Newbery book awards 2023
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The most awaited Newberry book award is upon us. Like in previous years, we are welcomed with amazing children’s books that teach different lessons both kids and parents can treasure. Each year, the American Library Association recognizes different books, digital media, videos, and audiobooks for children and young adults who have made a huge contribution to children. One of these awards is the Newbery Medal which is awarded to an author who was able to make a significant contribution to American literature for children.
Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson is the winner of The Newbery Medal and tells the story of twelve-year-old Homer who flees a Southerland Plantation where they are enslaved. Together with his sister, they go through angled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, which led them to a secret community called Freewater.
Three Newberry books were also recognized:
Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango tells the story of 7th-grade student Iveliz as she faces mental-health challenges and how she finds her voice to get the help she deserves.
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornva tells the story of a young woman who embarks on a journey to help her move on from the past and chart her own destiny.
Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee tells the story of Maizy, a 12-year-old girl who finds out that her family’s Chinese restaurant is full of secrets that capture her interest.
These amazing reads will surely interest both children and adults! Better be sure to add them to your reading list.
Jann Fujimoto, MS CCC-SLP is an avid reader and looks forward to the announcement of the Newbery Medal each January. She’s a speech-language pathologist and owner of SpeechWorks. SpeechWorks helps children become confidence communicators and provides in-person and online speech therapy services.