking mine this time around, since I had just listed my top four in a post from a few days ago, and I haven’t read anything great this week (yet), but it still took some thinking. I finally settled on my two:
MY HEAD HAS A BELLYACHE by Chris Harris
A very funny collection of verse, with some slightly more serious and thought-provoking content woven in. The individual poems are excellent and the collection as a whole fits together to form a very satisfying package.
MEXIKID by Pedro Martin
The family dynamics, the humor, and the fun twists and turns of the family’s road trip make this a completely absorbing graphic novel. It also explores deeper themes of culture and identity, but with a light touch.
At this point, both of these seem like serious Newbery candidates to me. But things can change a lot in the next few months. Please share your own Top Two in the comments below. You can just list titles if you want, but we’d also love to know a bit about what makes them your current front-runners:
Filed under: Book Discussion
About Steven Engelfried
Steven Engelfried retired from full-time library work a couple years ago and now works as a part-time Youth Librarian at the West Linn Public Library in Oregon. He served on the 2010 Newbery committee, chaired the 2013 Newbery Committee, and also served on the 2002 Caldecott committee. You can reach him at sengelfried@yahoo.com.
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My two bring me back to 2017-2018.
MY HEAD HAS A BELLYACHE – I was on the first Heavy Medal Mock Committee, and I’m Just No Good at Rhyming was our winner. I needed a lot of convincing at the time, though in the end I was definitely on-board. Six years later, I have two things to share. 1) I don’t need convincing this time, and 2) when it came out, I recommended I’m Just No Good… to a friend for her 6yo child. Last night, I texted that same friend about MY HEAD… but said maybe her now 12yo was too old for it. She texted back her kid’s response, “no, no, I’m reading it, the last book was super good.” That’s as good a description of a Newbery book (though a Mock one) as any.
EB & FLOW – one of the actual winners that year was Long Way Down. In my opinion, EB & FLOW is the book Long Way Down should’ve been. In terms of Newbery Criteria, I particularly think the verse novel format is more appropriate and it is better-presented for a child audience, but I also think EB & FLOW is superior in every other Newbery Criterion. Of course, the usual interpretation of the Newbery rules prevent me from building an actual Newbery argument around a comparison to Long Way Down.
Super intrigued by the comparison to LONG WAY DOWN, which is a favorite verse novel of mine. I’ve placed a hold on EB & FLOW.
I also liked EB & FLOW. Worth a second read for sure. I especially like the strong plot. Sometimes the verse form gets a little lost in imagery and turns of phrase, and this one does those well, but also a really tight, engaging plot, which, as Leonard notes, keeps that child audience in mind.
Of what I’ve read so far, I really only have super strong feelings about SIMON SORT OF SAYS, which is obviously experiencing a bit of a consensus at the moment, but in a genre I don’t really care for (contemporary, school story, modern events), I was impressed how much this novel moved me. As a writer/writing mentor/editor huge things that stuck out to me were the narrative voice, and the incredible trauma/mental health representation. I especially loved the way the book had Simon actively practicing grounding exercises on page–I think that’s incredibly cool in both normalizing them AND giving readers something to emulate if they aren’t being taught those tools in their regular life.
I don’t think in terms of the Newbery Criteria a ton when I’m just reading the books (in part because they are a bit clinical, and I want to experience the story on an emotional level first), but one I actually thought a lot about was “delineation of characters.” I really appreciated the extent to which all the secondary characters in the book didn’t seem to exist just as props/obstacles for Simon’s story or a thematic agenda but as humans with their own strengths, flaws, and goals.
I also really liked AN AMERICAN STORY, but a huge part of that was the art–I haven’t considered it as much on a Newbery level as just on a picture book level, though I’m a fan of Kwame Alexander’s writing in general.
I always think it’s a good sign when we respond strongly to a book that’s outside of our typical personal taste, as Rachel describes with SIMON. For me this year that might be BUFFALO FLATS; I usually don’t seek out pioneer stories or historical romance (if it’s fair to call it that), but the writing and characterizations were just so strong. I actually picked up that book because I was so impressed with the author’s KETURAH AND LORD DEATH from a few years ago, and it turned out to be nothing at all like that book….
Best chance to Win ?
My personal top 2. They have been top of my list since June. Stoked to see them on the National Book Award Long list this week.
*A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
Middle school can be awkward. Dan Santat’s new book a first time for everything, is a fun look at the adventure of figuring it out. Santat captures how kids REALLY talk. There are amazing details and I read the book 3 times on the weekend after its release. This book made me feel excited about trying new things. In my school and local library community, graphic novels are popular. They are the books kids are choosing to read. I think its important to look at that trend and consider books that are evolving to meet that need. (reference to GN populatity: https://www.thepopverse.com/graphic-novel-sales-up-a-staggering-1102-in-bookstores-since-the-pandemic)
* The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh
The Lost Year is a timely and interesting novel that gives kids some backstory into the current global conflict. The global Covid-19 pandemic has marked our generation. Katherine Marsh wrote in a way that made past events relatable, drawing on our experience as kids during the health crisis and connecting the emotions of isolation and fear many people experienced. Unexpected twists surprised me. This is an excellent story for middle-grade readers curious about how history and current events are tied together.
If the award is about book buzz, I think the top candidates for the Newbery are:
– Simon Sort of Says- This book has great support from the publisher. I have it in my 2023 top 10.
– Labors of Hercules Beal – This book scores for all Newbery Criteria. It is in my 2023 top 3.
https://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/newberymedal/newberyterms/newberyterms.htm
I am a youth reviewer, ARC reader and reporter. I talked to many publicists and authors at San Diego Comic Con the last few years. It’s interesting how publishers and publicists impact book buzz. I wonder how that influences who wins the award. What do you think Mr. Engelfried?
Great question, Quade. Just speaking from my own experiences on the Committee, I think buzz is something that can help the Committee in the early stages. That group of 15 spends the year reading as widely as they can, and part of that is making sure they don’t miss any excellent books. Publishers send them many books throughout the year, but members also keep an eye out for books that people might be talking about. That can be book reviews, blog posts, conversations with kids, soliciting input from colleagues, friends, etc. So buzz can conceivably help call attention to books that the Committee members will read, and then evaluate in Newbery terms.
When it comes to selection of the Newbery, though, that buzz kind of fades away. When the group meets to discuss the nominated books in January, they will have read every nominated title at least twice. They’ll be very focused on the Newbery Terms and Criteria, and their deliberations that lead to the ballots will need to be based on those criteria. In that setting, you’re very focused on what the 15 people in that room are saying, and the buzz beyond that just becomes irrelevant.
I will say, though, that in both my Committee terms we did, as a group, address this question of buzz and popularity, as a way of reminding ourselves that we would need to stick to that Newbery Criteria rigorously.
Those are some of my thoughts, but I’d love to hear what any other past committee members have to say about this topic…
I wholeheartedly agree with Steven’s thoughts on buzz. As a committee member
i was definitely looking at the blogs and all the media to make sure I didn’t miss everything- but once you get in thatr committee room, you dissect those books and the best ones really do stand out.. buzz leaves that room…
Well, a lot of folks have mentioned SIMON SORT OF SAYS, and you yourself Steven, took MEXIKID (which was robbed, I tell ya, of a National Book Award nomination). So in light of that, let’s look at two titles that haven’t been mentioned yet, but deserve all the love and attention.
THE EYES AND THE IMPOSSIBLE
Honestly, I’m a little surprised it hasn’t been mentioned yet. Written with kid input, this remarkable readaloud just sucks you in. I’m naturally suspicious when adult authors write for kids, but Eggers has been doing it for a while, and if Gaiman could get a win, why not this book? [https://afuse8production.slj.com/2023/04/08/review-of-the-day-the-eyes-and-the-impossible-by-dave-eggers-ill-shawn-harris/]
THE MONA LISA VANISHES
Nonfiction, folks. It can’t just be graphic novel memoirs (which I adore) and poetry. We need books that will completely suck readers in and won’t let go. Add in the fact that this book has more to say about the current state of “alternative facts” than any other for kids that I’ve read and you’ve got yourself a winner. [https://afuse8production.slj.com/2023/07/03/review-of-the-day-the-mona-lisa-vanishes-by-nicholas-day-ill-brett-helquist/]
Agree with EYES AND THE IMPOSSIBLE as a strong contender, Betsy. Johannes is such an interesting narrator and character. And also “distinct,” in that it really does have a different feel than other books in that “animal stories” genre. The setting is pretty creative too. I just assumed it was Central Park or someplace like that, then you gradually realize that it’s not really quite our world. I thought the ending was perfect too…kind of similar to VIOLET & JOBIE IN THE WILD (my favorite animal book from last year), where the hero heads off for new unknown adventures, but their stories that we just read feel complete.
Haven’t read MONA LISA yet, but am looking forward to it!
MY HEAD HAS A BELLYACHE – I agree with everything Leonard said. It has something for every reader. For example, anyone with a sibling can relate to the poem I LOVE MY SIBLINGS SO MUCH!
GOOD DIFFERENT – Selah’s voice is very relatable. A beautiful book in verse.
Glad to see GOOD DIFFERENT getting support, Sue. You mentioned Selah’s voice and I agree that’s a true strength. We’re so immersed in her pov that we don’t see how others see her. Which is something she also struggles with. I think most readers will start to understand that Selah needs additional support before she realizes it herself. Really interesting way to present that self-discovery.
We’ll likely get a chance to discuss GOOD DIFFERENT more fully when we do our “Graphic Novel Roundup” on September 27th. Also MEXIKID, SCHOOL TRIP, and any others that readers want to put forward as possible Newbery contenders…
Wait, Good Different is a novel in verse not a graphic novel, right? Or am I losing my mind? I know I listened to this on audio too…
You’re right, Emily, my bad. Don’t know how my mind switched it to a gn, especially when Sue wrote “beautiful book in verse” right there in her comment. My rule should be: never write anything unless you have the book right in front of you (but I’d still find away to get things mixed up…too many books!)
THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL – The range of emotions Schmidt is able to communicate – humorous and heart-wrenching – through his writing astounds me. I found his use of repetition, chapters following a regular structural form, and development of characters, especially secondary characters, highly distinguished.
A WALK IN THE WOODS – Grimes’ concise word choice and tight writing communicates the depth of emotion experienced by the main character and centers the reader in the experience he finds himself navigating.
I’m still waiting to get my hands on A WALK IN THE WOODS. Nikki Grimes and both Brian and Jerry Pinkney has to be an amazing collaboration. Should be up for further discussion when we do our Picture Book Roundup on October 18, if not sooner.
I haven’t ready many that you are mentioning so I have my reading cut out for me, but so far my top two are The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh and the Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary Schmidt. I look forward to the discussions of those titles–as well as the many other worthy books mentioned.
THE LOST YEAR should be an interesting discussion. Similar in some ways to last year’s MAIZY CHEN’S LAST CHANCE, which won a Newbery Honor. Both balance those two plot threads, with a modern child learning about their family’s past. The 1930’s story was very compelling, and it linked up to Matthew’s modern story in some neat ways.
Good to see HERCULES as a top two also. It received so many suggestions, but it’s possible for a book to be on a bunch of people’s top 5’s or top 10’s, but not quite make it to the top of anyone’s list once it’s directly compared to other contenders. I don’t think that’s going to be true of HERCULES or SIMON, but we’ll see…
From my GoodReads reviews of my top two:
“The Labors of Hercules Beal.” I love love loved this one, and the audiobook reader was fantastic–perfect on all the voices. Hercules is an amazing kid, and in a very New England way; he does what he believes is necessary without fanfare, and is as steadfast a friend and brother as anyone could want. He sees the beauty of the world, even if he has to keep that a secret, and gains a lot of wisdom as he interprets the events of his life in reflections for Lt. Col. Hupfer. Hupfer is one of those once-in-a-lifetime fantastic teachers, though the author (and Hercules) never says that; just shows it in all his actions. All of the characters have so many layers and quirks and I never had trouble telling them apart. This is also a very funny book as well as an occasionally (well, often) heartbreaking one–Hercules insists that his brother’s girlfriend is a vampire, and had me laughing out loud about that! I love that this is an episodic book inside of the main arc; I’m fond of the form, and it’s not so common anymore. Anyway, highly recommended.
“Simon Sort of Says.” This was at times hilarious and at times heartbreaking. Simon’s PTSD is so clearly illustrated, and it’s triggered by so many different things, including peoples’ inappropriate, thoughtless reactions to the tragedy that took his classmates’ lives, and the continual hounding of the media. I loved how you could see how perfect Hercules was for Simon, sensing when Simon needed him. Simon’s interactions with his new friends, good and bad, are all perfectly understandable, and I loved how the author showed that friends can screw up and hurt each other, but also make up and forgive each other. And of course, I am all about quirky small towns and the ever more ridiculous things that happen–just delightful! This would make an amazing movie.