The amazing experience I had reading The Giver prompted me to wonder what else I have missed in the area of young adult books. Since this particular book had won a Newbery Medal, I thought it might be interesting to read as many of the winning books as I can.
I found a list of the Newbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present on the Association for Library Service to Children website. I think I’m going to work my way backward, starting with the 2011 winner, Moon Over Manifest.
What do you think of my idea? Has anyone read the 2011 book? Are there any past winners you especially recommend?
I'm a mom with Asperger's raising an amazing son with autism, which means I'm basically the case manager/advocate/cheerleader/chauffeur. The rest of the time, you can usually find me with my nose in a book!
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My reading at the moment is solely for entertainment. I have a couple of NF to pick up from the library today that Kim recommended on her blog.
Reading is to unwind and relax – I rarely watch tv. Sometimes to educate if the topic interests me. I don’t do challenges or feel the need to justify my reading to some – not yourself but others out there – that I enjoy everything from NF to erotica. I have tried a couple of YA books – there are those online that love them – and truth is, I find them irritating and annoying so I’m passing them by.
Right now I need to find books for the eldest for the home reading his school does each year. There I usually stick with the classics (need to get a copy of Huck Finn), Shakespeare for kids, and whatever boy book – the one’s with antics and body odour – is out this year. He still has the last of my “Great Brain” by Fitzgerald, books to read as well and has enjoyed those.
I think I may do this with my 13 year old.
She’s already read quite a few on the list, so she’s a bit ahead of me. She especially enjoyed “Walk Two Moons.” She’s continually on the lookout for books by the same author. I believe she’s reading one right now. Love the idea and love you! 
From our years of guiding child reading via public libraries, a book Newbery-medal-marked book was snatched from the shelf in a nanosecond. Our children have both urged me to read The Giver. Alas, it will have to wait. I am reading but seems too slow to mention what at this time. *blush* Also, I have posted my entry for the BoB at Danette’s.
I think it is a very good idea to go back and read the award winning books.