Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

What an exciting time we are living in! This rise in respect for graphic novels is unprecedented. Our latest and greatest book, Roller Girl, is said to join the ranks of other respected graphic novels such as: Smile, El Deafo, and American Born Chinese.
Do you think it could be a future Newbery?

I really liked this book. It is interesting, but I am more of a girly-girl like Nicole. However, the author did a great job with the character, Astrid, in making her a likable character. Even as a tomboy, Astrid has insecure feelings like any junior-high student. I bought 3 copies of this book for my students. Even with 3 copies, the book was never available for me to read until school was over. I can see why both my boys and girls like this book. Even if you don't like roller derby as a sport, it is a very enjoyable book to read.

Even though the students love this book, I don't think it is a Newbery contender.

I liked Drama better than Smile. I just started Roller Girl and I am enjoying it, but I think the premise of the book is not quite long lasting enough for a Newbery. There are some topics that don't seem to carry enough permanence. I could be wrong, though - I usually am. LOL.

I liked this book tremendously, but feel the text and art are highly dependent on each other making it an unlikely Newbery contender. I argued strongly for El Deafo for the Newbery by pulling out text to show that its greatness even without the images (https://medinger.wordpress.com/2015/0...). I don't think I could do that with Rollergirl. In fact, some of the most poignant moments are imaged-based. I think (not having the book in front of me) of her sitting on her bed with her mother simply touching her in compassion. The book is full of images like that.

I am not a fan of graphic novels usually, but I really enjoyed this book! Partly because I've always been really interested in roller derby, but also because I really liked the illustrations. Not sure if it is a Newbery contender, but it was certainly appealing to me.

I have now finished the book and I can see why the students really like it - action, personal/social problem solving, transitions, and good art work. I am not a roller derby fan, but I can see that this would be empowering to girls and enjoyable by boys.

There are two things that I particularly like about Roller Girl. The first is the demonstration of the importance of perseverance. Astrid initially has difficulty mastering the techniques of the roller derby sport, but she does not give up. With continued practice she improves although it is not always easy for her. The second thing I like is the dichotomy between being a star and being a team player. Astrid wants to be the jammer, but is not selected. During the competition she is still able to make contributions to the team despite the fact that she is not playing the pivotal role.

Yes, she is shown to fail repeatedly, without quitting - both in the sport and with her social life.

This is my first book review with this group, so bear with me. For an older man who grew up on comic books, I thought Roller Girl was a nice story. It had a sincere message about friendship and perseverance. It was certainly a quick read. I didn't see any reason to read too deep beneath the surface. I'll be surprised if it is a Newbery contender, but you never know.

I am still having trouble knowing how to read a graphic novel for possible Newbery consideration. Or Selznick either, for that matter. Do you read the Newbery manual to say to 'read' it all and only eliminate distinguished writing from consideration if the drawings are detracting from distinguished text?

Martha wrote: "I am still having trouble knowing how to read a graphic novel for possible Newbery consideration. Or Selznick either, for that matter. Do you read the Newbery manual to say to 'read' it all and o..."

The problem with most graphic novels is that the story is told through text and image, they are completely intertwined, one dependent on the other. In the case of last year's El Deafo it was possible to take the text by itself and see that it without the art stood alone as distinguished. Unfortunately, I don't see that in the case of Rollergirl. I read it a while ago, but it is the images that stay strongest in my mind, they work together with the text completely. This is even more the case with Brian Selznick's forthcoming The Marvels. The first half is all drawings and no words at all, the second half is only text, and the coda is drawings again. I've put it on my listopia Newbery list, but I see no way for it to have a chance with the criteria as they are now.

I was on the Newbery Committee the year of Hugo Cabret and was unable to figure out how to make a case for it given the current criteria. (http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/...) I've been advocating for a change strongly ever since.

Our family picked this up at Powell's shortly after its release. My 11 year old daughter and I quickly read it and enjoyed it and I passed it on to several students who are fans of Smile and El Deafo. I just got my copy back and reread it with the Newbery in mind. Overall, the story isn't quite as powerful for me as Smile or El Deafo. Also, I agree with Monica above that some of the key moments in the story are all told visually. The last ten pages, in particular, rely heavily on the pictures to tell the story and communicate the feelings of the character. It is hard to imagine the story being as effective with just the text. I do think it is a strong contender for an Eisner. Will the ALA ever offer a comparable award?

Although the first reflex is to compare Roller Girl to other graphic novels, such as Smile or El Deafo, in order to be considered for a Newbery, it needs to compare favorably to other books published THIS year, such as Echo or All the Answers.

Kate wrote: "Although the first reflex is to compare Roller Girl to other graphic novels, such as Smile or El Deafo, in order to be considered for a Newbery, it needs to compare favorably to other books publish..."

Thanks, Kate. I am aware that the Newbery is an annual award given to books published within the year. I guess, considering a graphic novel for the award is still kind of a new idea, for me, and it is helpful to look to a Newbery Award winning graphic novel, like El Deafo, as well as, Smile, which many people felt deserved the Newbery nod that year.

Trying to compare Roller Girl to or with Echo is actually pretty tough to get my brain around. At the end of the day Echo has a more compelling story and more distinguished writing for sure. As for All the Answers, I don't think it has a shot at a medal anyway, but its story is less compelling and the writing is less distinguished than Roller Girl, in my opinion.

This still doesn't address the use of pictures vs. text, though, so I'm stuck looking at award-winning graphic novels again. I guess we all have our own strategies.

I am reminder of This One Summer, which inexplicably won a Caldecott Honor... I thought it was a really amazing story, but IMHO it wasn't the illustrations that made it amazing. In that case, I think the story was lacking. But then there's something like Persepolis, which is a phenomenal achievement. Even if the art is not to your taste, there is no denying that book is worthy of any award. The same is true for other distinguished graphic novels. Smile and Sisters and Drama do not reach that level of achievement. I don't think Roller Girl does, either (no matter how much I adore roller derby).

Graphic novels are not books I naturally reach for. I enjoyed El Deafo and I like Gene Luen Yang's work. Roller Girl is very assessable. Like others in this feed, I like its message of perseverance and friendship.I have been recommending it this summer. This goes on my list as a favorite but it's not a Newbery winner for me.

I'm not a fan of graphic novels, but I really did enjoy this one. And I can think of several readers at school that I can recommend this book too. As someone else has said, while a good book, I don't think it's Newbery worthy. The story is too dependent on the illustrations. I also liked that this book has a "message" but isn't preachy.

I really liked Roller Girl, and so has every kid that I have seen read it. It may not be a future Newbery, but I do think it's a notable graphic novel.

I liked this book, didn't love it.

Graphic novels are a bit of a hard sell for me; the illustration style is often bland compared to the fabulous variety of picture book artwork, and the text frequently prosaic. (ROLLER GIRL did not stand out on either of these measures.)

On the other hand, graphic novels are finally! becoming popular in my public library, but much more so for tween than teen readers (Telgemeier, Cece Bell, Nathan Hale).

What I admire about this book has little to do with its literary quality, I suppose; I liked its captivating presentation of an unfamiliar activity that will appeal to both girl and boy readers. What (yes, stereotypical) boy wouldn't love to play a sport which allows you to zoom around as fast as possible and to be encouraged to wham members of the opposite team? (And without wearing ten layers of padding!) Heaven! And as is shown so effectively, girls can love it, too.

I really enjoyed this book. I passed it on to my daughter, whom I am sure will also enjoy it. I don't see it as a Newbery simply because of how much the illustrations are needed. The illustrations tell the emotional story in this book. Is there any sort of award that celebrates graphic novels? If not, could this be a contender for Caldecott?

I had to wait my turn for Roller Girl, as soon as it came home from the library my 5th grade son grabbed it and read it in one sitting, then quickly brought it to our neighbor who is herself a Derby Girl. They both liked it (hard to get much detail out of either of them). I loved it. I liked the story, determination and honesty of Astrid. I also enjoyed watching her change and grow and wondering what was going to happen next. I am not a visual reader at all, it's the words that get me so I can totally see how this WOULD be a contender for a Newbery because I think the text did stand alone. I kept looking for parts that were dependent on the beautifully colorful illustrations and I couldn't find it lacking. I do only read books once though so maybe with a reread I would find something. I also think it would be a good contender for the Caldecott.

(Not sure where I should post this.)
I saw Kwame Alexander's magnificent 2015 Newbery acceptance speech at the American Library Association Convention in San Francisco last night. Hope everyone can see the video. And we can all celebrate the three great choices by the Newbery committee--keepers all!
(See a quick Tweet: @libraryzealot)

Sara wrote: "I had to wait my turn for Roller Girl, as soon as it came home from the library my 5th grade son grabbed it and read it in one sitting, then quickly brought it to our neighbor who is herself a Derb..."

I totally agree--this is my favorite graphic novel (beats Telgemeier!)

I loved roller girl, but I want to know what happens when school starts back. I liked her blue hair. Pictures completely supported the text.

I loved this book. I am a new graphic novel lover (actually, after El Deafo this is only my second). I loved this story and I know it's going to really connect with middle grade kids. I think the graphics only add to the story. As for Newberry worthiness - I am still exploring. It certainly has themes of stick-to-it-ive-ness, overcoming personal challenges, and rising above one's own desires and goals to support a friend. I love the strong girl themes. I also think this book has universal appeal. I think it will appeal to many audiences and certainly boys as well as girls.

Like many of the commenters above, I, too, had to wait my turn to read this book after bringing it home from the library. My daughter would not put this down until she had finished it (even tried bringing it to the dinner table!) and was obviously thinking about it a lot, even after she had finished. I read it later and enjoyed it. I liked that Astrid was not a "star" in the traditional sense of the word, but was able to establish and recognize her own value through hard work and some character development as the story progressed. No, it was not an incredibly deep story, but it is one that young people seem to be drawn to, whether they be young or reluctant or enthusiastic about reading, and I believe that makes the book valuable. I would love to see this book receive some sort of recognition, if only to increase its visibility and availability for kids, especially for those who may otherwise choose not to read anything at all.

Finally got around too reading this is was good but did not have the same grab that last years El Defo did. It was a cun read. Ii liked how it included themes about growing up and sometimes drifting apart from friends.

I thought this was a great book, loved that Astrid doesn't have to be good at roller derby to love it/work hard, but I'm with Monica - I'm not sure the text is as effective on its own, and thus not quite Newbery material. Still, something to recommend (although it's already a hit at my library).

I don't know if there is enough to the story for a medal, but I certainly think the author's lessons about how to grow up and sometimes away from a friend is an important one for middle grade kids. I loved the roller derby sections as well as the idea that despite her hard work, Astrid doesn't automatically become great at derby, but for me, the friendship was the most important part.

I appreciated that Astrid wasn't just automatically good at trying something new to her. So many kids, just think they should be able to do everything easily. I also appreciated that the friendship drama ebbed and flowed, showing what true friendship is all about. It's a perfect book for preteen drama, with a great message attached. While I truly enjoyed the story and illustrations, I don't think it's a medal contender for either N or C. Can't wait to read book 2!

I really liked the story of Astrid. I thought she nailed the feelings of a young girl going through middle school and losing and gaining friends.

Even though I think the book was well done and I enjoyed it a lot, I don't see it winning the Newbery. I don't think it has enough appeal for everyone to win. However, I will be recommending this title to some middle schoolers I know.

I just read this one yesterday and I'm with everyone else. I thought it was a great story and I loved the characters but I don't really think it broke new ground.

Just finished this one yesterday. I did really enjoy it (in fact I got my co-worker's 11-year-old daughter to read it too and she enjoyed it). It's a good story and the illustrations definitely support the story telling, but as somone else mentioned, if this story was text only, would it be as good? Maybe not. This is what makes considering graphic novels for the Newbery difficult. I haven't read up on the current criteria (I probably shoule :) ), but as fun and enjoyable as this was to read, I don't know that it is a "wow" book. I gave it 5 stars here on Goodreads, and I really liked it.

Loved this book too but not really awards material I don't think.

I finally got my hands on this book and I loved it! There was a lot packed into this book that sets it apart from some of its graphic novel contemporaries (I know several others have mentioned that one should not compare this to Smile and the like, but it's hard not to, especially when I'm going to be recommending these to the same readers). I especially loved how this was not the typical story of someone who tries something new and is just magically a master at it. And there is no clean, Hollywood-esque ending for Astrid and her former BFF. Interesting stuff!

That said: can this compete with some of our other reads, like Echo? I'm hesitant about that. As has been discussed in regards to other books, Roller Girl will certainly circulate more, but I'm just not sure its medal-worthy.