On January 18, 2010, at the American Library Association's Midwinter meeting, the 2010 Newbery Medal winner,
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, was announced. Four 2010 Newbery Honor Books were also recognized. The
John Newbery Medal is the most prestigious award in the United States that an author of children’s books can receive.
The 2010 John Newbery Medal Winner
Rebecca Stead is the winner of the John Newbery Medal for her novel
When You Reach Me, which was published by Wendy Lamb Books, An Imprint of Random House. “Twelve-year-old Miranda encounters shifting friendships, a sudden punch, a strange homeless man and mysterious notes that hint at knowledge of the future. These and other seemingly random events converge in a brilliantly constructed plot. ‘
When You Reach Me is an exceptionally conceived and finely crafted work of fiction that will engage and satisfy readers for years to come,’ said Newbery Committee Chair Katie O'Dell.” (
ALA January 18, 2010 media release)
I was amused at the mention in the media release that “Stead discovered her love for writing when she re-read all her favorite childhood books to cheer herself up after the tragic demise of her laptop.” (
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2010 Newbery Honor Books
Note: All of the quotations in this section are from the January 18, 2010 ALA media release about the awards mentioned above.
- Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice was written by Phillip Hoose and published by Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar Straus Giroux, which is an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Hoose reveals the true story of an unsung hero of the Montgomery bus boycott. Hoose’s work stands out for its creative approach to narrative biography. Colvin’s own recollections are merged seamlessly with the narrative voice, providing a uniquely personal view of Colvin and the Civil Rights Movement.” (Compare prices.)
- The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate was written by Jacqueline Kelly and published by Henry Holt and Company. “On the eve of the 20th century, 11-year-old Calpurnia awakens to new possibilities, and through her evolving relationship with her naturalist grandfather, learns to think like a scientist. Kelly’s rich, evocative language captures Callie’s distinctive voice and lively observations of the natural world.” Read the review.(Compare prices.)
- Where the Mountain Meets the Moon was written by Grace Lin and published by Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers. “A rich tapestry of stories, both original and traditional, transports readers to a fantastic world where Dragon joins Minli on a fortune-changing quest. Grace Lin found inspiration for this tale while traveling in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan.” (Compare prices.)
- The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg was written by Rodman Philbrick and published by The Blue Sky Press, which is an imprint of Scholastic Inc. “This rollicking yarn, presented through the voice of 12-year-old Homer, uses humor and pluck to mitigate the horrors of the Civil War.” (Compare prices.)
