Here we go, readers, on another adventure in children’s books. For those of you who read my reviews on the Caldecott Medal winners, you may enjoy this series even more. The Newbery Medal has been awarded every year since 1922 (16 years before the Caldecott Medal) to “the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children” — to quote the Association for Library Service to Children (a division of the American Library Association). It became the first children’s book award in the world.
Although John Newbery was a British publisher and bookseller, he is often credited with “inventing” children’s literature. Newbery’s “A Little Pretty Pocket-Book” was published in 1744 and is often said to be one of the first books for children. While working, the publishing firm where he worked published children’s stories, ABC books, and children’s novels and magazines, in addition to adult books. In addition to publishing, he wrote other books and even hired writers to write for him. A series written by “Tom Telescope” that Newbery published became quite popular because they were supposedly lectures on science given by a young boy.
Frederic G. Melcher was a U.S. publisher and editor and first proposed the award to the American Library Association in 1921, also suggesting that it be named for John Newbery. The proposal was approved by the American Library Association Executive Board in 1922 and the first medal was issued that year. Much like you may have read about the Caldecott Medal — although this occurred before the Caldecott Medal since it is older — there were also other books worthy of noting. Since there can only be one Medal winner, the other noteworthy books receive the Newbery Honor Seal and are referred to as Newbery Honor Books.
Since books worthy of a children’s literature award are quite a bit longer than picture books, I intend to present this series differently than the Caldecott Medal series. These books are great works of literature and take a great deal more time to read and understand. Instead of writing one blog on five Newbery Medal winners, I will read each book and give it it’s own blog. I will also mention the Newbery Honor Books for each respective year. I hope you enjoy reading the blogs as much as I enjoy writing about them.
See you in the great world of children’s literature!
For more information on the American Library Association, the Association for Library Service to Children, and the John Newbery Medal, please visit them on the Internet.