From: Robin Smith <smithr>
Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 10:41:29 -0600

Ed, I admit I had not thought about the age parameters of the Sibert, so I was not particulary shocked when I saw the Gantos autobiography on the Sibert list.

But, I just found this at the ALA website:

"Children's literature is defined as books for which children are the potential audience. The book displays respect for children's understanding, abilities, and appreciation. Children are defined as persons of ages up to and including fourteen years, and books for this entire age range are to be considered."

SO, what do you all think?

 Message----From: Ed Sullivan [mailto:sully at korrnet.org] Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2003 10:15 AM To: Megan Schliesman Cc: Subscribers of ccbc-net Subject: Re: [ccbc-net] 2003 Sibert Award Books


I think Giblin's book certainly is deserving. What shocked me is Hole in My Life receiving an honor. If there was ever a book strictly for young adults, it is Gantos's memoir. How the committee could consider it notable children's nonfiction is beyond me. Hole in My Life deservingly received a Printz honor (it should have been the medal winner), but it is not by any definition a children's book.

Ed Sullivan


Ed Sullivan, M.S.L.S 103 Oneida Lane Oak Ridge, TN 37830
(865) 483r03
Received on Wed 26 Feb 2003 10:41:29 AM CST