Friday, January 14, 2011

Buzzing about the Awards!

There were definitely a few surprises when the Youth Media Awards were announced earlier this week at the ALA Mid-Winter Meeting but also some very, very exciting news out there.... especially if you happen to be an almost unheard of first time John Newbery Medal Award winner!
Here are a few of the awards I was most interested in but you can check out the entire list here.

The big surprise John Newbery Medal Award winner:
Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
And the John Newbery Medal Honor Awards:
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman and Illustrated by Rick Allen
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

The Randolph Caldecott Medal

The Caldecott medal is awarded for the most distinguished American picture book for children.
The winner:
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Caldecott honors were awarded to:
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill and illustrated by Bryan Collier
Interrupting Chicken written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein

Thursday, January 13, 2011

The Wimpy Kid Trend




Ever since Jeff Kinney hit a grand-slam with his Wimpy Kid series there has been an insurgence of titles published in a similar format. Here are two which I found to be particularly good.
Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters by Rachel Vail:
Alvin Ho (Lenore Look) meets Wimpy Kid, Greg Heffley (Jeff Kinney) in yet another diary format book. Justin (Case) K. is a sensitive, self conscious worry-wart. When Justin isn't playing with his beloved stuffties, much of his time is taken up with worry and dread; what if his new teacher hates kids with curly hair and blue sneakers? Justin is a big-hearted, loveable boy who readers will root for as he navigates the perils of friendship, family-life, school and gym class. Believable and laugh-out-loud funny. A great choice for reluctant readers, worriers or younger kids who might not yet be ready for the Wimpy Kid series. Recommended for kids in grades 2-4

The Popularity Papers: Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt & Julie Graham-Chang
by Amy Ignatow
In a quest for popularity, 5th graders Julie and Lydia decide to record the behavior, dress and activities of those kids who have already acheived the elite status of "popular". The girls keep a co-authored journal including "hand-written" notes in each girls distinctive handwriting and colored illustrations. Julie and Lydia experiment with new wardrobes, hairstyles and participating in different extra-curricular activities. The experiement yields different results for each girl and turns out to be a learning experience neither expected. Along the way, readers are introduced to a cast of well drawn supporting characters including Julie's two dads; Daddy and Papa Dad. This visually captivating book (somewhat reminiscent of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series) offers a realistic look at the stuggles that tweens endure and is sure to be a hit. Recommended for readers in grades 5 - 7

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Check out the book trailer for Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka




This title is taking off at my library. It is especially popular with those already familiar with Scieszka's brand of humor.