1. John Newbery Medal Searching for the Most Distinguished North Coast Council March 9, 2016

2. ALA Youth Media Awards January 11, 2016 http://ala.unikron.com/2016/

3. Traveling the Newbery Road

4. The Call to Serve or Email

5. The 2016 Newbery Committee The Award is given annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published by an American publisher in the United States in English during the preceding year. The award is restricted to authors who are citizens or residents of the United States.

6. The All Important Criteria Committee members need to consider the following: Interpretation of the theme or concept Presentation of information including accuracy, clarity, and organization Development of a plot Delineation of characters Delineation of a setting Appropriateness of style. Committee members must consider excellence of presentation for a child audience. Each book is to be considered as a contribution to American literature. The committee is to make its decision primarily on the text. Other components of a book, such as illustrations, overall design of the book, etc., may be considered when they make the book less effective. The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on other media (i.e., sound or film equipment) for its enjoyment. The committee should keep in mind that the award is for literary quality and quality presentation for children. The award is not for didactic content or popularity.

7. Evaluation Process and Diversity In August 2015 the Newbery manual was revised to include a statement about Diversity and Book evaluation (page 23). Diversity and ALSC Media Award Evaluation Inclusiveness is a core value of ALSC. It is the responsibility of each ALSC media award and notables committee to reflect this value in their approach to their work. ALSC award and notables lists provide librarians, teachers and parents with information about books and other media our association holds in the highest regard. Everyone benefits, children most of all, when the titles recognized within and across ALSC awards and best-of-the-year lists authentically reflect the diversity found in our nation and the wider world. Each year there will be overlap among individual committees in terms of titles being considered for recognition. The Caldecott, Notables, and Pura Belpré committees, for example, inevitably end up considering some of the same books. It is the responsibility of each committee to consider a work based upon how it meets the criteria of their specific award rather than speculating whether a particular title will receive another award. If a title is recognized by multiple committees, it does not diminish the work of any of those committees; rather, it draws greater attention to a particular work’s excellence. As individuals serving on committees evaluate materials according to the criteria outlined for their specific charge, they should strive to be aware of how their own perspectives and experiences shape their responses to materials. Every committee member brings unique strengths to the table, but every committee member also brings gaps in knowledge and understanding, and biases. Committee members are strongly encouraged to be open to listening and learning as well as sharing as they consider materials representing diverse experiences both familiar and unfamiliar to them.

8. A Year of Reading Book Discussions The Mocks Heavy Medal http://blogs.slj.com/heavymedal/ Goodreads.com http://tinyurl.com/goodreadsnewbery

9. The Midwinter Meeting The book list  can’t say The discussion  my lips are sealed  http://tinyurl.com/ccbcdiscussion The ballot process  see above  http://tinyurl.com/newberymanual

10. The 2016 Honor Books Bradley’s powerful plot, remarkably drawn characters and sparse language are outstanding components of this novel about courage, community and conviction. Astrid falls in love with roller derby and learns how to be tougher, stronger and fearless. Jamieson perfectly captures the highs and lows of growing up in this dynamic graphic novel. Four stories, one harmonica. This original fairytale intertwines with historical fiction to explore music and its power to save, heal and set free.

11. 2016 Newbery Award Winner It’s a Picture Book?!?! Presentation of information – Lationsinkidlit.com (Pat Enciso): “It is a story where it matters that CJ is a Black child spending Sunday with his grandmother. It is a story where it matters still more that CJ and Nana ask each other hard questions and make space for complex answers. It is a story where it matters that we, too, might learn to make our world as we go along.” Development of plot – Librarian in Cute Shoes Blog: “The music, Nana’s words, and the passengers on the bus have all had an effect on CJ. And from then on, when he asks a question, he is asking for a different reason – not because he is complaining any more, but because he is truly wondering.” Delineation of setting – School Library Journal: “The urban setting is truly reflective, showing people with different skin colors, body types, abilities, ages, and classes in a natural and authentic manner…A lovely title.” “CJ’s journey with his Nana is not just a simple bus ride; it is a multi-sensory experience through which he discovers that beautiful music, nature and people surround him. CJ’s questions are familiar, and Nana answers him with gentle wisdom. Right up until their arrival at the last stop on Market Street, Nana guides CJ to become “a better witness for what’s beautiful.” “Read it aloud to someone. The use of language to elicit questions, to spark imagination and to make us laugh is at its best when spoken,” said Newbery Medal Committee Chair Ernie J. Cox. http://tinyurl.com/2016newbery

12. Mary Schreiber Collection Development Specialist Cuyahoga County Public Library Email: mschreiber@cuyahogalibrary.org Twitter: @mary_booknerd27 SLJ “Newbery Confidential”: http://tinyurl.com/newberyconfidential