2017 Youth Media Award Winners!

A few weeks ago one of the first award shows of the season was held down in Atlanta where many talented writers and artists were honored.  No, you didn't miss the Oscars or Grammys; it was the ALA Youth Media Awards!  These awards are given to authors and illustrators for their excellent contributions to children and young adult literature in 2016.

John Newberry Medal - for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature

WINNER: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Randolph Caldecott Medal - for the most distinguished American picture book

WINNER: Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat illustrated and written by Javaka Steptoe

Michael L. Printz Award - for excellence in literature written for young adults

WINNER: March: Book Three written by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell

If you haven't had the chance to check out these books yet I highly recommend it! These awards highlight outstanding literature and media that would add to library collections of all levels.  

The full list of winners and honorees can be found through this link: http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2017/01/american-library-association-announces-2017-youth-media-award-winners

If you are interested in learning more about the people behind the work, John Schu has been hosting interviews with the winners and honorees of several awards on his blog, Mr. Schu Reads.  

Interview with Kelly Barnhill - 2017 Newberry Medalist: 

http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2017/02/newbery-medalist-kelly-barnhill.html

Interviews with Newberry Honor Authors:

Ashley Bryan: http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2017/02/newbery-honor-author-ashley-bryan.html

Lauren Wolk: http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2017/01/newbery-honor-author-lauren-wolk.html

Adam Gidwitz: http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2017/01/newbery-honor-author-adam-gidwitz.html

Interview with Caldecott Honor Artist R. Gregory Christie: 

http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2017/02/caldecott-honor-artist-r-gregory.html