I think I’ve made it clear that I believe that the best children’s literature can be enjoyed just as much (if not more) by adults. That’s why I eagerly await the announcement of the Newbery award winner each January.
Since 1922, the Newbery Medal has been awarded to “the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” You probably know and love many winners, such as The Voyages of Doctor Doolittle, Caddie Woodlawn, Call It Courage, King of the Wind, Ginger Pye, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and The Giver. Not all of the books stand the test of time. The first winner, The Story of Mankind, was so dry that I set it aside without finishing it. But many of the books are still enjoyable today. It’s worth your while to read some past winners. Don’t pick randomly; unless you plan to read all past winners, base your choices on reviews. And when the next winner is announced, request it from your local library… or buy it. The author can almost certainly use your support.
I’ve written about some of the winners in past blog posts: A Wrinkle in Time and When You Reach Me, The High King, and Hitty. Some of my other favorites include The Hero and the Crown (another story about a strong princess to add to my list), The Graveyard Book, and The Girl Who Drank the Moon.
All sorts of things can determine what books we read. We pick up books by favorite authors or celebrities. We act on the recommendations of friends and cultural critics. If we’re nerdy enough, we may even have a “blind date with a book.”
I’d like to recommend that you start allowing the Association for Library Service for Children pick some of your reading for you. Read Newbery Medal winners to yourself, or read them to children you know. Just make sure to add some of the winners to your reading list.