And we are back!  Many thanks to all of you who’ve care-taken this blog from February through August at the 2016 Newbery Watchlist post, especially my hero Jen J of the Spreadsheets for her monthly updates of starred reviews.  It is  a handy place to start exploring award possibilities, though we are always quick to point out that the number of stars alone does not denote award-worthiness.  Though “buzz” seems to dominate the blogosphere during the award season, I value this blog as a space to really pick apart what actually makes “distinguished literature” for children.  Last year’s awards felt very special to me,  felt like they pushed that envelope, and I’m looking forward to this season’s discussion in particular.

Since I am a slow reader, I’m still catching up on spring and summer titles for this year, and we’ll assume at the start that you are too.  Which are your favorite spring or summer titles that could be contenders for the 2016 Newbery, based on its terms and criteria, and considering the diversity of reading interests that it serves?  I’ve read and enjoyed X: A NOVEL, GOODBYE STRANGER, THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE, GONE CRAZY IN ALABAMA.  Haven’t yet gotten to, but they are on my pile: TERRIBLE TYPHOID MARY, MARCH: BOOK TWO, THE CURIOUS WORLD OF CALPURNIA TATE or STELLA BY STARLIGHT.  What is on your shelf?