Literary “Oscars” Delivers

The Golden Globes were a bust.  And the Oscars may not even take place.  But the after-glow of the ALA Mid-winter is blinding.

Check out the winners and see if your prediction was dead on or just dead in the water. Let’s hear your reflections in the comments.

Coretta Scott King Winner
Elijah of Buxton – Christopher Paul Curtis
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Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
Let It Shine– Ashley Bryan
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John Steptoe Award for New Talent
Sundee T. Frazier – Brendan Buckley’s Universe & Everything In It
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Caldecott Medal
Invention of Hugo Cabaret – Brian Selznick
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Printz Award
The White Darkness

Coretta Scott King Honor Books
November Blues – Sharon Draper
12 Rounds to Glory – Charles R. Smith, Jr.

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honors
The Secret Olivia Told Me – N. Joy, Illustrated by Nancy Devard
Jazz on a Saturday Night – Leo & Diane Dillion

Newberry Honors
Elijah of Buxton – Christopher Paul Curtis
The Wednesday Wars – Gary D. Schmidt
Feathers – Jacqueline Woodson

6 thoughts on “Literary “Oscars” Delivers

  1. Thanks for posting the winners! I’m so excited to see new names like Sundee Frazier, Charles R. Smith, Jr. and Nancy Devard, illustrator of The Secret Olivia Told Me (Just Us Books).

    I’m thrilled that Just Us Books (www.justusbooks.com) is being recognized. This year marks their 20th anniversary. What a way to kick it off :). I hope the industry will take more notice of the wonderful books they create.

    Also, I was really happy to see Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson honored. She’s one of my favorite authors and consistently writes beautiful and compelling books for our kids.

  2. It looks like the awards took more chances this year. And that is exciting! I know there had been talk about whether Hugo Cabaret could win based on the criteria. Or whether Feathers could win. So to see one win and the other an honor is great.

    I’m thrilled that Sundee took the new talent award. Her book does not seem to be like other books that have won the award – so again, really seems the committee took more chances this year.

    I think the awards have taken a great turn. This really could open the door for those writers who may not normally be up for consideration.

    But where’s my prize for calling the CSK correctly? LOL

  3. I was screaming at my Laptap like it was the TV and I was watching the playoffs. At work I did some research From1980 -2007. 29 Coretta Scott King Author Awards have been given out with a total of 16 recipient s. (Doesn’t include Honors) Seven authors have won multiple times. There is no doubt that these seven authors are very good at what they do. However that number just does not add up for me. I do understand in its beginning the pool of authors was limited and still is today. Hence part of the reason why the Coretta Scott King Award is Necessary. Though how much good is it if same authors get mentioned every year.
    Coretta Scott King Award
    Given to African American authors and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions, the Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream.
    So when I got home from work I got online went to the ALA website and read the above because I was very surprised and dissappointed that Touching the Snow by M Sindy Felin didn’t get an Honor Nod and I wanted to see if I miss something. I don’t know how it can get a National Book Award Nod, and be in the same category as Invention of Hugo Cabaret by Selznick , Story of a Girl by Zarr and the Absoutely True Diary of a Part time Indian by Alexie ( and I do apologize b/c I can not recall on of the nominated NBA titles)
    Though I do wonder if Touching Snow got passed over because the main character had a same sex interracial relationship. Hell I don’t wonder I do think thats the reason. I just don’t see what else it could be, this just makes me very very sad, so much for promoting understanding.

  4. Glad to see the list! Was also glad to see Just Us Books listed.

    So happy for Nancy Devard, a fellow Hallmark Cards alumna!! Did you know that only 18% of all illustrator awards went to a woman? That’s NINE women, including Nancy.

    Best, Kyra

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