From: Barbara Scotto <barbara_scotto>
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2004 11:45:34 -0500

I think it is important for us to recognize that any time a group gets together to choose the best book or books of the year, that group will be greatly affected not only by the critical insights of the various members, but also by their varying tastes. In addition, the group process itself comes into play. Are their people on the committee who can argue forcefully and convincingly for their favorites? Are the members of the committee thoughtful and open-minded listeners who are willing to engage in discussion that might make them change their minds about their choices?
 I've often wished we could do an experiment in which several Newbery (or any of the major award) committees convened in a given year. I suspect we would be surprised at the different choices each committee made.
        I, for one, am delighted that so many wonderful books were recognized this year, but not all of my favorites made the lists. For me, the most notable absence is Tree of Life by Peter Sis which I thought was a worthy contender for Caldecott, Newbery and Sibert. On the other hand, many wonderful books were included, some of which I had never seen before. Many new authors and illustrators were recognized which tells us that the children's book world is flourishing.

Barbara

Barbara Scotto Michael Driscoll School Brookline, MA
Received on Mon 19 Jan 2004 10:45:34 AM CST