2016 Newbery and Caldecott Winners

The 2016 Newbery and Caldecott winners are Matt de la Peña and Sophie Blackwell respectively as  announced by the American Library Association. What do you think? Have you read these books or any of the Honor Books?

2016 Newbery Medal

The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature is the picture book, Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson. It captures the bus ride of a young boy, CJ, and his nana who answers all his questions and teaches CJ to see the world with all his senses and new eyes. The illustrations colorfully and beautifully capture the pair’s journey through town. I love how this book captures ethnic, economic, and generational diversity. And, the ALA agrees with me — this book is also a Caldecott Honor Book.

The three Newbery Honor Books are:

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brusker Bradley. This historical fiction novel is one of the most powerful, heart-tugging stories I’ve ever read and I can’t recommend it enough. My review here.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson about a girl finding herself through the sport of roller derby. My review here.

Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan which is a unique four historical stories in one novel that share the common thread of a harmonica. My review here.

2016 Caldecott Medal

The 2016 Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book goes to Sophie Blackall for illustrating the book Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear written by Lindsay Mattock. I adore Blackwell’s illustrations and have for years (Ivy & Bean, Mr. and Mrs. Bunny) The Winnie story is so interesting and sweet, this picture book is a lovely choice to win.

The three Caldecott Honor Books are:

Trombone Shorty illustrated by Bryan Collier and written by Troy Andrews, is an autobiography, of Trombone Shorty about his life in the jazz scene in New Orleans.

Waiting by Kevin Henkes celebrates the everyday moments and objects that bring joy to the five toys waiting on a windowsill. The use of white space and repetition is absolutely brilliant as it gives the feeling of peacefulness and security.

Voice of Freedom:  Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement illustrated by Ekua Holmes and written by Carole Boston Weatherford is a biography poetry book about civil rights activist, Fannie Lou Hamer. The book’s stunning collage illustrations jump off the page as stories in their own right.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson