Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Could Kate DiCamillo win another Newbery with Ferris?

http://richiespicks.pbworks.com/FERRIS

I enjoyed Ferris (quick read), though it seems likely to be one of DiCamillo’s less noteworthy titles.

DiCamillo is a master storyteller and Ferris is well written and engaging, but the emphasis on the paranormal and ghosts would cause a hesitation for my Newberry vote.

My review for Ferris:

Ferris has the notoriety of being a kid born under a Ferris wheel. Thoughtful, she and her best friend Billy love vocabulary, and quietly navigate the chaos around them. Readers follow Ferris and her friends and family as they communicate with a ghost, deal with separation from marriage, paint the history of the world, and learn how to wear a perm.

As always, DiCamillo is a stalwart storyteller. This short novel is merely a snapshot of a multi-layered family, all of its members on the edge of something, merely trying to hold on until the next shoe drops. Since the author has always been a champion of the written word, it makes sense that Ferris is dedicated to her teacher and learning her vocabulary words, and brings it up often. (Part of that got a little old for me, as it was pointed out over and over, and although I appreciate the definition of the word being given for the kids who will read it, it was a little repetitive.)

There’s a lot to take in in such a small story, but all the threads come together in the end. It touches on grief, loyalty, love, living in an intergenerational household, sibling rivalry, friendships, and autonomy - and all of it is done with an original cast of characters. It reminds me of Frank Capra’s “You Can’t Take It with You,” a hilarious movie with Lionel Barrymore and Jimmy Stewart, as the whole scenario is quick-witted and edgy, every moment a domino to the next. I highly recommend it and think it would be a good novel study in a classroom setting. In my humble opinion, I think it will be talked about for Newbery but not ultimately win.

David wrote: but the emphasis on the paranormal and ghosts would cause a hesitation for my Newberry vote."

Why?

I really enjoyed Ferris. I think there was a good balance between light humorous moments and harder sad moments. I liked the characters and think they were well fleshed out. If I were on the comity I'd definitely considere this for Newbery. I know previous wins by the author are not saposed to be taken into account but I feel like sometimes they might. I can think of several books people enjoyed by beloved previous winners that were looked over come award season. That's why I'd be surprised if it didn't win though it is a lovely book.

Annette wrote: "David wrote: but the emphasis on the paranormal and ghosts would cause a hesitation for my Newberry vote."

Why?"

Annette,
Thanks for asking. I am sorry for the delay of my response.
I personally have some strong opinions regarding some of the topics surrounding the paranormal. I think we often make the mistake that either ghosts are fun and cute like Casper, or good spirit beings to be embraced and “angel”fied. But just as often, we may be opening ourselves and our kids to spiritual enemies. There is a passage in the Biblical text (Ephesians 6:12) that seems to warn us to be discerning, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” My concern is that we don’t open our children’s minds to dangerous thinking in the context of beauty and cooperation. I understand I am in the minority, but this is the backstory to my hesitation.

Following the Newbery criteria: I give this points for sentence level writing, distinct characters who had growth between the beginning and the end of the story, the theme of love was very strong throughout the book. What I did not find to be as excellent for me was the plotting and style of the book. I found it to be a long ramble that at times did not seem to be going to any particular finish. The book could have been finished 3 different places toward the end. It also could have just gone on for another hundred pages because I did not see a specific ending we were headed for with the plotting.

Characters with unique idiosyncrasies live in a multi-generational home. A ghost requests that they light an antique candelabra. The entire family becomes involved in the project. Childbirth and death are interwoven into the stories. Vocabulary is incorporated and defined throughout.
I struggle to think of a child that I think would enjoy reading this book.

Classic DiCamillo. Quirky, fun characters, family dynamics, a wonderful dog, and a very, very satisfying read.

I thought the characters and theme were distinguished. I wonder if she will write another book with these characters. I really want to read a future Pinky! I did not think this was a paranormal book, so if ghosts concern you, don’t let that keep you from this title. I think one reader’s interpretation could be that the grandmother was imagining a ghost as she is heading toward the end of her life. Really liked our last two picks- looking forward to another great title in June!!

The tale of Ferris and her eclectic Wilkey family, feels so refreshing, timeless, and full of surprising adventures. Told through her ten-year-old perspective, one feels welcomed into a loving home of three generations of very individualistic, entertaining characters. Charisse, Ferris's cherished storytelling grandmother, her serious yet adventurous father, her sensible generous mother, and willful, naughty little sister Pinky, often deliver unexpected surprises, sometimes yet not often, aided by paranormal experiences. Thoughtful altruistic Ferris, navigates the ups and downs of her families' wily adventures, with curiosity and altruism. I particularly love Ferris, the main character who is full of surprising positivity. What an uplifting story, a sequel focused on more of Ferris' wholesome adventures would be delightful! I can picture students asking for exactly that! Ferris stands a real possibility for another Newbery Award for Kate DiCamillo, or at least a Newbery Honor.

I love Kate DoCamilli but this book did not pass my test for Newbery. It seems like a book I’ve read before. Great story but nothing special.

Yes, it is classic DiCamillo. It does present dementia in a child-friendly way. So many children are witnessing diminishing cognitive abilities in family and friends who are aging. That may be the unique contribution of this book. It is done with compassion, humor, and love.

I love Kate DiCamillo's writing. This book is no exception.

"Every story is a love story." How beautiful is that? Ferris' family is a loving one and that quality gives the reader, at least it gave me, a cozy feeling. No matter the unusual events, daily surprises, and troublemaker of a younger sister, Ferris is secure in her family's love for her. They go through the ups and downs together. The addition of some magical realism opens the story up to think outside the box and imagine. The lighting of the chandelier brings friends and family together, giving them each the healing they need.

Binxie wrote: "Yes, it is classic DiCamillo. It does present dementia in a child-friendly way. So many children are witnessing diminishing cognitive abilities in family and friends who are aging. That may be the ..."

I didn't understand Charisse's seeing a ghost to be part of dementia. I saw it as magical realism. After all, Ferris saw Pinky in danger in the attic all while being in the backyard.

I agree that I, too, envisioned magical realism at work, whether or not DiCamillo intended it. I really enjoyed this quirky novel and the positive message it conveyed about the interconnectedness of the various relationships featured in the book. Even though DiCamillo has been honored in the past, I feel that her newest novel at least warrants consideration. She also came out with a sweet new Early Reader/Short Fiction book (starting an intended trilogy) entitled Orris and Timble: The Beginning.

I LOVED Ferris! It is so wacky and funny. I had a hard time with Ferris seeing Pinky in the trunk at the end because it felt random, there were enough other random scenarios (the inclusion of a ghost and Uncle Ted painting a history of the world), that I decided to accept it. Pinky totally stole the show for me! The day I finished this I started it again with my kiddos and they giggled all the way through, too. I would not be surprised to see this as a Newbery contender; I believe it's worthy of inclusion.

Kate DiCamillo is one of the best children's story tellers EVER! I loved every bit of Ferris. There was so much that was unexpected and original. I am completely biased when it comes to Kate. I do think this is a title worthy of children and one they will absolutely love :)

Hmm...thought I had commented on this one already but apparently not. I loved it! DiCamillo somehow finds a way to take a slice-of-life story and make it extraordinary. It is funny and heart warming and I think presents a very positive and reassuring portrayal of the death of a loved one. I expect it to be a contender.

I talked with a fellow children's librarian about this one. We both liked it but we both agreed that DiCamillo is writing for us (children's lit fans/professionals) and not so much for today's young readers. IS this a perfect choice for just the right kid? Of course it is, but overall her books are more appealing to kids' grown-ups. Read this again (if we ever have time to re-read!) through that filter. I'd be disappointed if this won an Newbery because, just like Raymie Nightingale, it will likely be a shelf-sitter.

I agree, I find that some of her writing connects much better with grownups than with young people. I appreciate the comment. Btw, DiCamillo did an amazing interview with Krista Tippett on the podcast On Being. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in DiCamillo or really anyone interested in children's literature. https://onbeing.org/programs/kate-dic...

Yes, the interview is well worth listening to.

I listened to the interview the other day. I recommend listening if you haven’t already. I also had the chance to hear DiCamillo speak in person in February.

I finally had a chance to read this book. My review:
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and humorous story about a family facing a variety of challenges, including a six-year-old girl who wants to be an outlaw and plans to rob a bank. Such excellent writing, and I loved the emphasis on vocabulary, as Ferris and her piano-playing friend Billy use the vocabulary words that they learned in Mrs. Mielk's class. Although not specifically stated in the book, the setting has a definite small-town vibe, and the era seems to be late 50s or early 60s (Green Stamps anyone?) A light-hearted story with a few sad themes, but ultimately, a satisfying ending.

David wrote: "DiCamillo is a master storyteller and Ferris is well written and engaging, but the emphasis on the paranormal and ghosts would cause a hesitation for my Newberry vote."

I understand completely where you are coming from, but when I read a fiction story like this, I understand that the "ghost" is also completely fictitious and has no relationship to the real world. Also, some of the readers thought that the grandmother was simply imagining the ghost.

I didn't read it in time to read it with y'all, but having just finished it...unpopular opinion, I didn't like it. I thought there was somehow too much going on AND nothing at the same time. Ferris doesn't change or grow, really. Things happen *around* her. And for such a short book, like 3 of the subplots could have been cut to focus more on other characters.

I also intensely dislike the random dropping of vocabulary words in the middle of the prose and this happened at least once a chapter, if not more often.

David wrote: "Annette wrote: "David wrote: but the emphasis on the paranormal and ghosts would cause a hesitation for my Newberry vote."

Why?"

Annette,
Thanks for asking. I am sorry for the delay of my respon..."

I'm concerned that anyone in the literary field is considering their religious beliefs in regard to whether or not a book has merit. I understand if this is for your personal collection or your family, but I don't understand withholding a vote from a book you otherwise enjoyed because it conflicts with a religious text.