Children’s book publishing is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise that brings several thousand new titles—from read-aloud picture books to young adult literature—to market every year. Many of the annual offerings are good, but only a few are best. When it comes to children’s literature, annual “10 best” lists abound. The New York Times has one; so does Common Sense Media; and, of course, I have my own favorites that I contribute to this column every month!
But this month I wanted to honor the 100th anniversary of the gold-standard award for children’s literature, the Newbery Medal, which the American Library Association (ALA) has presented to the authors of “The most distinguished contributions to American literature for children” since 1922. The Newbery and the Caldecott (honoring children’s picture books) prizes are widely considered the most prestigious awards for children’s literature in the United States.
Selecting my favorites from among the many outstanding Newberys and Caldecotts was tough, but I focused on having at least one selection for each age group and included those that I find truly inventive, transcendent, or utterly hilarious.
Preschool
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole written by Mac Barnett, and illustrated by Jon Klassen
If I was stranded on a deserted island, and could only bring one picture book, it would be this one. After reading it aloud over 50 times, it still makes me laugh, and I will never tire of the joy it brings to students of all ages. Sam and Dave are young boys out in the backyard with their dog, a canteen, and a few shovels, looking for “something spectacular.” They find an adventure for themselves, and how they do that is magical. Perhaps the moral of this story is that a spectacular day for a couple of kids is all about digging in the dirt, getting muddy, and stopping to smell the tulips… or are they daisies? Read this masterpiece with your children and find out.
Last Stop on Market Street written by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson
The first and only picture book to be awarded the Newbery Medal, this is a remarkable story of a young boy named CJ and his wise grandmother spending an afternoon together in a city. CJ asks the questions our own children ask all the time, and Nana’s answers are ones that we should remember. Nana teaches the at first reluctant boy to celebrate life, music, friendship and the joy of service. “He wondered how his nana always found beautiful where he never even thought to look.”
Kindergarten
Interrupting Chicken written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
At bedtime, Papa chicken prepares to read a favorite book to the little red chicken, but before beginning, he reminds her not to interrupt the story. Reassured, he begins “Hansel and Gretel,” but just as the two children approach the witch’s house, up pops the little red chicken, exclaiming “‘DON’T GO IN! SHE’S A WITCH!’ . . . THE END!” The childlike humor of this adorable picture book will bring laughs from kids, because everyone knows the original stories. As each page is turned, the tension heightens, until Papa eventually falls asleep. There are more in this great series including, Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise, and Interrupting Chicken, Cookies for Breakfast.
Grades One & Two
No, David written and illustrated by David Shannon
David Shannon wrote the first draft of this Caldecott Honor book at the age of five. “No” and “David” were the only words that appeared in his original book, as those were the only words he knew how to spell. We see David as he is quite naughty, reaching for a very high cookie jar, tracking mud on the carpet, banging pots and pans, and even running out the door without clothing. Finally David plays ball in the house, breaking a vase, and that is the last straw for his mother. Off to his room, feeling low and in tears, David and his mother eventually embrace as she says, “Yes David, I love you.”
Grades Three to Five
Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
Friendship and courage are resounding themes in this story told in several diverse voices. Taking place entirely in one single day, and features four middle schoolers: eleven-year-old Virgil is a shy, sweet boy who loves his grandmother; Valencia is a deaf nature-loving and lonely girl; Karoi is a Japanese self-proclaimed psychic; Chet is the class bully. When one of them is put in a life-threatening situation, leaving the others to be strong, brave, and decisive, an intriguing plot with beautifully articulated characters unfolds.
New Kid by Jerry Kraft
The first graphic novel to win the Newbery, this is the story of thirteen-year-old Jordan Banks, who transferred to a new school. He wanted to go to art school, but his parents insisted on a prestigious private school known for academics, where Jordan is one of few kids of color in his grade. He experiences prejudices and stereotyping from both kids and faculty, as well as verbal bullying. At times funny and at times uncomfortable, this book is the ultimate guide to what it feels like to not fit in.
Middle School
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
It’s 1979 in New York City, and twelve-year-old Miranda is helping to prepare her mom to be on “The $20,000 Pyramid.” First, there is a fall-out with her best friend, then mysterious notes begin appearing, claiming that a life needs to be saved, and predicting things that haven’t happened yet. Miranda is incredibly smart—her favorite book is A Wrinkle in Time, which leads her to believe that time travel is involved. This part science-fiction, part mystery book will keep readers guessing until the last, unexpected, chapter.
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