Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Now that the announcements have been made, the congratulations given, and - for some - the books purchased, we can start our search anew, always seeking the next award-winning book.

Have you read a 2013 Newbery contender lately?

Wonder! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

Also excited to read Ellen Potter's The Humming Room, Sarah Prineas' Winterling, Natalie Standiford's The Secret Tree, and Jo Knowles' See You at Harry's.

So far my fav published in 2012 is "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine. What a great story!

I am reading The Mighty Miss Malone and would be perfectly happy if Curtis won another Newbery.

I love Ellen Potter. I think she is underrated.


Laurel wrote: "Wonder! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

Also excited to read Ellen Potter's The Humming Room, Sarah Prineas' Winterling, Natalie Standiford's The Secret Tree, and Jo Knowles..."

Agreed!

"The Lions of Little Rock" is fabulous! It's already on my Newbery list for 2013.

Just finished reading, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. It is a great story. I really did not think I would like a book about a gorilla especially told from the gorilla Ivan's point of view. I was sure wrong! This book is on my Newbery hopeful list.

Starr wrote: ""The Lions of Little Rock" is fabulous! It's already on my Newbery list for 2013.
"
I have heard this is good and will now move it to the top of my pile.

Just put Lions of Little Rock on the top of my pile also. Right next to Winterling. LOVED the Magic Thief books so I am very excited about this one! But LOVE Christopher Paul Curtis also, so I want to read Mighty Miss Malone too! So many good books... so little time! Can't wait to get The Humming Room too! Ellen Potter is amazing!

Dana wrote: "I love Ellen Potter. I think she is underrated.

Oh, I agree about Ellen Potter! I discovered her a little over a year ago and have now devoured everything she's written. I adore her work!

The Lions of Little Rock was an excellent book. It was one of the best I h ave read in years.

I loved The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate!

I agree Ellen Potter has a wonderful writing style. So many wonderful books already, this is going to be a good year.

Wonder is on the top of my list for Newbery for 2013, early though it is in the year. Wonderful voice(s), great characters, lots of moving moments (both sad and happy). A "complete read" for me. I hope there's another book coming from R. J. Palacio, though she's set a high bar for herself.

Tamsyn wrote: "Wonder is on the top of my list for Newbery for 2013, early though it is in the year. Wonderful voice(s), great characters, lots of moving moments (both sad and happy). A "complete read" for me. ..."
I agree! It is not only a complete read, but a book that transcends age- middle school, teen, adult.

Just put Wonder / by R.J. Palacio (do I have the correct book?)on reserve at the library. ;o)

Dana wrote: "I am reading The Mighty Miss Malone and would be perfectly happy if Curtis won another Newbery."I enjoyed this book as well and am in the middle of the One and Only Ivan. Hearing a lot about Wonder and also Glory Be. My pile is growing of great books to read!

Holly wrote: "Just finished reading, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. It is a great story. I really did not think I would like a book about a gorilla especially told from the gorilla Ivan's point of..."

I really liked The One and Only Ivan also. It is a quick read, even though it is 300 pages because there are not many words on each page. It is told from the point of view of Ivan, a silverback gorilla trapped in a cage in a mall. It is mostly told in sentences—not too many paragraphs, and has the sparse feel of verse because of all the white space. Illustrations compliment the story. There is not a lot of action in the story, but things do happen to keep the plot moving. Ivan’s character is very well developed and grows emotionally throughout the story.
Also, you’ve got the animal cuteness factor to appeal to kids as well as kids wanting to see the animals in a better place. In addition the book features two elephants and a dog that also live in the mall. This is the first book this year that I have really gotten excited about!

I just finished The One and Only Ivan as well. This has Newbery written all over it. I don't think I have ever read a book that had so much to say in so few words. We understand the plight of these friends and stop thinking of them as animals. Wonderful and I recommend it to everyone. It made me want to go to Atlanta and visit Ivan!

Just started this year's reading with Curveball by Sonnenblick. I always appreciate his writing with humor, sensitivity, and real characters.

Thanks to this thread for The One and Only Ivan suggestions. I finished it last night in a puddle of tears. The writing was fantastic.

Kim wrote: "I just finished The One and Only Ivan as well. This has Newbery written all over it. I don't think I have ever read a book that had so much to say in so few words. We understand the plight of thes..."

Holly wrote: "Just finished reading, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. It is a great story. I really did not think I would like a book about a gorilla especially told from the gorilla Ivan's point of..."

I agree on The One and Only Ivan. Not only Newbery worthy but a book that kids will actually want to read!

Have to add my two cents for Wonder. Truly wonder-ful.

Kristen wrote: "Now that the announcements have been made, the congratulations given, and - for some - the books purchased, we can start our search anew, always seeking the next award-winning book.

Have you rea..."

I can see this group is going to increase my TBR piles! Got hooked on Newbery Award winners when working for a public library in the 70s. Have always wanted to read all the winners from its inception, but I see I'm going to have to put that goal aside so I can participate in predicting a winner ... ;o)

Welcome. We love reading and attempting to predict. I like learning what is new out there.

I have read Wonder and loved it, but after finishing The One and Only Ivan - it moves to the top of my list. The writing is absolutely amazing.

I enjoyed Wonder also. I would say The One and Only Ivan still tops it for me so far, but Wonder is definitely up there.

I finally got my hands on The One and Only Ivan and found it to be a wonderful book. Recently people have criticized the Newbery for not catering to younger readers. This is a book I can see younger children enjoying and understanding. Teachers and parents would be able to read this book to kids and have plenty to discuss afterwords. The writing is unique, and beautiful. This is one we will have to watch.

I can't tell you how surprised I was to find out it was the same author that wrote the Animorphs series.

Kristen-Katherine Applegate's Home of the Brave is a lovely read. Don't miss it! I have The One and Only Ivan checked out, and I'm anxious to get to it.

The One and Only Ivan is a wonderful book. My students love it, and I can't get enough copies of it. I loved Home of the Brave, too. If possible, I think IVAN is better.

Kristen wrote: "Recently people have criticized the Newbery for not catering to younger readers."

Which is frustrating because why *cater* to younger readers when the award is intended for quality literature, not necessarily popular literature, or literature specifically for third graders (or literature specifically for 14 year olds, for that matter). If the committee specifically chose a book because it was good for younger readers then they would indeed be catering.

(And I realize that wasn't what you meant, but I hear this all the time, so it's starting to turn into one of my buttons.)

Ann wrote: "Kristen wrote: "Recently people have criticized the Newbery for not catering to younger readers."

Which is frustrating because why *cater* to younger readers when the award is intended for quality..."

Well written books for younger readers need more recognition whether is through the Newbery award or groups like this one.

Just finished One and Only Ivan. A great way to start the year.

I am wanting to read "One and Only Ivan".. it's on my list. Recently finished "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen. While it has some plot issues it's a great book. It's a Golden Sower Nominee here in Nebraska.

The One and Only Ivan was absolutely wonderful. I've read many of the other books mentioned in this thread and enjoyed most of them, but Ivan is something special. Wonder was funny and sweet and I enjoyed the different viewpoints. Another contender.

The One and Only Ivan
Wonder

Ann wrote: Which is frustrating because why *cater* to younger readers when the award is intended for quality..."

Very true, and I agree. I think what most people wonder/worry about is that the younger literature is overlooked sometimes. It's just so refreshing and nice when you can find something like Ivan that younger and older readers can enjoy.

I enjoyed this one "The one and only Ivan" ...if crying is considered part of enjoying something. This could be a great one for a bookchat. Now I've started " The mighty Miss Malone", which has taken over the top of my list.

I have just finished reading Wonder, and finished The One and Only Ivan this week as well. While both had their strong points, I am still looking for a winner...

OH my, what a read. Now I have finished "The Mighty Miss Malone". This was my first visit with Mr. Curtis and one of his books (where have I been?)... what a journey it was. Several times, even though I'm from a different generation and circumstances, I felt as if the author somehow had peeked into my life.

I agree with Martha. I've read and enjoyed both Wonder and Ivan, but I'm still looking for a winner too. I did read Lions of Little Rock and very much enjoyed it. There's a lot to discuss in the book. It's my favorite so far. Anxious to keep reading to find the true gem I know is out there!

Just picked up Mighty Miss Malone and Wonder from my library. Need to come down from my #theHungerGames high and get back to business about reading more good books.

I enjoyed Wonder and thought it had some great elements, but the resolution felt a bit off to me - don't want to spoil anything with specifics, but I didn't quite buy one moment, emotionally.

I thought Kindred Souls was a beautiful book. MacLachlan can do so much with just a few words.

Megan wrote: "I agree with Martha. I've read and enjoyed both Wonder and Ivan, but I'm still looking for a winner too. I did read Lions of Little Rock and very much enjoyed it. There's a lot to discuss in the..."

It's good to hear about The Lions of Little Rock. I just got a copy and can't wait to read it.

I liked the Lions of Little Rock but I felt the emotional changes that happen to the main characters were a little unbelievable. I didn't feel a strong connection to Mighty Miss Malone. It was okay, but didn't stand out to me. Ivan is still at the top of my list.

Kris wrote: "The One and Only Ivan was absolutely wonderful. I've read many of the other books mentioned in this thread and enjoyed most of them, but Ivan is something special. Wonder was funny and sweet and ..."Agree that these two are at the top of my list so far. Liked Mighty Miss Malone, but so far The One and Only Ivan is the one for me, and my students are loving it.

I just finished The One and Only Ivan and have to say that I loved it too! Can't wait to get started on Wonder.

Okay. I am intrigued! I am placing a hold on The One and Only Ivan, Winterlings, The Mighty Miss Malone, Wonder, The Humming Room and The Lions of Little Rock. Will I do a lot of crying or is it just Ivan that will bring on the tears?

Be ready to cry when you read Wonder!