Assigning a Newbery Book

This website provides a quick look at the wide-range of books that Newbery Award books provide. Educators should read each book before assigning it for classroom or book club use. Some of the older Newbery Medal books portray Native Americans in a negative light, portraying them as savages, such as in Hitty: Her First Hundred Years and Daniel Boone (which is no longer in print).

If applicable use more than one book if the class or club is learning about a particular ethnic group; this provides a richer and more complete picture and decreases the risk of stereotyping or generalizing. Children’s literature published in recent decades is usually more appropriate for use as a multicultural education tool.

However, classics should certainly not be overlooked (Ricksecker, 2009).

Reading for a book group or classroom discussion is different from reading for pleasure. Become aware of the book’s style and other elements that distinguish the work. Below are some tips from a public library and "Good Books Lately."

Take Notes: Use sticky notes or have a notepad handy to mark favorite passages or things you may want to bring to the group for a response. Ambiguous moments can bring up questions and are often ripe for debate.
Six Considerations: Quality book worth say something about at least one of these aspects— Style, Narrator, Character, Plot, Setting, Theme
Character List: Write down the main characters. Make note of each character’s motivations.
Chapter Headings, Titles, Quotes: Do they add to the theme?
Gut reactions: At the end of the book (or each chapter/section) write down your initial response to the plot, characters, or language. Just a quick impression.
Re-reading: Before the book club or classroom meeting, re-read your notes. Time permitting re-read the first and last chapters.

Newbery Award Books Quality books for children

Assigning a Newbery Book

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