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[CCBC-Net] fiction vs. nonfiction on Mock Newbery lists
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From: Susanna Reich <reichgolio>
Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:11:28 -0500
In looking over the Mock Newbery lists that were posted recently, I was struck by how few nonfiction books were on the lists of books that kids were asked to read. How does this reflect the biases of those doing the choosing? We know that nonfiction books hardly ever win the Newbery
(and that is one reason the Sibert was created). Is it because we think fiction is harder to write? Or that novels are more significant literary accomplishments? Having written both fiction and nonfiction, I can attest to the fact that both are difficult to do well, but they present different challenges to the writer. I'd love to hear people's thoughts on this. Susanna
www.susannareich.com coming in July: Painting the Wild Frontier: The Art and Adventures of George Catlin (Clarion) Penelope Bailey Takes the Stage (Marshall Cavendish) Jose! Born to Dance (Simon & Schuster) Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso (Clarion)
Received on Thu 17 Jan 2008 05:11:28 PM CST
Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:11:28 -0500
In looking over the Mock Newbery lists that were posted recently, I was struck by how few nonfiction books were on the lists of books that kids were asked to read. How does this reflect the biases of those doing the choosing? We know that nonfiction books hardly ever win the Newbery
(and that is one reason the Sibert was created). Is it because we think fiction is harder to write? Or that novels are more significant literary accomplishments? Having written both fiction and nonfiction, I can attest to the fact that both are difficult to do well, but they present different challenges to the writer. I'd love to hear people's thoughts on this. Susanna
www.susannareich.com coming in July: Painting the Wild Frontier: The Art and Adventures of George Catlin (Clarion) Penelope Bailey Takes the Stage (Marshall Cavendish) Jose! Born to Dance (Simon & Schuster) Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso (Clarion)
Received on Thu 17 Jan 2008 05:11:28 PM CST
