Newbery

Recipients of the Newbery medal and honors

The Newbery Medal

John Newbery, an 18th century British bookseller, is the namesake for this award, which honors the Association for Library Service to Children's choice for the most distinguished contribution to children's literature each year. A complete list of all books that have been awarded the Newbery Medal or Newbery Honor can be found here. Readers will discover that Newbery award-winning books are rich in literary merit and highly worthwhile. We have selected a few recent winners and honorees on this page.

The Higher Power of Lucky

The Higher Power of Lucky

Written by Susan Patron
Illustrations by Matt Phelan
Lucky is a 10 year old girl who lives in the tiny town of Hard Pan, California (population 43). Lucky's current (parent-less) situation came about when her mother died in a freak accident when she was 8. Her father, who left Lucky before she was born because he "didn't want children" convinces his first wife, Brigitte to look after her. Brigitte comes all the way from her homeland of France to be with Lucky. Throughout the story, the inquisitive and introspective main character Lucky tries to grapple with her situation the best she can until she makes a discovery that convinces her that she needs to run away from Hard Pan or face life in an orphanage (that probably won't let her keep her dog, HMS Beagle).
Suggested Grade Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.8
Reviewed by Lorisa Harvey

When You Reach Me

  When You Reach Me

  Written by Rebecca Stead

  Reading level: 4.6

  Intereste level:  5-8

  Life for twelve year old Miranda and her best friend, Sal, is quite normal.  They live in the same New York city apartment building and  are together most of the time...until mysterious things begin to happen.  Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems  like no reason at all and no longer gives Miranda the time of day.  the apartment key Miranda's mom keeps hidden is stolen and then Miranda receives a mysterious note.  The notes keep coming and Miranda realizes someone knows things about her no one should and things that haven't even happened yet. 

Reviewed by Lesley Hermann

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night

  Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night

  By Joyce Sidman

  Illustrated by Rick Allen

  Science and nature are rendered in verse and block prints to honor the intriguing aspects of the world after dark. Every poem is accompanied by factual information about a variety of species from the common and well-known, like the owl and the bat, to the obscure: the primrose moth and the red eft. The poems are written in a variety of styles, from classic rhyming style to concrete poems and free verse. The book includes a glossary of science terms to assist readers. The illustrations are a perfect match for the poetry with specific details that draw the reader in for closer study. This beautiful collection of poems is a perfect fit for children who love the outdoors, fans of mysterious nocturnal creatures, and those who love language. The poems and artwork could easily inspire young writers and artists to create their own homages to the natural world.

 Recommended for Grades 3-6 

                                                                   Reading Level: 8.6

                                                                   Reviewed by Robin Hosemann