The 2017 Newbery Award

An image ingrained in mind from elementary school is the Newbery Award poster hanging in the school library and my fourth grade classroom.  As a librarian it has become my goal to read each and every winner of the medal and then move on to the honor books.  This is not an easy feat especially going back to the early winners, some of which I found hard to get through.  Each year the medal is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children by the Association for Library Service to Children.  Add four more books to my to read list, the winner and three honor books…

	The Girl Who Drank the Moon By: Kelly BarnhillAn epic fantasy about a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, who must unlock the powerful magic buried deep inside her.  Ages 10-14
	Wolf Hollow: A Novel By: Lauren WolkTwelve-year-old Annabelle must learn to stand up for what’s right in the face of a manipulative and violent new bully who targets people Annabelle cares about, including a homeless World War I veteran.  Ages 10 and up
	Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought To Life By: Ashley BryanUsing original slave auction and plantation estate documents, contrasts the monetary value of a slave with the priceless value of life experiences and dreams that a slave owner could never take away.  Ages 6 to 10
	The Inquisitor’s Tale, Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog By: Adam GidwitzA peasant girl and her holy greyhound, an oblate on a mission from his monastery, and a young Jewish boy travel across medieval France to escape persecution and save holy texts from being burned.  Ages 10 and up