Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri has been chosen as our August book of the month.

What are your thoughts about this publication?

http://richiespicks.pbworks.com/THE-M...

Levine Querido publishes some incredible books. The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams is wonderful! I believe children will find it well-written, engaging and so entertaining! The lavish, full-page illustrations by picture book illustrator, Daniel Miyares are really something to celebrate. They remind me of books from my childhood where middle grade reader illustrations were the norm. Almost every other page had an illustration. I couldn't wait to turn the page and discover another picture. Thank goodness for Garth Williams, Robert McCloskey, Lois Lenski, Ruth Gannett, Wesley Dennis, Robert Lawson...who illustrated a myriad of intermediate books. They really added to a joyful reading experience. I do find it award worthy!

Are the pictures an important part of the book? Newbery or a different award since we are to consider the text alone. I have not read it yet- I have the audio version but looked through the hard copy at the library. The illustrations were fantastic!

Thank you for telling us about the illustrations. I usually do audio, so I would have missed this about the book.

Shella wrote: "Are the pictures an important part of the book? Newbery or a different award since we are to consider the text alone. I have not read it yet- I have the audio version but looked through the hard co..."

The Committee members must consider excellence of presentation for a child audience according to the Newbery criteria. The illustrations for this this title add a lot to the book in my opinion. But in general, I believe the illustrations are not to be taken into consideration for the award. Only if they detract from the text somehow.

Jeane wrote: "Thank you for telling us about the illustrations. I usually do audio, so I would have missed this about the book."

You bet! I love book illustrations! The more the better!

It took me awhile to get into it (like 5 pages), but then I couldn’t stop. He has such a way with words. I appreciated the humor in this one.

Eloquent language is used by Daniel Nayeri to describe Silk Road caravans in THE MANY ASSASSINATIONS OF SAMIR, THE SELLER OF DREAMS. But the biggest strength of this title is the character development of Samir and Monkey. Samir uses his skills as a negotiator to trade with everyone he meets in his quest for the Merchant’s Crown—the perfect successful trade. Orphaned Monkey transforms from victim to confident trader as he develops a meaningful rapport with Samir.

I did struggle with the question of the audience since the book contains a lot of violence as well as a romantic interest for 12 year old Monkey. Is this more appropriate for a YA audience?

Full color art work evokes illustrations from One Thousand and One Nights, linking the text to the Iranian roots of the author.

I have not finished the saga of Samir and Monkey yet. Once middle grade readers understand it is about the Silk Road centuries ago, they'll better accept the premise. The adventure and danger is thrilling and will keep readers engaged.
Can't wait for the conclusion.

Personaly I just didn't get very into this one. I didn't find it that interesting. That being said I wouldn't consider it for newbery. Like others said I'm not sure it fits newbery age range. Perhaps more young adult. I liked the premise of the book and the illistrations were great but the story just didn't interest me like I thought it would.

Just finished The Many Assassinations of Samir. The first line of the book pulled me in though I lost interest in several parts in the middle. The ending was strong. It seems like the kind of book the Newbery committee would love. I didn't find it too violent, nothing worse than a Looney Tunes cartoon. I read it like a cartoon using the illustrations to support my vision. Whimsical is how I would describe the writing style.

At the start of this book, I couldn't really see many kids getting into it. I think it will be a good read aloud for kids in grades 4 and up. Each chapter is an adventure creating an episodic story that lends itself to one chapter a day or week. The illustrations are good and add to an old time feel to the book. Because so much of the marketing material highlights the Silk Road, I would have liked a map to follow Monkey's journey.

Great point that this would be a lovey read-aloud AND that a map would have helped!