Newbery, Caldecott, and Coretta Scott King

 

I chose to talk about the 2023 award winners, now let's talk about each award.

The John Newbery Medal, also known as the Newbery, is a literary award presented by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The award is given to the author who has made the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. 

The 2023 most outstanding contribution to children's literature (Newbery Winer), it is the book Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Themes: Family, Friendship, Enslavement and Escape

Age: 8-12

This book is about a twelve-year-old Homer, who flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Homer knows there's no turning back, and through tangled vines, and secret doorways, the two find a secret community called Freewater. Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from but when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to find his mother and help his new home. 

The Caldecott Medal is an annual literary award presented by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The award is given to the illustrator of the most distinguished American picture book for children published in the preceding year. The award was named after Randolph Caldecott, a 19th-century English illustrator. The Caldecott Medal is considered one of the most prestigious American children’s book awards and is accompanied by a medal featuring two of Caldecott’s illustrations.

The 2023 most distinguished American picture book for children is Hot Dog by Doug Salati.

Genre: Fiction

Themes: 5-senses, feelings and emotions, pets

Ages: 4-8

"Hot Dog" is a picture book that tells the story of a middle-aged human and wiener dog running errands on a hot summer day in the city of New York. The little dog is feeling overwhelmed by the crowds and the heat and finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air.

The Coretta Scott King Award is an annual award presented by the Coretta Scott King Book Award Round Table, part of the American Library Association (ALA). Named for Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., this award recognizes outstanding books for young adults and children by African Americans that reflect the African American experience. Awards are given both to authors and to illustrators.  

The 2023 Coretta Scott King Award illustrated winner is Standing in The Need of Prayer written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morris 

Genre: Picture Book, Poetry, Perseverance, Courage, Role Models, History

Themes: Activism, 

Ages: 6-10

“Standing in the Need of Prayer” is a children’s book by Carole Boston Weatherford that retells Black American history through the words of a popular spiritual. The book features pivotal moments in history, such as the arrival of enslaved people in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619; the integration of the US military; and peaceful present-day protests. The classic lyrics have been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African-American history. The book also celebrates the feats of African-American musicians and athletes, such as Duke Ellington and Florence Griffith Joyner. The end of the book includes descriptions of the people, places, and events featured, along with a note from the author.