ALA 2023 Winners
I’m always excited to read the list of the ALA winners. It’s a delight to have my twitter feed full of posts cheering on the lucky winners and consoling creators of other excellent books that didn’t make the cut. It’s a time when there’s a focus on books for kids, and that is a great thing. I don’t read enough — or enough newly published books — to be familiar with most of the honorees, but some of those on the lists were ones I’d read, and a number more were already on my TBR list. Now, seeing the list, there are a few more to add as well. Here are my thoughts on the winners I know and the ones I’d like to read.
Have already read
Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin, honoree of Caldecott Medal
Striking book that made for good conversations with my kid.
Frizzy by Claribel Ortega and Rose Bousamra, winner of Pura Belpré Children’s Author Award
Graphic novel about standing up for yourself amid pressure to assimilate.
Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo, honoree for Pura Belpré Illustrator award
Graphic novel that talks about family and traditions and what to do when you love your family but not all of their ideas.
Honestly Elliott by Gillian McDunn, honoree for Schneider Family Book Award, middle school
As a fan of books about baking, I was excited to read this novel by McDunn. An unlikely pairing on a group project (love this trope!) produces inspiring and delicious results.
The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum, winner of William C. Morris Award
Hoodie was a book I loved from cover to cover. I’m a relatively nonobservant Jew, and I like hearing how others lead their religious lives (i.e., big Shtiesel fan). Hoodie’s orthodox community has moved to a new city, and there is tension with the gentile residents. He makes a connection with the daughter of the Mayor and begins to doubt some of his own family’s beliefs. Beautifully written and consistently engaging.
True Biz by Sara Novic, Alex Award
Excellent novel that looks at deafness from a number of different angles. I liked getting POVs from both the teens and grownups involved. I came to appreciate the deaf school at the center of the story as much as the students and teachers there, so I was just as upset when it is in danger of closing.
Kings of B’More by R. Eric Thomas, honoree of Stonewall Young Adult Literature Award
Check out my description of Kings of B’More in this post! Thrilled to see it recognized by ALA.
Man O’ War by Cory McCarthy, honoree of Stonewall Young Adult Literature Award
Read this novel in my quest for books with non-binary main characters. The protagonist’s journey shows them going from straight to lesbian to non-binary to trans.
On my list
This books are going on my list to read in 2023. Can’t wait to enjoy the radiant illustrations and luxuriate in the riveting writing. Stay tuned for my thoughts later!