The Newbery Award

John Newbery MedalThis is awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. The award has been given annually since 1922. It is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

The John Newbery Medal Past Winners:


The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Website: ala.org

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    2005 John Newbery Award

    2005 John Newbery Award goes to "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata. "Kira-Kira" is a book about a Japanese-American girl growing up in the South in the 1950s.  The story started as two sisters lie on their backs, watching the stars and repeating the Japanese word for “glittering” – “kira-kira.”  Like this quiet opening scene, Kadohata’s tenderly nuanced novel glitters with plain and poignant words that describe the strong love within a Japanese American family from the point of view of younger sister Katie. Personal challenges and family tragedy are set against the oppressive social climate of the South during this era.  Graceful prose illuminates complex relationships, most notably between the two sisters.  Katie’s remarkably authentic voice changes to reflect both her deeper understandings and her growing sense of self over a span of almost 10 years.

    Three other Newbery Honor Books also were named: "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko - The story tells about Twelve-year-old Moose Flanagan travails on “the Rock,” (Alcatraz) where his father has taken a job. Hilarious antics are deftly interwoven with themes of isolation and imprisonment, compassion and connection.; "The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights" by Russell Freedman, explores resonant themes with the masterful structure of a musical composition. Eloquent, economic prose sheds a personal light on one woman’s sometimes reluctant role as a symbol in the struggle against racism and her calling to share an illustrious gift; and "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt, set in Maine in 1912 and propelled by a tragic historical event, Schmidt’s powerfully haunting novel probes a forbidden friendship between a preacher’s son and a dark-skinned girl from a nearby island. Steeped in imagery and laced with surprising humor, explores powerlessness, possibility and the profound impact individuals can make.

    Another committee gave the Randolph Caldecott Award for illustration to Kevin Henkes for "Kitten´s First Full Moon", a book for children ages 2 to 5 about a kitten who believes the moon is her bowl of milk.


    2005 John Newbery Award