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by Joyce
Carol and I have yet to read most of the big medal winners of 2010. Still we noticed two things right away.
1. Many of the awards went to historical books
2. Lots of them went to books that focused on civil rights and black history.
As history writers we're thrilled! Civil rights is a theme that seems to pop up in my novels and is even more focused in Carol's work-in-progress. You can read more about that at Carol's blog.
In this issue we'll take a quick glance at the book award process and share a few reviews. | |
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CLAUDETTE COLVIN: TWICE TOWARD JUSTICE |
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By our guest author, Augusta Scattergood
(former school librarian)
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice
By Phillip Hoose (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2009)
Rosa Parks, sometimes known as the godmother of the Civil Rights movement, is the name most associated with starting the Montgomery Alabama bus boycott. But what this new book shows readers is that more than one person had a hand in this history-changing event. Many people, both Black and white, stood up to the injustices they witnessed. And a young girl, much less well-known than most of the names associated with the Montgomery boycott, also refused to give up her seat on the bus.
Phillip Hoose learned about Claudette Colvin while researching an earlier book, We Were There, Too!: Young People in U.S. History. He tracked her down and eventually convinced her to grant him fourteen interviews. Much of the book is told in her words, her own personal history of the time.
The sidebars alone might constitute an entire lesson plan for teachers. A facsimile of a handwritten list attributed to NAACP secretary Rosa Parks shows contributions made by churches to Colvin’s case. A photograph of the “Rex Theatre for Colored People,” accompanied by a ticket bought for a mere 15¢ in the mid 1950s, illustrates Claudette’s text about the Jim Crow laws that were so pervasive in downtown Montgomery when she was growing up. Newspapers, photographs, descriptions of the town and the players in the boycott— so much detail, so many fascinating facts to pour over. This book is a gem.
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice has been bestowed with awards and high praise - a Newbery Honor, a National Book Award, and too many “best” lists to mention.
Phillip Hoose’s book illuminates a troubled time in our country’s history by detailing the impact of one significant event, the Montgomery Bus protest of 1955 and 1956. With this book, through the eyes of its leaders and a few ordinary people, young readers have a fresh perspective, new insights and information to interpret the Civil Rights movement.
Read a gripping excerpt at the publisher's website.
And see a book trailer here. | |
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by Carol
Flygirl (G.P.Putnam’s Sons, 2008) is a fictional account of a young light-skinned African American woman in Louisiana in 1941 who decides to pass (as a white girl) in order to be accepted into the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots). Her motivation is two-fold. She has a deep passion to fly, fueled by memories of flying with her deceased father who taught her how to fly his crop duster; and she desires to help bring her older brother home who enlisted as a medic. The core of this book, which is appropriate for 5th-9th grade readers, is the price that Ida Mae will have to pay to accomplish her dream.
Sherri Smith, deftly depicts the conflicts which Ida Mae experiences because of her skin color. From the beginning when her best friend observes that she is “Little Miss Pretty Hair [with] Creamy White Skin” (p. 9) through the last pages when she is confronted by romantic attention from her white flight instructor—the book is full of the difficult decisions Ida Mae makes in pursuit of her goal.
Constantly fighting her fear that she will be discovered, Ida Mae passes into a world that is denied other African Americans. Although she is accepted into the WASP program and fulfills her dream to fly, there are heavy consequences. In a poignant scene her mother visits her at the training camp. Meeting her at the gate, Ida Mae pretends that her mother is her maid in order to have a simple conversation:
“Aware of the guard at our backs, we fall into the pattern of mistress and maid. Watching my mother play the role of servant, I feel a sour taste in my throat. I never meant for my own role-playing to bring her such humiliation.
“I don’t know this guard. He gives us a suspicious once-over, the look of someone trying to keep his status. “It’s all right,” I tell him. “She’s our housekeeper.” The word burns my throat…” p. 160-161.
Although more appealing to girls than boys, this account of one women’s struggle against both gender and racial prejudices will supplement classroom studies of African Americans and World War II. Flygirl will provide thought-provoking lessons to students across many cultures.
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by Carol
When I emailed Sherri Smith and told her I had enjoyed Flygirl, I suggested that I interview her for Talking Story. Soon afterwards Flygirl was named one of 2010’s Best Books for Young Adults; it was already on several notable books lists including the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books of 2009 and The Washington Post’s The Best Kid's Books of the Year. Smith is also the author of Sparrow, Lucy the Giant, and Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet.
What was your inspiration for Flygirl?
I heard an NPR Radio Diaries documentary about the WASPs. One of the women interviewed said that millionaire heiresses and poor farm girls were in the same shoes. I fell in love with the image.
Why did you pick the subject?
We all pretend to be things we are not. At the same time, we have skills and talents that we might not be allowed to use because society prevents it. Women weren’t supposed to fly. Blacks weren’t even supposed to be able to fly. The same has been said about being a doctor, an astronaut—any number of things. I wanted to write about someone who says “yes, I can,” even if it is a struggle to achieve it.
Was there anyone in your family who tried to pass?
Not that I’m aware of. While there is Creole in our family—my great-grandparents spoke French—we also fit the “darker the berry the sweeter the juice” saying. Of course, if anyone was successful at passing, they probably would have dropped contact with everyone. My mom told me the stories about the paper bag test (you must be lighter than a paper bag to enter a party) and one of the girls marrying her boss at the department stores.
You’ve received several awards for Flygirl as well as for Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet. How has receiving these awards changed your career?
It’s a huge honor to have my work recognized, and by such wonderful organizations like the Amelia Bloomer list for feminist literature. The funny thing is, I tend to find out about it through an email, sometimes from my publisher, but more often from a fellow recipient or friend. It’s kind of like the spam mail asking you to donate to a Nigerian prince—you kind of don’t believe it, but it’s romantic, so you want to. Then you google it, find a link to verify, and you email everyone you know. You update your blog and then life goes back to normal. Out of four books and multiple honors, I’ve attended two actual award ceremonies. It’s like graduating head of your high school class, minus the cap and gown.
What's next?
I’m up to my elbows in a rewrite on a new novel called Orleans. It’s set in a near-future New Orleans devastated by natural disaster. It’s my first speculative fiction book and I’m having a blast writing it. It’s very different from an historical or contemporary novel, where the research is all around you. But I’m a sci-fi/fantasy girl at heart, so I’m having fun bringing what I know of the past and present, into a future world.
For more of Sherri's thoughts on passing, click here. | |
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by Joyce
Vicki Stanfield was a NC school librarian for 28 years. During that time she put together 4 libraries from the beginning. She was honored as NC School Librarian of the Year and won the local IRA Celebrate Literacy Award. Since retiring she has mentored other school media specialists and is active with the NC Children's Book Award.
Thankfully, she took the time to answer a few questions regarding the book award process.
1. Vicki, what book award committees have you served on?
I have served on the North Carolina Children's book Award Committee for 10 plus years. I served on the Sibert Award Committee for 2009.
2. How many books did you read for the awards?
NC Children's Book Awards-I read 40 to 50 picture books (I work with picture books only.)
Sibert Award - I read 150 to 200 nonfiction books (whew!)
3. Can you shed some light on the process? How
are books narrowed down to a short list and
selected?
NC Book Award - we read and select about 20 to 30 titles. The titles with the most votes are discussed and re-voted upon until we get a good working list of 10 to 15 books. We like to select a variety of books such as nonfiction, poetry, fiction, multiculural, and folklore. It depends on what is nominated by the children.
Sibert Award-On Sibert we suggested books each month and had to write a 100 word paragraph on why we selected those books. We then nominated (twice) books that we thought were worthy of the award. We had to travel to the ALA summer conference to discuss the books we suggested. Each person on the committee had to present 3 books for discussion. This was just a practice discussion. Then at the ALA midwinter we discussed the books that were nominated. Each person had certain titles that were presented. We then voted.
4. How would you describe the experience of being on a book awards committee?
I love to see what the children nominate for the NC Children's Book Award. I love working with colleagues in narrowing down the nominated list.
On the Sibert I got a lot of books from the publishers which I donated to our school system when I was finished. Most of all, I get to read a lot of wonderful books!
I think three words would sum up serving on a book award committe, exciting, rewarding, and challenging. | |
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by Carol
Nancy Snyder has worked in youth services in public libraries in New Jersey, North Carolina and Kansas. She served on the 2004 Caldecott Committee and is a member of the 2011 Newbery Committee. Nancy has celebrated children's literature for years. Here are excerpts from a recent chat.
Choose five words to describe the experience of being on a book awards committee.
Committed, Appreciative, Respectful, Time-consuming, and Thought-provoking.
How many books do you read for each award?
Over 500 books in 2004 for the Caldecott committee; probably higher for the Newbery as there are more books being published.
What makes a book “distinguished”?
We continually review the definition of distinguished:
- marked by eminence and distinction; noted for significant achievement
- marked by excellence in quality
- marked by conspicuous excellence or eminence
- individual distinction
What you have learned about illustration by serving on the Caldecott committee?
Through the committee discussions I came to have a greater appreciation of a variety of artistic techniques especially printmaking and collage. I also now give more attention to the appropriateness of style of illustration to the story.
What were some of the high points of this experience?
It was an honor to work with professionals from across the country who were dedicated to bringing quality literature to our children. Everyone was respectful, dedicated and took this responsibility seriously. Oh, yes...everyone brought a favorite food from their state to share at the Midwinter Conference during the discussions.
Any low points?
It was sad when it ended and everyone went their separate ways after spending many hours together toward a common, important goal.
Anything else that we should know about the book award process?
It's so exciting to come home to find a box of books on your porch several times a week. If you have the opportunity to be on an awards committee...don't hesitate. You will grow as a professional in so many ways...and it’s FUN!
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INSIDE THE SELECTION PROCESS |
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Ever wonder how the awards committees work?
First they read a large number of books. Nancy Snyder sums up the rest of the process:
"Each committee member nominates 3 books in October, 2 books in November, and 2 books in December with supporting reasons for each nomination.
"At ALA Midwinter meeting, the 15 member committee discusses each member’s 7 nominations. They meet for as long as necessary until a decision is made.
"Each member votes for 3 books.
First-choice books receive four points; second-choice books, three points; third-choice books, two points.
To win, a book has to receive at least 8 first-place votes and have an 8 point lead over the book with the second highest number of points." | | |
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RECENT MEDAL WINNERS WITH
HISTORY EMPHASIS |
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Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature
*When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Newbery Honor Books
*Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose
*The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
*The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick
Printz Honor Books:
*Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman,
*The Monstrumologist” by Rick Yancey
*Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance, 1973 by John Barnes,
Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults
*Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson,
King Author Honor Book
*Mare’s War by Tanita S. Davis
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award
*The Rock and the River, by Kekla Magoon,
Jim Murphy is the 2010 Edwards Award winner for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults. His books include:
**An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
**Blizzard! The Storm That Changed America
**The Great Fire
**The Long Road to Gettysburg
**A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy
See complete list of ALA
youth media awards here. | |
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Other Insights from award committee members
Newbery and Caldecott Trivia -
Heavy Medal - a Mock Newbery Blog at SLJ
Behind the Caldecott Scenes with Ed Spicer
Download the Newbery Selection committees
manual.
(Enter "Newbery Manual" under search.) | |
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by Joyce
Thanks to all who entered the bookmark giveaway last month.
The winners,
Linda Anderson (Fayetteville, NC)
Mary Ann Waltman (Barlow, KY)
Jacqueline McCarthy
(Trinidad & Tobago)
Bonnie Schultz (Hickory, NC)
Elysabeth Eldering
(Honea Path, SC)
each received a classroom set of autographed bookmarks from me.
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Kathleen Scotcher, one of our favorite vendors is giving away a copy of this book.
Email
us by
2/26
with the words
"COUPON FOR BOOK" along with your school's name and address, and tell us why your school needs this book.
We'll send the names to Kathleen who will pull a name from the hat and pick a winner.
The book costs $14.95, but Kathleen is giving a 15% discount for book orders of 1-19; over 20 you can receive a discount of 30%.
To take advantage of these deals,
e-mail
Kathleen
and mention Talking Story. | |
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by Joyce and Carol
Mare's War by Tanita Davis. A contemporary story featuring a grandmother who takes her two teenage granddaughters on a road trip back to her Alabama roots. During the trip she recalls her experiences as a Black WAC in WWII.
We Are One: The Story of Bayard Rustin by Larry Dane Brimner - this is an amazing biography of one of America's lesser-known civil rights workers.
One Million Men and Me by Kelly Starling Lyons - picture book about a little girl who attends the historic Million Man March
From Cover to Cover by Kathleen Horning. Nancy Snyder recommends this book if you want to improve your reviewing skills.
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by Carol and Joyce
We offer Writers-in-Residence programs and would be happy to customize workshops for your grade level and school. Here are some topics to choose from:
- Pump Up the Narrative!
- Writing Memorable Memoirs
- Writing Across the Curriculum: Using Short Fiction to Supplement Science & Social Studies
- Jazz Up your Writing!
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If you're having trouble viewing this newsletter, click on
"View as Webpage".
(at the top) | |
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I'm happy to announce that
BLUE
has received a few awards too!
NC Juvenile Literature Award
(by American Association of University Women)
Parents' Choice
Silver Honor
International Reading Association Award
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IN THE NEXT ISSUE:
Reading & Writing Across the Curriulum |
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There's a big push in classrooms to integrate reading and writing into all subject areas. We'll share some tips and books which we think can help you accomplish this goal. If you have favorite novels that teach across the curriculum, or activities which have been useful, please email us by March 1 and we'll include them in our next issue. | |
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For more information about our books or Writers-in-Residence programs at your school, please contact us through our blogs or email.
Carol
Email
Blog
Joyce
Email
Blog | | |
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