Welcome to the Global Mock Newbery Project 2018!

This fall (and into winter), students will engage in a "mock" Newbery project. We are seeking other 4th and 5th grade classes to connect with so that we can deepen our analytical approach to literature as well as generate enthusiasm for newly published books. Students will read and critically analyze a short list of titles that are eligible for the Newbery Award. Students will use the actual Newbery criteria to select the book they believe most deserves this award.

Scroll below to how we plan to structure our project, the actual Newbery criteria, how we can connect our classrooms and students, and the short list of books that we will use this fall.

We will also be using the hashtag #GlobalMockNewbery2018 on Twitter to connect, share work, and update the project.

the project details

We hope this project is fairly open ended and classes can organize however it fits best. There are a few elements of scheduling that are driving our project. The ALA Youth Media Awards, where the Newbery will be announced, is on Monday, January 28, 2019. We are asking our students to collectively make their selection on Friday, January 25. As students are reading, they will make suggestions to their fellow readers so that there is a "short" short list by the end of December. This list will provide students the opportunity to read these books that have risen to the top so that all voices can be heard.

Our students will be in pairs or small groups selecting books from the short list (scroll below) and reading together in Book Club. We will be using Seesaw blogs to post #BookSnaps, written and/or recorded reflections, traditional blogs, and other activities that we hope will deepen the literary skills for our 4th graders. We will use the comment section to continue the conversation and connection. We will be directly teaching each of the criteria (scroll below) that the Newbery committee uses in its evaluation. In addition, students will use this sheet (based on an actual sheet used by the committee) as a way to summarize each book.

Check the updates on the Week 1 page above.

That is how we are structuring our project. There are so many other possibilities: read alouds, class novel reads, pleasure reading, etc. Hopefully, this project allows you to structure it whichever works best for you and your students. The main element of excitement is connecting and learning from one another via Seesaw, Skype, virtual book talks, and other means not thought of yet! You can join this project and collaboration at any time!

Mock Newbery Criteria

Students will read through the lens of the criteria used by the Newbery committee. The committee members are asked to read deeply and focus their deliberations using the following criteria:

interpretation of the theme or concept
presentation of information including accuracy, clarity, and organization
development of plot
delineation of characters
delineation of setting
appropriateness of style

The committee should keep in mind that the award is for literary quality and quality presentation for children. Adaptation and explanation of these criteria should result in deep reading and thoughtful analysis which offer great teaching opportunities. Here is the Newbery Manual.

Google sheet to Connect via Seesaw

In order for classes to connect, we will use Seesaw's blog feature. If you are new to Seesaw, signup! It is a FREE app and it is awesome for the classroom. Here is how to setup your class, and watch this tutorial for adding connected blogs to your Seesaw Blog. Use the Google Sheet below to connect with contact information and Seesaw blog links!

Mock Newbery Collaboration Contact Info

Mock Newbery 2018 Short List

Below is our short list of titles. This list is diverse in terms of content, reading level, and genre. We are presenting the titles to our students and then they will choose which titles speak to them and their book club. The hope is that each student will challenge herself/himself to become a more critical reader, to connect with the world with more authenticity, and to enjoy reading on a new level. We get that some students will read all 18 titles and some may "only" read two. We all grow individually.

Mock Newberry 2018 Short List