Steven Engelfried

The Newbery Award is "not for didactic content," but that doesn't mean the Award can't go to books that educate and illuminate young readers. How do we determine when the lessons a book conveys are the result of distinguished writing....or mere didacticism?

The post “It’s a Good Book and I Love the Message, but…”: how “didactic content” can impact the Newbery Medal appeared first on Heavy Medal.

The most distinguished book of the year doesn't have to be a full length novel. With carefully chosen words and distinguished execution of literary style, shorter books for young readers could shine in a Newbery discussion, as recent years have shown. Will a picture book break through in 2021?

The post Can You Win A Newbery in 32 Pages or Less?: How picture books might fare in the race for the Medal appeared first on Heavy Medal.

The title character in Kate Leyh's SNAPDRAGON is "smart, strong, brash, independent, and aware of her outsider status: it gets to her, but she refuses to be someone she's not, and that takes guts." Guest blogger Aud explores the distinguished qualities of this engaging graphic novel, which could be a contender for the 2021 Newbery Medal.

The post A Graphic Novel Repeat? Could SNAPDRAGON become the second consecutive Newbery winner in this popular format? appeared first on Heavy Medal.

What do we think of when we think of a "Newbery book?" Do we jump to the most common and familiar qualities of past award winners? Or can we truly and fairly consider any form, style, content and age range, as long as they result in a truly distinguished children's book?

The post Newbery-ish: Do expectations limit the scope of a search for the most distinguished children’s book? appeared first on Heavy Medal.

In his introduction to KENT STATE, Guest Blogger Leonard writes: "the book is beautiful. It is powerful. It directly and continually involves the reader from the very first line." Join the Mock-Newbery discussion of Deborah Wiles' innovative book.

The post Guest Blogger Post: KENT STATE appeared first on Heavy Medal.

Heavy Medal readers have selected three titles to put forward as nominations in our Mock Newbery process. Check out the list of 34 of the best children's books of 2020.

The post October Nominations Total appeared first on Heavy Medal.

Guest blogger Lynette notes that In KING AND THE DRAGONFLIES, "Grief can...reside in the
conversations that we have and the words, both said and unsaid, the dead leave behind..." Join our Mock Newbery discussion of Kacen Callender's powerful novel.

The post Guest Blogger Post: KING AND THE DRAGONFLIES appeared first on Heavy Medal.

In three excellent children's book from this year, new friends solve a mystery from the past, a boy tries to find his place within his family, and a king's attendant decides the fate of an empire. Are any of these creative plots worthy of consideration for the 2021 Newbery Medal?

The post Family Dynamics, New Friendships, and Political Intrigue: Distinguished Plots appeared first on Heavy Medal.

Ten intriguing books have been named on the National Book Award's Longlist of Young People's Literature. Could some of them also be contenders for the Newbery Medal?

The post NBA Longlist Announced appeared first on Heavy Medal.