Post: ALA Announces Winning Books
ALA Announces Winning Books
David Wiesner's Flotsam won this year's Caldecott Medal yesterday, while the Newberry Medal went to Susan Patron's The Higher Power of Lucky. These are the two highest awards in children's literature, awarded by the American Library Association; the Caldecott is for picture books and the Newberry is for children's literature.
The ALA announced these awards, and several others, at its midwinter meeting in Seattle (click here for the complete list).
Prize-winning titles are likely to generate more interest -- and more sales. The picture books are pretty safe, but other books on the ALA's list feature references to drugs and sex (Small Steps) or deal with slavery and war, (The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume 1: The Pox Party).
How can you decide if any of this year's winners are right for your kids?
Get Common Sense: We've all got unique concerns when it comes to media and our kids. By checking the reviews on our site, you can quickly get our age recommendation, find out what's controversial in the book (sex, drugs, language, etc.), and make your own judgment.
If you decide to let your kids go for it, you can also use the discussion ideas in our Common Sense Note to get them thinking critically about the book's trickier content.
Get support: Consider asking the teen specialists at your library for guidance. Hopefully, they've read the book or at least reviews. Don't ask if it's appropriate for your 14-year-old. Ask specific questions about the content, and how subjects are handled. Librarians can also point you to other reviews and articles written about the book.
Get your own copy: Yes, you're busy, but if you're really concerned, think about reading the book first. Or read it along with your teen. Many controversial children and young adult titles impart positive messages about being true to yourself; you might be relieved to find rich material underneath a titillating premise. Reading with your teens will allow you to share your concerns –- and answer any of their questions.
Hand out your own awards: Let us know about your favorite children's books by posting below.