Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca has already had some wonderful reviews.

Do you think children are hesitant about books written in verse?
What did you think of it?

I had a student last week introduce this book when we were sharing what we have been reading- she loved it. She also said A Place to Hang the Moon was her all time favorite- this kiddos reads several books a month.

Kristen wrote: "

Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca has already had some wonderful reviews.

Do you think children are hesitant ab..."

I don't think children are hesitant to read a novel in verse. Today's children have probably read verse novels their entire lives. It was a popular, trendy format with authors several years ago. Many verse novels went on to win the Newbery and other literary awards.

"Another verse novel?," I said when I opened the book. But soon I was completely caught up in Reha's life, torn between being a good Indian daughter and a fun-loving 80's tween. Have your Kleenex ready. Newbery? Don't know, but don't rule it one.

Enjoyed this book a lot - quick read, providing keen insights on first generation complexities in straddling two worlds: that of your parents & their homeland culture and that of your adolescent world at middle school in the USA in the 80s. Enjoyed all the pop song references too - took me back in time with some of my fave songs from that era

Just finished “A Place to Hang the Moon” noted above.... An excellent read... especially for those who enjoyed “The Penderwicks” and “The War that Saved My Life” - this book incorporated elements of both endearing sibling characters and the harsh realities of WWII. A tender and touching read.

Thirteen year old Reha's story is so evoculatively told, once she learns of her mother's diagnosis, you feel all of her pain, angst, and eagerness to save her mother's life. This is such a sad, heartfelt story, so realistically told, it sweeps you away in tears. Middle school readers, especially children from backgrounds similar to Reha's will see themselves through her eyes.

My daughter and I really enjoyed this book in verse. If anyone feels "caught" between two worlds, this is a must-read. This is a great coming-of-age novel in which you cannot help empathizing with Reha. Well done, Ms. LaRocca. This book is currently in my top 3 of my 2022 Newbery Potential reads along with Amber and Clay and Just Like That. (A Place to Hang the Moon arrives this week...)

I enjoyed this book, but the sick mom plot is never a favorite for me. I would have rather lived in her world of school and family without the cancer... But, I imagine, so would she.

Could see this getting Newbery attention.

One of the things that really impressed me about this book is the author explanation of how blood and bone marrow work. For a book for children, the medical explanations were excellent.

I fit many categories that would relate to this character except the main one- being caught between 2 worlds- fitting in and honoring your culture and parents. This is a great addition to any classroom library. It started a little slow for me and around page 60- I was sucked in- and yes have some Kleenex ready at the end- I rarely cry reading a book- for personal connections this one was a guy puncher for me. If you can- read it in one sitting- it is a very fast read. Would be surprised if this does not have at least some silver added to its cover. Perhaps I just had too many personal connections to this book and I’m overlooking some weaknesses. The one student that read this ahead of me loved it. I’ll admit- for this one- it was difficult to be objective. On a lighter note- I wish there was a list of Indian recipes at the end.

This book touched me. I thought it was well written and I loved all the characters and their relationships. One of the things I liked about this book was showing how supportive the kids were at school. This is so rare and it was a nice touch.

Kristen wrote: "Do you think children are hesitant about books written in verse?
What did you think of it?
"

Yes, definitely. I work with 6th graders who are reading in the below average range. I get a lot of pushback any time I introduce a novel in verse. They tell me that verse novels are more difficult to read.

I also think there is a stigma attached to poetry, which is paradoxical because this generation is more poetic than its predecessors. These students study lyrics, copy them into their notebooks, and write their own in the margins. Hip hop lyrics are embraced by boys and girls alike, but poetry is not. The only novels in verse that have been successful with my students are The Crossover (because it is overtly hip-hop influenced) and Brown Girl Dreaming (with more advanced students).

Although I sometimes struggle with novels in verse, Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca was fantastic! It literally made me cry. Needless to say, it is my top Newbery contender so far this year.

Phil wrote: "Kristen wrote: "Do you think children are hesitant about books written in verse?
What did you think of it?
"

Yes, definitely. I work with 6th graders who are reading in the below average range. I ..."

Hi Phil, that's interesting, as I also work with not-so-strong readers and they love novels in verse, I think because of the confidence boost they get by reading a "full length" book whose pages fly by. They don't feel so behind their peers. I don't work in a school, so don't need to abide by strict rules of "appropriate-ness", so I've had a lot of success with Reynolds' Long Way Down. I think Red, White, and Whole wouldn't quite hit the same audience as Reynolds, but I do think there is an audience out there.

I found Red, White and Whole to be a heart-wrenching, lyrical novel in free verse. LaRocca's depiction of an Indian-Hindu girl defining her identity as an American while also dealing with her mother's illness (sadly, based on true events) was vividly and sensitively developed. I love that the author was able to use her medical expertise to add credence to Reha's experience; she also deftly included relevant folktale and hero motifs into the storyline. The novel is quite moving and inspired me to hope that maybe we'll see a free verse novel be recognized by the committee this year.

A wrenching, thoughtful novel-in-verse, showing readers that we’re really all more alike than we are different. Such an adept weaving together of familiar and unfamiliar emotions and experiences. Beautiful writing. I, too, would’ve loved some recipes at the end—maybe in the paperback along with discussion questions? I immediately ordered out for Indian food.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Upon reading the title, I actually thought it would be about patriotism and America, which it kind of was about but I was delighted that it was actually about another topic completely. I too am not always a fan of novels and verse like others have chimed in. But Reha’s story is very interesting and gut wrenching. I am actually looking at this from my librarian lens and I wonder how many of our younger years will be excited or even care about the 80s music references? I think the best part of the story was the unexpected support of her friends and community. When I was just expecting a whole bunch of bullies. A refreshing read!

Eli wrote: “…I wonder how many of our younger years will…care about the 80s music references?”

I think some teachers/schools have “decade study” units. Books that incorporate music and ambience from different eras can support their learning objectives.

Eli wrote: "I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Upon reading the title, I actually thought it would be about patriotism and America, which it kind of was about but I was delighted that it was actually abo..."

Music from the 80's is cool again. Kids will be excited and interested in references from the most fun music decade ever!

Um, Stranger Things set in that era might be a big deal with the kids these days, yes? Seriously, anything from that era is cool (though I try to mention a few reality checks with kids who Just Wanna Have Fun.) I think Red, White and Hole is a beautiful and accessible book and Rajani is on a publishing roll - it won't be long before she starts winning awards. And kids of Indian descent need representation in children's literature - they are not all super star spellers or grade grinds and deserve to be reflected more widely.

Red, White and WHOLE, so sorry for the typo!

August books??

Rachel wrote: "Phil wrote: "Kristen wrote: "Do you think children are hesitant about books written in verse?
What did you think of it?
"

Yes, definitely. I work with 6th graders who are reading in the below aver..."

I always like reading about how different students react to different works. My library students often gravitate toward verse novels because they feel they are easy to accomplish. I think they are also attracted to the style because there tends to be a lot of emotional writing packed into those few words. I think a verse novel can reach more readers than a 300p+ novel can, especially as young people's lives get busier.

This heart-gripping verse novel is wonderful. The plot and main character are developed clearly so that by the point in the story when the protagonist is faced with her mother’s leukemia the reader feels they know her, her values, her cultural identity tug-of-war, and her strong relationships. I think it’s most appropriate for middle school readers (as opposed to upper elementary), especially given that the mother passes during the story. I could not stop hoping that her mother would recover, with such a supportive and brave cast around her, but the ending was still a poignant representation of grief, withdrawal, coping and finding the peace to move forward from terrible loss. I particularly enjoy when verse is used to present emotionally heavy stories; carefully curated sparse that are powerful. These two quotes stuck with me:

“No matter where I go,
America or India,
I don’t quite fit.”

“What does the sky do
when the moon is gone
forever?”