The Newbery Medal

Every year the Newbery Medal is awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. This past January, the 2016 Medal was awarded to Last Stop on Market Street, written by Matt de la Peña.

This picture books tells the story of young CJ riding the bus through his city with his grandmother. Every page introduces you to a new sight, sound, or person in CJ’s community. He asks his grandmother a lot of tough questions as they ride: Why don’t they have a car like his friends? Why do they always get off the bus in the dirty part of town? His grandmother’s kindness and love shine through her responses as she teaches CJ to see the beauty in his life and his neighborhood. It’s a great book that encourages conversation about kindness, positivity, compassion, and community.

The Newbery Medal committee also selects three Honor Books each year. This year these books are:

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

This touching novel tells the story of a young English girl whose difficult life is uprooted by World War One.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This graphic novel shares the story of Astrid, a young girl who falls in love with Roller Derby. Astrid must deal with her changing friendships, her sense of self, and boys all while to prove herself in the rink.

Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Three incredible stories are woven together through music and a little bit of fairytale magic. A seemingly unimportant harmonica takes the reader from a young and bullied young boy in Nazi Germany, to a pair of brothers trying to stay alive and together in Pennsylvania during the Great Depression, all the way to California where a young family is fighting for a place in their new country.

If you haven’t read the winners from this year make sure to check them out!

The Newbery Medal has been awarded to some fantastic books over the years. Here are a few more that you can find at the Eager Free Public Library:

The Crossover by Kwame Amexander (2015 Winner)

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo (2014 Winner)

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (2013 Winner)

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos (2012 Winner)

Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool (2011  Winner)

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (2010 Winner)

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi (2003 Winner)

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech (1995 Winner)

The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman (1987 Winner)

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (1977 Winner)

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell (1961 Winner)

Picture From: http://syndetics.com/index.php?isbn=9780399257742/lc.jpg&client=arrowheadlbs&type=rn12