I have not been posting for many months as I have been immersed in reading, rereading and preparing for the Caldecott discussions that took place in January (as well as keeping up with the madness of the middle school library!).  After much sleep and an attempt to catch up on the rest of my life, I am returning to the blog!  For the first post back, I must begin with some thoughts on the incredible Caldecott experience.

Serving on the 2016 Caldecott Selection Committee was the fulfillment of a longtime dream.  As a young elementary school teacher, I vividly remember sharing the books bearing these special seals with my students. Together we enjoyed the stories, observed the art, and discussed what made each book special. So many times my readers and I were guilty of judging the book by its cover (I know! Gasp!), later to be delightfully surprised by what we discovered inside. Secretly, I pondered what it would be like to be part of THE committee that selected the winning books. Now, I have experienced this incredible privilege.  And what an honor and fantastic learning experience it was.

At one of our first meetings, Viki Ash, our priority chair consultant, advised us to, “Come in as learners.”  This really struck me.  I am a learner by nature, but this was a reminder that it was perfectly all right not to come in with all of the answers.  That was not the expectation.  Nor should it be your attitude!  What a relief.  Because I certainly didn’t have all the answers.  But, I did have a passion for children’s literature and illustration, a dedication to the task I’d been given, a commitment to work hard, and a willingness to learn every step of the way! Here are five ways I learned and grew personally and professionally from this experience:

1. I learned from the books themselves. 
I am amazed at all the information I learned this year about the world by reading the 2015 picture books!  I learned about people who made a difference in their communities, about people who overcame incredible hardships to follow their dreams, and about people who are creating amazing art and music to bring beauty into the world.  I learned about the ocean, animals, nature, and natural disasters.  I laughed out loud at clever stories for the young (and the young at heart) and cried at stories of tragedy and loss.  I experienced beautiful poetic verse and was moved to view the world around me in new ways.  What a testament to the high quality of books that are being published every year for young readers and to the rich education that is available through books!  And what a reminder of what picture books have to offer to readers of all ages.

2.  I learned from my students. 
This year I formed a Caldecott Club to solicit input from readers. Each month a brought a big stack books to our after school meeting; then, our club, a small group of committed, opinionated 😉 students, a few teachers, and my co-librarian Katherine, read, explored, observed, and shared their thoughts.  My students are in grades 5 – 8, so they came at the task as readers, but also as art appreciators and critics. Most took it very seriously and had a lot to say about the books and the artwork.  We didn’t have a formal Mock Caldecott, but I gleaned a great deal from their observations and opinions at each meeting.  They were thoughtful and articulate.  They noticed things I did not. They often liked books I didn’t think they would and vice versa.  In short, they reminded me of how smart they are, how important it is that the books recognize this intelligence, and how delightful it is to experience literature through the eyes of younger readers!

A few members of the Caldecott Club diligently evaluating

3.  I learned from my committee members. 
In preparation for our discussions, I read, reread, observed, reread again, and took careful notes on the many, many eligible books.  But, when we came together and began discussing each title, members of the committee pointed out things I NEVER noticed.  The discussion of each book was greatly enriched because of what each member brought to the table.  My fellow committee members broadened my experience of every title by noticing, questioning, and adding more.  They challenged me to think differently and made me a deeper reader.  I am forever thankful for what I learned from each member.  This truly was the the deepest, richest, most exhausting, and most rewarding book discussion I have ever been a part of.  And, I am a better literary professional because of it.

One of our very official photos

4. I learned from the process.
From Day One, the advice given to ALSC selection committee members is, “Trust the process.”  Our process is confidential, but I will say that I did come to trust this valuable system.  Without going into specifics, I will say that for me “trusting the process” came to mean …

• Thankfulness for a committee.  As I mentioned above working with a committee of readers who are passionate about children’s literature and committed to the task at hand means that we all have strong opinions.  But, those strong opinions made us challenge each other and led to stronger, more thoughtful decisions in the end.  
• Thankfulness for the Caldecott Medal criteria.  The specific criteria guided us throughout the process.  We went back to them again and again, making sure we were staying true to our charge and that the books on the table were meeting or exceeding these criteria – not our personal criteria, the Caldecott criteria. They were our beacon and navigated us throughout the process.  
• Thankfulness for the system.  There is a system in place for the nominating, discussing, and voting.  And it works.  Each year is different. There is a whole new bounty of amazing books to enjoy, explore, and evaluate.  The selection committee brings new opinions and perspectives.  There is passionate debate.  But, the criteria and the system stay the same. And in the end, it all works and the most distinguished American picture book for children (and honors?) is named and children’s literature is celebrated! 

5.  I learned the joy of celebrating literature! 
This was more of a reminder…. a lesson I never grow weary of learning in new ways.  Celebrating literature is what I love to do; it’s why I became I librarian.  But, this experience allowed me some new celebrations.  First, we were able to join our wonderful committee chair Rachel Payne in making the early morning phone calls to the winning illustrators to share the good news before it was announced to the world.  What an incredible experience!  There were sleepy hellos, screams, yells, and many, many tears.  At not yet 7 am., I had cried away most of my makeup (Why wasn’t I wearing waterproof mascara??) and was absolutely exhausted!  But it was soooo worth it!

Then, it was onto the 2016 ALA Youth Media Awards.  I absolutely love these announcements each year.  There is not much better than cheering for the authors, illustrators, and publishers of books that engage, entertain, and inspire readers.  This year was so special, because I got to sit with my fellow committee members – and now dear friends – in our matching t-shirts 🙂 and cheer for the books we had selected.  We were celebrating these amazing illustrators, their art and stories, as well as the work we had done together.  We were also able to cheer for the other winning authors and illustrators (such a treat to see many of our books win additional awards!) and to cheer for the work of our fellow committees, the first time for many of us, truly understanding the time, work and commitment that went into their decisions.

After a celebratory breakfast, we went on the exhibit floor and got to visit the winning publishers’ booths and put the Caldecott Medal and Honor stickers on the winning books!!  Wow.  So much fun! We were videoed and tweeted by Little, Brown the publisher of Finding Winnie, and it was even posted on CNN.com. What??!

Time to put the seal on! #Caldecott16 @SophieBlackall @lindsaymattick pic.twitter.com/evuD6k0uhb

— Little, Brown School (@lbschool) January 11, 2016

These celebrations are the big ones.  They are exhilarating and rejuvenating.  They allow us to cheer for the stars of children’s literature and to celebrate the impact these books make on the lives of young readers.  They also remind us of why we do what we do.  But, the small, daily celebrations are just as important.  My heart leaps as much (or more!) when a student comes running in after reading a book I’ve recommended, thanking me, and demanding another. 😉  And, that’s why it’s okay that some personal favorites are always left out of the big announcements and award lists.  That’s why it’s such a privilege to be a librarian.  I can continue to celebrate books all year long by making sure those favorites find their way into the hands of their readers in the months and years to come.

So …. Many, many boxes of books delivered to my doorstep.  A year of reading, rereading, and note-taking.  Hours and hours of intense, incredible book discussion. Several lessons learned.  Fourteen new friends made.  One gold medal winner, four honors. and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

More …

For more about our selections and about spreading the love for your annual favorites, read this lovely guest post on the Calling Caldecott blog of The Horn Book website written by our committee chair, Rachel Payne.

For more about the Caldecott process, read this post by my fellow committee member, librarian and reviewer, the brilliant Karen MacPherson.

For a tug at your heart, watch this video from the lovely and talented Sophie Blackall about winning the medal.  I’ve watched it again and again!

For an interview with Sophie B and the other winning illustrators, visit the one and only Mr. Schu’s blog.  Mr. Schu is the ultimate Book Celebrator!!

It just keeps getting better and better!  Two very special treasures that recently arrived in the mail and will soon be added to my office walls!   I came sprinting into the house after each arrival jumping and screaming and basically had to be peeled off the ceiling!  🙂

A letter TO ME from Kevin Henkes!

A painting FOR ME from Sophie Blackall with letter on the back!

TLA is next week, so I thought I better get my post up from my last conference … ALA Midwinter… In January! 

January is not my favorite month.  I am not a winter girl, and getting up early on cold, dreary days is not my gift.  But there is one thing I do love about January … ALA Midwinter!  I started attending a few years ago, and now it one of my favorite things about the New Year.  The one down side is that the event is usually held in a cold weather city, BUT they are fabulous cities worth visiting so I can suffer through.  😉 

This year’s event was held in the grand metropolis of Chicago.  I flew in with several librarian friends; as soon as we arrived, the book events began!  Some of the highlights included: 

Macmillan Dinner
Macmillan hosted a lovely dinner with their editors.  I love the Macmillan team and was able to see old friends as well as meet new ones, including the lovely Christy Ottaviano who leads an imprint with Henry Holt.  One of Christy’s authors is April Henry who is a very popular author in our library, but whose books have been a topic of discussion in the book debate in our school district this year.  I really enjoyed talking with Christy about Ms. Henry’s books and other upcoming titles in her imprint. It was a cozy night of casual conversation with the maybe the most delicious chicken I’ve ever eaten (and I don’t even really like chicken!)  

Previews, previews, previews! 

At these conferences, the publishers host previews of their upcoming titles and I love these events. They are like fashion shows of the upcoming trends and styles!  I come away with a long list of titles to order for the library, to recommend to teachers and friends, and to add to my reading list.  These amazing people even send you off with a bag of Advanced Reading Copies so you can start your reading immediately!  

The Little, Brown preview usually includes a surprise author visit.  This time it was Kate Hannigan who spoke about her new book, The Detective’s Assistant.  This novel is based on the true story of Kate Warne, the first female detective. Ms. Hannigan’s enthusiasm for Ms. Warne’s story and the research she put into it had us all enthralled.  This one is at the top of my stack! 

Kate Hannigan speaking about The Detective’s Assistant while Victoria Stapleton displays some of the old books used for her research.  🙂

The Simon Schuster preview was a super fun event.  First, we heard from the amazing Sharon Draper!  Yowza.  She is such a talent and an absolute firecracker!   Then, we had “speed dating” with the editors.  They each visited our tables and told us about some of the books coming out this spring.  It was so much fun, and again, I left with a long list and stack of books!  

Sharon Draper talking about the release of her new book, Stella by Starlight.

Scholastic is beginning a new partnership with a UK imprint led by David Fickling.  They hosted an event that showcased the types of books this collaboration will provide.  Oh my word.  This was one of my favorite parts of the conference.  David Fickling is a British rock star!  Clapping and bubbling with enthusiasm, he took the stage, accompanied by loud music (I think it was David Bowie, but I was too swept away to remember), and within in moments had the room on their feet cheering. He went on to eloquently, cleverly and riotously talk about his authors and their books and concluded by praising librarians for the work we do and challenging us to continue to carry our torches our high!  It was so inspiring and so much fun.  If I could start each day with David Fickling launching me of into the world of books and libraries, oh what mountains I could move!  

The Great David Fickling complete with signature bow tie!

Thank you to these publishers and to Candlewick and BoydsMill Press who also hosted lovely previews.  I was honored to be included in each event. 

Random House Dinner
The amazing Laura Antonacci always hosts the most delightful events, and this conference was no different.  The Random House dinner offered a chance to dine with beloved authors Chris Grabenstein, Liesl Shurtliff, and Rebecca Stead. They are all so talented, down-to-earth, and delightful.  Another highlight getting to sit across the table from celebrity librarian Mr. Schu who literally knows everyone and everything!  It was a fabulous night. 

Rebecca Stead talking with Wendy Lamb about her new book Goodbye Stranger (which is A+, by the way!)

Jack and Liesl!  🙂

Chris Grabenstein talking about new book The Island of Dr. Libris and making the crowd roar with his hilarious stories!

Mr. Schu!

Penguin Middle Grade Round Table 
A few librarians and teachers from various settings were invited to be a part of a discussion about middle grade readers hosted by Penguin.  I was delighted to be a part of this conversation and really enjoyed hearing from others about their readers.  It was also a great chance to get to know some new people, which I always love.  

Ms. Bradley signing a book for my friend Karen Kessel!

At the end of discussion, we were joined by author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.  Ms. Bradley talked about her new book The War that Saved My Life.  This moving historical novel tells the story of two siblings who, like thousands of children during WWII, were evacuated from London to the British countryside under the fear of German bombings on the city. Through the eyes of Ada, a young girl who has experienced incredible abuse and trauma, Ms. Bradley provides a fascinating glimpse of history and a story of perseverance and triumph. It was a treat to hear more about the inspiration for the novel and the research that went into the writing. The-girl-who-still-wants-a-pony in me was also delighted to hear more about Ms. Bradley’s horse that was the inspiration for Butter, the horse in the novel.  😉  And we were all excited to hear that the author is working on the sequel!   

Penguin One Book Dinner
The beautiful and talented Venessa Carson hosts the most fabulous events for Penguin. The One Book Dinner was the perfect last party of the conference.  We weathered the cold temps and snow drifts to make our way to this cozy gathering in the basement of The Gage restaurant… And we were in for a treat!  The editors each told us about their ONE favorite release of 2015.  What a fun way to hear about new books.  I am so excited about each of the new titles they spotlighted and have been madly reading since then!  One of my first favorites is the YA novel Trouble is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly. The unique format of the evening and my hilarious table of new friends made for a fabulous night. 

Caldecott Committee
Of course, the high point of the conference was getting to attend my first meeting as a member of the 2016 Caldecott Selection Committee.  I am so thrilled to be a part of this committee; it’s a dream come true.  It was great to finally meet everyone face-to-face and to begin this exciting process.  I believe our different perspectives and variety of experiences will come together to create a strong, knowledgeable committee.  And, we all have two very important things in common: a passion for children’s picture books and a desire to make the best selections possible!  It’s going to be a challenge, but, I trust, a very rewarding experience. May the most distinguished contribution to picture books win!

ALA YMA #2015 Announcements! 
My conference always ends with the announcement of the year’s ALA Youth Media Awards. This annual event is so much fun.  The room is abuzz with anticipation … everyone making predictions and hoping to hear their favorites announced.  When the announcements begin, there are wild cheers, gasps of surprise, and Twitter is set afire!  

Minutes before the announcements begin!

The Texan librarians in the room!

This year was no different …. except for when the Caldecott awards were named… my heart was aflutter knowing that next year, I will have had a hand in making these selections!  Wow. What a privilege. 

This year’s medal winner was The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat.  An endearing story featuring the adorable Beekle who daringly travels to the world to find his Imaginary Friend. The illustrations are delightfully unique making this is a charmer for sure.   

Unexpected Change in Plans
I mentioned my conference always ends with the announcements.  Well, not this year. Due to a huge snowstorm, my flight was cancelled and I ended up spending another night in Chicago. Although ready to get home, I enjoyed some extra time with friends. Wonderful Thom Barthelmess invited us to his home (a transformed church!) for dinner.  It was a cozy, fun evening that became the perfect end to the Midwinter 2015.

Thom’s super cool living area!

June and Olive waiting for me at home.  I was definitely glad to see them the next day!

So, another ALA Midwinter is in the books.  New friends, new books, new opportunities, and the perfect remedy for my winter blues.  

Now spring has sprung, and it’s time for the Texas Library Association Annual Conference.  I head to Austin on Monday for a week full of learning, connecting, and fest-ing!  Let the fun begin.  

NEW FEATURE… Shop this post! 

The Paper Cowboy 
by Kristin Levine

Summary: Tommy is a good looking kid who is liked and followed by the kids at his school.  But what they don’t know is that he is hiding many secrets.  At home, his mother is prone to severe mood swings and Tommy has to help a great deal with his little sisters. When his older sister is severely burned in an accident, things go from bad to worse.  As Mary Lou, his only ally in the house, heals in the hospital,Tommy must take over Mary Lou’s early morning paper route and try to hold things together at home as his mother becomes more and more violent. Tommy lashes out, becoming a cruel bully at school, stealing from a neighborhood store, and even framing the store owner. 

Tommy dreams of being a cowboy, like the great Gary Cooper in the movie High Noon.  But instead, he is acting like one of the bad guys.  Is it too late for Tommy to make things right?   

Thoughts:  The Paper Cowboy is a powerful, authentic story of a young boy’s struggle to deal with a troubled home life and to figure out who he is in the process.  Levine adeptly pulls the reader into the fragile setting where everything depends on Tommy’s mother’s mood and his overwhelmed father has no idea how to handle the situation.  Levine develops a complex character in Tommy – he bravely withstands his mother’s abuse, tenderly protects his little sisters, and worries about the healing of his older sister; then the next day, he harshly treats kids at school, steals, and lies.  But, his inner struggle with his behaviors and the way he grows with each chapter provides hope and has the reader cheering for Tommy to do the right things. 

The historical backdrop of McCarthyism adds depth and interest to the novel.  Levine’s excellent connections between the boys’ bullying on the schoolyard to the adult targeting of alleged Communists allow for much thought and discussion. The theme of bullying is contrasted perfectly with the caring friendships that develop in the community once Tommy takes the time to truly get to know the people in his school and in his neighborhood.  

The Paper Cowboy is a thoughtful novel about acceptance, compassion, and overcoming life’s struggles. Inspired by the author’s father’s childhood, the book ends with interesting notes and photographs.  

Read The Paper Cowboy if you …  

• enjoyed Kristin Levine’s previous novels
• like engaging historical fiction that is well-researched and immediately transports you to a different place in time
• have ever been a bully or the victim of a bully
• are inspired by stories of characters overcoming difficult circumstances
• enjoy books where the characters greatly develop and grow 
• ever wanted to be a cowboy, a hero, or just one of the good guys 

The Winner’s Curse
by Marie Rutkoski

Summary: Kestrel is the daughter of the general, part of the aristocracy.  She is used to winning and to getting what she wants.  On a whim, she purchases a slave, Arin, in an auction.  It is not long before he starts to change the way Kestrel thinks, the way she sees the world, the way she feels about everything.  But Arin is not what he seems.   

Thoughts: The Winner’s Curse is a completely enthralling novel. It pulled me in from the very beginning because of its originality…. a world of indulgent aristocrats, a conquered people-turned-slaves, and a society that values military strategy and prowess in combat over the arts.  

Kestrel is passionate about music, but it is not seen as a worthy pursuit of the upper class.  Her father insists that she join the military or get married, so she looks for ways to exert control in her life.  This is quickly lost when her world is turned upside down.  The novel is lush and intoxicating, pulling the reader into a world of high society, political intrigue, secrets, forbidden love, and betrayal.  Kestrel and Arin are complex, well-developed characters, both full of surprises.  I look forward to their continued story in the next two books of the trilogy.                

Read The Winner’s Curse if you …

• like books that pull you into a completely different, fully imagined new world
• liked the Incarceron series by Catherine Fisher, the Shadow and Bone series by Leigh Bardugo or For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
• look for atmospheric novels with a unique feel
• enjoy stories with unexpected plot twists and turns
• love stories of star-crossed love!  🙂

Click here to read more about The Winner’s Trilogy and author Marie Rutkoski. 

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
by Jenny Han

Summary:  Lara Jean has never really dated.  But, she has loved several boys who, unknowingly, have broken her heart.  She writes to each, pouring out her soul in letters that she never mails; all notes are kept safely in a hatbox under her bed.  Until one day the secret letters are mysteriously mailed.  Suddenly, eyes that were never meant to see the letters are exactly the ones who receive them. Overnight Lara Jean’s very private love life becomes very public, and she is forced to deal with the mess. 

Thoughts:  This is a delicious novel, and I just gobbled it up.  It is a romance, but it also tackles important themes of family relationships, loss, and identity with the perfect combination of depth and humor. 

Lara Jean is the middle daughter of three who lost their mother at a young age.  The oldest, Margot, is going away to college and the family is dealing with this change.  Skilled author Jenny Han explores the complicated relationships of the sisters – their strong bond as they care for each other and their father, but also the added pressures they put on one another in the absence of their mother.  

The debacle of the mailed letters is a creative premise.  It brings different characters into Lara Jean’s life, forces her to face her feelings, and allows her to begin to realize who she really is.  Han works it all adeptly, not bringing in too many past loves, and perfectly pacing the chaos with character development and self-discovery.  The boys are believable, intriguing characters, full of personality and surprises. The youngest sister, Kitty, brings additional humor and heart to the story.  The result is a delightful novel that explores what happens when one is faced with the truth and new possibilities. 

Read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before if you … 

• enjoyed Jenny Han’s previous writing
• like books by Stephanie Perkins or Lindsey Leavitt
• have ever had a secret crush
• have a sister 
• have a complicated family relationship 
• wonder what would happen if your private thoughts were made public! Gasp!

Click here to read more about the hilarious Jenny Han, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and her other novels.  

SPOILER ALERT:  Ms. Han has already announced that there will be a sequel, P.S. I Still Love You. (Thank goodness!!)   I can hardly wait, and, judging from the Good Reads page, I am not the only one.  Many other fans are feeling equally tortured having to wait until 2015 for the story to continue!  But don’t visit the page until you’ve finished the first novel.  🙂