Early Contenders: Our First List of Mock Newbery Candidates
Our first round of Mock Newbery suggestions is complete, with 15 titles to start us off. Four books already have more than one suggestion, with THE LIONS’ RUN and THE MOON WITHOUT STARS leading the way. We’ll be back with a call for more suggestions in early April. Here’s our [...]
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It’s Not Too Early: Time for March Mock Newbery Suggestions
It's time for our first round of suggestions for the 2027 Mock Newbery on Heavy Medal. If you've read any 2026 children's books that might deserve consideration as Newbery Medal contenders, share your suggestions now.
Goodbye for Now
The 2026 Award season is officially over, so Heavy Medal will take a break. We'll return with 2027 suggestions starting in March, and Mock Newbery discussions resuming in September.
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Book Discussion
Looking ahead to Newbery 2027
It's time to look ahead to the 2027 Newbery medal. We don't have a lot on our radar, what's on yours?
The Final 5: These are the books that we’ll discuss on our Live Webcast
Announcing the Final 5: the titles that will be discussed and voted on during our Live Webcast on SLJ this Friday!
Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY by Renee Watson
Today we discuss our final title on the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list- ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY by Renee Watson.
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Looking ahead to Newbery 2027
It's time to look ahead to the 2027 Newbery medal. We don't have a lot on our radar, what's on yours?
The Newbery Medal goes to: ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY
The 2026 Newbery Medal winner is ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY by Renee Watson. Share your reactions to this news and to the other award winners that were announced.
Heavy Medal Reader’s Poll Results
Nearly 100 people cast ballot on our Heavy Medal Reader's Poll, and the winner is: THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by Kate Messner.
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And the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery winners are….
Thanks to all who participated and attended our annual webinar. It was surprising to see the HMAC and viewers poll Mock Newbery winners.
Predictions for the YMAs
ALA's Youth Media Awards will be announced on Monday, including the Newbery, Caldecott, and many more. We have no idea what will win, but it's fun to guess, so....Predictions!
Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Reader’s Poll 2026
All Heavy Medal readers are welcome to vote in our 2026 Mock Newbery Reader's Poll. It is open until Friday afternoon JANUARY 23rd.
The Final 5: These are the books that we’ll discuss on our Live Webcast
Announcing the Final 5: the titles that will be discussed and voted on during our Live Webcast on SLJ this Friday!
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Recent Comments
Apr 1, 2026
kate mccue-day on Early Contenders: Our First List of Mock Newbery Candidates
"I just read Birdy!!! Definitely one of my favorites of the year!! The relationships were so heartwarming. Loved every wo ..."
Mar 31, 2026
Monica Williams on Early Contenders: Our First List of Mock Newbery Candidates
"Looking forward to checking all these out and seeing what might be some contenders. ..."
Mar 28, 2026
Lisa Rogers on Early Contenders: Our First List of Mock Newbery Candidates
"Loved A Year Without Home--heart-wrenching, beautiful, and moving. Glad to see it as a contender. I look forward to delv ..."
Mar 21, 2026
Lynne Johnson on Early Contenders: Our First List of Mock Newbery Candidates
"I'm looking forward to hear all of the discussion and watch the list grow. I recently finished "When Tomorrow Burns" and ..."
Mar 14, 2026
Mari A. on Early Contenders: Our First List of Mock Newbery Candidates
"Got it! Thank you. I’m already trying to keep up with all of these wonderful suggestions. Keep reading and recommen ..."
Mar 11, 2026
Tara Anne Baker on Early Contenders: Our First List of Mock Newbery Candidates
"Thank you, Steven. It's very exciting to see a list of contenders already! Happy reading, everyone! ..."
Mar 10, 2026
Steven Engelfried on Early Contenders: Our First List of Mock Newbery Candidates
"Thanks for the suggestion, Mari. The only problem is that if you don't subscribe to SLJ, you can only view a limited amo ..."
Mar 9, 2026
Mari A. on Early Contenders: Our First List of Mock Newbery Candidates
"Can't believe we are already starting to make the list for 2026! Would it be possible to make the book titles live link ..."
Mar 9, 2026
Judy Weymouth on It’s Not Too Early: Time for March Mock Newbery Suggestions
"I could not agree with you more. Even though it is only March, May (BIRDY) is a character I will never forget. This stor ..."
Mar 7, 2026
Steven Engelfried on It’s Not Too Early: Time for March Mock Newbery Suggestions
"Just a reminder that our March suggestions close today! And here are mine: BASKETBALL: THE STORY OF THE ALL-AMERICAN ..."
Mar 7, 2026
Emily R Mroczek on It’s Not Too Early: Time for March Mock Newbery Suggestions
"still gotta get going on my reading but I'll add some suggestions for THE LIONS RUN and THE MOON WITHOUT STARS ..."
Mar 7, 2026
Sarah Clarke on It’s Not Too Early: Time for March Mock Newbery Suggestions
"The Lion's Run definitely! I also liked A Year Without Home by V.T. Bidania! ..."
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