First, let me say that I am so fortunate to work with two amazing teacher-librarians, Carrie Davies and Katie Lawrence. Planning and organizing this event with them was an amazing experience and I thank them for being such awesome colleagues.
As a culmination of mock Newbery clubs at each of our three elementary schools, 35 fourth grade students met today for our committee meeting to award our district's inaugural mock Newbery award.
Our meeting was held in the board room at our administration building, so committee members were greeted by our superintendent as they entered the building.
They found their assigned space...
...checked out their committee member gift bags and water bottles...
...and settled in for a great day!
After welcomes and introductions, we were so fortunate to Skype with John Schumacher. John took the time to share about his experience as a member of the 2014 Newbery Committee. As always, John was delightful, and committee members learned so much about the Newbery "process".
Following our talk with Mr. Schu, committee members referred to their subcommittee assignment cards to see which subcommittee meeting they would attend first.
They then met in subcommittees to discuss a particular book that all members had read.
Following our first subcommittee meeting we had the opportunity to Skype with author Kelly Jones. Kelly's Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer was one of our mock Newbery selections.
After Skyping with Kelly, committee members attended their second subcommittee meeting to discuss another book.
We were then fortunate to have a third Skype visit, This time with Circus Mirandus author Cassie Beasley. Circus Mirandus was another of our selections.
Following a third subcommittee meeting...
...committee members had a quiet time to reflect on all that they had heard and discussed at their meetings. They wrote, outlined, jotted, drew, sketched....whatever would help them clarify their thoughts and prepare them to make their decision.
Committee members then broke into one final subcommittee group. During this time, each member would have the opportunity to "champion" one book.
The time had come for each committee member to cast his/her vote.
Now it was time for the mock Newbery Banquet!
At the conclusion of the banquet, the winners were announced!
OUR HONOR BOOKS
2016
NORTHVIEW MOCK NEWBERY WINNER
As committee members left, they each made a treat bag to take with them.
THE 2016 MOCK NEWBERY COMMITTEE
What a tremendous day! My favorite quote from the day came from one of the committee members: "We got to share great books with new friends!"
I could not have said it better myself!
