What is the Mock Newbery Book Club?

Each year, the American Library Association awards the The Newbery Medal to the author of the most “distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” A group of librarians, teachers and writers are a part of the Newbery Committee, which meets regularly and picks the award winner every Winter.

In Berkeley, 4th and 5th graders form their own Mock Newbery Committees. In years past, the students met regularly to discuss and read a list of 10 new books chosen by their BUSD librarians to reflect the diversity of our community and spark joy and a love of reading. Students then vote on their choice to receive the Berkeley Mock Newbery Medal.  Past winners in Berkeley include: Class Act, Front Desk, The War I Finally Won and Ghost. Which book will the students pick this year? Join us and find out! 

This year we’ll also be meeting on Zoom for evening events for students and families, and your school librarian will be offering fun activities for 4th and 5th graders during recess and/or library class. Questions in the meantime? Ask your school librarian!