Lee Ann

Two specific responses to comments above. Janine about feeling a need to justify our decision. I’ve never thought that way because I believe in the process too deeply. We worked hard, worked honestly, worked collaboratively — and followed a process that I now know really works. So no — justification isn’t in my vocabulary right now. I’m proud and committed to these five books as our five most distinguished books of the year.

As for Lee Ann’s question if I would name some personal favorite books that didn’t make this list — I might be allowed to publicly write them, but I’d rather keep the focus on the work of our committee and not go there. All of us on the committee had and discussed many titles that were worthy of serious consideration — but we worked through them and identified clear, explained reasons why these books did not figuratively and literally stay on our table. I’d rather not delve into my own opinions about those books right now, if that’s OK with you.

Thanks again, everyone. This has been a pleasure and valuable experience writing about these experiences. My best,

Nick

Are you at liberty to tell us the title of the book that you loved which was eliminated in Denver? And what were some of your personal favorites that didn’t make the list?

Thanks.

As a committee, we are responding individually to the books we receive from publishers (and those we nominate on our own) while simultaneously applying the criteria and following procedures established by ALSC and REFORMA. We will discuss each book and some will rise to the top. A Belpré committee composed of different people would likely arrive at different decisions for the medal and honor winners. One or more members of our committee may choose to write about our process and selection, just as Nick is doing on this blog, but I hope we will not be asked to justify our choices per say.

I agree with you that selecting book award winners carries with it a great deal of responsibility. Still, I hope that people’s responses (and that includes those of children and youth) to literature are not compromised by concerns about justifying those responses.

My question: I loved The Graveyard Book, but I know it was a controversial choice for some people. Does the committee (or do you) feel a need to justify the decision on this or on any other award winner? If so, how do you do this?