< Newbery Medal and Honor Books
Given the Newbery Award's prestige it would be easy to assume that the award winners are all excellent books for children. The Biblioguides Team has not found this to be the case. We always want to provide parents with the information they need to make the best book decisions for their families. With that goal in mind, we've put together a complete list of all medal winners and honor books since inception, and the Biblioguides Review Team is working together to read our way through the winners and to provide a review. Where we have not yet reviewed a book, a description directly from the dust jacket or from the publisher has been provided. In some cases, we have shared a brief synopsis from The Newbery and Caldecott Awards: A Guide to the Medal and Honor Books (1999).
Reviews are the thoughts and opinions of the particular reviewer and do not necessarily represent all members of the team. Reviews will continue to be added as the team reads more of the Newbery books. We hope this list will help you familiarize yourself with the various winners and provide the necessary information to determine which books would be a good fit for your family!
Maniac Magee
By: Jerry Spinelli
Medal Winner
NOT REVIEWED
Jeffrey Lionel “Maniac” Magee might have lived a normal life if a freak accident hadn’t made him an orphan. After living with his unhappy and uptight aunt and uncle for eight years, he decides to run—and not just run away, but run. This is where the myth of Maniac Magee begins, as he changes the lives of a racially divided small town with his amazing and legendary feats.
From the publisher
★
REVIEW TEAM FAVORITE
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
By: Avi
Honor
Reviewed by: Terri Shown
Also read and recommended by: Lara Lleverino, Terri Shown
"The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" by Avi, a Newbery Medal-winning novel, is a gripping historical adventure that follows thirteen-year-old Charlotte's transformative journey from a sheltered young lady to a courageous sailor. Set against the harsh realities of 19th-century sea life, Avi's meticulous research brings the maritime world to life. The novel skillfully explores themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and personal growth, while maintaining a suspenseful and engaging plot. With its well-crafted narrative and memorable characters, this book offers readers a captivating and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final page.
