We have settled on the shortlist for our mock Newberys (and we will release specific details and dates and times once we have arranged them).  We typically chose 8 titles, but have occasionally stretched to 9 titles (as we have done this year).  When we do 9 titles then length is always a consideration, and it makes it harder to stock the list with longer titles like AS BRAVE AS YOU or THE INQUISITOR’S TALE or THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON, all of which would have made for wonderful discussions (and still can in the comments of the posts that we have already written about them).

Please also remember that we are not striving to predict what the actual Newbery committee will pick (although we do hope that they will agree with us on some titles, at least).  Rather, we are striving to simulate that wonderful process of comparing widely disparate works of American literature for children.  In that respect, this is a quintessential Heavy Medal shortlist.  Two thirds of the titles are fiction; one third are nonfiction and poetry.  While we do not have a picture book or graphic novel on our list, two thirds of the books do have visual elements of one kind or another.  And, finally, we have books that should appeal to various segments of the Newbery audience (0-14) with a range of styles and genres.

In the comments below, please feel free to comment on the inclusion or exclusion of specific titles, or on the shortlist as a whole.  Please also take advantage of the space to post the shortlist for any mock Newbery that you may be aware of or are participating in.