2011 Newbery and Caldecott Medal-Winning Children's Books
The Newbery Medal is named for 18th-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.
Newbery Medal Winner: Moon Over Manifest
By Clare Vanderpool
Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2010. ISBN-10: 0385738838
Suitable for Kindergarten to Grade 4
When 12-year-old Abilene is sent to live with Pastor Shady Howard in the Depression-ridden town of Manifest, she begins to unravel the story of her own family and embarks on a summerlong “spy hunt.” With mysteries, murders, orphans, bootlegging and a mother in hiding, the feisty, likable and perceptive Abilene keeps the storyline moving and compelling.
Newbery Medal Honoree: Turtle in Paradise
By Jennifer L. Holm
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2010. ISBN-10: 0375836888
Suitable for Grades 3 through 5
The story begins with 11-year-old Turtle being sent to live with unsuspecting relatives in Key West in 1935. Wise beyond her years and filled with pluck, Turtle finds her way through her treasure hunts and escapades while learning about the meaning of family, home and lost things being found.
By Jennifer L. Holm
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2010. ISBN-10: 0375836888
Suitable for Grades 3 through 5
The story begins with 11-year-old Turtle being sent to live with unsuspecting relatives in Key West in 1935. Wise beyond her years and filled with pluck, Turtle finds her way through her treasure hunts and escapades while learning about the meaning of family, home and lost things being found.
Newbery Medal Honoree: Heart of a Samurai
By Margi Preus
Amulet Books, 2010. ISBN-10: 0810989816
Suitable for Grade 5 and up
In 1841, a freak storm washes Manjiro, a 14-year-old Japanese boy, and his fishing companions onto a tiny island far from home. When an American whaleboat captain rescues them and offers Manjiro the chance to return home with him, he accepts the offer. Discover how Manjiro, who was once destined to be no more than a humble fisherman, returns to Japan and becomes a samurai.
By Margi Preus
Amulet Books, 2010. ISBN-10: 0810989816
Suitable for Grade 5 and up
In 1841, a freak storm washes Manjiro, a 14-year-old Japanese boy, and his fishing companions onto a tiny island far from home. When an American whaleboat captain rescues them and offers Manjiro the chance to return home with him, he accepts the offer. Discover how Manjiro, who was once destined to be no more than a humble fisherman, returns to Japan and becomes a samurai.
Newbery Medal Honoree: Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night
By Joyce Sidman
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010. ISBN-10: 0547152280
Suitable for Grades 3 through 6
The author of Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems (2005), this former Caldecott honoree delivers poems that bring the wonders of nature to life. The compelling lives of animals in a nocturnal forest are captured in poetry and are enhanced by prose sections filled with engaging real-life facts.
By Joyce Sidman
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010. ISBN-10: 0547152280
Suitable for Grades 3 through 6
The author of Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems (2005), this former Caldecott honoree delivers poems that bring the wonders of nature to life. The compelling lives of animals in a nocturnal forest are captured in poetry and are enhanced by prose sections filled with engaging real-life facts.
Newbery Medal Honoree: One Crazy Summer
By Rita Williams-Garcia
Amistad, 2010. ISBN-10: 0060760885
Suitable for Grades 4 through 7
Set in 1968, One Crazy Summer weaves together a complex and powerful narrative of three sisters who leave Brooklyn to spend the summer in California. Eleven-year-old Delphine and her two sisters learn about a mother they never knew, the "Black Power" movement and themselves in this coming-of-age story.
By Rita Williams-Garcia
Amistad, 2010. ISBN-10: 0060760885
Suitable for Grades 4 through 7
Set in 1968, One Crazy Summer weaves together a complex and powerful narrative of three sisters who leave Brooklyn to spend the summer in California. Eleven-year-old Delphine and her two sisters learn about a mother they never knew, the "Black Power" movement and themselves in this coming-of-age story.
Named in honor of 19th-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott, the Caldecott Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Caldecott Medal Winner: A Sick Day for Amos
Illustrated by Erin E. Stead, written by Philip C. Stead
Roaring Brook Press, 2010. ISBN-10: 1596434023
Suitable for Kindergarten to Grade 2
When Amos McGee falls ill, his friends from the zoo—an elephant, tortoise, penguin, rhinoceros and owl—strike out to visit their sick friend at home. This loving story of caring and loyalty makes this book perfect for sharing with friends.
Caldecott Medal Winner: Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
Illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2010. ISBN-10: 031610731X
Suitable for Kindergarten to Grade 4
Lush illustrations will draw little readers in to hear the real-life story of a South Carolinian potter known for inscribing lines of his poetry into the wet clay of his exceptionally large pots. Additional clues about Dave's life hide in the landscapes that depict a culture of long ago.
Illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2010. ISBN-10: 031610731X
Suitable for Kindergarten to Grade 4
Lush illustrations will draw little readers in to hear the real-life story of a South Carolinian potter known for inscribing lines of his poetry into the wet clay of his exceptionally large pots. Additional clues about Dave's life hide in the landscapes that depict a culture of long ago.
Caldecott Medal Honoree: Interrupting Chicken
Written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Candlewick, 2010. ISBN-10: 0763641685
Suitable for Preschool to Grade 3
From the author of Pouch! (Putnam, 2009) comes a bedtime story full of classic fairytales stalled by the tender heart and big mouth of Little Red Chicken. Her hilarious, yet sincere, warnings to Hansel and Gretel, Red Riding Hood and Chicken Little leave her father no choice but to ask her to write her own bedtime story.
More Great Reads for Kids
Find the perfect read for any age
Check out the 2010 Newbery and Caldecott medal winners
Children's books Michelle Obama loves to read
Author and literary ambassador Katherine Paterson's reading list
Written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Candlewick, 2010. ISBN-10: 0763641685
Suitable for Preschool to Grade 3
From the author of Pouch! (Putnam, 2009) comes a bedtime story full of classic fairytales stalled by the tender heart and big mouth of Little Red Chicken. Her hilarious, yet sincere, warnings to Hansel and Gretel, Red Riding Hood and Chicken Little leave her father no choice but to ask her to write her own bedtime story.
More Great Reads for Kids
Find the perfect read for any age
Check out the 2010 Newbery and Caldecott medal winners
Children's books Michelle Obama loves to read
Author and literary ambassador Katherine Paterson's reading list
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