Special Topics: Communism/ The Cold War

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain 

by Peter Sís

Caldecott Honoree (2008)

When introducing a complicated or sophisticated topic to children, a well-written picture book can do wonders. A book’s non-threatening language coupled with fascinating illustrations can often help a child understand a concept that may be hard for us, as adults, to explain. Case in point: Life behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sis. This Caldecott honoree tells the story of young Peter and his life in Communist Hungary in the 60s.  The book was honored in 2008 for its beautiful, emotional, and highly symbolic artwork. In addition to its powerful story, the vocabulary used provides the right amount of challenge for a 5^th or 6^th grader without being frustrating. The story can be hard to follow at times, and this is definitely not for younger children but upper Elementary level students, especially those interested in History, will be fascinated. 

More Information about the Author

Recent Winners: The Caldecott Medal (2009)

The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson

Illustrated by Beth Krommes

The illustrations accompanying this retelling of a traditional nursery rhyme are done almost completely in black and white with splashes of gold used for emphasis. The result is strikingly unforgettable. I’ll admit I wasn’t all that impressed by the text of the picture book; but the Caldecott is reserved for illustrations and this book was definitely deserving.  


See what the Caldecott Committee Thought of This Book

Famous Non-Winners

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

When I set out to discover if there were any books that fit this category, my first discovery shocked me. There are some books that are so famous that it is hard to imagine that they have never been properly honored. But, our first, featured non-winner is: Green Eggs and Ham! Yes! That, Green Eggs and Ham! The delightful story of Sam-I-Am and his never-ending quest to get his unnamed friend to try the titular food has never been the recipient of a major children’s book award. That is not to say that it has been swept under the rug. Green Eggs and Ham has been a bestselling book for over 3 decades and in recent polls of top 100 children’s books teachers listed it as number 4; students placed it at number 3.

Take a Trip to Seussville!

Spotlight On: The Sibert Award

Year Founded: 2001

Most Recent Winner (2011): 

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot

                                               by Sy Montgomery

Criteria: 

1. ·      Non-Fiction/Informational Book
2. ·      Published the year prior
3. ·      No folktales or poetry
4. ·      English language
5. ·      Published in America
6. ·      Author must be American citizen or U.S. resident

Background: The Sibert Informational Book Medal, named after Robert F. Sibert, celebrates excellence in non-fiction children’s literature. Robert F. Sibert was a longtime member of the publishing industry and supporter of quality children’s books. Each year the award is given to a book the committee feels exemplifies high-quality, interesting, and informative work. The award was actually created by Sibert’s son who first suggested it be named after Benjamin Franklin, then Thomas Jefferson. When both names were vetoed (there are already awards for children’s books named after Franklin and Jefferson) the founding committee decided upon Robert F. Sibert.  

A Look Back: The Newbery Medal (1960)

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Newbery Medal Honor Book (1960)

One day, twelve-year-old Sam decides to give up the big city and treks into the Catskills to live a simpler life. The story follows his adventures as he learns to live without modern conveniences: eventually adopting a pet falcon and even creating a home for himself by hollowing out a tree trunk. Sam’s story is a popular choice for children 8-12 and is still in print around the world. It bears mentioning that Jean George is no stranger to the Newbery. My Side of the Mountain was her first work to be honored but, Julie of the Wolves, perhaps her most famous work would later win the Newbery Medal in 1973. 


Learn More About Jean Craighead George

Why Award-Winning Children's Lit?

Why write a blog about award-winning children’s literature? Because I love children’s books and there is so much that I, and maybe you, don’t know! Which is why I have been having the time of my life while studying library science (specifically, children’s librarianship).  For as long as I can remember I have known about the Caldecott and Newbery awards. I’ve certainly read a good number of the award-winners. But one night while reading for a class, I was astounded to discover that there are tons of awards for well-written children’s books. Awards that I had never heard about, for everything from African-American and International children’s literature to children’s audio books. So I’ve made a promise to myself: to discover not only these award-winning books but to understand the awards themselves: their history and rationale.  I am embarking on a journey to find out which materials for children are considered the cream of the crop and perhaps, find some hidden treasures that have never been properly honored.  Along the way I hope to gain a better understanding of trends in children’s books and learn a little bit about what makes a book award-worthy. I hope you’ll join me; I guarantee it’ll be fun!