Hana (right) and Sarah (left) show off their best picks!
by Hana Boxberger
Awards season is coming up, and while the movie world and the music world are looking to the Oscars and the Grammys, we in the book world are anxiously awaiting the American Library Association Youth Media Awards. This includes the Caldecott for best artwork (usually a picture book, but there are notable exceptions), the Newbery for best book for children, and the Printz for best book for young adults. Lots of book-savvy folks like to speculate who will get one of those beautiful stickers this time around, and we at Village Books are no different. We have two lists of predictions for you here to peruse.
The first was compiled by yours truly. I have been the Children’s Book Buyer here for over a year and prior to that assisted in the children’s section of the store for almost three years. The second was put together by Sarah Hutton. You may know her as one of our three lovely new owners, but Sarah was also our previous Children’s Book Buyer for several years and still likes to know what’s up in the kids world. She and I often joke about our very different tastes in books, but you will see below that every now and then our choices do cross over. When they do, you can bet that is a powerhouse of a book, even if it doesn’t end up with a sticker. The ALA Awards winners and Honors choices will be revealed Monday, January 23rd. Enjoy!
HANA’S CHOICES
Caldecott
Some Writer!: The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet
A compelling biography of one of the best writers for children, accompanied by Sweet’s unique art style. This could also be a contender for the Newbery.
Samson in the Snow by Philip C. Stead
A sweet story of friendship, and a woolly mammoth who wants to find it.
The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas
A man who ensures all the messages in bottles gets delivered wishes for a message of his own.
There is a Tribe of Kids by Lane Smith
A stunning adventure with animals, and what groups of different types can be called.
Penguin Problems by Jory John
There are so many problems in this world. Especially for a penguin.
Newbery
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
A boy and his fox. Need I say more?
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
A family adjusting to their new home during the Day of the Dead. This graphic novel is vibrant and full of life, and could easily snag a Caldecott too.
The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz
Multiple narrators tell the story of three children during Medieval times.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
A robot tries to fit in with the wildlife on an uninhabited island.
Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo
It’s Kate DiCamillo. That’s all.
Newbery AND/OR Printz
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk
Oof.
Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eager
Melodious tale of a girl learning about her heritage and getting to know her grandfather through his stories.
The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne
A young boy finds himself under the tutelage of Hitler himself, from the author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
PRINTZ
Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit
Young Anna travels with a mysterious stranger after her father is sent to a concentration camp by the Gestapo.
The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge
So dark and twisted!
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
We all know about the Titanic and the Lusitania, but have you heard of the Wilhelm Gustloff? Neither had I…
Kids of Appetite by David Arnold
A band of misfits take on the world.
SARAH’S CHOICES
Caldecott
They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel
A gorgeous and educating look at the way the world looks to various animals.
The Airport Book by Lisa Brown
Not so much a book, as an entire tableau of stories big and small with lots to explore.
Thunder Boy, Jr. by Sherman Alexie
The art by previous Newbery honor recipient Morales is beautiful in this book as well.
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
Because it’s super cute.
Shout out to Hector and the Hummingbird (Nicholas John Frith) and Blue & Bertie (Kristyna Litten) for resident ineligibility. :(
Newbery
The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz
A historical look at three unlikely friends in medieval times.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds is the best out there and this is his year. As Brave As You was also great but I loved Ghost more.
All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor
When you've been raised in jail and then are told you can't live there anymore, what happens next?
Ms. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson
Tearjerker alert!
Newbery AND/OR Printz
Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart
A touching story about being the best you that you can be.
Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eager
With a dash of magical realism, this story about family is moving and beautiful.
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk
One of the most memorable narrators and one of the most despicable bullies I've ever read.
Printz
Still Life with Tornado by A.S. King
A.S. King is the best and this is one of her best yet.
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
A debut novel with a heart of gold.
The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry
Julie Berry is the queen of writing young girls with a wounded heart and this historical tale is a great one.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Highlighting a little known part of World War II history, this novel weaves a compelling story.
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
Contemporary, biting narrative with a main character you will never forget.
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