The nominations are complete: 58 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery 2024 Possibilities
After three months of nominations, we officially completed our Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery nomination list. There are 58 total titles that we now need to narrow down to a final 12-15 (probably 15) and then ONE Mock Newbery Winner.
Some fun facts:
- SIMON SORT OF SAYS has officially pushed past HERCULES to the top of the nominations
- Seven new titles were nominated this month: ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD, BUFFALO FLATS, THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE MCGINN, BEA AND THE NEW DEAL HORSE, CARDBOARD KING: SNOW & SORCERY, SUNSHINE, WE STILL BELONG
- ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD, a September 2023 publication, received three nominations. i haven’t read this one yet but am frantically working to get my hands on a copy.
There’s a poll Wednesday where you can help us narrow down our final list, but we would love to hear statements of support in the comments to help us decide on the final titles.
SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
| SIMON SORT OF SAYS | Bow | 21 |
| THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL | Schmidt | 19 |
| THE MONA LISA VANISHES | Day | 10 |
| THE LOST YEAR | Marsh | 9 |
| A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING | Santat | 7 |
| THE MANY ASSASSINATIONS OF SAMIR… | Nayeri | 6 |
| MEXIKID | Martín | 6 |
| MY HEAD HAS A BELLYACHE | Harris | 6 |
| THE RED EAR BLOWS ITS NOSE | Schechter | 6 |
| THE SKULL | Klassen | 6 |
| THE DREAMATICS | Cuevas | 5 |
| EB AND FLOW | Baptist | 5 |
| GOOD DIFFERENT | Kuyatt | 5 |
| THE EYES AND THE IMPOSSIBLE | Eggers | 4 |
| THE SONG OF US | Fussner | 4 |
| ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD* | VanderLugt | 3 |
| GONE WOLF | McBride | 3 |
| THE LOST LIBRARY | Stead & Mass | 3 |
| THE PUPPETS OF SPELHORST | DiCamillo | 3 |
| A WORK IN PROGRESS | Lerner | 3 |
| NOTHING ELSE BUT MIRACLES | Albus | 2 |
| ALEBRIJES | Higuera | 2 |
| ANIMALS IN PANTS | Levinson | 2 |
| BEA WOLF | Weinersmith | 2 |
| A BIT OF EARTH | Riazi | 2 |
| BUFFALO FLATS* | Leavitt | 2 |
| CHINESE MENU | Lin | 2 |
| DOGTOWN | Choldenko & Applegate | 2 |
| THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE MCGINN * | Pla | 2 |
| GATHER | Cadow | 2 |
| IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE | Sheinkin | 2 |
| MIRROR TO MIRROR | LaRocca | 2 |
| PARACHUTE KIDS | Tang | 2 |
| PATTERNS EVERYWHERE | Perron | 2 |
| HOPE IN THE VALLEY | Perkins | 2 |
| REMEMBER US | Woodson | 2 |
| STAR SPLITTER | Kirby | 2 |
| THE SUPERTEACHER PROJECT | Korman | 2 |
| WHEN CLOUDS TOUCH US | Lai | 2 |
| WHEN SEA BECOMES SKY | McDunn | 2 |
| AN AMERICAN STORY | Alexander | 1 |
| BEA AND THE NEW DEAL HORSE* | Elliott | 1 |
| CARDBOARD KING: SNOW & SORCERY* | Sell | 1 |
| EVERGREEN | Cordell | 1 |
| DUST | Bowling | 1 |
| FARTHER THAN THE MOON | Lackey | 1 |
| THE FIREFLY SUMMER | Matson | 1 |
| GINNY OFF THE MAP | Hickey | 1 |
| HOW DO YOU SPELL UNFAIR? | Weatherford | 1 |
| IT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY | Dunlap | 1 |
| LEEVA AT LAST | Pennypacker | 1 |
| MERMAID DAY | Murray | 1 |
| ONCE THERE WAS | Monsef | 1 |
| STATELESS | Wein | 1 |
| A STONE IS A STORY | Booth | 1 |
| SUNSHINE* | Krosoczka | 1 |
| A WALK IN THE WOODS | Grimes | 1 |
| WE STILL BELONG* | Day | 1 |
Filed under: Book Discussion, Heavy Medal Mock, Nominations
2024 Newberybea and the new deal horseBuffalo Flatsenemies in the orchardMock NewberyNewbery 2024Newbery Awardthe cardboard kingdomthe fire the water and maudie mcginn
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SLJ Blog Network
A Fuse #8 Production
Announcing the Winners of the Annual Blueberry Awards for Excellence in Environmental Literature
Good Comics for Kids
Mixed-Up | Review
Politics in Practice
When Book Bans are a Form of Discrimination, What is the Path to Justice?
Teen Librarian Toolbox
An All-American Girl: Front and Centered, a guest post by author Niña Mata
ADVERTISEMENT
Enemies is the Orchard is a work of art. Ms. VanderLugt waves a wand of beauty over this poignant historical-fiction story. After engaging with Claire and Karl’s journey, readers will never be the same.
Enemies in the Orchard was an incredible story. It is a book in verse with two plot lines that connect most beautifully. This story takes place during World War 2 on an apple orchard in Michigan. The descriptive language, character development, and ending made it a 5-star read!
Beautifully written book on a topic not well known about life during WW2. I appreciate the depth of the story as it is based on real events that happened during that time. Even though it may be listed as a book for 12-16, it definitely appeals to adults as well.
The poetic dialogues in Enemies in the Orchard worked beautifully and involved the reader intimately. The story resonated with this senior citizen, even though her intended audience is younger. The German headings for Karl’s entries were excellent and atmospheric. Dana maintained so much suspense in the story; it is a page-turner with mystery and humor and love. The two main characters are so believable. This novel captures so much of a forgotten part of Michigan history and of World War II. I have already purchased a few copies as Christmas gifts. Dana’s book is a fantastic result of research and family love.
Enemies in the Orchard is a lyrical, nuanced story. The characters come to life on the page, and the reader is sucked into their plight with them. Tells a tale unknown to most readers, and does so beautifully. Get your hands on a copy, please!
Love Enemies in the Orchard! A beautifully written novel in verse about a little known event in WW2 history, this novel is a thought-provoking read.
“The Red Ear Blows Its Nose” is wonderful!
Enemies in the Orchard is an important novel sharing little known history of the effects WWII had within the United States. I found this book compelling. The characters draw you in, and my students are loving it.
Enemies in the Orchard inspired my middle-school grandson to learn more about our role in WWII. Ms. VanderLugt’s painstaking research and heart make this beautiful story an important one for young adults as well as seasoned readers to share and discuss.
Enemies of the Orchard is a thought provoking, lyrical book for all ages. I was especially impressed with the relationship development between Karl and Clare that the author achieved. The novel also teaches an important part of WW2 history on the home front. Highly recommend for readers of all ages.
I counted 6 Graphic Novels. I haven’t read The Cardboard Kingdom: Snow and Sorcery. Here’s what I think:
A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING: (ironic that we capitalize all the letters when actually the title is completely lowercased on the cover) Strong in setting, style, and theme. We get a clear picture of what Europe (parts of it) are like. Because of events like Wimbledon, this couldn’t be set anywhere else. The theme of “a first time” is repeated throughout the book. Style, I just think if we get to see if the pictures take away anything, they don’t, because they are very well done and add to the setting.
MEXIKID: Setting is key here, but again, do we get enough of the setting through text and not just through pictures? I think we do. (This is me trying really hard to say something nice about MEXIKID.)
BEAWOLF: Wow, this one has gorgeous text. I think it stands alone strong from the illustrations. This one gets strong points for style because of the poetry format it’s written in. I think the plot is strong – I read it in one or two sittings because it’s really captivating.
PARACHUTE KIDS: I originally noted the style of this one. What still stands out to me are the characters. They were well-defined, each had their own personality, and their emotions are memorable to me.
SUNSHINE: I think this is a decent graphic novel with good parts throughout. I don’t think it’s too old for this age group even though the characters are in high school. I just don’t think it’s particularly strong anywhere.
I’d say my top pick is between BEAWOLF and A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING.
I absolutely loved A First Time For Everything! I loved how relatable it could be for middle schoolers – and just the coming of age feel of Dan’s story and the illustrations. I also loved his Spotify playlist, too.
I finally read Bea Wolf today and it’s so well done! I’m not a hundred percent sure who the ideal audience is, but definitely an innovative addition to children’s literature.
Enemies in the Orchard stayed with me long after I read it. It expertly tells the story of the impact that war has— even on folks who are thousands of miles away. The novel is written in verse, making it accessible to young readers. However, its complexity makes it important for readers of all ages. I recommend this book to everyone I talk with— it will not disappoint!
I have wanted to read Mona Lisa for MONTHS (aside from Newbery contention, YA/middle grade historical nonfiction is a passion of mine) and still can’t get hold of it, it makes me so sad.
Still steadily working through some of the others, though SIMON remains my top choice. I thought THE EYES AND THE IMPOSSIBLE was really well-written in some aspects, but it wasn’t my favorite (though I realize some of this is just personal preference – animal stories are a hard sell for me) and I found the plot a bit weak so I don’t really know how to feel about it yet (finished recently).
Also trying to hunt down ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD! Always intrigued by verse novels.
I forgot, I also am about 15% into A BIT OF EARTH and the writing is gorgeous. Also a great depiction of the humanity and legitimacy of children that adults find “difficult.” Excited to see where it goes!
Enemies in the Orchard was a delight to read, I could not put it down. I then recommended it to everyone know. It shares a unique perspective on WWII. The verse, the characters, the orchards, the humanity and compassion it all works you to create a great read.
IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE by Steve Sheinkin is an absolutely incredible story, but aside from that, it’s also written incredibly well. From the beginning the main character shows such mental strength and brings out the theme of resistance to what is happening all around him and eventually to him. The theme of freedom is throughout the book as well, as Rudi constantly fights not just for his freedom but for those around him. The book is meticulously researched. The story is so well organized – for all the information Sheinkin had to wind through, he puts it together in the right order. Emily, I’m using your found definition of delineation from last year – “the action of describing or portraying something precisely.” I think the plot, character, and setting are all portrayed in a distinguished manner.
ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD is a vivid and moving and deeply human novel in verse. What amazes me is that the main characters Claire and Karl have each a distinct voice, even as they bend toward one another. And there’s a melancholy to the story that’s met with the beauty of the apple orchard – haunting and unforgettable.
Enemies in the Orchard is written in verse that captures your attention from the beginning to the end. A little know part of our local history comes alive through the intensity of the script.
Highly recommend for middle schoolers through adults. Suitable for discussion on so many levels. A wonderful read!
Congratulations to all of the authors and illustrators that made this list. Some incredible storytelling.
Some of these really rose to the top for me as a reader. I could make a solid case for any of the books placed in the Top 5 of this list.
Just completed ALEBRIES. The book screams Newbery consideration and reminded me of WESTING GAME and WHEN YOU REACH ME. It has that must- re-read, mic-drop ending that leaves me puzzled and satisfied at the same time. The epilogue was mind melting. The world-building, descriptive language and challenging vocabulary, developed theme and character arc that builds as the plot develops were A+. Higuera also integrates Spanish language into the book. I took the time to footnote, research and learn the meaning of the words and that added really rich layers of learning to the storytelling. It made the book distinguishable.
The Newbery Award Selection Committee has an exciting job. Understandably they will be looking at books like ALEBRIES for successfully hitting the criteria. I hope they also see the merit of original creative work in other formats like poetry and graphic novels.
Free verse poetry in THE SONG OF US and ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD is woven skillfully. MY HEAD HAS A BELLYACHE is so inventive. Readers with an eye for detail will be taken to new places every time the pick up the book.
2023 has been a huge year for Graphic Novel memoirs. Building on the legacy of books like ROLLERGIRL, this format has evolved and has earned a place in contention with books in a more traditional format. I believe that A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING is at the top of the list of creative work that is reaching modern readers and visual learners while hitting all of the Newbery criteria.
I hope that the 2024 Newbery Award Selection Committee is filled with diverse and open-minded personalities that are able to consider rubrics and historical choice while also considering what kids of today and tomorrow are most inspired by.