As a children’s book editor, it’s always a thrill when the American Library Association rolls out its yearly honors. Last month (January 2023), the American Library Association Announced the 2023 Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz Award Winners, and more!
Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson (published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) is the winner of the John Newbery Medal and also the winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award. This middle-grade novel is about two enslaved children’s escape from a plantation and the many ways they find freedom, available in hardcover on Amazon.
For a list of past Newbery Medal Honor Books, check out Goodreads.
Hot Dog by Doug Salati (published by Random House Children’s Books) won the Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children, featuring an overheated—and overwhelmed—pup who finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air. This wonderful book is available at Barnes & Noble.
For a list of past Caldecott Medal winners, check out Goodreads.
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir (published by Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers) won the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults — “… a love story, a tragedy and an infectious teenage fever dream about what home means when you feel you don’t fit in.” — New York Times Book Review. Available on Amazon.
For a list of past Printz Award winners, check out the American Library Association.
Do You Need a Children’s Book Editor?
It’s definitely true that an independent, objective pair of eyes can help improve your manuscript — the characterization, the dialogue, and the overall story arc. I’m honored every time I edit a children’s book, knowing young kiddos are going to love flipping the pages and soaking in the illustrations.
Contact me, and let’s discuss your project! melaniesaxton@icloud.com