Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Kate DiCamillo has won many awards for her excellent works. Could Raymie Nightingale be her third Newberry Medal?

So very unlikely, considering she already has two Newbery medals (and one Honor), and no author has ever won the top prize three times. Maybe this would happen in a lightweight year, but there are already so many other worthy contenders, and it's only May!

Kristen wrote: "Kate DiCamillo has won many awards for her excellent works. Could Raymie Nightingale be her third Newberry Medal?"

I think she has an excellent chance of winning the Newbery again. If she doesn't win the gold she certainly would win an honor.

Estimated wait time at my library is 51 days.

Another great story written by Kate DiCamillo. I actually like this story much more than DiCamillo's latest Newbery winner, Flora and Ulysses. I really didn't understand that Newbery win. I think this book might have a good chance of winning at least an honor. Of what I have read so far this year, I think Pax is the winner.

"I actually like this story much more than DiCamillo's latest Newbery winner, Flora and Ulysses. I really didn't understand that Newbery win." I couldn't agree more! I think Rayme Nightingale is a great book, and definitely a contender for gold or honor. The book was sweet, intense, funny, profound... all great concepts you expect to find in a DiCamillo book. Flora and Ulysses still confuses me to this day. Rayme Nightingale - Pax - Maybe a Fox... All great possible choices for the "big one".

I finished it today. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

It was okay. I liked it more than Pax, but I'm still looking for a book that feels distinguished. This one felt good enough, but not amazing. Kind of like how I felt about Fish In A Tree last year.

On a nerdy note, DiCamillo is one of only four writers to win two Medals and an Honor. The other three are Katherine Paterson, Elizabeth George Speare, and E.L. Konigsburg. If she wins this year, that would maker her like the Michael Phelps of kids lit.

Phil wrote: "I finished it today. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

It was okay. I liked it more than Pax, but I'm still looking for a book that feels di..."
Such fantastic company. I think it is inevitable that DiCamillo will surpass those wonderful authors in wins. Her books have heart, imagination, humor. She is able to remember what it is like to be a child and have all the conflicted jumble of emotions that go with it. Pretty great and no small feat.

Laura wrote: "Phil wrote: "I finished it today. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

It was okay. I liked it more than Pax, but I'm still looking for a book ..."

No doubt. DiCamillo is a treasure. I just think that this particular book is less like Bridge to Terabithia and more like Park's Quest.

Park's Quest comes to mind in part because I can see an adult appreciating it, but a child having no great interest. This is a book about loss that takes place after the loss has already happened. Where's the hook? It's not in the plot. We have a plot about a girl wanting to compete in a pageant even though she knows it's pointless and a subplot about a girl wanting to rescue an obviously dead cat. I can see a young reader saying, "The dad's not coming back and the cat is dead, so why am I reading?"

Phil wrote: "Laura wrote: "Phil wrote: "I finished it today. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

It was okay. I liked it more than Pax, but I'm still looki..."

Hmmm. Interesting point. I do think it is truly hard for anyone to give up on a DiCamillo book. The writing is so good and often compelling. I am going to research what children are saying about Raymie. It should be enlightening.

Czechgirl wrote: "Another great story written by Kate DiCamillo. I actually like this story much more than DiCamillo's latest Newbery winner, Flora and Ulysses. I really didn't understand that Newbery win. I think t..."

Ironically, I feel the opposite. I really liked Flora mainly for its inventive plot and unique storytelling. Raymie didn't do it for me. While I appreciate the writing and DiCamillo's ability, the story itself felt pretty drab. I agree with what Phil said--I felt like I was waiting for a better hook to pull me into the story, get me really invested in the characters...and that didn't really happen for me. It felt too brief. (Here's my full review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)

Don't get me wrong, I like it enough, but I don't think it will take the gold this year.

"Shari Frost Roth Does Not Love Raymie Nightingale." It is a really sad book, in spite of the rather upbeat ending. Three girls from broken homes who are hurting and dealing with real problems like hunger and child abuse find each other one summer. There are some dead ends such as the janitor at the nursing home and the canary. What was that all about? I found the repetition tedious and annoying. Writer's craft? RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE is on everyone's short list for the Newbery, but I am not feeling it

DiCamillo's ability to conjur up the difficulties of childhood and life, the real stuff that so many kids go through like poverty and abuse, but doing it in a way that is gentle, authentic, and accessible to kids is her true brilliance. And in this regard, she doesn't disappoint. It's beautifully written, poignant, but for me lacked the spark I tend to find in everything DiCamillo writes.

Erin wrote: "DiCamillo's ability to conjer up the difficulties of childhood and life, the real stuff that so many kids go through like poverty and abuse, but doing it in a way that is gentle, authentic, and acc..."

I agree. Well said.

The thing I like best about Raymie Nightingale is the power of the friendship that develops among the three girls. Each girl has unique skills so together they are able to accomplish many tasks that none of them could have done alone.

What I like least about Raymie Nightingale are the ineffectual adults. DiCamillo portrays a sad world of missing parents, dying seniors, hunger and hopelessness. The grown-ups seem incapable of helping the children cope.

That is one thing I find so refreshing about a lot of the children's books from Australia that I have read: the adults are usually around and are even portrayed positively. The kids still have to figure things out and are given leeway to act, but the adults are often helpful, rather than obstacles to overcome.

LauraW wrote: "That is one thing I find so refreshing about a lot of the children's books from Australia that I have read: the adults are usually around and are even portrayed positively. The kids still have to f..."

There's some logic that something has to go wrong with adults in order for the child characters to have a credible challenge. Personally, I think that's lazy writing, but I see it all the time.

A couple years ago, my students got so sick of dead parent books (Navigating Early and others) that they declared "No More Dead Moms!" inspired by:

I'm behind in the sense that I still haven't read The Key to Extraordinary for April, but I already read Raymie Nightingale last month. You can read my comments on it here: https://librarianmagdalena.wordpress.... I definitely liked it, but I'm not sure if I really expect it to win the Newbery.

Magdalena wrote: "I'm behind in the sense that I still haven't read The Key to Extraordinary for April, but I already read Raymie Nightingale last month. You can read my comments on it here: https://librarianmagdale..."

You have a lovely blog page, Magdalena! One slight correction- DiCamillo technically has three Newberys (two medals and one honor).

It seems like you appreciate the book, but are not bowled over by it. That seems to be a common reaction.

Read this book with great anticipation - found it to be good, but not noteworthy for Newbery contention.

I agree that this is one of her better books. The characters, though very original are still believable. I liked the way she dealt with problems like divorce and homelessness with both truth and humor. If not a winner, it should be an honor. Does it really matter if author has won before?

I definitely went into this book with high expectations. For some reason, I never really connected with the characters and found it slow going to finish. There were some nice moments in the writing, and I kind of liked the ending, but I would be surprised to see it win anything.

Jenni wrote: "I definitely went into this book with high expectations. For some reason, I never really connected with the characters and found it slow going to finish. There were some nice moments in the writing..."

Barb wrote: "Read this book with great anticipation - found it to be good, but not noteworthy for Newbery contention."

Yes, this. I thought I wasn't connecting with it because I was listening to it on audio rather than reading the print, but it's nice to see others feel the same way. I liked it, it was a nice story, with good characters, and it very much reminded me of the 90's movie "Now and Then," but it didn't grip me. It wasn't life-changing for me the way other books have been. But I will say that this book is recommendable to the middle-graders looking for something to read, or to established DiCamillo fans.

I really enjoyed this book. Well written and I agree about the friendship between the girls being wonderful. I do have other books that I have read this year which to me are stronger contenders for the Newbery. So far, "Wolf Hollow" is going to be hard to beat on my list.

I had a slight issue with the book that confused me. Louisiana had no money for food at times and yet somehow had money for baton lessons? I know the author did not say they paid for the lessons, but lessons from someone won an award for their skills would cost something.

Cheryl wrote: "I had a slight issue with the book that confused me. Louisiana had no money for food at times and yet somehow had money for baton lessons? I know the author did not say they paid for the lessons, b..."

Interesting insight. You're right, it does seem inconsistent.

Kim wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "I had a slight issue with the book that confused me. Louisiana had no money for food at times and yet somehow had money for baton lessons? I know the author did not say they paid for..."

I think there's a bit of a larger point, here. A lot of the elements and characters felt kind of shuffled into the book together without a lot of internal logic or resolution.

Cheryl wrote: "I had a slight issue with the book that confused me. Louisiana had no money for food at times and yet somehow had money for baton lessons? I know the author did not say they paid for the lessons, b..."

There was never any mention of money. I think the children were getting the "lessons" for free. Ida Nee found a lot of excuses why she had to end the sessions early. Pretty much before they began. It is interesting that she owned many of her former students trophies. That may have been her compensation, ultimately.

Kristen wrote: "Kate DiCamillo has won many awards for her excellent works. Could Raymie Nightingale be her third Newberry Medal?"

I devoured this book. It may be my favorite DiCamillo title. Any book that makes you feel like you are a 10 year old reader again has my vote.

I was so disappointed by this book. Kate DiCamillo is one of my very favorite authors so maybe I had my expectations too high. I do not see this as a contender- or at least I hope I read some much better books this year!

Lindsey wrote: "I was so disappointed by this book. Kate DiCamillo is one of my very favorite authors so maybe I had my expectations too high. I do not see this as a contender- or at least I hope I read some much ..."

Kate is amazingly intuitive on how children think and feel. Not only did I love Raymie Nightingale, I believe children will as well. One of the truly great books of the year.

http://revingsblog.blogspot.com/2016/...
I really loved this...

Reving wrote: "http://revingsblog.blogspot.com/2016/...
I really loved this..."

Awesome!

I agree with much that has already been written. I was not a fan of Flora & Ulysses and was disappointed when it won the Newbery. I'm also not a fan of this one and will be disappointed if it wins. I unfortunately can see it winning (or at least being honored), as there is so much Kate DiCamillo love out there. As Phil pointed out, DiCamillo is the Michael Phelps of kid lit. Even if she doesn't technically already have the medal count, we all know she is, so why not just give her the medals anyway? Sorry to other authors who publish in the same year!

Would this win if Kate DiCamillo's name wasn't on the cover? Maybe. There is a lot of well-crafted character development and the setting does stand out (especially if you listen to the audiobook--the narrator does a great job of capturing the Southern accents), but I also found it to be slow and boring and I can't think of a single student that I think would enjoy it. The plot just didn't hook me and I doubt it would hook students, either.

I'm glad that others wondered about how Louisiana paid for the baton lessons. I noticed that, too!

Phil wrote: "LauraW wrote: "That is one thing I find so refreshing about a lot of the children's books from Australia that I have read: the adults are usually around and are even portrayed positively. The kids ..."

Yes! I want to give your kids a high five. Please, no more dead moms!

Emma wrote: "I agree with much that has already been written. I was not a fan of Flora & Ulysses and was disappointed when it won the Newbery. I'm also not a fan of this one and will be disappointed if it wins...."

I believe children will love it. There was never any mention of payment for the lessons.

Emma wrote: "I agree with much that has already been written. I was not a fan of Flora & Ulysses and was disappointed when it won the Newbery. I'm also not a fan of this one and will be disappointed if it wins...."

Yes! You hit the nail on the head with this! Would it win without her name on it? I don't think it would.

No matter how beloved and wonderfully talented Kate DiCamillo is, she's not going to win a third Newbery (at least not the top medal) anytime soon, if ever. No author has won three top awards in the long history of the medal, and judges know that. And she's most certainly not going to become that author by getting a "we love you so much, Kate!!" recognition in a year that's already swarming with other strong titles. Somebody save this and then scold me next January, but I think all of the Newbery chatter around this title is really unrealistic, especially considering that it's a very fine novel (imho) that is not among DiCamillo's finest.

Darren wrote: "No matter how beloved and wonderfully talented Kate DiCamillo is, she's not going to win a third Newbery (at least not the top medal) anytime soon, if ever. No author has won three top awards in th..."

But after last year's surprise winner, does a three-time winner really seem so improbable?

The only thing more joyful than a Kate DiCamillo book is a Kate DiCamillo talk. She is hilarious and could make a living doing stand up comedy. She is great with kids, she talks to them like adults and is quite sardonic. I absolutely loved Flora and Ulyses, it struck a chord with me. For me one of the notes must have been off with Raymie because it never captivated me. Reading it was still enjoyable but in the end it was a 4 star read. By comparison Wolf Hollow was a 5 and Pax a 4.5

Kate DiCamillo spoke at our library last year, and she was amazing! One of the kids asked which of the books she had written was her favorite, and she responded - That would have to be Winn Dixie, because everything that's happened since has been "because of Winn Dixie. " <3

She is amazing. I show this interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k8jP...
to my students sometimes to show them how a professional writer goes to work.

I read this aloud to my 7 and 9 year old. The story didn't grab me (my kids really liked it)- but the words. Oh my! This book was meant to be read aloud. Many times, I had to stop and say- "Let me read that again." The repetition of the characters needing a hand to hold- or giving their hand in times of need, the pure poetry of the language, and the themes of friendship, love, death, and divorce- made me give this book 5 stars. I could overlook the slow moving story- because I found the writing to be so good. Not all kids will be willing to do the same- but many will, especially those that love DiCamillo.

I admit I have not quite finished the book yet. I have 30 or so pages left. It's taken me over a week to read it because it's just soooooo boring. I've actually listened to all of Salt to the Sea instead of finishing RN. I just don't feel that they story draws you in and asks to to think about out what is going to happen and the pace is just sooooo slow. I don't think the book will ever leave the shelf. After all the hype the book has received I am so disappointed in it. I kept reading it because I thought that maybe it would somehow change and become more exciting or just draw me in. That has not happened. I have put it on my 2017 Newbery list, but I don't think it will be loved by kids at all. But since well loved books don't often win the Newbery who knows what will happen.

I have to say I am mystified and saddened by the volume of people not embracing Raymie Nightingale 100%. I am not sure if you have to be a particular personality or reader to love it. The book is quiet, subtle, beautiful and multifaceted. It was magic for me. With each page I just got deeper and deeper into Raymie's world and feelings. A week ago my local chain store was overflowing with this title. Yesterday there were a handful of copies to be found. I definitely think Raymie Nightingale is speaking to the children.

Laura wrote: "I have to say I am mystified and saddened by the volume of people not embracing Raymie Nightingale 100%. I am not sure if you have to be a particular personality or reader to love it. The book is q..."

I've learned not to worry when others' literary opinions don't mesh with mine because it is all very personal. I'm with you -- I loved Raymie Nightingale --though I'm not certain the committee would give DiCamillo yet another medal, regardless of her genius.

Tessyohnka wrote: "Laura wrote: "I have to say I am mystified and saddened by the volume of people not embracing Raymie Nightingale 100%. I am not sure if you have to be a particular personality or reader to love it...."

Not worrying. Wish that everyone could have felt the magic while reading Raymie. I think great literature is great literature. If the committee believes Raymie deserves a Newbery, it will win it. Past wins shouldn't affect their selection.

I am still mystified when I hear people didn't think Flora and Ulysses deserved the Newbery. That book was brilliant! For me DiCamillo is at her best when she's working with furry creatures, but Raymie was a wonderful book - and I believe one of the very few books with 5 stars so far this year. So it certainly can't be dismissed simply because she's won the award in the past. However, I think there are some magnificent books out this year, so it's going to be a hard one to pull off.

Erin wrote: "For me DiCamillo is at her best when she's working with furry creatures."

It sounds superficial, but I think the lack of animals really hurts the book. The animals in her stories usually draw out the hope and positive emotions, which were noticeably lacking in Raymie Nightingale. I think a quakka or something would have really improved the dynamic of the book.


Behold the quakka.

It sounds superficial, but I think the lack of animals really hurts the book. The animals in her stories usua..."

My thoughts exactly. :)