Charlotte's Web by E.B. White was published in 1952. In 1953, the Newbery Medal went to Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark. Honor (runners-up) books included Charlotte's Web, Moccasin Trail by Eloise Jarvis McGraw, Red Sails to Capri by Ann Weil, The Bears on Hemlock Mountain by Alice Dalgliesh, and Birthdays of Freedom, Vol. 1 by Genevieve Foster. White swimming respectfully in an honored sea of women. And what of the Andean secret? Do you know it?As you are aware, the Newbery Medal "is awarded annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year." Named for the eighteenth century bookseller, John Newbery, who perhaps stocked an inordinate number of children's books or perchance fathered 16 children. In either case, it is the first children's book award in the world.
The 1922 Newbery stated aim is threefold:
To encourage original creative work in the field of books for children.
To emphasize to the public that contributions to the literature for children deserve similar recognition to poetry, plays, or novels.
To give those librarians, who make it their life work to serve children's reading interests, an opportunity to encourage good writing in this field.
I find each point bracing in its humanity and shot with sadness. First, the chance to win a medal (i.e., fame, honor, possibly fortune) encourages creativity in books for children. Second, the committee of writers saw fit to publish a statement of human rights: Children's books deserve equality. And last, the interest of loyal librarians plays as cheerleaders in the hometown game. They can enourage good writing! You got to want it to win it and they want it more. I don't know what they are doing mixed up with authors and the creation of literature unless the Newbery people knew that reading would influence the rising generation to write. Charlotte's egg sac.
2 comments:
I had no idea what the Newberry prize was all about. I've been educated. What was your favorite book as a child?
well, i'm glad you asked. one of my favorites was family sabbatical. an american family ships out for france and spend a sublime and hilarious year. The french teacher for the children is comic and endearing. it features a rock grotto, an elevator, and a doll names Irene that the girl calls "my child."
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