The National Book Foundation announced the longlist for the 2022 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (YPL) last week.
The Award works a bit differently than the Newbery. Publishers pay to submit titles, and a longlist, shortlist and winner is announced. There are separate panel committees for the different age groups.
In 2021, 1,892 titles were considered for the National Book Award. Of these titles, 415 were for Fiction, 679 were for Nonfiction, 290 were for Poetry, 164 were for Translated Literature, and 344 were for Young People’s Literature. This information is confidential in Newbery land.
The NBA winners tend to skew more young adult- LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB won in 2021 KING AND THE DRAGONFLIES in 2020 and 1919 THE YEAR THAT CHANGED AMERICA In 2019.
Lets take a look at this year’s longlist and see how the titles fare under Newbery Criteria.
THE OGRESS AND THE ORPHANS by Kelly Barnhill- This is a heavy medal front-runner so far and Barnhill is a past Newbery Medalist.
THE LIFE AND CRIMES OF HOODIE ROSEN by Issac Blum- This title was not on my radar and seems to me very young adult realistic fiction with a tale of love and anti semitisim. So, im thinking too old for Newbery.
A THOUSAND STEPS INTO THE NIGHT by Traci Chee. Another title not on my radar, listed on SLJ as grades 8 and up… has anyone read this one?
SWIM TEAM by Johnnie Christmas. This graphic novel received a lot of love on last weeks survey and is listed as gr. 4-6. I put it on hold!
SELF-MADE BOYS A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore. This remixed classic was also not on my radar and seems like an older crowd… anyone have thoughts?
THE LESBIANA’S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL bY Sonora Reyes. Another that skews high school and is listed for gr. 8 and up.
VICTORY. STAND! RAISING MY FIST FOR JUSTICE by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, Dawud Anyabwile. Totally not on my radar here… is this eligible? @STEEEVEN?!
ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir. This was on our suggestion list, but due to all the domestic violence I think it’s to old for Newbery.
LOTUS BLOOM AND THE AFRO REVOLUTION by Sherri Winston. Haven’t read this yet, but looks promising… any thoughts?
MAIZY CHEN’S LAST CHANCE by Lisa Yee. This has received a lot of love on Heavy Medal and is one of my top two this year (wait, maybe I should comment on Steven’s post from last week…)
Let us know your thoughts on any of these titles. It’s always helpful (for me) to use different awards as a guide post to see if you’re missing anything.