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[CCBC-Net] Newbery and non-fiction
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From: Caroline Parr <CParr>
Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:58:20 -0500
Yes, the Sibert Medal is now given to both author and illustrator (if there is one). From the manual:
"The Sibert Award is presented annually to the author, author/illustrator, co-authors, or author and illustrator named on the title page of the most distinguished informational book for children published in the United States during the preceding year."
This is a change that acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of the visual presentation to the best in nonfiction.
Speaking of "nonfiction," the Sibert refers to "informational" instead. Nonfiction sounds like something that doesn't quite make it as fiction, whereas informational establishes the focus where it belongs.
I was somewhat dismayed to see that the Washington Post, in its article on the youth award winners, totally omitted the Sibert, even in a sidebar listing. Clearly, we have a long way to go in promoting the best informational books for young people.
Caroline
Caroline S. Parr Coordinator of Youth Services Central Rappahannock Regional Library 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-372-1160 www.LibraryPoint.org
-----Original Message----- From: Barbara Kerley [mailto:barbara at barbarakerley.com] Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 10:41 PM To: ccbc-net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Subject: [CCBC-Net] Newbery and non-fiction
>Steven Engelfried wrote:
>Another reason that many excellent non-fiction books might not be Newbery
picks relates to the criteria for the award, which focuses "primarily on the text." Many of the best non-fiction titles utilize illustrations in inventive ways, but this can make it harder for the text to shine.
>The Sibert criteria appropriately includes "visual presentation" as well as
"language" (and other qualities) which allows ALSC to acknowledge the amazing variety of ways books can provide information.
>I think the two awards work very well together
Yes, good point! Have I noticed correctly that the Sibert has shifted away from awarding to the author, to awarding basically to the book?
It's very nice that there is an award specifically for informational books, for the very reason you mention.
I must admit I'm always pleased when something other than a middle-grade novel makes it SOMEWHERE into the Newbery list, however; it's great when fine writing -- and excellence in meeting the particular demands of a specific genre -- are recognized. So I say hooray for Good Masters, Sweet Ladies and for Joyful Noise, for The Great Fire, for Frog and Toad!
Barb Kelly
_______________________________________________ CCBC-Net mailing list CCBC-Net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Visit this link to read archives or to unsubscribe... http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/ccbc-net
Received on Mon 21 Jan 2008 08:58:20 AM CST
Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:58:20 -0500
Yes, the Sibert Medal is now given to both author and illustrator (if there is one). From the manual:
"The Sibert Award is presented annually to the author, author/illustrator, co-authors, or author and illustrator named on the title page of the most distinguished informational book for children published in the United States during the preceding year."
This is a change that acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of the visual presentation to the best in nonfiction.
Speaking of "nonfiction," the Sibert refers to "informational" instead. Nonfiction sounds like something that doesn't quite make it as fiction, whereas informational establishes the focus where it belongs.
I was somewhat dismayed to see that the Washington Post, in its article on the youth award winners, totally omitted the Sibert, even in a sidebar listing. Clearly, we have a long way to go in promoting the best informational books for young people.
Caroline
Caroline S. Parr Coordinator of Youth Services Central Rappahannock Regional Library 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-372-1160 www.LibraryPoint.org
-----Original Message----- From: Barbara Kerley [mailto:barbara at barbarakerley.com] Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 10:41 PM To: ccbc-net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Subject: [CCBC-Net] Newbery and non-fiction
>Steven Engelfried wrote:
>Another reason that many excellent non-fiction books might not be Newbery
picks relates to the criteria for the award, which focuses "primarily on the text." Many of the best non-fiction titles utilize illustrations in inventive ways, but this can make it harder for the text to shine.
>The Sibert criteria appropriately includes "visual presentation" as well as
"language" (and other qualities) which allows ALSC to acknowledge the amazing variety of ways books can provide information.
>I think the two awards work very well together
Yes, good point! Have I noticed correctly that the Sibert has shifted away from awarding to the author, to awarding basically to the book?
It's very nice that there is an award specifically for informational books, for the very reason you mention.
I must admit I'm always pleased when something other than a middle-grade novel makes it SOMEWHERE into the Newbery list, however; it's great when fine writing -- and excellence in meeting the particular demands of a specific genre -- are recognized. So I say hooray for Good Masters, Sweet Ladies and for Joyful Noise, for The Great Fire, for Frog and Toad!
Barb Kelly
_______________________________________________ CCBC-Net mailing list CCBC-Net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Visit this link to read archives or to unsubscribe... http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/ccbc-net
Received on Mon 21 Jan 2008 08:58:20 AM CST
