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READING STYLE GUIDE

Graphic Novels 2019: New Directions

1/30/2020

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Graphic Novels for the Win

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One of the historic announcements at the 2020 American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards was the Newbery Award. Jerry Craft’s New Kid is the first graphic novel to receive this distinction.
Previous award-winning comics include:
2007 Printz award American Born Chinese, 2007 Sibert honor To Dance, 2015 Newbery honor El Deafo, 2015 Caldecott honor This One Summer, 2016 Newbery honor Roller Girl, 2016 Sibert honor Drowned City, 2017 Coretta Scott King Award March: Book Three, 2017 Excellence in Nonfiction Award March: Book Three, 2017 Printz Award March: Book Three, 2017 Sibert Award March: Book Three, 2017 Pura Belpré Award Lowriders to the Center of the Earth, 2019 Morris Finalist Check, Please!, 2019 Excellence in Nonfiction Honor, Faithful Spy (hybrid text and graphics), 2019 Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist Hey Kiddo, 2019 Excellence in Nonfiction Award The Unwanted, 2019 Sibert Honor The Unwanted. ​
2007 was the breakthrough year with graphic novels capturing the Printz Award and a Sibert Honor. There followed an eight-year gap (EIGHT YEARS!) before graphic novels began to pop up on award lists. Two titles each were awarded in 2015 and 2016. In 2017 one book, March: Book Three garnered top honors with four ALA awards, in addition to the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and an Eisner Award. That's a lot of stickers on one cover! The momentum built in 2019 with four comics winning awards and The Unwanted received two awards.
This year New Kid earned the covetous Newbery Award. Graphic novels for the win. Huzzah!
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Worth Noting

Sequential panel format that combines images and text offers an engaging reading experience. In addition to the recognized 2019 titles, many other delightful and informative graphic novels were published during the year. These comics feature a variety of subjects and employ innovative storytelling techniques. They are gems. Take a look.
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Young California surfer Trot and her one-eyed cat discover a fantasy underwater world. Inspired by Vietnamese folktales and Frank Baum, they are brimming with stunning design and nouveau style art.
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Historical fiction chronicling the life and legacy of African legend Shaka with fascinating insights into Zulu history. Explores the complex role of leadership and chronicles the expanded the role of women in this society. The second of two volumes.
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Middle grade tale of witchcraft and magic. It's also a story of three generations of women. Thoughtful contemplation of identity with a unique twist. Bonus: sparkles with wit and visual humor.
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A well-researched account of Brontë's struggle to become an author is featured in The Center for Cartoon Studies reality-based series. An independent woman living in the 1880's and supporting herself is a compelling story. 
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This hybrid combines distinct first person narrative text with emotion-packed images which give life to this  story of immigration and sibling rivalry. Bonus: amazing mouth-watering cakes described in each chapter.
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Big Ideas That Changed the World recounts this significant historical event in graphic novel format. Excellent pacing enhances the tension culminating in the successful lunar landing of Apollo 11.
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World of Art

11/14/2019

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Superlative 2019 Illustrated Children's Books 

Each book is a visual treat.
Members of the 2019 panel:
  • Bruce Handy, a journalist and critic and the author of “Wild Things: The Joy of Reading Children’s Literature as an Adult.”
  • Jessica Cline, supervising librarian in the Picture Collection of the New York Public Library.
  • Jillian Tamaki, the Book Review’s By the Book illustrator and a past winner of the award. She is the author and illustrator of several graphic novels and the picture book “They Say Blue.”
This selection of books is particularly notable by the number of books with an international connection: authors and illustrators represent an array of countries and cultures.  A stunning variety of story lines, book design, artistic styles and expression are evidence of the universal appeal of fine art for young readers. This small sample from ten award winners invites readers to visit a local bookstore or library and experience the wonder of picture books for children.
Travel the world with this year's award winners.  Pairing these picture books with a map of the world would make an interesting learning experience for young readers. Note: Books with a connection outside the continental United States are designated with a global icon. 
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Small in the City written and illustrated by Sydney Smith

Sydney Smith  lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Small in the City published by Neal Porter Books, is an imprint of Holiday House. The story is set in Toronto. Fun Fact: Town Is by the Sea, illustrated by Smith is a 2017 Best Illustrated Children's Book. 

Another written and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Christian Robinson lives in San Francisco, California in a converted warehouse. Another is published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon and Schuster. Fun Fact: Leo: A Ghost Story was recognized a 2015 Best Illustrated Children's Book.
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The Lost Cousins written and illustrated by B.B. Cronin

Brian Cronin was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland.  He now lives in New York. The Lost Cousins is published by Viking Books for Young Readers. Fun Fact: Cronin has created several Lost titles including The Lost Christmas, The Lost Picnic, The Lost House.
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A Million Dots written and illustrated by Sven Völker

Sven Völker, German Professor of Art and Design. A Million Dots is published by British publisher, Cicada Books. Fun Fact: There's a Little Black Spot on the Sun Today is a collaboration: "King of Pain" lyrics by Sting and illustrations by Völker.
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Just Because written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

Isabelle Arsenault is a Canadian illustrator living in Montreal, Quebec. Just Because is published by Candlewick. Fun Fact: Migrant (2011) and Jane, the Fox, and Me (2013) are New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books.
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Child of Glass written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna

Beatrice Alemagna is from Bologna, Italy. Child of Glass is published by Enchanted Lion Books. Fun Fact: Alemagna's On a Magical Do-Nothing Day is a 2017 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book.
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Monkey on the Run written and illustrated by Leo Timmers

​Leo Timmers was born in Belgium. Monkey on the Run is published by Gecko Press in New Zealand. Fun Fact: Timmers is currently developing an animated TV series based on his work.
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The Boring Book written and illustrated by Shinsuke Yoshitake

Shinsuke ​Yoshitake, born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan illustrates children's books and essays. ​The Boring Book is published by Chronicle Books. Fun Fact: Yoshitake also creates comics.
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​The Farmer written and illustrated by Ximo Abadía

Ximo Abadía, illustrator and graphic designer, lives and works in Madrid, Spain.   The Farmer is published by Holiday House. Fun Fact: His work was selected for the Bologna Children's Illustrator's Exhibition in 2017.
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I Miss My Grandpa written and illustrated by Jin Xiaojing

​Jin Xiaojing is an illustrator based in New York City. I Miss My Grandpa is published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Fun Fact: Printed in a bilingual format with Chinese translations and Mandarin pinyin transliterations.

Art in the Making​

Art History

Visit this year's award-winning  artists at work.
View the New York Times New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Books from  2018 and 2017.  
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Award-winning Illustrations

11/7/2018

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The Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2018

The New York Times has released the 2018 list of Best Illustrated Children's Books.  It's a list that features a rich variety in subject matter and illustration style. Find copies of these excellent picture books at local libraries and bookstores.
​Since 1952, we’ve convened a rotating annual panel of three expert judges, who consider every illustrated children’s book published that year in the United States. They select the winners purely on the basis of artistic merit. The judges this time were Leonard Marcus, a children’s literature historian and critic; Jenny Rosenoff, a children’s librarian at the New York Public Library; and Bryan Collier, the author and illustrator of many acclaimed picture books and a past winner of the award.
AYOBAMI AND THE NAMES OF THE ANIMALS
written by PIlar Lopez Aliva 
​illustrated by Mar Azabal
OUR CAR
written by J.M. Brum
illustrated by Jan Bajtlik
THE FOREST
written by Riccardo Bozzi 
illustrated by Violeta Lopiz & Valerio Vidali
THE FUNERAL
​written and illustrated by Matt James
RUN WILD
written and illustrated by David Covell
DREAMERS
written and illustrated by Yuri Morales
FLORETTE
​written and illustrated by Anna Walker
SHE MADE A MONSTER:
​How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein 
written by Lynn Fulton
illustrated by Felicita Sala 
THE HOUSE THAT ONCE WAS
written by Julie Fogliano
​illustrated by Lane Smith
THE VISITOR
written and illustrated by Antje Damm
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Award-winning Illustrations

11/13/2017

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The Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2017

​This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award — and the first year of the Times’ partnership with the New York Public Library on the honor. We’re unveiling a new name: The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award. The Times and NYPL share a mission: to recognize the best in children’s literature and bring great books to young readers.
As always, the winners were selected by a panel of three judges, who based their decision purely on artistic merit. The 2017 judges are Steven Guarnaccia, an associate professor of illustration at Parsons The New School for Design and the author and illustrator of numerous books; Marjorie Priceman, the author and illustrator of many children’s books and the winner of two Caldecott Honors and two New York Times Best Illustrated Books Awards; and Louise Lareau, the head librarian of the New York Public Library Children’s Center.   New York Times November 2, 2017
What a superb selection!  Take a look at some of the art from this year's award-winning picture books. Because the award is based on artistic merit, I have arranged the titles by the last name of the illustrator. 

On a Magical Do-Nothing Day 
Written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
Written by Monica Brown Illustrated by John Parra

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality
Written by Jonah Winter Illustrated by Stacy Innerst

King of the Sky
Written by Nicola Davies Illustrated by Laura Carlin

The Way Home in the Night
Akiko Miyakoshi

A River
​Marc Martin

Feather
Rémi Courgeon

Plume
Isabelle Simler

Town Is By the Sea
Joanne Schwartz Illustrated by Sydney Smith

Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters
Michael Mahin Illustrated by Evan Turk

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Beautiful Mixture of Dreams

7/11/2017

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Young People's Poet Laureate
​Margarita Engle

​​Songs follow you
Of peace, love, and good fortune
Offered to the poet who kisses these waters
Virtue, inspiration, and strength

From “A LA LUNA”  Juan Francisco Manzano
The Poet Slave of Cuba 
1797 - 1853
Congratulations Margarita Engle, named by The Poetry Foundation as Young People's Poet Laureate "in recognition of a career devoted to writing exceptional poetry for young readers."  This Cuban American author is the first Latino to receive the award.  She will serve at Poet Laureate for a period of two years.
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Here are some of my favorite images of Margarita Engle. They capture her gentle manner and her love of nature.​
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I distinctly remember my introduction to the work of Engle. While strolling through the book displays at an American Library Association conference, a small volume caught my eye. The title The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano and the stunning cover art by Sean Qualls intrigued me. I picked up a copy and was immediately entranced. What a remarkable man! I left that day with a copy of the book and a determination to seek out the works of Engle.
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I had the honor to serve on the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award committee for 2016.  Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir​ was selected as an Honor Book.  I had the opportunity to read this volume many times, taking copious notes. The more I studied this book, the greater my appreciation for the depth and strength this memoir and the elegant poetry she employs to tell her story.
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Look what's on my desk: Titles from Margarita Engle, Young People's Poet Laureate and all published in 2017. This trio of books explore and celebrate Hispanic literature, history and culture. Her work is indicative of her "passion, knowledge of nature, and curiosity about the world."
Here is a brief glimpse at these three exciting new poetic works. While each of these books have been published for children, the subject matter and the exquisite language and art are suitable for readers of all ages.

​All the Way to Havana
by Margarita Engle ill Mike Curato

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"Cara cara"
Cars! Beginning with the fabulous end papers, readers are treated to images of some amazing retro cars. But this book is about more than cars. It is a story of family and resourcefulness, a story of finding joy and pride in simple things. Take a trip to Havana in a blue 1953 Chevy. This is one ride you will want to take again and again. Mike Curato visited Havana to research this book and his attention to accurate detail shows on every page.
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Miguel's Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and His Dreams of Don Quixote
​by Margarita Engles ill Raúl Colón

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"No giant or dragon 
is bigger or stronger 
​than the human imagination
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The life of young Miguel Cervantes is brilliantly captured in a series of poems highlighting his struggles and dreams. Engles does not shy away from including the painful episodes of his childhood: an absent father, a family struggling to survive, the threat of the plague, and limited opportunities for schooling. This is counterbalanced by Cervantes imagination, love to story, and desire to learn.
Colón's gorgeous ink and colorwash illustrations are the perfect blend of reality and fantasy.
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Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics
by Margarita Engle ill Rafael López

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"So many, so varied, such a beautiful
mixture of dreams!
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This compilation of poems celebrating the contributions of Hispanic Americans highlights famous as well as lesser-known individuals. ​​Back matter includes additional information as well as a listing of "more amazing Latinos."  Strong colorful graphic art by López enriches the poetry. Kudos to the publisher for simultaneously publishing this book in Spanish and English.
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Enjoy the wide range of books that Engles has created for a variety of audiences
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Engle's poetry and prose are a gift to young readers everywhere.  They have timeless appeal and will remain classics for years to come.
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Comics for Early Readers

5/22/2017

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Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World by James Sturm

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​Each year during the San Diego Comic-Con, winners of the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are announced. Recognition is awarded to outstanding comics and comic-related materials published during the previous year. Among the many categories, this year's nominees include a stellar group of comics published for early readers.
​Take a look at one of the nominees for this year's award.
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Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World by James Sturm introduces readers to the playground antics of two friends: Ape and Armadillo. As Agents of Evil, they devise a scheme to combat the evil forces of the world. However, there is a problem. Armadillo has developed his own special plan. Ape will combat the evil-doers. Armadillo will sweep in afterward, assuming the role of the conquering hero.
This is not working so well for Ape and he objects. It's unfair!
There follows a discussion on the meaning of "unfair" and what is a "good idea" entails. Eventually the friends compromise, negotiating a plan that both agree will work. Engaging characters, sparkling dialog that zings when read aloud, great action scenes which include a space cannon, plenty of gentle humor, and ice cream, make this a sure-fire hit for young readers.
Bonus: There are also dogs. Lots of dogs.
World domination like you've never experienced it.
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But wait. There is more....
​Sturm has ingeniously included mini comics at the bottom of each page. Each mini strip, three or four panels in length, asks a question such as: What super power would you want? If your friend was a cookie what kind with they be? Ape and Armadillo take turns giving their responses. A bonus comic at the conclusion of the story revolves around that old "psychic" number guessing games. Armadillo and Ape turn the game on its head. Guessing numbers has never been so much fun!
But wait. There is more...
Check out this bonus material which includes an interview with James Sturm who draws while he answers questions from Maria Russo and those viewing the live broadcast. Wow! He can draw and think and talk at the same time!
Be sure check out the templates which young readers can use to create their own comics based on the mini strips running along the bottom of each Ape and Armadillo page.
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I have planned a few workshops and storytimes to take place this summer. One workshop will be with a group of teens and a separate storytime will be for children whose ages span a wide range. I plan to use this book along with the comic panel templates and prompts. While the book is specifically geared to younger readers, the concepts translate well with middle grade and teens interested in creating their own comics.

​Thanks James Sturm and Toon Books for this fantastic leveled comic for early readers.
Why yes. I do have a signed copy!
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Companion Books

Nominees for 2017 Eisner Award: Publication for Early Readers
Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World joins four other books nominated for this year's Eisner Award for Publication for Young Readers. The winner will be announced ​Friday, July 21 2017 at Comic-Con International. Which comic will win? Stay tuned.
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Burt's Way Home
​by James Martz
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The Creeps: The Trolls Will Feast
​by ​Chris Schweizer
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I'm Grumpy
​by Jennifer L. Holm &
​Matthew Holm
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Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea
​by Ben Clanton
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It's a Fact: Nonfiction Rocks!

1/13/2016

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2015.  What a year.  It seemed that almost daily a YA nonfiction book was delivered to my home. It was always exciting to open each book, filled with fresh possibilities of things to learn, worlds to explore. The deep dive into a year of informational text was exhilarating. I know firsthand that nonfiction is absorbing reading that can elicit strong emotional responses from readers.

YALSA's 2016 Award for Excellence in Nonfiction

And the winners are...
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Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War written by Steve Sheinkin, and published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan’s Children’s Publishing Group

Sheinkin’s latest is a thrilling journalistic account of government insider Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the Pentagon Papers and exposed the questionable decisions that led to the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War. This cinematic work simultaneously recounts a history of the Vietnam War, details the complete reversal of one man’s loyalties, chronicles the downfall of a presidential administration, examines First Amendment rights, and explores honor and morality. A timely exploration of American history that crackles with tension and excitement.

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Symphony for the City of the Dead:  Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad written by M.T. Anderson, and published by Candlewick Press

Dmitri Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony was completed during the horrors of the 900-day Siege of Leningrad during World War II. Anderson’s sweeping history of the first half of the twentieth century in Soviet Russia and his focus on the life of the slight, bespectacled composer is dramatic, challenging, and immersive. Political and cultural revolutions and upheavals enveloped Russia over the decades during which Shostakovich grew into one of the West’s most celebrated composers. Meticulous research and a captivating narrative celebrate courage, perseverance—and music.

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Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir written by Margarita Engle, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing

Cuban? American? Lush island paradise or fast-paced city living? These are the two worlds that Margarita Engle eloquently describes through lyrical, free-verse poems as she attempts to define herself, her family, and her country within the context of being biracial during the United States’ invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. The power of this book lies in the emotional connections and vivid imagery evoked by observing the simple differences between Engle’s two families as she deftly explores both cultures’ customs and traditions.

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First Flight Around the World: The Adventures of the American Fliers Who Won the Race written by Tim Grove,  and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS

In 1924, a team of American aviators embarked on a race to circumnavigate the globe. During their 150-day journey, the crew faced hostile weather, pesky reporters, mechanical failures, and agonizing disappointments. Drawing on archival materials, Grove enlivens this story of historical achievement with humor and fascinating travel anecdotes, while portraying the perseverance and dedication of the crew. This suspenseful tale is a visual feast with heart.

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This Strange Wilderness:  The Life and Art of John James Audubon written by Nancy Plain, and published by University of Nebraska Press

John James Audubon traveled the length and breadth of North America in service of his monumental 
Birds of America, the work that marked his lasting reputation as a naturalist. Plain’s account, drawn from Audubon’s journals and letters, conveys the artist’s determination (some regarded him as a madman) to document the continent’s rich variety of birds and other wildlife. This elegantly designed book deftly blends art and ornithology, and includes lovely reproductions of Audubon’s work.

2016 Excellence in Nonfiction Vetted Nomination List

If you're looking for additional nonfiction selections for teens published in 2015, this list is a great place to start.
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A glimpse into the process: Photos from ALA 2016 Midwinter
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Variety in the World of YA Lit: National Book Award Finalists

10/26/2015

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And the finalists are...

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YA Literature encompasses a wide range of genres and formats. This is evident in the list of finalists for The National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Let's take a look. Included in the list are examples of realistic fiction, magical realism, first person accounts, historical nonfiction, fantasy, and one graphic novel format.  Isn't it terrific to see such variety in YA Lit?

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

A glimpse into mental illness revealed through three different perspectives.
"Neal Shusterman’s novel is a swirling, surrealistic look inside the mind of one teen, Caden, who is struggling with mental illness. Chapters narrated by Caden alternate between a bizarre shipboard setting and the world we know, all viewed through the teen’s sometimes impenetrable perspective. It’s a very personal story for Shusterman, whose son Brendan created the book’s artwork while in the depths of his own battles with mental illness."
​The Horn Book March 2015

​Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin

Sheinkin's historical account is written specifically for young readers.
"From 1964 to 1971, Daniel Ellsberg went from nerdy analyst for the Rand Corp. to “the most dangerous man in America.” ... He helped to amass the Pentagon Papers—“seven thousand pages of documentary evidence of lying, by four presidents and their administrations over twenty-three years”—and then leaked them to the press, ...Sheinkin ably juggles the complex war narrative with Ellsberg’s personal story, pointing out the deceits of presidents and tracing Ellsberg’s rise to action."
Kirkus review  September 2015

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

Ruby blends a realistic coming-of-age portrayal with magical realism.
"The cornfields around Bone Gap hide passageways between worlds, and the novel moves through them as it untangles its parallel mysteries: what happened to Roza, and why Finn couldn’t describe her abductor’s face. It’s a novel about actual changes in worldview, and all its science and myth and realism and magic are marshaled, finally, to answer crucial questions about empathy and difference, and the ways we see the people we love."
New York Times review May 2015

Nimona by Noel Stevenson

Stevenson originally created this mashup of medieval life and modern technology as a web comic.
​"Magic and science uneasily share the same space in 'Nimona.' Dark sorcery and magical creatures exist beside telecommunication view screens and rocket launchers. A scientist creates a green- glowing energy device, declaring that it is “the first step to reconciling science and magic.” The tension is represented in the contrast between Ballister and Nimona, one a man of (evil) science, the other a purely magical being." 
New York Times review July 2015

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

Benjamin's realistic fiction is infused with a fascinating dose of marine science.
"The dedication of “The Thing About Jellyfish” reads, “For curious kids everywhere.” It could also read, “For all those kids who need a gentle nudge to look closer at nature and science.” Or perhaps, “For grieving kids who are struggling to come to terms with their losses, and seeking a path to peace and conciliation.” There are, in other words, a lot of children who might not only benefit from this book but also find themselves deeply moved by it."
New YorkTimes review October  2015
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I On September 14, 2015 The National Book Foundation released the longlist for Young People's Literature.
Very Pleasant Surprise! Three titles (Symphony for the City of the Dead, This Side of Wild, and Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War) are nonfiction.  X: A Novel is historical fiction, based on the life of Malcolm X.
There has recently been a flowering of innovative nonfiction picture books, The prominance of nonfiction on this prestigous award's longlist offers evidence to the recognition of quality nonfiction. It is exciting to see excellent nonfiction for young readers getting some serious  recognition. 
Outstanding reading selections for young people can be found in a variety of genre and formats, as evidenced by this year's longlist.  A recent Someday My Printz Will Come has some interesting observations about the composition of the list.
I have read seven of the nonimated titles (three are waiting on my TBR stack). From my viewpoint, there is a lot of brilliant writing to be had this year. Congratulations to these authors. 

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  • ​Becky Albertalli, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Children's Books)
  • M.T. Anderson, Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad (Candlewick Press)

  • Ali Benjamin, The Thing About Jellyfish (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

  • Rae Carson, Walk on Earth a Stranger (Greenwillow/HarperCollins Children's Books)

  • Gary Paulsen, This Side of Wild: Mutts, Mares, and Laughing Dinosaurs (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing)

  • Laura Ruby, Bone Gap (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Children's Books)

  • Ilyasah Shabazz, with Kekla Magoon, X: A Novel (Candlewick Press)

  • Steve Sheinkin, Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War (Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan Children's Publishing Group)

  • Neal Shusterman, Challenger Deep (HarperCollins Children's Books)

  • Noelle Stevenson, Nimona (HarperTeen/HarperCollins Children's Books)

This is a stunning list. Kudos to the judges 
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Texas Author Shout-out

8/2/2015

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Now that I am officially a Texan, it seems fitting to feature a Lone Star State author. So...introducing the books of  Chris Barton.
I remember reading Shark vs Train for the bazillionth time to the youngest grandchild and marveling that the story never seemed to get old, for him or for me. I enjoyed his 2010 Siebert Honor Award-winning story of The Day-Glow Brothers. Imagine my surprise when I located Attack! Boss! Cheat Code! for Reading Style Guide resource and discovered that it was written by (yes that's right)  Chris Barton.
I started to become aware of how versatile Chris is. He seems to find the most interesting projects - ones that would never occur to me. When I read his books, his special way of looking at events shines through with "energy and life” (The Day-Glo Brothers author's note).
This year Chris has published not one but two books for young readers: The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch "It's the story of a guy who in ten years went from teenage field slave to U. S. Congressman" (author's note). and The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition.  I wonder: Could this be a contender for longest picture-book-title of 2015?

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The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition by Chris Barton illustrated by Cathy Gendron

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The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition treats readers to a fresh approach to this holiday classic. As I have come to expect, Chris goes after the fascinating and little-known back story. In this case, brothers Willam, Harold and Lew Christensen set about in 1944 to create a ballet that would appeal to San Francisco audiences. 
Barton uses reader friendly phrases like "the whole shebang" and “who would've thought?" to keep the text from being stuffy and sounding highfalutin.  I loved learning little details including Harold's pants that were prone to slide down and the dancer in costume who had to be cut free from the sewing machine.
Careful research, extensive back matter, original photos and Cathy Gendron's artful oil glaze illustrations make ballet accessible to all readers. 
Barton's description of the brothers' love of dance is also a fitting description for this book filled with "high-energy flash and dazzle as well as graceful storytelling".



I'm planning to give copies as holiday gifts. My prediction: it will be a hit with readers old and young. 

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Front end papers: setting the scene
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The brothers first began performing in vaudeville.
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Nutcracker image from Gendron's website.
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Nutcracker program covers.
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YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction

6/24/2015

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This year I am serving on the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award committee. As I prepare for the upcoming meetings, I have been reviewing both the criteria for book selection and the award rules. 
"YALSA's Award for Excellence in Nonfiction honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a Nov. 1 – Oct. 31 publishing year. The winner is announced annually at the ALA Youth Media Awards, with a shortlist of up to five titles named the first week of December."
To suggest a title for consideration:
 The 2016 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults committee will consider books published between November 1, 2014 and October 31, 2015. Publishers, authors, or editors may not nominate their own titles.  Field nominations will be accepted for books that meet the published criteria. Field nominations must be seconded by a committee member. Click here to access the online Field Nomination form.
Take a look at the previous Excellence in Nonfiction award winners:
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2015 
Popular:Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek
Maya Van Wagenen

This memoir of Maya Van Wagenen’s eighth grade year is one part 1950s popularity guidebook mixed with two parts courage and one truly modern geek girl. She uses Betty Cornell’s Teenage Popularity Guide to take on the social hierarchy of her school and manages to achieve acceptance and understanding.

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2014 
The Nazi Hunters: How a Team of Spies and Survivors Captured the World's Most Notorious Nazi
Neal Bascom
At the end of World War II, Adolf Eichmann, the Nazi leader responsible for organizing the deportation and imprisonment of millions of Holocaust victims, went into hiding under an assumed identity.  Eventually he fled to Argentina where he lived and worked under a false name for 10 years.  Bascomb tells the story of Eichmann’s crimes, his years in hiding, and his eventual capture and trial with rich detail and riveting suspense.  At the same time, Bascomb introduces readers to the courageous Israeli agents, Holocaust survivors, and their families who worked together to track down, capture, and bring Eichmann to justice.

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2013 
Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the World's Most Dangerous Weapon 
Steve Sheinkin
In this suspenseful combination of science and history, Sheinkin masterfully exposes the international race to develop an atomic weapon and bring an end to World War II.  This true-life spy thriller features an international cast of characters and will keep readers on the edge of their seats.  Period photographs of key players and an abundance of primary sources bring this well-researched story to life.  Sheinkin gives readers insight into what happened with all of the major players after the end of the war.  A thought-provoking epilogue on the long term implications of atomic weaponry reminds readers that the results of scientific inquiry have long term implications for everyone.

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2012 
The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery
Steve Sheinkin

Treating history as mystery, Sheinkin takes readers through means, motive, and opportunity as he outlines Arnold’s path towards treason. This well researched (with liberal use of primary sources) cradle to grave biography emphasizes the political, social, and military issues within the Colonial army and how Arnold ambitiously maneuvered his own career through grit and determination.

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2011
 Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing
Ann Angel

From her humble beginnings in a small town in Texas to her marquee life as a superstar of '60s rock, Janis Joplin remains an icon of music. Despite her short life, she left an indelible impression on the music of an era.

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2010 
Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith 
Deborah Heiligman

After creating a list of the pros and cons of marriage, science-minded Charles Darwin chooses to marry his strictly religious first cousin. Little does he know that he is about to embark upon the most loving, creative, and intellectually important relationship of his life.

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    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

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