Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

I finished Marcelo in the Real World and I have to agree with Danielle and Melsmith, this just isn't a kids book. I'm pretty sure that the Printz committee will take a good look at this one but it's not a future Newbery. Anything But Typical is along the same lines but much more kid friendly.

Has anyone read some or all of these books? Which did you like?

Marcelo in the Real World
Lucky Breaks
Escape Under the Forever Sky
Anything But Typical
All the Broken Pieces

I listened to Anything But Typical, and found it to be both timely and engrossing. The point of view is new to me, from the autistic child's perspective. I do agree that this story is readable for third to fifth graders.
L. Laning

Kristen wrote: "I finished Marcelo in the Real World and I have to agree with Danielle and Melsmith, this just isn't a kids book. I'm pretty sure that the Printz committee will take a good look at ..."

Kristen wrote: "I finished Marcelo in the Real World and I have to agree with Danielle and Melsmith, this just isn't a kids book. I'm pretty sure that the Printz committee will take a good look at ..."

I have read all of the above books except Escape Under the Forever Sky (which is on my to-read list)
Marcelo in the Real World is one of my all time favorite books, I love the characters and found Marcelo's voice to be very genuine and authentic. I see this book as an older YA or adult book, because I think it would be very difficult for anyone who has yet to be in the "real world" to relate to most of the situations and dilemmas in the book.

Lucky Breaks: I was one of those who thought the whole "scrotum" reference in the first book was a non-issue, but didn't agree with it getting the award because I didn't feel it was a great book. I feel like Lucky Break is even a weaker book. The characters are quite charming, but over all I don't find it to have the substance of a Newbery worthy book.

Anything But Typical was in my opinion fantastic. I thought having the story told from the child's perspective was risky - but paid off. The author creates a very authentic voice and the way she crafts the story allows you to gain perspective into the other characters (the mother, brother, friends) that is difficult to do in a first person narrative.

I am not a fan of books in verse, so All the Broken Pieces was just not for me, but I can appreciate that it was well written and a compeling story that my middle school students will probably like.

I have Lucky Breaks, but every time I pick it up to read I choose something else instead. I was curious what others thought about it.

I think Creech's Unfinished Angel should be added to the discussion. This little book offers a breath of fresh air, with an amusing and frequently "confusled" narrator.

I added The Unfinished Angel by Sharon Creech It looks like it will be published in October so I will have it on the polls when it comes closer. I also added The Locked Garden by Gloria Whelan that Melsmith mentioned earlier. I had not heard of either one so it really is helpful to know whats worth watching.

I appreciate everyone’s input, I am not a librarian (right now) and miss out on the privileges that come with the job. If anyone knows of any other books that should be added to the bookshelf by all means feel free to add them. I have been putting them in the to-read category, checking them as a Mock Newbery 2010 and organizing them by the months they are or were published.

I agree with some of you that Marcelo is YA and too old for the Newbery. It is a fabulous read though and comparable to Anything but Typical (Yes, which is geared for the grade level for the Newbery). I enjoyed the first person voice in Typical and that he was a writer. I can use this book to talk about writing an ongoing story and being part of a story community with students. I throughly enjoyed All the Broken Pieces. It has current topics that some kids are going through--bullying, racism.

I read Escape Under the Forever Sky. This is an excellent blend of adventure, coming of age, African life, and an insightful look at what makes us different and how we are all the same. I loved this book.