Thursday, February 16, 2012

Best Books for Children 2012


It is awards season: the Golden Globes just happened, the Grammy’s are coming up, and the Oscars are not far away. But on Monday, January 23, the American Library Association (ALA) gave out their Youth Media Awards, honoring the best in children’s literature.  The Newbery Medal goes to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published in the previous year. This year the winner was Jack Gantos for his book Dead End in Norvelt , a somewhat autobiographical novel about a young man who gets “grounded forever.”  The Caldecott Medal is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published in the previous year. Chris Raschka won this year for A Ball for Daisy, a wordless tale about the little things that can bring you down, or bring you joy.  Of special interest to me as a Teen Services Librarian is the Printz Award, given to a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. This year’s winner, Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley, is the story of one young man’s very difficult summer before senior year.  This is a notable win for Whaley as it is also his first novel.  Stop by the Ridgefield Library and check out these award winners!

Contributed by Geri Diorio, Teen Services Librarian and head of Children's Services

No comments: