By Dara L. Cain
Rowan Public Library
The Newbery Award is the first childrenís book award in the world, established in 1922. It is named in honor of 18th-century English bookseller John Newbery and is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.
The purpose of the award is ěto encourage original creative work in the field of books for children.î
This yearís Newbery winner is ěMoon Over Manifestî by Clare Vanderpool. Set in 1936, the book features 12-year-old Abilene Tucker, who feels deserted in Manifest, Kan., where she has been sent by her father to live for the summer with an old friend while he works a railroad job.
Abilene is saddened to learn that her fatherís hometown is desolate and boring until she discovers a box containing some old letters that refer to a spy known as the Rattler.
These letters send Abilene and her new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, on an exciting spy hunt to uncover Manifestís long-held secrets.
Also worthy of attention are this yearís honor books, which are ěDark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night,î by Joyce Sidman; ěHeart of a Samurai,î by Margi Preus; ěOne Crazy Summer,î by Rita Williams-Garcia; and ěTurtle in Paradise,î by Jennifer L. Holm.
After the Newbery Award was created, it became apparent to many people that the artists designing picture books for children were equally deserving of recognition and encouragement.
As a result, a second annual medal known as the Caldecott Medal was established in 1938. This medal is to be given to the artist who had created the most distinguished picture book of the year and named in honor of the 19th-century English illustrator Randolph J. Caldecott.
This yearís Caldecott winner is ěA Sick Day for Amos McGee,î illustrated by Erin E. Stead and written by her husband, Philip C. Stead. In this kindhearted story, zookeeper Amos McGee spends quality time each day with his animal friends at the zoo, from playing chess with elephant to conducting races with tortoise.
Everything is status quo until Amos gets sick with a cold and must stay home in bed. To Amosí surprise, his animal friends make a surprise visit to his home and reciprocate kindness by taking care of him.
Penguin helps by keeping Amosí feet warm and when Amos sneezes, rhinoceros is there to provide a handkerchief. Erin Steadís use of woodblock-printing techniques and soft, flat colors portrays a gentle story about friendship and love.
This yearís honor books are ěInterrupting Chicken,î written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein, and ěDave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave,î illustrated by Bryan Collier and written by Laban Carrick Hill.
Computer classes: Classes are free. Sessions are approximately 90 minutes. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dates and times at all locations are subject to change without notice.
Headquarters ó Monday, 7 p.m., Fun with Flickr.
Book Bites Club: South only; Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., ěThe Zookeeperís Wife,î by Diane Ackerman. Book discussion groups for adults and children are at South Rowan Regional Library and meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public. There is a discussion of the book and light refreshments at each meeting. For more information please call 704-216-8229.
Teen program: Come dressed as your favorite character, screen select Anime titles and create Manga Shrinky Dink Key rings all while sampling some Japanese treats.
East, Monday, 5:30-7 p.m.
South, Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m.
Displays: Headquarters ó Looking Glass Collective, Moon Eye stone artifacts; South ó SRHS art class; East ó Rubber stamping by Glenda Trexler.
Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.