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May 23

Book Notes 5/22/2023

Posted to Book Notes by Genesis Gaule

Blog Book Notes

5/22/2023

Registration is open for the 2023 Summer Reading Program! It's open to children who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade. The first session will be June 5! More information...


The Mountains Sing by Nguy?n Phan Qu? Mai

Trà^n Di?u Lan, who was born in 1920, was forced to flee her family farm with her six children during the Land Reform as the Communist government rose in the North. Years later in Hà N?i, her young granddaughter, Huong, comes of age as her parents and uncles head off down the Ho Chí Minh Trail to fight in a conflict that will tear not just her beloved country but her family apart.

NGUYEN


Win Every Argument by Mehdi Hasan

The art of debating, persuading, and public speaking // This book shows how anyone can communicate with confidence, rise above the tit for tats on social media, and triumph in a successful and productive debate in the real world.

808.53 HASAN


Harvest House by S.M. Beiko

Halloween is near, and Hughie Wolfe is volunteering at a new rural attraction: Harvest House. He's excited to take part in the fun, spooky show--until he learns that an actor playing the vengeful spirit of an "Indian maiden," a ghost inspired by local legend, will headline. Folklore aside, unusual things have been happening at night at the crossroads near Harvest House. While Hughie weighs how and when to speak up about the bigoted legend, he and his friends begin to investigate the crossroads and whether it might be haunted after all.

Young Adult SMITH


If you need help accessing any of these titles or using front door pickup, email or call us and we will be happy to assist you!

Feb 24

2023 ALA Award Winners by Genesis Gaule

Posted to Campbell Unclassified by Genesis Gaule

The American Library Association (ALA) recently announced their 2023 Youth Media Awards which honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Here are this year's winners and honorees we have in our catalog!

Looking for past award winners? Check out our posts for the 2021 and 2022 award winners.

Jump to: Children's | Junior | Teen / YA


Children's Books


Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

Given to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers.

2023 Award Winner: I Did It! 

written and illustrated by Michael Emberley

Learning to ride a bike is hard. Can I do it? Yes, I can! A fun comic that kindergarteners and first graders can read on their own.
Easy Reader Blue // Ages 4 - 8

GEISEL HONOR BOOKS:

a seed grows

  • Fish and Wave written and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier
    An I Can Read Comic // Easy Reader Blue // Ages 4 - 8
  • Gigi and Ojiji written and illustrated by Melissa Iwai
    An I Can Read Book // Easy Reader Green // Ages 4 - 8
  • A Seed Grows written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis
    * Robert F. Sibert Informational Book (2023 Honor)
    Easy Nonfiction // Ages 4 - 8

Pura Belpré Award for Illustration

Given to a Latino/Latina illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

where wonder grows

2023 Award Winner: Where Wonder Grows

written by Xelena González, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia

A lyrical and stunning picture book about a grandmother bonding with her granddaughters as she teaches them how much they can learn from nature just by being curious.
Easy // Ages 3 - 7

PURA BELPRÉ HONOR BOOK: a seed grows

  • A Land of Books illustrated and written by Duncan Tonatiuh
    Easy Nonfiction // Ages 4 - 8

More Children's Honor Books:

  • Choosing Brave by written by Angela Joy, illustrated by Janelle Washington
    * Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (2023 Honor)
    * Randolph Caldecott Medal (2023 Honor)
    * Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award (2023 Honor)
    Easy Nonfiction // Ages 6 - 10
  • berry songBerry Song written and and illustrated by Michaela Goade
    * Randolph Caldecott Medal (2023 Honor)
    Easy // Ages 4 - 8
  • Nana, Nenek & Nina by written and illustrated by Liza Ferneyhough
    * Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Picture Book (2023 Honor)
    Easy // Ages 4 - 8
  • Kapaemahu written by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, illustrated by Daniel Sousa
    * Stonewall Honor Book for Children’s Literature (2023 Honor)
    Easy Folklore // Ages 4 - 8
  • in the blueIn the Blue written and illustrated by Erin Houriganand
    * Schneider Family Young Children Honor (2023 Honor)
    Easy // Ages 4 - 8
  • The Talk illustrated and written by Duncan Tonatiuh
    * Coretta Scott King Book Award: Youth Author (2023 Honor)
    Easy // Ages 4 - 8
  • Sitting Shiva written by Erin Silver, illustrated by Michelle Theodore
    * Sydney Taylor Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries: Picture Book (2023 Honor)
    Easy // Ages 3 - 5

Junior Books


John Newbery Medal (1) & Coretta Scott King Author Award (2)

(1) For most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
(2) Given to outstanding African American authors that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.

2023 Award Winner: Freewater

by Amina Luqman-Dawson

After fleeing the plantation where they were enslaved, siblings Ada and Homer discover the secret community of Freewater, and work with freeborn Sanzi to protect their new home from the encroaching dangers of the outside world.
Junior // Ages 8 - 12

NEWBERRY HONOR BOOKS: a seed grows

  • Iveliz Explains It All written by Christina Soontornva
    Easy Nonfiction // Ages 10 - 14
  • The Last Mapmaker written by Christina Soontornvat
    Easy Nonfiction // Ages 8 - 12
    * A Walter Dean Myers Honor Book for Teen Readers

Mildred L. Batchelder Award

For outstanding children's books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country and subsequently translated into English.

2023 Award Winner: Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II

originally published in Italian written by Lia Levi, illustrated by Jess Mason

1938, Italy. Six-year-old Jewish girl Lia grows up during a difficult time of racial discrimination and war, and discovers light in unexpected places. A classic, powerful story adapted for young readers, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations, family photo album, and author’s note.
Nonfiction // Ages 8 - 12


Asian/Pacific American Award for Children's Literature

To honor and recognize individual work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literary and artistic merit.

2023 Award Winner: Maizy Chen’s Last Chance

by Lisa Yee

Eleven-year-old Maizy visits her estranged grandparents, who own and run a Chinese restaurant in Last Chance, MN; as her visit lengthens, she makes unexpected discoveries about her family's history and herself.
Junior // Ages 8 - 12

* John Newbery Medal (2023 Honor)


Pura Belpré Children’s Author Award

Given to a Latino/Latina writer whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

2023 Award Winner: Frizzy

written by Claribel A. Ortega, illustrated by Rose Bousamra

Marlene's--a young Dominican girl--greatest enemy is the hair salon! Through her struggles and triumphs, this heartwarming and gorgeous middle-grade graphic novel shows the radical power of accepting yourself as you are, frizzy curls and all.
Junior Graphic Novel // Ages 9+

PURA BELPRÉ AUTHOR HONOR BOOK: a seed grows

  • Tumble written by Celia C. Pérez
    Junior // Ages 4 - 8

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal

For most distinguished informational book for youth.

2023 Award Winner: Seen and Unseen

written by Elizabeth Partridge and illustrated by Lauren Tamaki

This important work of nonfiction features powerful images of the Japanese American incarceration in America during World War II captured by three photographers—Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams—along with firsthand accounts of this grave moment in history.
Nonfiction // Ages 10+

* Winner of the BolognaRagazzi Award for Photography
* Named a Best Book of the Year by Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, and others


More Children's Honor Books:

  • In the Key of Us by written by Mariama J. Lockington
    * Stonewall Book for Children’s Literature (2023 Honor)
    Junior // Ages 8 - 12
  • Honestly Elliott written by Gillian Dunn
    * Schneider Family Book Award: Middle Grade (2023 Honor)
    Junior // Ages 8 - 11 
  • Hummingbird by written Natalie Lloyd
    * Schneider Family Book Award: Middle Grade (2023 Honor)
    Junior // Ages 8 - 12

Teen / YA Books


Young Adult Library Services Association Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Award

Honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults.

2023 Award Winner: Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice

written by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile

On October 16, 1968, during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint, and John Carlos, the bronze medal winner, stood on the podium in black socks and raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice inflicted upon African Americans. In his first-ever memoir for young readers, Tommie Smith looks back on his childhood growing up in rural Texas through to his stellar athletic career, culminating in his historic victory and Olympic podium protest.
Nonfiction Graphic Novel // Ages 8+ // e-book only

* Coretta Scott King Award: Author and Illustrator (2023 Honor)
* A School Library Journal Best Book of 2022
* Finalist for the 2022 National Book Award for Young People's Literature
* A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
* A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
* A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
* A Booklist Best Book of the Year
* A Horn Book Fanfare Title

YALSA NONFICTION HONOR BOOK: a seed grows


Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

Given to a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.

2023 Award Winner: All My Rage

written by Sabaa Tahir

Growing up as outcasts in the small desert town in California, best friends Salahudin and Noor understand each other the way no one else does. Until "The Fight", which destroys their bond with the swift fury of a star exploding. What is their friendship worth—and what will it take to defeat the monsters in their pasts and the ones in their midst? A brilliant, unforgettable, and heart-wrenching contemporary novel of young love, family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.
Young Adult // Ages 14 - 17

* National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (2022 Winner)


Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award

To affirm new talent and to offer visibility to excellence in writing and/or illustration by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.

2023 Award Winner: We Deserve Monuments

written by Jas Hammonds

What's more important: Knowing the truth or keeping the peace? When seventeen-year-old Avery moves to rural Georgia to live with her ailing grandmother, she encounters decade-old family secrets and a mystery surrounding the town's racist past. Family secrets, a swoon-worthy romance, and a slow-burn mystery collide in a YA debut that explores how racial violence can ripple down through generations.
Young Adult // Ages 14 - 18

* A School Library Journal Best Book of 2022
* A Kirkus Best Books of 2022
* A Parents Magazine Best Books of 2022
* People magazine's Best Children's Books of 2022


Alex Awards:

Given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.


More Teen Honor Books:

  • The Summer of Bitter and Sweet written by Jen Ferguson
    * Stonewall Honor Book for Young Adult Literature (2023 Honor)
    * William C. Morris YA Debut Award (2023 Finalist)
    Young Adult // Ages 13 - 17
  • The Silence that Binds Us written by Joanna Ho
    * Asian/Pacific American Award for Youth Literature Honor (2023 Honor)
    Young Adult // Ages 14 - 17
  • Ain’t Burned All the Bright illustrated by Jason Griffin, written by Jason Reynolds
    * Randolph Caldecott Medal (2023 Honor)
    Young Adult // Ages 12+