Every year, as we approach the ALA Midwinter Meeting and the annual Youth Media Award announcements, libraries and schools around the United States offer Mock Election programs. These are a great opportunity for children’s literature aficionados to learn more about some of the great, recently published books for kids. Below, you will find some of the results from mock elections around the country.
To participate, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Results from last year’s mock elections are also available.
On January 23, 2017, at the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meetings held in Atlanta, Georgia, the winners of the 2017 Youth Media Awards were announced. The complete list of 2017 Youth Media Award Winners can be found here.
Mock Newbery Results
(For information about the Newbery Medal, visit the Newbery Medal Homepage.)
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At each of the Berkeley Public Schools eleven elementary schools, Mock Newbery Book Clubs ran on a voluntary basis from September through January, with spillover excitement affecting many more than the roughly 350 direct participants. Working with a curated common list of ten titles, each school has their own Mock Newbery Winner and Honors, and we compiled all of the tallies to pronounce our District Mock Newbery Winner and Honors. Such great books, all of them! The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
Honor Books: Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier.
The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary by Laura Shovan.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
For more information about this program, contact Becca Todd at beccatodd@berkeley.net.
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On January 20th, 20 members of the Baltimore/DC Mock Newbery Group of the Friends School of Baltimore in Baltimore, MD met for a Mock Newbery program. Their final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
Honor Books: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
For more information about this program, contact John Scott at jscott@friendsbalt.org.
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On January 19th, fourteen fifth graders and two adults from Castleton Elementary School in Castleton, New York – who each read at least ten Newbery contenders – participated in an after-school Mock Newbery event. Behind a closed door, they discussed, debated, critiqued and voted several times for their favorites. Says the facilitator: “It was intense!” The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
Honor Books: Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar.
For more information about this program, contact Stacey Rattner at srattner@schodack.k12.ny.us. To read more about the program and see pictures of everyone’s favorite books, check out Stacey Rattner’s blog post here.
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King County Library System had online Mock Newbery voting open to the public from January 2-18. There were approximately 2,000 students around King County who participated in the Mock Newbery through their schools. They read copies of the books generously provided by the KCLS Foundation. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
Honor Books: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Ms. Bixby’s Last Day by John David Anderson.
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
For more information about this program, contact Rebecca Martin at ramartin@kcls.org.
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Each fall, Rhode Island librarians begin meeting to select a “mock” version of the Newbery award in a program coordinated by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services. The group meets three times to nominate and discuss potential winners before developing a final list list of books to be considered at the January voting meeting. On January 18, a group of 17 children’s and school librarians selected the following winner and honor books after reading and discussing 29 eligible books:
Mock Newbery Winner: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Honor Books: Mayday by Karen Harrington.
Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart.
For more information about this program, contact Danielle Margarida at danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov.
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On January 18th, a small group of 6th and 7th graders at Andover Elementary Middle School in Andover, NH met to discuss, debate and vote on their predictions for this year’s Newbery winners. On January 23rd they will live-stream the Youth Media Awards while enjoying a tea party and watch the results come in. Their Mock results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar.
Honor Books: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
The Gallery by Laura Marx-Fitzgerald.
For more information about this program, contact Molly Kidane at mkidane@aemseagles.org.
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In Bellevue, WA, over 30 4th/5th students and 3 teachers at Medina Elementary in Bellevue, WA participated in their first Mock Newbery book club. Waking up for 7:15am meetings every Wednesday, students and teachers read, discussed, and ultimately voted for one winner and four honor titles. Results of the program were:
Mock Newbery Winner: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
Honor Books: When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons, written by Julie Fogliano with pictures by Julie Morstad.
Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
Maxi’s Secrets by Lynn Plourde.
For more information about this program, contact Arika Dickens at arikadickens@yahoo.com.
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Thirteen people gathered on January 11th at the Provo City Library in Provo, Utah for a Mock Newbery discussion and election. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
Honor Books: The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
Mayday by Karen Harrington.
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
For more information about this program, contact Joella Peterson at joellap@provolibrary.com.
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Fifth grade students at Imagine Clay Avenue Middle School, an inner-city school located in Toledo, Ohio held a mock election on January 18th. Fifty students read, discussed, and voted for the Mock Newbery awards. (Students are also preparing for their viewing party to watch the live webcast together and compare the actual results with their winners.) The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
Honor Books: Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
Summerlost by Ally Condie.
For more information about this program, contact Ryan Throop-Voors at ryan.throop@imagineschools.org
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Denver Public Library hosted a Mock Morning which included DPL staff as well as Denver metro area colleagues from other public and school libraries. Eleven people participated in this January 11th Mock Newbery program. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds.
Honor Books: When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons, written by Julie Fogliano with pictures by Julie Morstad.
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo.
For more information about this program, contact Amy Forrester at aforrester@denverlibrary.org
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On January 12th, Pacifica Library staff and Pacifica School District librarians attended a mock Newbery program. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Honor Books: Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
For more information about this program, contact Jessica Ormonde at ormonde@smcl.org.
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On Friday, January 13, 10 people gathered at the Sacramento Public Library in Sacramento, California for a Mock Newbery program. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Honor Books: When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph, written by Roxane Orgill and illustrated by Francis Vallejo.
For more information about this program, contact Caitlin Tormey at CTormey@saclibrary.org.
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On Thursday, January 12, roughly 75 librarians and educators from around the Cincinnati area got together to discuss 9 books for the Mock Newbery at a program sponsored by the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White by Melissa White.
Honor Books: As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds.
Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph, written by Roxane Orgill and illustrated by Francis Vallejo.
Samurai Rising by Pamela Turner.
For more information about this program, contact Sam Bloom at Sam.Bloom@cincinnatilibrary.org.
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On January 8th, twelve readers at the Minnesota Library Association / Saint Catherine University MLIS Program in St. Paul,, Minnesota gathered for a Mock Newbery discussion and election. Their final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Honor Books: Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo.
When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin.
For more information about this program, contact Gail Nordstrom at gnordstrom@viking.lib.mn.us.
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A small group of people who love to read and look for the highest distinction in books got together in a living room in Littleton, Colorado to discuss children’s books. They freely admit that they were not able to read all the eligible titles and that the actual committee is taking more time and reading more widely, but they had a good time. Their Mock Newbery final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds.
Honor Books: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
For more information, contact Carol Edwards at edwarc48@gmail.com.
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The Bergen County Cooperative Library System in Bergen County, New Jersey hosted a Mock Newbery discussion and election on January 13th. This library consortium consisting of 77 different libraries has been holding mock awards for over 10 years. The 54 librarians discussed books for half a day. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Honor Books: The Poet’s Dog by Patricia MacLachlan
Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White by Melissa White
For more information about this program, contact Sharon Kalman at sharon.kalman@paramus.bccls.
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On January 14th, 18 people were originally registered for a Mock Newbery discussion and election at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. A winter ice storm with freezing rain that was anticipated overnight and into the next morning forced us to postpone it until later in the afternoon. Twelve of the group braved what turned out to be just a rain event. We adapted the criteria so the winner would need to have 7 or more 1st place votes, but were able to kept the 8 points or more spread between 1st and 2nd place books. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Honor Books: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar
For more information about this program, contact Stephanie Bange at stephanie.bange@wright.edu.
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On Saturday afternoon, January 14th, 17 people — including children’s librarians, teachers, grandparents, parents, and lovers of children’s literature — gathered for a Mock Newbery discussion and election at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After great discussions, MANY ballots, and a decision to totally abandon the point spread requirement of the real Newbery committee, the final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Summerl
ost by Ally Condie.
Honor Books: Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
To Stay Alive by Skila Brown.
For more information about this program, contact Mary Voors at mvoors@acpl.info.
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On January 10th, the Ossining Public Library in Ossining, NY hosted its Mock Newbery Election. This culmination of the seventh annual mock Newbery Club (called the OPLbery Club), for children in grades 4 & up, has been meeting monthly since April 2016. The club members read more than 40 books this year. The medal winner was unanimous, a first for us. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Some Kind of Happiness by Claire Legrand
Honor Book: Counting Thyme by Melanie Conklin
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
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On January 9th, 40 people participated in a Mock Newbery program at the Milwaukee County Federated Library System in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
Honor Books: Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
Maybe a Fox by Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee.
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story by Caren Stelson
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Eighty students at the Falmouth Elementary School in Falmouth, Maine offered a Mock Newbery Election on January 3rd. The students in the Mock Newbery Book Club are in 4th and 5th grades. This is the 7th year the school has had a Mock Newbery book club, and this was the largest group of readers so far. The winning titles were announced at a school assembly on 1/13. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Maxi’s Secrets by Lynn Plourde.
Honor Books: The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs written by Cylin Busby and illustrated by Gerald Kelley.
Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan.
Moo by Sharon Creech.
Wish by Barbara O’Connor.
For more information about this program, contact Cathy Potter at cpotter@falmouthschools.org.
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Forty public librarians, school librarians, and community members gathered together on January 10th for the Kansas City Metro Area Mock Newbery. Participants discussed a list of 11 titles. The final results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
Honor Books: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune by Pamela S. Turner, illustrated by Gareth Hinds.
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
For more information about this program, contact Naphtali Faris at nfaris@mymcpl.org.
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On January 5th, 22 people at the Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn, New York participated in a Mock Newbery discussion and election. The results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
Honor Books: Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
For more information about this program, contact Rachel Tiemann at rtiemann@bklynlibrary.org.
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On January 9th, the Nassau Library System in Uniondale, New York, offered a Mock Newbery discussion and election with 40 participants. The results were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Honor Books: The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
For more information about this program, contact Renee McGrath at renee@nassaulibrary.org.
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The Suffolk Cooperative Library System in Bellport, New York offered a Mock Newbery program on January 5th. The list of potential titles was compiled by recommendations. Due to time constraints, the rules rules requiring 8 first place votes and an 8-point lead were eliminated. The discussion group was particularly stalwart this year, as halfway through we had to evacuate the building when a fire alarm went off. Not to be stopped, the group reformed in the cold and windy parking lot and continued on as if nothing had happened (see the attached picture)! It just goes to show that librarians can not be stopped! Despite several delays and location changes, the group still finished on time arriving at the following results:
Mock Newbery Winner: Pax by Sara Pennypacker.
Honor Books: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
For more information about these programs, contact Darla Salva Cruz at darla@suffolknet.org.
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On Friday, January 6, nine staff members from Cuyahoga County Public Library in Parma, Ohio gathered together to discuss a short list of Mock Newbery titles. After the initial discussion of each title the first ballot was passed out. Once tallied it was clear another round was needed. In fact, 5 ballots would be completed, along with much discussion of the Newbery criteria, and the strengths and weaknesses of each book before each new ballot. Final results of the program were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
Honor Books: Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
Weekends with Max and His Dad by Linda Urban, illustrated by Katie Kath.
CCPL also offered an online Mock Newbery option. Thirteen people voted and while the results didn’t quite match the Newbery ballot formula we went with the title that had the most first place votes for the winner and the honor books were the next highest point wise.The resuts of the online vote were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
Honor Books: Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.
For more information about these programs, contact Mary Schreiber at schreiber@cuyahogalibrary.org.
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Ten people participated in a Mock Newbery election at the Darien Library in Darien, Connecticut, on December 19th. From January to June and again from September through December, Darien Library’s Newbery Visionaries met each month and discussed two potential award winners. Participants were in grades 5-7. There were two votes – once including The Girl in the Well is Me (which is ineligible as the author lives in Canada) and one time with only eligible books. The Girl in the Well is Me won when it was included, so perhaps the author should consider moving to the US! <smile> Final results of the program were:
Mo
ck Newbery Winner: The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
Honor Books: It Ain’t So Awful, Falalfel by Firoozeh Dumas.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
For more information about this program, contact Elisabeth Marrocolla at emarrocolla@darienlibrary.org.
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The book club at the Saul Silber Memorial Library in Chicago, Illinois began with a Mock Newbery in 2014, so the annual celebration of distinguished books is also the community’s anniversary. The community is comprised of pre-service teachers, college students, faculty, staff, alumni, and children, who all bring a unique perspective in book discussions. Giveaways are always provided (in true John Newbery product placement style), thematic food, and space to share and grow. Results of the program held on December 18th were:
Mock Newbery Winner: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
Honor Books: The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illuminated by Hatem Aly.
As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds.
For more information about this program, contact Et i Berland at berland@htc.edu.
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On December 12th, 39 people at the Dayton Metro Library in Dayton, Ohio participated in a Mock Newbery discussion and election. Results of the program were:
Mock Newbery Winner: Wolf Hollow by Lau ren Wolk
Honor Books: We Will Not Be Silent: The White Rose Student Resistance Movement That Defied Adolf Hitler by Russell Freedman.
Pax, written by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Jon Klassen.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
For more information about this program, contact Erin Wen at ewen@daytonmetrolibrary.org.
Mock Caldecott Results
(For information about the Caldecott Medal, visit the Caldecott Medal Homepage.)
In a cooperative program with Children’s Services librarians from the Allen County Public Library, the 4th grade students at Canterbury School participated in a series of Mock Caldecott discussions throughout May 2017. Three classes of 4th graders participated in the discussions and voted for their school’s Mock Caldecott winner. Their final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: The Dead Bird, illustrated by Christian Robinson and written by Margaret Wise Brown
Honor Book: Among a Thousand Fireflies, photographs by Rick Lieder and written by Helen Frost.
Freedom in Congo Square, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie and written by Carole Boston Weatherford.
Leave Me Alone! written and illustrated by Vera Brosgol.
Mighty Jack, written and illustrated by Ben Hatke.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea, written and illustrated by Ben Clanton.
For more information about this program, c0ntact Helen Presser at hpresser@canterburyschool.org or Mary Voors at mvoors@acpl.info.
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The Sonoma County Library in Santa Rosa, California had several Mock Caldecott events over December and January, with voting conducted online and on paper ballots. Approximately 140 people participated. Their final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Honor Book: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Are We There Yet? illustrated and written by Dan Santat.
Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood, illustrated by Rafael López and written by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell.
For more information about this program, c0ntact Kathy DeWeese at kdeweese@sonoma.lib.ca.us.
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Thirty people at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library in Toledo, Ohio gathered for a Mock Caldecott program on January 21st. Their final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: Real Cowboys, illustrated by Jonathan Bean and written by Kate Hoefler.
Honor Book: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
For more information about this program, contact Mary Rava Miller at maryrava.miller@toledolibrary.org.
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North area branches of the Sacramento Public Library in Sacramento, California hosted a series of kidcentric Mock Caldecott events on January 19th. Approximately 35 people participated. Their final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: City Shapes, illustrated by Bryan Collier and written by Dianna Murray.
Honor Books: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Daniel Finds a Poem, illustrated and written by Micha Archer.
For more information about this program, contact Nicole Powell at npowell@saclibrary.org.
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Friday, January 20th Friday marked the culmination of a two-month long Mock Caldecott project for 20 third graders at Kensico School in Valhalla, New York. It was a very difficult decision this year for the group, with so many very good books to choose from! Their final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: Cricket Song, illustrated and written by Anne Hunter
Honor Books: Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay illustrated by Sally Wern Comport and written by Susan Hood.
Giant Squid, illustrated by Eric Rohmann and written by Candace Fleming.
Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood, illustrated by Rafael López and written by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell.
The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
For more information about this program, contact Bill Wright at bwright@valhallschools.org.
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In an online Mock Caldecott Club administered over Facebook, members of the Mock Caldecott 2017 Facebook Group out of Vancouver, BC, Canada (mostly librarians, some teachers) posted titles for several months leading up to the creation of an online survey tool that was used to determine the group’s slate. Nineteen people completed the voting. Caldecott-weighted voting was followed. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner:
They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Freedom in Congo Square illustrated by R. Gregory Christie and written by Carole Boston Weatherford.
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, written and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe.
Thunder Boy Jr., illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Sherman Alexie.
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A small but enthusiastic group of library people met at the Cholla Library in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, January 19 to select their 2017 mock Caldecott winner. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner:
They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: Are We There Yet? illustrated and written by Dan Santat.
Du Iz Tak? illustrated and written by Carson Ellis.
For more information about this program, contact Carolyn Grote at cgrote@glendaleaz.com. (View Cholla Library’s complete list of nominated titles here.)
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On December 13th, 149 people participated in a Mock Caldecott program at the Sonoma County Library in Santa Rosa, California. The results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Honor Books: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Are We There Yet? illustrated and written by Dan Santat.
Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood, illustrated by Rafael López and written by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell.
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Over 100 students in the grade 5 classes at Connect Charter School in Calgary, Alberta, Canada enjoyed looking at 19 possible contenders for this year’s medal. It was a close race. Students enjoyed weighing each title against the criteria, and the arguments were heated as the students rallied for their top picks. It was a busy three weeks and the feeling was that every book was a winner. This year offered so many great titles, and everyone agreed that every book was a wonderful book for kids! The next step is to persuade the librarian to add favourite titles to the school’s collection. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Honor Books: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Are We There Yet? illustrated and written by Dan Santat.
A Child of Books illustrated and written by Sam Winston and Oliver Jeffers.
The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles, illustrated by Erin E. Stead and written by Michelle Cuevas.
For more information, contact Gail Stevenson at gail.s@connectcharter.ca.
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Eleven kids at the Sachem Public Library in Holbrook, New York attended a Mock Caldecott program on January 20th. The program’s highlight was (appropriately enough!) illustrating; all the kids illustrated the same sentence from a Caldecott winner using a self-directed buffet of art materials from paint to pipe cleaners. They put their own spin on the first line of Dan Santat’s “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend“: “He was born on an island far away where imaginary friends were created.” At the end of the program, kids looked at each other’s work and then were shown how Santat illustrated the line. “Oh, he did it literally” one 5th grader commented. This program, and the kids who participate, never fail to be delightful. The final results of the Mock Caldecott were:
Mock Caldecott Winner:
They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood, illustrated by Rafael López and written by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell.
Flora and the Peacocks, illustrated and written by Molly Idle.
For more information about this program, contact Marybeth Kozikowski at marybeth.kozikowski@sachemlibrary.org.
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Approximately 275 students in kindergarten through third grade at the WISH Charter Elementary and Middle Schools in Los Angeles, California participated in a Mock Caldecott program. There were 3 classes per grade and the medal winner varied by grade. A few that won their grade’s Mock Election were Maybe Something Beautiful, Giant Squid, Lion Lessons, Faraway Fox, We Found a Hat, and The Night Gardener.
Honor Books: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood, illustrated by Rafael López and written by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell.
Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay illustrated by Sally Wern Comport and written by Susan Hood.
Excellent Ed illustrated Julia Sarcone-Roach and written by Stacy McAnulty.
Faraway Fox illustrated by Justin Thompson and written by Jolene Thompson.
For more information, contact Allison Grover Khoury at library@wishcharter.org.
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The Frank Sarris Public Library in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania offered a Mock Caldecott on January 17th. Their final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to be in This Book!) illustrated by Tim J. Miller and written by Julie Falatko.
Honor Books: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
This Is Not a Picture Book illustrated and written by Sergio Ruzzier.
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The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Libary‘s Mock Caldecott Discussion is open to the public, and this year several local authors and illustrators joined Youth Services staff and other EVPL staff for the event. Twenty-two people considered a slate of 59 books. Books with at least three starred reviews were eligible to be included in the discussion. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: Henry and Leo illustrated and written by Pamela Zagarenski.
The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
For more information about this program, contact Cheryl Soper at cheryls@evpl.org.
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At the RM Captain Elementary School in Clayton, Missouri, students voluntarily came up during lunches to read and chat about 2016 picture books. They modeled their voting after the process followed by the Caldecott committee. The results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: We Found a Hat illustrated and written by Jon Klassen.
Honor Books: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Be a Friend by Salina Yoon.
For more information about this program, contact Tom Bober at TomBober@claytonschools.net.
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On January 18th, at the Johnson County (KS) Library, 35 people gathered for a Mock Caldecott discussion and election. The results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: Henry and Leo illustrated and written by Pamela Zagarenski.
Honor Books: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Poor Little Guy illustrated and written by Elanna Allen.
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, written and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe.
They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
For more information about this program, contact Bradley Debrick at debrickb@jocolibrary.org.
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Denver Public Library hosted a Mock Morning on January 17th which included DPL staff as well as Denver metro area colleagues from other public and school libraries. Fifteen people participated. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph, illustrated by Francis Vallejo and written by Roxane Orgill.
Honor Books: Coyote Moon, pictures by Bagram Ibatoulline, written by Maira Gianferrari.
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, written and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe.
For more information about this program, contact Amy Forrester at aforrester@denverlibrary.org.
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On Saturday morning, January 14th, a group of 23 people gathered at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana to discuss the amazing artwork of so many talented artists in children’s picture books. The list began with a staggering 52 books–and that was the short list–because 2016 was filled with so many great picture books! Four hours later, this group of dedicated participants voted for the 2017 Mock Caldecott. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: Real Cowboys, illustrated by Jonathan Bean and written by Kate Hoefler.
Honor Books:Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood, illustrated by Rafael López and written by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell.
Before Morning, illustrated by Beth Krommes and written by Joyce Sidman.
For more information about this program, contact Michal Miller at mmiller@acpl.info.
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At a program sponsored by the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Caldecott committee veteran Pat Clingman spoke about how to look at a picture book using the award criteria, and then participants got busy looking at 25 books in small groups. We whittled the list down to 7 titles, and from that shortlist the following were the results:
Mock Caldecott Winner: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: Freedom in Congo Square illustrated by R. Gregory Christie and written by Carole Boston Weatherford.
The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
For more information about this program, contact Sam Bloom at Sam.Bloom@cincinnatilibrary.org.
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On January 8th, twelve readers at the Minnesota Library Association / Saint Catherine University MLIS Program in St. Paul,, Minnesota gathered for a Mock Caldecott discussion and election. Their final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles, illustrated by Erin E. Stead and written by Michelle Cuevas.
Honor Books: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Before Morning, illustrated by Beth Krommes and written by Joyce Sidman.
Wake Up Island, illustrated by Nick Wroblewski and written by Mary Casanova.
Thunder Boy Jr., illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Sherman Alexie.
School’s First Day of School, pictures by Christian Robinson and story by Adam Rex.
For more information about this program, contact Gail Nordstrom at gnordstrom@viking.lib.mn.us.
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A small group of people who love to read and look for the highest distinction in books got together in a living room in Littleton, Colorado to discuss children’s books. They freely admit that they were not able to read all the eligible titles and that the actual committee is taking more time and reading more widely, but they had a good time. Their Mock Caldecott final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: Du Iz Tak? illustrated and written by Carson Ellis.
Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph, illustrated by Francis Vallejo and written by Roxane Orgill
For more information, contact Carol Edwards at edwarc48@gmail.com.
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The BCCLS Youth Services Committee in Bergen County, New Jersey hosted a Mock Caldecott discussion and election on January 13th. This library consortium consisting of 77 different libraries has been holding mock awards for over 10 years. The 54 participants were all youth services librarians. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: Before Morning, illustrated by Beth Krommes and written by Joyce Sidman.
Honor Books: Maybe Something Beautiful illustrated by Rafael Lopez, written by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell.
Thunder Boy Jr., illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Sherman Alexie.
School’s First Day of School, pictures by Christian Robinson and story by Adam Rex.
Horrible Bear, illustrated by Zachariah OHora and written by Ame Dyckman.
For more information about this program, contact Sharon Kalman at sharon.kalman@paramus.bccls.
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On January 14th, 15 people at the Hamilton County Reading Council in Fishers, Indiana participated in a Mock Caldecott program. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Are We There Yet? illustrated and written by Dan Santat.
For more information about this program, contact Susan Dailey at sdailey@wellscolibrary.org.
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On January 13th, the Carmel Clay Public Library in Carmel, Indiana hosted a Mock Caldecott discussion and election for 30 people. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Honor Books: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Penguin Problems, illustrated by Lane Smith and written by Jory John.
For more information about this program, contact Susan Dailey at sdailey@wellscolibrary.org.
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On January 9th, the Milwaukee County Federated Library System hosted a Mock Caldecott discussion and election. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: The Secret Subway, illustrated by Red Nose Studio and written by Shana Corey.
Thunder Boy Jr., illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Sherman Alexie.
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On January 10th, 25 people at the Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn, New York participated in a Mock Caldecott discussion and election. The results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: Freedom in Congo Square illustrated by R. Gregory Christie and written by Carole Boston Weatherford.
Honor Books: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Thunder Boy Jr., illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Sherman Alexie.
For more information about this program, contact Rachel Tiemann at rtiemann@bklynlibrary.org.
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Each winter, Rhode Island librarians gather to select the most distinguished picture book in a “mock” version of the Caldecott award. This program is sponsored by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services, in Providence, RI; this annual tradition helps librarians sharpen their selection skills and learn about the award process. This year, on January 9th, thirteen children’s and school librarians viewed and discussed 38 books before voting. Two ballots were needed to determine a winner. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: Thunder Boy Jr., illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Sherman Alexie.
For more information about this program, contact Danielle Margarida at danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov.
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On January 12th, 50 people at Takoma Park Maryland Library participated in a Mock Caldecott program. This mock election was the culmination of a year of monthly Caldecott Club programs. The participants in the mock, and in the monthly programs, ranged in age from 2 through 60’s. There were 10 book finalists; nine of them were the winner each month for the nine programs held. The 10th title was added because it somehow hadn’t been read during the monthly programs and they knew it would popular. It was — it was the winner! This title also won our Mock Caldecott for Adults in December, and I was interested to see how it would stack up in a “mixed” group of kids and adults. The final results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: School’s First Day of School, pictures by Christian Robinson and story by Adam Rex.
For more information about this program, contact Karen MacPherson at karen.macpherson@gmail.com
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On Thursday, January 5th, 28 people gathered at the Provo City Library in Provo, Utah for a Mock Caldecott discussion and election. The results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books:Du Iz Tak? illustrated and written by Carson Ellis.
Henry & Leo illustrated and written by Pamela Zagarenski.
The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Snow White: A Graphic Novel, illustrated and written by Matt Phelan.
For more information about this program, contact Joella Peterson at joellap@provolibrary.com.
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On December 16th, the Pioneer Library System of Canandaigua, NY hosted a Mock Caldecott discussion and election. The convener, Mary Ferris, summed up the process by saying “This is the first year our system has done a Mock Caldecott. Now we know how hard it must be for the committee to pick a winner!” The results of this mock election were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: There is a Tribe of Kids, illustrated and written by Lane Smith.
Thunder Boy Jr., illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Sherman Alexie.
Before Morning, illustrated by Beth Krommes and written by Joyce Sidman.
Swap illustrated and written by Steve Light.
For more information about this program, contact Mary Ferris at mferris@pls-net.org.
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The Latin School of Chicago’s Lower School Library held a Mock Caldecott discussion and selection with the second grade, totaling 63 students. The final results were:
M
ock Caldecott Winner: Giant Squid, illustrated by Eric Rohmann and written by Candace Fleming.
Honor Books: Thunder Boy Jr., illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Sherman Alexie.
They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
For more information about this program, contact Sheri Snopek at ssnopek@latinschool.org.
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Forty-one people gathered on December 5th for a Mock Caldecott discussion and election at the Nassau Library System in Uniondale, New York. Results of the program were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Honor Book: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
For more information about this program, contact Renee McGrath at renee@nassaulibrary.org.
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On December 16th, 46 classes — that’s 915 students — at Falmouth Elementary School in Falmouth, Maine participated in a Mock Caldecott election. Results of the program were:
Mock Caldecott Winner:Are We There Yet? illustrated and written by Dan Santat.
Honor Books: The Secret Subway, illustrated by Red Nose Studio and written by Shana Corey.
The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
For more information about this program, contact Cathy Potter at cpotter@falmouthschools.org.
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On December 12th, 39 people at the Dayton Metro Library in Dayton, Ohio participated in a Mock Caldecott discussion and election. Results of the program were:
Mock Caldecott
Winner: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
Honor Books: Monday is Wash Day, illustrated by Tessa Blackham and written by MaryAnn Sundby.
Real Cowboys, illustrated by Jonathan Bean and written by Kate Hoefler.
Daniel Finds a Poem, illustrated and written by Micha Archer.
For more information about this program, contact Erin Wen at ewen@daytonmetrolibrary.org.
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The Cuyahoga County Public Library held a Mock Caldecott discussion and election on December 16th. Results of the program were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Honor Books:Freedom in Congo Square illustrated by R. Gregory Christie and written by Carole Boston Weatherford.
Snow White: A Graphic Novel illustrated and written by Matt Phelan.
Along with the “in person” Mock Caldecott program, the Cuyahoga County Public Library also offered an online opportunity. Online results were:
Mock Cadecott Winner:The Night Gardener illustrated and written by Terry and Eric Fan.
Honor Books:Snow White: A Graphic Novel illustrated and written by Matt Phelan.
They All Saw a Cat illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
For more information about these programs, contact Mary Schreiber at mschreiber@cuyahogalibrary.org.
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The Takoma Park Maryland Library of Takoma Park, Maryland recently held its Mock Caldecott program. This was the library’s third annual Mock Caldecott for adults. Results of this program were:
Mock Caldecott Winner:They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel
Honor Books:Du Iz Tak? illustrated and written by Carson Ellis.
Daniel Finds a Poem illustrated and written by Micha Archer.
Takoma Park Library also offers a monthly Caldecott Club for kids and adults, and chooses a “finalist” each month from the 4 or so books read. They will be choosing the 2017 Mock Caldecott winner from among those finalists at the next meeting on January 9th.
For more information about these programs, contact Karen MacPherson at karen.macpherson@gmail.com.
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The Suffolk Cooperative Library System of Bellport, NY recently held its Mock Caldecott program. The mock Caldecott short list was built based on recommendations, with the requirement that there had to be at least 20 titles held within the county (which ruled out some buzzy contenders, including Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe).Due to time constraints, for the final vote, the rule about the eight-vote lead was eliminated; the winner had a one-vote lead. The honor books were the two runners-up. Results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: Maybe Something Beautiful illustrated by Rafael Lopez, written by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell.
Honor Books: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles written by Michelle Cuevas, illustrated by Erin Stead.
For more information about this program, contact Darla Salva Cruz at darla@suffolknet.org
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The 8th Annual Wright State University Mock Caldecott was held on Saturday, November 12th. Picture books published in 2016 that met the criteria for inclusion were featured. The group of 19 attendees — including grade school teachers, school librarians, WSU students, and a university staff member — viewed seventy-five books, discussing titles nominated. Results were:
Mock Caldecott Winner: The Night Gardener, illustrated and written by Terry & Eric Fan.
Honor Books:Snow White, illustrated and written by Matt Phelan.
They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
What to Do with a Box, illustrated Chris Sheban and written by Jane Yolen.
For more information about this program, contact Stephanie Bange at stephanie.bange@wright.edu
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Mock Coretta Scott King Results
(For information about the Coretta Scott King Awards, visit The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Homepage.)
Though delayed by snow days, seventy students at the Northern Hills Elementary School in Onalaska, Wisconsin participated in a Mock Coretta Scott King Mock Award. Their final results were:
Mock Coretta Scott King Winner: Don’t Call Me Grandma illustrations by Elizabeth Zunon and written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson.
Honor Books: Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, written and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe.
Freedom in Congo Square illustrated by R. Gregory Christie and written by Carole Boston Weatherford.
For more information, contact Crystal Brunelle at brucr@onalaskaschools.com.
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Denver Public Library hosted a Mock Morning on January 17 which included DPL staff as well as Denver metro area colleagues from other public and school libraries. Fifteen people participated.These are the results for the CSK Illustrator Award:
Mock Coretta Scott King Winner: Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, written and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe.
Honor Books: Steamboat School illustrated by Ron Husband, written by Deborah Hopkinson.
Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions, illustrated by Don Tate, written by Chris Barton.
These are the results for the CSK Author Award.
Mock Coretta Scott King Winner: As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds.
Honor Books: Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan.
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes.
For more information about these programs, contact Amy Forrester at aforrester@denverlibrary.org.
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On December 15th, 63 third grade students participated in a Mock Coretta Sc0tt King program at the Latin School of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. The students loved all of the finalists so much, it was hard for them to pick a winner, but the final results were:
Mock Coretta Scott King Winner: Don’t Call Me Grandma, written by Vaunda Nelson and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon.
Honor Books: In Plain Sight, written by Richard Jackson and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.
Freedom in Congo Square, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie.
For more information about this program, contact Sheri Snopek at ssnopek@latinschool.org.
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Mock Geisel Results
(For information about the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, visit the Geisel Awards homepage.)
The Mock Geisel program held at the Allen County Public Library is for families with parents & their children as well as librarians; approximately 39 people voted. The results were:
Mock Geisel Winner: The Cookie Fiasco, illustrated and written by Dan Santat.
Honor Books: The Thank You Book, illustrated and written by Mo Willems.
Is That Wise, Pig? illustrated and written by Jan Thomas.
For more information about this program, contact Miriam Rose at mrose@acpl.info.
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Thirty-five participating staffmembers at the Sacramento Public Library in Sacramento, California split into 4 mock committees to better simulate the Geisel experience. After some enthusiastic discussion they took the results from each of those four committees and held one final ballot to reach the overall winner and honors. The final results were:
Mock Geisel Winner: We are Growing! illustrated and written by Laurie Keller.
Honor Books: Pug by Ethan Long.
Duck, Duck, Porcupine! by Salina Yoon.
For more information about this program, contact Amanda Foulk at afoulk@saclibrary.org.
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A small group of people who love to read and look for the highest distinction in books got together in a living room in Littleton, Colorado to discuss children’s books. They freely admit that they were not able to read all the eligible titles and that the actual committee is taking more time and reading more widely, but they had a good time. Their Mock Geisel final results were:
Mock Geisel Winner: Go Otto Go, written and illustrated by David Milgram.
Honor Books: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
You Are Not a Cat, written by Sharon Flake and illustrated by Anna Raff.
For more information, contact Carol Edwards at edwarc48@gmail.com.
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The Northern Hills Elementary School in Onalaska, Wisconsin, held a Mock Geisel program on January 13th. The final results were:
Mock Geisel Winner: We are Growing! illustrated and written by Laurie Keller.
Honor Books: The Cookie Fiasco, illustrated and written by Dan Santat.
Snail & Worm: Three Stories About Two Friends by Tina Kugler
Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld and written by Eric Litwin.
For more information about this program, contact Crystal Brunelle at brucr@onalaskaschools.com.
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On January 10th, the Frank Sarris Public Library in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania hosted a Mock Geisel election. The results were:
Mock Geisel Winner: We are Growing! illustrated and written by Laurie Keller.
Honor Books: They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel.
The Cookie Fiasco, illustrated and written by Dan Santat.
Snail & Worm: Three Stories About Two Friends by Tina Kugler
Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld and written by Eric Litwin.
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On the 15th of December, 63 students from the Latin School of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois participated in a Mock Geisel program. The final results were:
Mock Geisel Winner: Dance! Dance! Underpants! by Bob Shea.
Honor Books: Duck, Duck, Porcupine! by Salina Yoon.
For more information about this program, contact Luke Sutton at lsutton@latinschool.org.
Mock Sibert Results
(For information about the Sibert Award, visit the Sibert Medal Homepage.)
Seventy students at the Northern Hills Elementary School in Onalaska, Wisconsin participated in a Mock Sibert Award. Their final results were:
Mock Sibert Award: Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille written by Jen Bryant ; illustrations by Boris Kulikov.
Honor Books: Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions, written by Chris Barton ; illustrated by Don Tate.
Secret Subway written by Shana Corey; illustrated by Red Nose Studio.
For more information about this program, contact Crystal Brunelle at brucr@onalaskaschools.com.
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A small group of people who love to read and look for the highest distinction in books got together in a living room in Littleton, Colorado to discuss children’s books. They freely admit that they were not able to read all the eligible titles and that the actual committee is taking more time and reading more widely, but they had a good time. Their Mock Sibert final results were:
Mock Sibert Winner: Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White by Melissa White.
Honor Books: We Will Not Be Silent by Russell Freedman.
Vietnam: A History of the War by Russell Freedman.
For more information, contact Carol Edwards at edwarc48@gmail.com.
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Mock Printz Results
(For information about the Printz Award, visit the Printz Award Homepage.)
Twenty-six people gathered on January 18th for a Mock Printz discussion and election at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The final results were:
Mock Printz Winner: The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner.
Honor Books: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Septys.
Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar
True Letters from a Fictional Life by Kenneth Logan.
The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan.
For more information about this program, contact Sarah Rust at sarah.rust@cincinnatilibrary.org.
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Denver Public Library hosted a Mock Morning which included DPL staff as well as Denver metro area colleagues from other public and school libraries. Ten people participated in this January 17th Mock Printz program. The final results were:
Mock Printz Winner: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Septys.
Honor Books: The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge.
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon.
For more information about this program, contact Amy Forrester at aforrester@denverlibrary.org.
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A Mock Printz program was held for San Mateo County Libraries’ staff on January 17th. Eight staffpeople participated. The final results were:
Mock Printz Winner: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Septys.
Honor Books: The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis.
March Book Three by John Lewis.
Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley.
For more information about this program, contact Jessica Ormonde at ormonde@smcl.org.
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Cuyahoga County Public Library hosted an in-person and an online Mock Printz. The discussion on Friday, January 13 was lively and led quickly to a consensus as only one ballot for a winning title was needed. Interestingly, the results for both Mock Printz votes ended up being the same. The final results were:
Mock Printz Winner: The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis.
Honor Books: The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner.
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon.
We Are the Ants by Shaun Davis Hutchinson.
For more information about this program, contact Mary Schreiber at mschreiber@cuyahogalibrary.org.
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A small group of people who love to read and look for the highest distinction in books got together in a living room in Littleton, Colorado to discuss children’s books. They freely admit that they were not able to read all the eligible titles and that the actual committee is taking more time and reading more widely, but they had a good time. Their Mock Printz final results were:
Mock Printz Winner: The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge.
Honor Books: Still Life with Tornado by A. S. King.
Merrow by Amanda Braxton-Smith.
For more information, contact Carol Edwards at edwarc48@gmail.com.
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On January 13th, 54 Librarians from BCCLS, the Bergen County Cooperative Library System, got together, discussed and voted on their favorite Printz titles. The final results were:
Mock Printz Winner: Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story by Caren Stelson.
Honor Books: The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon.
Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Septys.
For more information about this program, contact Sharon Kalman at sharon.kalman@paramus.bccls.
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On January 9th, 35 people participated in a Mock Printz program at the Milwaukee County Federated Library System in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The final results were:
Mock Printz Winner: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Septys.
Honor Books: We Are the Ants by Shaun Davis Hutchinson.
The Memory of Light by Francisco Stork.
The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman.
Mock Pura Belpré Award
(For information about the Pura Belpré Award, visit the Belpré Awards homepage.)
Eighty students at the Northern Hills Elementary School in Onalaska, Wisconsin participated in a Mock Pura Belpré program, voting for the Illustrator Award. Their final results were:
Mock Pura Belpré Winner: Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood, illustrated by Rafael López and written by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell.
Honor Books: Rudas: Niño’s Horrendous Hermanitas illustrated and written by Yuyi Morales.
Looking for Bongo illustrated and written by Eric Velasquez.
The Princess and the Warrior illustrated and written by Duncan Tonatiuh.
For more information, contact Crystal Brunelle at brucr@onalaskaschools.com.
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