Winners! Winners! Winners!

The winners of most of the big book awards for kids were announced yesterday. Here's a rundown of many of the top awards and their winners. Congratulations all! Now, for a big shopping spree to get copies of the ones we don't have :)

2010 Newbery Medal WinnersThe Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

The 2010 Newbery Medal winner is

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Steads.

Twelve-year-old Miranda encounters shifting friendships, a sudden punch, a strange homeless man and mysterious notes that hint at knowledge of the future. These and other seemingly random events converge in a brilliantly constructed plot.

2010 Honor Books

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose.

Hoose reveals the true story of an unsung hero of the Montgomery bus boycott. Hoose’s work stands out for its creative approach to narrative biography. Colvin’s own recollections are merged seamlessly with the narrative voice, providing a uniquely personal view of Colvin and the Civil Rights Movement.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly.

On the eve of the 20th century, 11-year-old Calpurnia awakens to new possibilities, and through her evolving relationship with her naturalist grandfather, learns to think like a scientist. Kelly’s rich, evocative language captures Callie’s distinctive voice and lively observations of the natural world.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.

A rich tapestry of stories, both original and traditional, transports readers to a fantastic world where Dragon joins Minli on a fortune-changing quest.

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick.

This rollicking yarn, presented through the voice of 12-year-old Homer, uses humor and pluck to mitigate the horrors of the Civil War.

2010 Printz Award Winners The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.

The 2010 Printz Award winner is
Going Bovine by Libba Bray

2010 Printz Honor Books

Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
The Monstrumologist, by Rick Yancey,
Punkzilla, by Adam Rapp
Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance, 1973, by John Barnes

2010 Pura Belpré Author Award Winner The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

Return to Sender, written by Julia Alvarez.

Julia Alvarez explores the thin line that separates American citizens and undocumented persons in her brilliantly told novel, “nder.” After Tyler’s father is unable to maintain the family farm, he hires undocumented workers, resulting in an interdependent relationship that mirrors current social and political conditions in the United States. Alvarez humanizes a situation by giving a voice to millions of immigrants experiencing similar hardships. This outstanding novel about the solidarity between two children of different cultures will resonate in the hearts of readers of any age.

2010 Illustrator Award Winner

Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day; Celebremos El día de los niños/El día de los libros, illustrated by Rafael López, written by Pat Mora.

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2010 Author Honor Books

Diego: Bigger Than Life, written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated by David Diaz.

Carmen T. Bernier-Grand weaves through the life of Mexican artist Diego Rivera in “Diego: Bigger Than Life.” A series of chronological poems delve into his controversial life. The poetry resonates with the passion that Rivera had for his art. The words that Bernier-Grand expertly uses to paint a picture of the artist’s life resemble the artistic process Rivera used to create his masterpieces. Bernier-Grand touches on many aspects of Rivera’s life and summarizes it like only another artist can. This book will pique the interest of readers across all ages and introduce them to a true master.

Federico García Lorca, written by Georgina Lázaro, illustrated by Enrique S. Moreiro.

Written in Spanish, Georgina Lázaro’s lyrical poetry evokes the spirit and style of the beloved 20thcentury poet and playwright, Federico García Lorca. Lázaro gives children a close personal experience with classic Spanish literature in a picture book biography. She uses the cadence and style of Lorca to paint a picture of the artist as a fragile, sensitive young boy who finds his strength in stories, songs, plays and books. “Federico García Lorca” celebrates the beauty of the Spanish language and the healing power of words.

2010 Schneider Family Book Awards The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.

Django written and illustrated by Bonnie Christensen won the award for young children. Django is the biography of musician Django Reinhardt, who was in an accident that severely burned his hands and threatened to end his career. Through perseverance he went on to become one of the world’s most recognized and appreciated jazz guitarists

Nora Raleigh Baskin is the winner of the middle-school award for Anything But Typical. While Jason Blake who has autism, considers himself to be anything but typical, his life is that of a conventional 12-year-old boy. He wants a girlfriend, to fit in and to be recognized for his creative writing.

The teen award winner is Marcelo in the Real World, written by Francisco X. Stork.

Marcelo in the Real World tells the story of Marcelo Sandoval who has Asperger Syndrome. Marcelo is pushed beyond his comfort zone when he is forced to take a job in his father’s law firm. Over the course of a tumultuous summer, Marcelo learns what it is to be a friend, to stand up for what he believes in and that he can create a place for himself in the real world. I predicted this winner!!!!!!

2010 Sibert Medal Winner The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year.

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream, written by Tanya Lee Stone.

Women in space – not a big deal now, but it took more than 20 years for NASA to recognize that women have the Right Stuff. “Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream,” published by Candlewick Press, tells the story of the women aviators and aspiring astronauts known as the “Mercury 13,” who in the early 1960’s repeatedly proved themselves capable but could not overcome prevailing prejudices. Meticulously researched and handsomely illustrated with archival materials, Stone’s insightful, passionately written chronicle is sure to inspire.

“Stone has a less-is-more approach that really packs a wallop,” said Sibert Committee Chair Vicky Smith. “Readers will come away with their blood boiling. It’s a heckuva story.”

2010 Honor Books

The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors, written by Chris Barton.

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11, written and illustrated by Brian Floca.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, written by Phillip Hoose.