Newbery Medal Award Books

In 1922 the American Library Association began to award the Newbery Medal for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year. The purpose of the Newbery Medal was stated as: "To encourage original creative work in the field of books for children. To emphasize to the public that contributions to the literature for children deserve similar recognition to poetry, plays, or novels. To give those librarians, who make it their life work to serve children's reading interests, and opportunity to encourage good writing in this field."

I became of the Newbery Medal as an elementary education major in college. It did help me identify wonderful books that I may otherwise have overlooked. I used the Newbery Medal books in the classroom with confidence and then transferred this information later in life to choosing books for my children and now as recommendations for my grandchildren. Many of the Newbery Medal books that I used in the classroom became favorites with my children. My children and I explored the new Newbery Medal books and now I look for Newbery Medal books for my grandchildren. I have listed some of my favorites for you to explore.

2005

Kira-Kira

This book by Cynthia Kadohata is most appropriate for children of middle school age. In this heartwarming story of a Japanese-American family, their move, family struggles, serious illness and close relationship between sisters many girls will be able to relate to Katie.

2004

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse

Kate DiCamillo is the author of this book which tells the story of mouse born in a castle. The mouse, through his experiences, relates much about love, hope, and forgiveness to the reader. This mouse shows that a strong spirit and desire to follow your dreams may lead to great outcomes. Children from third grade up may enjoy this delightful tale.

1995

Walk Two Moons

Author of this book, Sharon Creech, tells the tale of Salamanca Tree Hiddle, a thirteen year old girl of Native American ancestry, who struggles with love, loss, grieving,denial, anger, and finally acceptance over her mother's absence.

1986

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Set in the late 19^th century, this book by Patricia MacLachlan relates a tale of a woman who travels from Maine to a Midwest farm answering an advertisement for a wife and mother for two young children. The story explores abandonment, loss, family and love.

1978

Bridge to Terabithia

Katherine Paterson, author, shares this story of a fifth grade boy and a fifth grade girl who begin as rivals and become best friends. The two create a secret kingdom in the woods and find solace in the fantasy until tragedy strikes. This story will appeal to ages 9 and up.

1963

A Wrinkle in Time

Is this a superhero story, science fiction, or a bit of both? Madeleine L'Engle wrote this challenging story which allows the reader to travel with the children in the story through concepts of time, space and the triumph of good over evil. Children aged 9 and up may enjoy this book.

1961

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Inspired by the real-life story of a 12-year-old American Indian girl, Scott O'Dell wrote this book which shows us how she survived alone on an island for 18 years. Besides survival the reader shares her struggle to find strength and serenity. This book is well suited for the reader aged 9 and older.

1959

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The frightening period of witch hysteria is examined in this book by Elizabeth George Speare. Her move to a Connecticut Colony in 1687 brings forth many challenges for a young girl who befriends an old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond. The story shows that there are two sides to most issues and that making hasty judgments about people may not be wise. This book is appropriate for ages 9 and older.

1945

Rabbit Hill

Robert Lawson based his story upon the hill on which he lived. The story explores the adventures of the Rabbit family. The Rabbit family shared the hill with the Folks who lived in the house on the hill. The people and all of the animals on the hill lived in harmony and in peace. Eventually the Fold moved and the Rabbit family and other animals explain their life and adventures after the move. This book appeals to many ages and seems timeless.

1940

Daniel Boone

In this day of superheroes this book by James Daugherty is still a great choice to explain the courage and the pioneer spirit that helped to form the United States. This biography takes us from Daniel Boone's birth through his death. Another great book for children aged 9 and older.