Mock Newbery 2026 discussion
Newbery 2020
>
2020 Mock Newbery Watch List
date
newest »
newest »
I agree- but I'm glad there are some books to challenge students to dig deeper- I think most students under 6 th grade (average readers) would need guidance. Kiddos that have experienced deep hurt I think could really connect with Eventown. I think it is s great book to teach visualization.
Eventown really is a complex approach to the ways people cope with loss -- denial, avoidance, fantasy ... but, considering the nature of the loss (now that I've finished the book) -- I think to not have explained more about attempts at intervention might be a short-coming in the book. Still pondering that.
Looking ahead to the August Poll, I would put 4books in.1. A Line Tender.
It did will in July as a write in.
2. Eventown
It was very close to winning June.
3. A Wolf called Wander
It is one that looks really informative and unique.
4. Extraordinary Birds
I read a little of it at Barnes and Noble and it was cool.
I agree with these titles too. I have all but #3 on my list and from the summary it sounds like an intriguing story for students.
Luke - I have read #1, 2 and 4. I have #3 and hope to have it read by next weekend. Of the three books I’ve read, Extraordinary Birds was my favorite. The Line Tender was very, very interesting but it contained some very awkward parts. I describe Eventown as a mild version of “The Giver” so even though it was a good book I had a hard time not comparing it.
Any nonfiction titles on the radar for anyone? I’d like to book talk some other genres besides realistic fiction and fantasy when I meet my new students.
Any “must reads” over the summer to catch up? I’ve read Coyote Sunrise, Bridge Hope, New Kid, and probably a few others but those are the ones I saw in this group. What should I put at the top to book talk come September? Thanks!
The SLJ Heavy Medal blog has suggestions of titles for Newbery consideration:http://blogs.slj.com/heavymedal/
Shella wrote: "Any nonfiction titles on the radar for anyone? I’d like to book talk some other genres besides realistic fiction and fantasy when I meet my new students."This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality
Nonfiction Let 'er Buck! George Fletcher, the People's Champion
Has anyone brought up A Place to Belong? Kadohata won the Newbery for Kira-Kira.
It is on my list. But frankly, I haven't gotten over Kira-Kira after all these years. That was one sad book.
25 books read so far this summer, and my top 2 contenders by a fair margin are "The Line Tender" and "Coyote Sunrise"
I think we need to put A Place to Belong in the list. I just finished it and would highly recommend it. Cynthia Kadohata already has one Newbery under her belt.
I have not seen any buzz about-Good Enough. It is about eating disorders. I think there is a gaping hole on this topic. I liked it much better than Cut- not exactly the same topic. Has excellent model of negative vs positive self- talk. Also great for adults that have never struggled with this illness. You can’t just expect some to just get on with life. Highly recommend.
I read Good Enough. I do like that the author is an eating disorder survivor.
Yes- I don’t think the protagonist’s voice would have been so memorable if she had not been a survivor. The details and emotions were deep.
After 6 weeks on the waiting list, I finally got "Song for a Whale" from my local library today. Read it straight through this evening, and I now have a third 5-star 2020 contender - loved it!
Planet Earth is Blue...was amazing. Please put in your radar 💙💙💙💙. Deals with Autism beautifully and thoughtfully. Just a beautiful done debut💙💙💙💙
I voted to read A Place to Belong by Kadohata fir August, but when I finished the book I changed my mind. While it was well written, heart breaking snd historically found, I don’t think our patrons will stick with this book. To me it wasn’t nearly as readable as Kira Kira. Of course I realize whether our patrons will be engaged in a book has absolutely no bearing on the Newbery selection.
Before you submit your suggestion, be sure to check out Sarah Scheerger's MB book: OPERATION FROG EFFECT. While some in the world spread hate and fear. . . her brilliant story teaches empathy, empowerment, and making the word a better place. Honestly, I left the book truly missing each character. FYI: It's told through 8 perfectly executed POV's. It is SO good.
I'm impressed by We Are Displaced. Is there a reason no one is talking about it? Is it unqualified for some reason?
Phil wrote: "I'm impressed by We Are Displaced. Is there a reason no one is talking about it? Is it unqualified for some reason?"I think that title was released last year, Phil. I will double check...
Just finished Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos. The voice and POV is very strong, and I think it's worth a read. I didn't love it quite as much as the Line Tender, but I did like it a little better than Coyote Sunrise (although it's good, too).
Linda wrote: "Just finished Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos. The voice and POV is very strong, and I think it's worth a read. I didn't love it quite as much as the Line Tender, but I did like it a lit..."Planet Earth is a strong contender in my opinion. I hope more ppl will check it out.
Laura wrote: "Linda wrote: "Just finished Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos. The voice and POV is very strong, and I think it's worth a read. I didn't love it quite as much as the Line Tender, but I did..."This book has received great reviews. I'm putting it as my next read!
Anyone read Beverly Right Here? Is so- what do you think? Are we doing the November poll soon? I need to use the public library- so the sooner a title is picked- the better chance I have of getting it. I just picked up White Bird today. I did not know it was a graphic novel.
Shella wrote: "Anyone read Beverly Right Here? Is so- what do you think? Are we doing the November poll soon? I need to use the public library- so the sooner a title is picked- the better chance I have of getting..."Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo is glorious. It is the third book in the Raymie Nightingale trilogy. It is deserving of the Newbery gold. I absolutely love it!
Beverly Right Here was good, but not as moving for me as Louisiana’s Way Home (book #2). I found it tender, moving, and insightful. I hope younger readers will too, yet think mature readers will reflect on their own childhoods in a new and different light. Life is hard, but showing kindness can make a difference in the life of a person.
OTHER WORDS FOR HOME is the beautiful and insightful tale of Jude’s immigrant experience in America told in verse. This is my first Jasmine Warga book, but it won’t be my last. All year, my Mock Newbery friends have been reading contenders. Somehow, this book has not made the list. I don’t know why. It is one of the year’s best.
I also enjoyed Other Words For Home. It is an eloquent middle school novel in verse.
I just finished Free Lunch by Rex Ogle and will definitely be recommending it to some of my students. It was excellent.
Operation Frog EffectPlease read, OPERATION FROG EFFECT by Sarah Scheerger. Her book is told through 8 different POV and she nails EVERY single one. Also, it's about kids joining forces to make the world a better place.
Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker is phenomenal. It is original, well written and just so much fun.
I thought Other Words for Home was fantastic and I did not expect to enjoy the Unteachables as much as I did. I'm getting ready to read Poison Eaters and The Frog Effect- what are some must read Newbery Buzz books still on your lists??
My favorites this year were The Miraculous and My Jasper June.
I just finished The Planet Earth is Blue and this one blew me away! The insight into an autistic child's mind was spot on. I highly recommend it!
I agree, Susan! What a phenomenal book. It is a great book for both children and adults to gain an understanding of how an autistic child may think, struggle, and communicate.
I would like to recommend The Poison Eaters by Gail Jarrow as a book choice for the December poll. I think one of my votes will be going toward this book. Quite distinguished- time for nonfiction to receive some Newbery recognition.
Really disappointed in the selection for the final list for the muddle grade Goodreads award.
I enjoyed both Other Words for Home and Planet Earth is Blue. Most people who know children’s books know about them and have read them if they wanted. It would be great to hear about some books that haven’t been discussed in this group since we are nearing the end of the year.
Luke wrote: "I enjoyed both Other Words for Home and Planet Earth is Blue. Most people who know children’s books know about them and have read them if they wanted. It would be great to hear about some books tha..."I feel the same way Luke. But I’m excited to read THE QUEEN OF NOTHING (YA), THE OTHER HALF OF HAPPY, BROKEN SPRINGS, ORDINARY HAZARDS (YA) and GIVE AND TAKE. I have not heard any talk about these titles but I’m hoping to find a diamond in the rough.
Mock Newbery 2026
Books mentioned in this topic
Operation Frog Effect (other topics)We Are Displaced (other topics)
We Are Displaced (other topics)
Eventown (other topics)
New Kid (other topics)
More...
I ran out and bought Eventown based on the comments here. Almost finished. Interesting. Maybe kids will stick with it, but I’m not sure the mystery is strong enough nor the tension taught enough to keep them reading to the end.