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This quote is from a post there called The Art of Writing. It really struck me in its loveliness.
We have to muddle our way through a lot of really good work, hold each up against the other, try calling it distinguished, disagree, find something better…in order to identify the best out there. I always hope, in the end, that the medals go to works that truly achieve “liftoff.” Our job (most of us) is one of connecting readers with great books, medal or not. Though the Newbery award is certainly for those readers, in my mind, it’s more important that it’s for the writers/creators: awarding them for the struggle, so that they’ll continue, and so that others have a standard to shoot for.Let's celebrate Newbery winners today, those whose struggles have set the bar high and have given us books we love. Who's on your list?
9 Comments on Distinguished Writing: Awarding the Struggle, last added: 12/2/2012
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I haven't read any Newbery winners in the last decade, but always always Jacob Have I Loved, Island of the Blue Dolphin, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Summer of the Swans, and Bridge to Terabithia. And Wrinkle in Time.
I'm not big on awards. I think often the award committees get it wrong - especially in adult books - but the Newbery does it right.
What a beautiful quote. And I'm obsessed with that photo. I love trees and this captures their beauty in a different way. As for Newbery winners, I think of Sharon Creech, whose Walk Two Moons is one of my favorite books of all time.
OMG, writing and publishing is hard enough without worrying about awards! Still, it is wonderful to see that kind of recognition for books I adore. Yours certainly should win awards. I loved May B so much!
Awards certainly are subjective: each committee will have its own views, opinions, and group culture, and each year will have a unique mix of books. I have to believe, though, that any book that makes it through an award process is deserving and has merit. Of course, there are plenty that aren't considered that are just as worthy.
Katherine Paterson is my hero. Love her work.
Isn't it an affirming quote? I took the picture a few weeks ago in the Jemez mountains. Loved the colors and textures. It was fun to hike through and snap pictures of anything and everything.
Walk Two Moons won the Newbery the year I took my adolescent lit class in college. I've always felt a kinship with it.
I love seeing recognition for books I adore. I'm very flattered. Thank you.
I so love most of the Newberry's. They have such a wonderful tone rather than commercial fiction. I can't imagine what an honor it would be to be nominated for one. Caroline, I just picked up your book May B and can't wait to read it. It is next on my TBR pile.
Thank you, Sharon! Hope you enjoy.
Oh, I love that quote, too! Thanks for sharing it and the Jemez mountains with us.
I went back and caught up on a few weeks worth of Heavy Medal and now I know why you have banned that blog from your sight for awhile. But, Caroline, it was only *one* silly comment from a teen reader who clearly doesn't *get* or appreciate verse novels. Please banish it from your head! I thought MAY B was perfect as a verse novel, I really did. Exactly the kind of story and character that works in a verse novel.
Sending you lots of virtual hugs and chocolate chip cookies! xoxo