2013 Newbery Winner and Honor Books

I can't believe I forgot to blog about the Newbery books!  Released in January each year, the Newbery books are among our reliable choices at the MNMS Library.  I purchase at least one copy of each book, each year, if we don't already have them (which we usually do!  Go me!).  But this winter, for whatever reason, I neglected to post!  To save time, I've borrowed the blurbs from the official Newbery website, sponsored by the American Library Association.  I'll read them all eventually...  Enjoy!  And remember, you can always count on the Newbery selections to be unique.  I don't always love them, but they are timely, reflect our current culture, or are simply a new voice in young adult literature.  Personally, I find Applegate to be a challenging author for most tweens.  Would read the winner right along with a small group or a class.  She usually fills her stories with beautiful imagery I don't want young readers to miss. 

2013 Medal Winner

The 2013 Newbery Medal winner is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, published by HarperCollins Children's Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers
Ivan’s transformative emergence from the “Ape at Exit 8” to “The One and Only Ivan, Mighty Silverback,” comes to life through the gorilla’s own distinct narrative voice, which is filled with wry humor, deep emotion and thought-provoking insights into the nature of friendship, hope and humanity.
“Katherine Applegate gives readers a unique and unforgettable gorilla’s-eye-view of the world that challenges the way we look at animals and at ourselves,” said Newbery Medal Committee Chair Steven Engelfried.

2013 Honor Books

Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz, published by Candlewick Press
Lizzie Rose, Parsefall and Clara are caught in the clutches of a wicked puppeteer and a powerful witch in this deliciously dark and complex tale set in Dickensian England, where adventure and suspense are interwoven into nuanced explorations of good versus evil.


Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin, published by Flash Point, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press.

Balancing intersecting threads of scientific discovery, political intrigue and military strategy, “Bomb” is a riveting historical nonfiction drama. Sheinkin’s engaging narrative explores the complex series of events that led to the creation of the ultimate weapon and introduces many memorable personalities involved in the pursuit. 

 

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage, published by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group.

In the rich tradition of Southern storytelling, rising sixth-grader Mo LoBeau leads the eccentric residents of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, on a rollicking journey of mystery, adventure and small-town intrigue as she investigates a murder and searches for her long-lost mother.

Happy Reading!

RC