ALA 2023 Winners Update
In a February post after the winners were announced, I gave my thoughts on the ALA recipients I had already read. Now that I’ve had a chance to read more, here are my impressions. I wonder how much my opinion of these books is altered by my knowing that they are award-winning. Regardless, I found a lot to love in these selections.
I was especially bowled over by When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb. I highly recommend this one.
Berry Song by Michaela Goade, honoree of Caldecott Medal
This lyrical picture book was a delight to read. Beautiful, sweeping illustrations fill the pages, and the text tells of nature, family, food, and traditions. The back matter is a wonderful addition to the text, explaining Native American traditions.
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise, honoree of Caldecott Medal
An owl has a simple dream: to be a knight. He makes it through Knight School and serves on the Knight Night Watch. One night, when the rest of the Knights have fallen asleep, he faces and eventually befriends a dragon. Check out the author’s reading of the book on YouTube.
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas, honoree of Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
This graphic novel is about Bree, as she and her dad move from Brooklyn to Florida. In some ways, it is a typical new-kid-in-town tale — Bree faces her fears, learns to swim, joins the swim team, and finds her new community. But it is also about how a history of segregation has led to fewer black swimmers. The illustrations are engaging, and the characters are complex. A great read.
When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb, winner of Schneider and Sydney Taylor Awards (plus honoree of two others!)
I loved this book from the first word to the last. So glad it won all these awards, and I hope that brings lots of readers to its pages. The book’s main characters are an angel and a demon who live in a shtetl so small it is only called Shtetl. Their journey to America is spurred by a goal of retribution for immigrants who have been swindled. But they learn just as much about the human experience and each other as they travel. The book was wonderfully familiar in its Jewish-ness while being surprising and unique. Go read it now!
Aviva vs the Dybbuk by Mari Lowe, winner of Sydney Taylor Award
Great to read another book showing the Orthodox Jewish experience. Aviva and her mother are still grieving the loss of Aviva’s father. Aviva’s mother runs the local mikveh. Money is tight, and also there’s a dybbuk that causes trouble all the time.
Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack, honoree of Sydney Taylor Award
I listened to Pasternack’s latest as an audiobook, narrated by Rebecca Gibel. Ziva’s brother Pesah has leprosy. She is determined to find a cure for him. When she learns that her parents plan to send Pesah away, she and Pesah run away in search of a cure. Ziva’s journey is mysterious and unique, dealing with trust, family, and loss.