Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Still on my TBR list for Newbery 2014: Pi in the Sky, Hold Fast, The Adventures of a South Pole Pig, Hokey Pokey, Bo at Ballard Creek, Jinx, The True Blue Scouts..., The Water Castle, Beholding Bee, The Lost Kingdom and The Great Trouble.

I clearly need to prioritize. What are the strongest contenders on this list? Weakest? Any that I've mistaken as being eligible for the Newbery?

Oops, forgot Ghost Hawk!

I enjoyed Hold Fast, in terms of character and themes, but the resolution to the mystery was a definite weakness. I don't think it merits a serious look in terms of the Newbery. I did think The Water Castle was worth discussing, but I'm also way behind and haven't read any others on your list!

Sara wrote: "Still on my TBR list for Newbery 2014: Pi in the Sky, Hold Fast, The Adventures of a South Pole Pig, Hokey Pokey, Bo at Ballard Creek, Jinx, The True Blue Scouts..., The Water Castle, Beholding Bee..."

I would suggest Counting by 7s (my fav), Navigating Early, Water Castle, and True Blue Scouts but there are others I haven't read yet too...

I loved The Water Castle, and really liked Jinx. I also loved The Center Of Everything. I was so-so on True Blue Scouts. I started Hold Fast, but it didn't engage me and I abandoned it (although I will admit that it might have been my mood rather than or in addition to the book). I have not read others on your list.

Read and didn't like Center of Everything, True Blue, & The Water Castle. Enjoyed Counting by 7s, but not Newbery-level in my opinion. Loved Jinx, but probably not Newbery quality. About to read Beholding Bee and The Lost Kingdom. My Newbery favorite is still Doll Bones.

Jess wrote: "I enjoyed Hold Fast, in terms of character and themes, but the resolution to the mystery was a definite weakness. I don't think it merits a serious look in terms of the Newbery. I did think The Wat..."

I enjoyed Hold Fast too, but agree it is not Newbery worthy. I do think Navigating Early is worth a Newbery vote!!

I loved, loved, loved Better Nate Than Ever. I'm sure it's not a Newberry contender, but it will probably show up on Kids' Choice lists. Really appealing - poignant AND humorous!

The middle school kids in the Eva Perry Mock Newbery book club just nominated their first 3 titles, and Navigating Early, True Blue Scouts, Counting by 7s, and Lincoln's Grave Robbers, among others, are on this list. Just sayin'...