National library group chooses best kids' books

The Caldecott, Newbery and Coretta Scott King award winners are announced.

Beekle, Winner of the Caldecott medal

This morning was a big morning for children's authors, illustrators and publishers: The American Library Association announced the winners of the ALA Youth Media Awards. I watched the event livestreamed from the ALA Midwinter meeting in Chicago and, while I could see only the podium and not the audience, it was clear from the audio track that the room was full of enthusiastic and grateful winners.

Librarians take their work seriously, as well they should, for many a child has been set on a positive path in life as the result of a book or books placed in their hands by a caring librarian. It sounds corny, but it's true. We need our libraries, because all children deserve access to books and reading. Here in Philadelphia, our library system has been struggling to keep branches open. Go to this website to see how you can help.

Courtney Young, president of the ALA, spoke at the awards ceremony, describing librarians' efforts to change the publishing landscape by affecting demand. "Librarians put diverse books in the hands of youth," she said, and "all kids deserve access." Libraries, says Young, help children build self-esteem and cultural awareness. In her own case, she spoke of how as a child, the library helped her "find a sense of self."

As I watched the covers of the many books nominated, the finalists and the winners, I was impressed by the range of subjects covered — it was a diverse list. There were books about racial and gender issues, about dealing with disabilities, about animals, about art and artists, about friends imaginary and real, and much more. And the appearance of the book covers was impressive as well; I saw many beautifully illustrated books with very sophisticated art.

The books that took home the grand prizes were as follows:

The Randolph Caldecott Medal, first given in 1938, is for the most distinguished American picture book for children. The winner is The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat, about an imaginary friend who sets off on a journey to become real. There were also six Caldecott Honors books.

The John Newbery Medal, named after an 18th century British bookseller and launched in 1922, and given for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature, went to: The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, which its publisher calls "middle grade novel of family and brotherhood."

There were two Newbery honors books, El Deafo, written and illustrated by Cece Bell, a graphic novel about her experience losing her hearing at a young age, and Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (I wrote in an earlier post about how this book won this year's National Book Award for Young People's Literature). Coretta Scott King Award, "recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults," also went to Woodson and Brown Girl Dreaming.

Young adult literature has, over recent years, become much more complex and sophisticated, and entices many adult readers, so hopefully readers young and old will enjoy these prize-wining books. For a full list of the winners, check out this site.