The American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books for children and young adults this week. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the awards encourage original and creative work. Please note this is a partial listing. Please use the link at the bottom of this post for a complete list.
Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos -- Winner: John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature.
In the historic town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania, twelve-year-old Jack Gantos spends the summer of 1962 grounded for various offenses until he is assigned to help an elderly neighbor with a most unusual chore involving the newly dead, molten wax, twisted promises, Girl Scout cookies, underage driving, lessons from history, typewriting, and countless bloody noses.
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai -- Honor Book: John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature.
Through a series of poems, a young girl chronicles the life-changing year of 1975, when she, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam and resettle in Alabama.
Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin -- Honor Book: John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature.
In the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union, ten-year-old Sasha idolizes his father, a devoted Communist, but when police take his father away and leave Sasha homeless, he is forced to examine his own perceptions, values, and beliefs.
A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka -- Winner: Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.
A wordless picture book showing the fun a dog has with her ball, and what happens when it is lost.
Blackout by John Rocco -- Honor Book: Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.
When a busy family's activities come to a halt because of a blackout, they find they enjoy spending time together and not being too busy for once.
Grandpa Green by Lane Smith -- Honor Book: Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.
A child explores the ordinary life of his extraordinary great-grandfather, as expressed in his topiary garden.
Me … Jane by Patrick McDonnell -- Honor Book: Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Holding her stuffed toy chimpanzee, young Jane Goodall observes nature, reads Tarzan books, and dreams of living in Africa and helping animals. Includes biographical information on the prominent zoologist.
Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley -- Winner: Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults.
Seventeen-year-old Cullen's summer in Lily, Arkansas, is marked by his cousin's death by overdose, an alleged spotting of a woodpecker thought to be extinct, failed romances, and his younger brother's sudden disappearance.
Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler -- Honor Book: Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults.
Sixteen-year-old Min Green writes a letter to Ed Slaterton in which she breaks up with him, documenting their relationship and how items in the accompanying box, from bottle caps to a cookbook, foretell the end.
The Returning by Christine Hinwood -- Honor Book: Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults.
Cam Attling, having lost an arm, is the only one from his town of Kayforl to return after twelve years of war. All his fellow soldiers were slain, and suspicion surrounds him. When his betrothal to Graceful Fenister is called off and his role in the community questioned, Cam leaves to find the lord who maimed him but spared his life, seeking answers and a new place in the world.
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey -- Honor Book: Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults.
In small-town Australia, teens Jasper and Charlie form an unlikely friendship when one asks the other to help him cover up a murder until they can prove who is responsible.
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater -- Honor Book: Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults.
Nineteen-year-old returning champion Sean Kendrick competes against Puck Connolly, the first girl ever to ride in the annual Scorpio Races, both trying to keep hold of their dangerous water horses long enough to make it to the finish line.
Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider -- Winner: Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book.
A father tells outlandish stories while trying to get his young son, who is a very picky eater, to eat foods he thinks he will not like.
I Broke My Trunk by Mo Willems -- Honor Book: Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book.
Gerald the elephant tells his best friend Piggie a long, crazy story about how he broke his trunk.
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen -- Honor Book: Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book.
A bear almost gives up his search for his missing hat until he remembers something important, in a cumulative tale with a mischievous twist.
See Me Run by Paul Meisel -- Honor Book: Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book.
A dog has a fun-filled day at the dog park, in this easy-to-read story.
For a full list of awards and winners visit americanlibrariesmagazine.org/news/ala/american-library-association-announces-2012-youth-media-award-winners
Phone: