< Newbery Medal and Honor Books
Given the Newbery Award's prestige it would be easy to assume that the award winners are all excellent books for children. The Biblioguides Team has not found this to be the case. We always want to provide parents with the information they need to make the best book decisions for their families. With that goal in mind, we've put together a complete list of all medal winners and honor books since inception, and the Biblioguides Review Team is working together to read our way through the winners and to provide a review. Where we have not yet reviewed a book, a description directly from the dust jacket or from the publisher has been provided. In some cases, we have shared a brief synopsis from The Newbery and Caldecott Awards: A Guide to the Medal and Honor Books (1999).
Reviews are the thoughts and opinions of the particular reviewer and do not necessarily represent all members of the team. Reviews will continue to be added as the team reads more of the Newbery books. We hope this list will help you familiarize yourself with the various winners and provide the necessary information to determine which books would be a good fit for your family!
The Whipping Boy
By: Sid Fleischman
Illustrated by: Peter Sis
Medal Winner
Reviewed by: Terri Shown
Also read and recommended by: Terri Shown
"The Whipping Boy" by Sid Fleischman is a timeless children's novel that has enchanted readers for generations with its captivating tale of friendship, adventure, and humor. Set in a medieval kingdom, the story revolves around Prince Horace and his unlikely companion, Jemmy, who serves as his whipping boy.
The narrative unfolds in a way that engages young readers, drawing them into the fascinating world of the royal court. The dynamic between Prince Horace, who is unable to be punished directly, and Jemmy, who bears the physical consequences on his behalf, adds an intriguing layer to the plot. The humorous and adventurous elements of the story contribute to its enduring popularity among children.
However, revisiting "The Whipping Boy" as an adult may prompt a reconsideration of certain aspects. The practice of having a whipping boy, while historically accurate, raises ethical questions that may be viewed through a more critical lens in today's context.
Despite these considerations, it's essential to appreciate the book within the context of when it was written. "The Whipping Boy" provides an opportunity for readers, both young and old, to explore themes such as friendship, responsibility, and consequences. One can engage in meaningful conversations with children about the historical aspects and cultural shifts reflected in the narrative. The book's enduring charm lies in its ability to spark imagination, encourage critical thinking, and serve as a platform for important discussions about literature, history, and societal values.
A Fine White Dust
By: Cynthia Rylant
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
Pete moved away without missing supper at the table. He slipped right out of the world he'd shared with his parents, and, for a time, none of them knew it.
After all, Pete was still 13, mowing lawns for the summer, hanging around with his best friend, Rufus. Who would have known?
James W. Carson, for one. From the moment their eyes met along the 19-21 bypass, Peter Cassidy was his. Though at first Pete imagined him to be an ax murderer—his gaze was such an astonishing blue—it was soon certain the Man had hitchhiked to town like some legendary hero, a lasso of words spinning about him, drawing Pete and many others in tight with a true and kindly smile.
The Man was a saver of souls.
Rufus watched from the side, unimpressed, not guessing that the saving business would be his lookout, too.
Pete tells his own story from the inside—where Mother and Pop, where Rufus, where even the Man cannot see.
The echoes inside a soul are immense.
From the dust jacket
On My Honor
By: Marion Dane Bauer
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
"On your honor?" Joel's father said. "You won't go anywhere except the park?"
"On my honor," Joel repeated.
On the way to the park, Joel's best friend Tony challenges him to take a swim in the treacherous Vermillion River. Both boys have been warned never to go near the river, but Joel gives in. He doesn't want Tony to think he's scared. It isn't until Tony disappears that Joel comes to a terrible realization—Tony can't swim.
Joel dives repeatedly in search of his friend, but with no luck. Back at home, the stench of the river grows strong on Joel's skin as he wonders what to do. Pressures mount from the outside, and from within. People are beginning to ask questions about Tony while Joel, weighed down by a profound sense of guilt, gropes for the courage to tell the truth.
In a narrative filled with action and conflict, Marion Dane Bauer treats moral issues with the same power and sensitivity she displayed in her earlier books, Rain of Fire and Shelter from the Wind.
From the dust jacket
Volcano: The Eruption and Healing of Mount St. Helens
By: Patricia Lauber
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
Also read and recommended by: Sandy Hall
Patricia Lauber tells the story of Mount St. Helens thoroughly and beautifully, doing justice to this Pacific Northwest natural disaster and tragedy. Because this mountain is so physically close to my home, I'm regularly reminded of the incredible power that lies underneath the surface of this otherworldly landscape. The author captures the sense of this with her carefully selected photos and prose.
