Mock Newbery 2016-17

The Saint Ann’s Mock Newbery Committee dove right into our 33 titles this year, trying to decide which books were worthy of being deemed finalists (and, eventually, winners). Our lively group of 25 students in grades 4-7 has been meeting bi-weekly to argue passionately for our favorite books (aka “the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children”) of the year.

On November 15, we voted for our finalists, and they are…

Booked by Kwame Alexander

Full of Beans by Jennifer Holm

The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz

Once Was a Time by Leila Sales

Soar by Joan Bauer

Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

On November 18, we gathered at Brooklyn Friends School with students from BFS, Packer, and Brooklyn Heights Montessori. A real live member of this year’s actual Newbery committee joined us and shared some insider information about getting picked for the committee, how she can read so many books in a year, and what kind of books she likes. She also asked us which books we’ve enjoyed this year. Will our students’ opinions make their way into an actual Newbery discussion? Stay tuned… In January we’ll pick our winners, and a week later, so will the official committee!