Today, sixteen acclaimed 2010 books for young readers go head to head in School Library Journal's third annual Battle of the Kids' Books. Inspired by the Morning News Tournament of Books these literary contenders are paired off bracket-style and judged by a distinguished group of writers. R. L. Stine, Richard Peck, Karen Hesse, and Laura Amy Schlitz are just some of the remarkable decision-makers in this year's exciting event. With a match taking place every week day, you can read their smart and thoughtful decisions here.
While seeing which book a particular judge decides to advance is understandably exciting, it is what they have to say about the two they are considering and how they say it that is most enthralling. Understanding the serious play that is involved, each one is considerate and clever, and it is their elegantly penned decisions that are the heart and soul of the Battle.
Sugar Changed the World by Marc Aronson and Marina BudhosKeeper by Kathi AppeltThey Called Themselves the K.K.K. by Susan Campbell BartolettiHereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry DeutschA Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam GidwitzWill Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David LevithanThe Odyssey by Gareth HindsTrash by Andy MulliganAs Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth by Lynne Rae PerkinsThe Dreamer by Pam Munoz RyanThe Cardturner by Louis SacharThe Good, the Bad, and the Barbie by Tanya Lee StoneThe Ring of Solomon by Jonathan StroudA Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen TurnerCountdown by Deborah WilesOne Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
One of the creators of the event, here's what I had to say in a recent press release:
Each year I'm completely energized by the Battle of the Kids' Books. The judges always outdo themselves in smart, witty, and insightful decisions getting me to look at each contender in new ways. It is just fun to work together to keep the Battle of the Kids' Books entertaining, stimulating, and most of all-- fun.
Sponsored by HarperCollins Children's Books and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, this year's Battle of the Kids' Book is shaping up to be the best one yet.
Also at educating alice.