This was a crowded year for great books, especially in middle grade, which is my main area of focus. Highlights of the year included my first ever ALA Youth Media Awards banquet. It was wonderful to be part of the scene that I have observed from the wings for my entire career. Unfortunately, that experience was probably a "one and done", but regardless, my enthusiasm for the field will never flag! Here are my favorite titles of this past eventful year:
Picture Books:
An American Story written by Kwame Alexander & Illustrated by Dare Colter
The illustrations are breathtaking and help to communicate the narrative in a powerful way. Written as a way to explain the horrors of slavery in a school setting, the book is disturbing and geared towards an older audience than traditional picture books.
The Skull by Jon Klassen
Super weird, this Tyrolean folktale could only be shared through the capable hands and imagination of Jon Klassen. Also not for a young audience due to the disturbing nature of the story, but I loved it!
Do You Remember? by Sydney Smith
Beautiful storytelling and illustrations convey yet another sad tale that will help kids process their emotions in times of upheaval and change.
In Every Life by Marla Frazee
I think that Frazee is my favorite living illustrator (along with the Fan brothers). In this new book the text is irrelevant because they take a back seat to the gorgeous pictures.
Middle Grade:
The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary Schmidt
This is the only book this year that made me cry. I felt very invested in the characters, setting, and community. One thing about Gary Schmidt: the man can write!
The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day
Nonfiction that reads like fiction. Yes, I'm an art lover, but this book delves in further with historical information, exciting heists, and quirky real-life characters. Even the most educated art historians will learn something--and be entertained along the way.
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri
An unusual setting, quirky characters, life and death adventures, hilarious scenarios, and excellent storytelling made this new title by a former Newbery winner one of my favorites of the year.
Graphic Novels:
The story starts out hilarious and embarrassing--and stays that way, bringing us all back to our youth and our various first times as the author recounts his european adventures as a tween. Santat had me at the playlist!
Mexikid by Pedro Martin
Martin did a great job at creating a book that in some ways I completely identified with, and in some ways completely didn't, discovering a cultural experience that though specific, felt universal. There is a scene taking place in Mexico that is so crazy I will remember it forever. I love to be surprised!
Teen:
True disclosure: I read less teen books this year and actually read more adult books than ever before (gasp!). Reason being: my kids are finally leaving their teen years and I think that I need a break from teenagers. I plan to try to get into the genre a bit more regularly in 2024.
Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin
A holocaust book based on actual people, this riveting story traces two childhood friends now fighting for survival in two different unbelievable situations--and then finding each other again. An excellent piece of research and storytelling.
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
Boulley takes her world of Printz winner The Firekeepers Daughter and explores the story of the next generation with a new mystery and further eye-opening injustices against indigenous Americans and women in general.
No comments:
Post a Comment