January reading activities

Look for Newbery and Caldecott Winners

Winners of the Newbery and Caldecott Medals are announced by the American Library Association at their mid-winter meeting in January (www.ala.org). Plan to put the 2005 winners and Honor Books, the Coretta Scott King and Pura Bel Pre award winners on your winter reading list.

Awarded annually since 1922, the Newbery Medal is given to the "author of the most distinguished contribution to American children's literature published in the preceding year." The award is named after John Newbery, an eighteenth century English publisher and bookseller of the first books for children.

The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott and is given to the artist who has created the most distinguished picture book of the preceding year.

Activity Idea:

Consider following the example of the Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne Indiana, which has hosted mock Newbery and Caldecott election programs for the last several years, giving adults with an interest in literature and illustration for children a chance to discuss new books. Using the same criteria that librarians use to decide the "real" medal winners, a group of children's literature lovers narrowed down a long list of titles to their favorite winners.

• You can see their results at http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/children/pnewbery2004/html ).
• You can get the real criteria for the Awards at Newbery and Caldecott and hold a similar mock programs with students or other book lovers.
• You can develop your own criteria and award. Kids can have a lot of fun creating their award and notifying the author and/or illustrator aboutr his/her selection!

Martin Luther King Day

On January 17, 2005 America will celebrate the national holiday honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspire young readers with Dr. Kings's story, and help them join together as equals with others to address important community issues.

Go to www.mlkday.org for:

• information on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday of Service,
• a reading list,
• and details on small grants that will be available to communities so that they can plan and implement service projects.  

January author birthdays

Discover these literary luminaries for satisfying winter reading:

Send comments to readacross@nea.org