Saturday, January 15, 2022

Newbery Medal at 100 - What Librarians Think!


When the children's and teen book and media award announcements roll around near the beginning of each year, there is a high level of anticipation. What books/media will garner the top awards? Which books/media will not receive an award but be honored? What books/media will not make the cut into those lofty honored tiers?

Along with the excitement, after the announcement, there is a fair amount of Monday morning quarterbacking. Librarians and children's/teen literature aficionados lament missed book and media creators; favorites that weren't recognized and general questions about the worth of these awards. Social media is always hopping post-announcements. 

In a recent School Library Journal article, the bloggers at SLJ's Heavy Medal blog, Steven Engelfried and Emily Mroczek-Bayci, published the results of their very informal poll to collect opinions about the Newbery process on the occasion of it's 100th birthday. It's thought provoking and may mirror some of your reactions to previous year's honorees.

They write: "After 100 years, the Newbery Medal is as popular—and controversial—as ever. People have impassioned opinions. Lots of them. And they don’t hold back."

Check out the full School Library Journal article here. And then tell us what YOU think!

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