This year most of my guesses for the awards were in the ballpark. I hoped SLEEP LIKE A TIGER would win the Caldecott (it was an honor book). I hoped CODE NAME VERITY would win the Printz (it was an honor book). But my Newbery choice, WONDER, did not even make an honor nomination, which I think was a surprise to many. Medal or not, it's still a winner.
I recommended the book in an earlier post, but if you don't know the story yet, it is about a 10-year-old boy with a severe facial deformity starting his first year in public school. It is told from the viewpoint of multiple characters, as they encounter Auggie and are changed by the experience. At the heart of the book is the message: choose kindness.
If you haven't read it yet, by all means do so. Even my friends who do not regularly read children's books have found this to be a prize-worthy read.
7 comments:
David, so well stated! I once was a judge for the Original Art Show and at that point realized what a incredibly difficult job it is to choose winners.
I have always thought the cover of Wonder is a winner. I have heard so much about that book. It's going on my must read list now, too.
I loved this book so much. I was pretty surprised that it didn't get any honors either.
David, I will move Wonder to the top of my list after your recommendations. And you are right, anybody who has been on a panel for an award knows what a subjective and tricky business it is.
WONDER is now at the top of my list to read, too! I'm always trying to think of objective ways to make subjective decisions. It becomes an impossible task. I know the judges on these committees read 100s of books during the year they serve.
I agree with all of the comments and you David, being a judge is serious and thoughtful work. I saw Wonder on many, many lists, so I too was surprised that it did not win an award. I look forward to reading it!
I feel exactly the same way about judging things. Though I have not agreed with the committees numerous times through the years, there is always another person who is glad to have the chosen books as winners. Most important, there are readers who enjoy them. I do recommend A DOG CALLED HOMELESS, winner of the Schneider Family Book Award (which I thought would have gone to WONDER).
David, it's because of you that I did indeed read WONDER, and it turned out to be my best read of the summer--and I read piles! Usually when I don't see my favorite win an award, I just sort of shrug. But for this one, I shake my head. I am glad readers are finding it anyway.
Post a Comment