While the Caldecott is awarded based on illustration, the Newbery is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
The 2008 winner is Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz. In this story, thirteenth-century England is brought to life using 21 individual narratives that introduce the young people of the village and manor. This book is recommended for ages ten and up.
One of the Newbery Honor Books for 2008 is Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis. Elijah is the first free-born child in his Canadian community of escaped slaves. In the story he finds courage and adventure as he comes to understand the meaning of slavery and freedom. This book is recommended for ages 9-12.
Another Newbery Honor Book is The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt. This book is about a seventh grader who is convinced his teacher hates him. As the year and their relationship progresses he learns many lessons. The book is also about the sixties, growing up, relationships, and Shakespeare plays.
Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson is also a 2008 Newbery Honor book that is recommended for ages 9-12. This book is about a girl who is captivated by a Emily Dickson poem. Her world is shaken up when a white boy enters their all black classroom. Set in 1971, the book also is about the rising resistance to the Vietnam war, segregation, and the hearing impaired.
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Reviewed Newbery Winners on our Media Blog