The Newbery Medal is awarded each year to “the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” In plain English: This award is given to the best chapter book of the year. Recent Newbery winners include “Moon Over Manifest” by Clare Vanderpool, “When You Reach Me” by Rebecca Stead, and “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman. At the Columbia Public Library, we’ve just started staging our own mock Newbery awards, and it’s not too late to join in the fun!
About our Mock Newbery awards:
Throughout the fall, we are inviting youth in grades 4-7 to join us at the library twice per month to discuss Newbery finalists and defend the book you feel is the “Heavy Medalist” of the year. You can explore some of the books that we will be reading with this list. Library staff will facilitate the sessions along with Nancy Baumann, a local educator and previous Newbery committee member. We even have a discussion blog!
How to get involved:
Sessions will be held at the Columbia Public Library on the following Wednesdays: September 26; October 10 and 24; November 7 and 28; and December 5 and 19. Registration is required. You may register in person or by calling (573) 443-3161 to get started today!
