Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: A Few More Mock Sibert Book Picks

For the past few weeks, Michele Knott and I have been talking about a Mock Sibert Challenge that teachers and librarians can do with children. Last week, we each posted a list of books we were considering for the Sibert Award. Click here for Michele's list and here for Alyson's list. Author, Melissa Stewart, also posted information about a Sibert Smackdown on her blog. 

This week, Michele and I are featuring a few of our nonfiction books that would be called "longform" nonfiction.  For those of you working with older students and would like something that would appeal to the upper range of the Sibert Award, we are suggesting a few additional titles to consider. 

Though I do not read as many longform nonfiction, there were a number of books that I read that I really enjoyed. I will admit that several of the books may have been selected because of the mood I have been in over the past several weeks since the election. 

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Do All the Good You Can by Cynthia Levinson (Balzer & Bray, January 2016) - Cynthia Levinson created a very accessible biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton, the first woman to receive the nomination for president by a major party. I truly appreciated seeing how Cinton's youth influenced her future work and advocacy for children, women, and those without a voice. Despite the outcome of the 2016 election, I know that HRC will continue to find ways to fight for the rights of children and women and she will continue to inspire me. 

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero by Patricia McCormick (Balzer & Bray, September 2016) - Though I have read a number of books on World War II and also about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I realized that I knew very little about Bonhoeffer's efforts to stop Hitler during WWII. I read this one with my ears and though I enjoyed the audiobook, I still had to go find the actual print book in order to see what was included that I could not "see" with my ears. This book will make you think about how far might you go to stop an evil leader. 

Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story by Caren Stelson (Carolrhoda Books, October 2016) - When I was at ALA Annual Conference in June, I was immediately drawn to this book. Though I have read many books about World War II, I have read less about the atomic bomb the United States dropped on Nagasaki. Sachiko's story is really the story of the consequences of our decisions on the lives of real people. A very powerful read and a book not just for middle readers but adults as well. 

Some Writer!: The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet (HMH Books for Young Readers, October 2016) - This is simply Melissa Sweet at her finest. I wish I could give a copy of this to every elementary teacher that I work with. And out of all of my choices last week and this week, I see this as walking away with the Sibert gold. We will have to wait till January to see if I am right or not. 

This Land is Our Land: A History of American Immigration by Linda Barrett Osborne (Abrams Books for Young Readers, April 2016) - Though this book may be geared for middle readers, I know a lot of adults who need a reminder of the history of immigration in our country. A very timely read in light of the issues facing us in regards to immigration and immigrants. 

Look for all of these titles at your local indie bookstore or community library. And don't forget to check out Michele's picks this week. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews and hope you will be joining us in the Mock Sibert challenge. 

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 2017 Mock Sibert Picks

In last week's post, I shared with readers about the Robert F. Sibert Award and the criteria that guides the committee. Michele Knott of Mrs Knott's Book Nook is joining me in this year's Mock Sibert. Let's take a minute to review some of the criteria before getting into my Mock Sibert picks.

First, the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award goes to the most distinguished informational book published in the United States. To be honored/win the Sibert Award, the book must include these important elements and qualities:

• Excellent, engaging, and distinctive use of language.
• Excellent, engaging, and distinctive visual presentation.
• Appropriate organization and documentation.
• Clear, accurate, and stimulating presentation of facts, concepts, and ideas.
• Appropriate style of presentation for subject and for intended audience.
• Supportive features (index, table of contents, maps, timelines, etc).
• Respectful and of interest to children.

In addition to the qualities above, you can find further criteria here.  This is where things can get tricky.  One of the criteria is that the author and illustrator must be a citizen of the United States or maintain a residence in the United States. Sadly, this ruled out  couple of books that I would have loved to see on the list. 

Another important consideration is how the Sibert defines informational book. "Informational books are defined as those written and illustrated to present, organize, and interpret documentable, factual material."

A final consideration that I will highlight is how the Sibert defines "children's literature". 

"Children’s literature is defined as the body of books published for an intended and potential child audience.  Such books display respect for children’s understanding, abilities, and appreciation.  Children range from birth through age fourteen.  Books for the entire range are to be considered."

One note, this is NOT my Nonfiction Best Of list for the year. Check back later this month for my favorites of the year.  For this list, I looked back over the previous winners to see about any trends and to get a sense for what has been considered excellent nonfiction.  I, also, tried my best to channel books that might have drawn the eyes of the Sibert committee members. I am still reading so I might have missed something. Also, this year, I highlighted a number of science themed books and books featuring strong women that though they may or may not be selected by the Sibert committee they would be advocated for if I were on the committee. Don't forget  to check out Michelle's Mock Sibert picks to see which ones we have in common. 

Are you ready? Here are my mock Sibert picks in no particular order....

Coyote Moon by Maria Gianferrari; Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline (Roaring Brook Press, July 2016) - Informative and beautiful, this book was an immediate favorite from the moment I read it. 

Fascinating: The Life of Leonard Nimoy by Richard Michelson; Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez (Knopf Books for Young Readers, September 2016)- Despite what a public figure Nimoy was, I realized after reading this book that I knew so little about him. A wonderful introduction.

The Great Leopard Rescue: Saving the Amur Leopards by Sandra Markle (Millbrook Press, August 2016) - I love this series by Sandra Markle and eagerly anticipated its release. Markle has an incredible way of making the animal she is writing about the main character of her book and one that we care about. 

The Great White Shark Scientist (Scientist in the Field Series) by Sy Montgomery; Photographs by Keith Ellenbogen (HMH Books for Young Readers, June 2016) - Montgomery has an unique way of showcasing an animal in a way that no one else does. Where as many feature the more gruesome and terrifying aspects of sharks, Montgomery takes readers on a journey to see a complete different side of the Great White Sharks. 

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls are Born to Lead by Michelle Markel; Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Balzer & Bray, January 2016) - Markel's skillful text paired with Pham's deeply researched illustrations make this one of my favorite books about Hillary Rodham Clinton. 

The Kid from Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton by Audrey Vernick; Illustrated by Steven Salerno (Clarion Books, March 2016) - I love biographies and have been a fan of baseball for years. Vernick has introduced me to some of my favorite baseball biographies and that this one features a woman baseball player knocks it out of the park for me.

Giant Squid by Candace Fleming; Illustrated by Eric Rohmann (Roaring Brook Press, September 2016) - This is a beautifully illustrated love song to the mysterious squid It really is a must read. 

Swimming with the Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang; Illustrated by Jordi Solano (Albert Whitman & Co, December 2016) - It is great to see more and more biographies about women scientists and the significant contributions they made to their field. In Swimming with the Sharks, I learned about Eugenie Clark and her work with sharks. 

Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton; Illustrated by Don Tate (Charlesbridge, May 2016) - I had never thought about who created the super-soaker. I probably assumed it was just a product of a big toy manufacture. Barton and Tate team together again to share with readers about Lonnie Johnson and is invention that has been a huge hit with kids for many years. 

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky (Ten Speed Press, July 2016) - Don't be shocked if you see this one on my "best of" list. There is so much to love about this book from both the way it is designed to the way it features 50 amazing women of science. 

Check back next week for some long form nonfiction picks. And don't forget to check Michele Knott's Mock Sibert picks here. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews or any of your predictions for the Sibert Award:

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Mock Sibert 2017

It's almost December and just a little less than two months to go until the ALA Youth Media Awards are announced. There are Mock Caldecott groups happening at schools and libraries and even online. Of course, there are Mock Newbery groups, too. But a few years ago I started promoting a Mock Sibert since a quick google search did not reveal much when it comes to the top award for children's nonfiction. 

What is the Sibert Award? The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award goes to the most distinguished informational book published in the United States. To be honored/win the Sibert Award, the book must include these important elements and qualities:

• Excellent, engaging, and distinctive use of language.
• Excellent, engaging, and distinctive visual presentation.
• Appropriate organization and documentation.
• Clear, accurate, and stimulating presentation of facts, concepts, and ideas.
• Appropriate style of presentation for subject and for intended audience.
• Supportive features (index, table of contents, maps, timelines, etc).
• Respectful and of interest to children.

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh - Winner of the 2016 Sibert Award

Some year, I have joined with friends to promote great nonfiction titles.  This year, Michele Knott from Mrs. Knott's Book Nook will be joining in. Check out her posts today and next week when she makes her predictions. If you are interested in participating here is what you need to do.

• Decide whether you will do your Mock Sibert predictions as an individual or with students or children from your school or library. 
• Go back through the new release posts found at this blog and think about which ones would be eligible (based on the criteria above).
• Read, read, read. Either by yourself or with students and begin to create a top 5 list. 
• Post about your top 5 books and if you have students participating in your Mock Sibert indicate which ones they would like to see win.
• By January 18, 2017, share with everyone which of your favorites do you think will walk away with the "gold".  If you share your posts via social media, please use the hashtag #mocksibert2017
• If you need to tweak the above suggestions in order to participate, please do. Make this fun and no stress.

On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, I will post the winners of the Sibert Award announced on Monday, January 23, 2017.

Please indicate in the comments if you think you will be participating in the 2017 Mock Sibert event. And I do hope to see many of you participating this year.

Remember to check back in next Wednesday for my Mock Sibert book selections. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Congratulations to the 2017 Orbis Pictus Winners

Last week, the National Council of Teachers of English held their annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia. At the Children's Luncheon on Saturday, they announced the winners of the Orbis Pictus Award. 

The NCTE Orbis Pictus Award was established in 1989 for promoting and recognizing excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children. The name Orbis Pictus, commemorates the work of Johannes Amos Comenius, Orbis Pictus—The World in Pictures (1657), considered to be the first book actually planned for children.

Winner:

Some Writer!: The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet (HMH Books for Young Readers)

Honor Books:

Animals by the Numbers: A Book of Animal Infographics by Steve Jenkins (HMH Books for Young Readers)

The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial by Susan E. Goodman; Illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Bloomsbury)

Giant Squid by Candace Fleming; Illustrated by Eric Rohmann (Roaring Brook Press)

I Dissent: Ruth Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy; Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley (Simon & Schuster)

¡Olinguito, de la A a la Z!: Descubriendo el bosque nublado / Olinguito, from A to Z: Unveiling the Cloud Forest by Lulu Delacre (Children’s Book Press)

Recommended: 

Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer by Diane Stanley, illustrated by Jessie Hartland (Simon & Schuster)

Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood, Sally Wern Comport (Simon & Schuster)

Comics Confidential: Thirteen Graphic Novelists Talk Story, Craft, and Life Outside the Box compiled and edited by Leonard Marcus (Candlewick Press)

Dive!: World War II Stories of Sailors & Submarines in the Pacific by Deborah Hopkinson (Scholastic) 

How to Build a Museum: Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture by Tonya Bolden (Viking)

Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber by Sue Macy, illustrated by C. F. Payne (Simon & Schuster)

Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story by Caren Stelson (Carolrhoda)

Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness by Donna Janell Bowman, illustrated by Daniel Minter (Lee & Low Books)

Congratulations to the authors and illustrators who were honored for producing high quality nonfiction for children. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews:

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Hopping Ahead of Climate Change - Guest Post with Author Sneed Collard

Hopping Ahead of Climate Change: Snowshoe Hares, Science, and Survival
by Sneed Collard
Bucking Horse Books (November 1, 2016)
Nonfiction * Environment
Audience: Grades 3 to 6
Indiebound | WorldCat

Hopping Ahead of Climate Change: Snowshoe Hares, Science, and Survival takes a look at the impact our warming planet is having on snowshoe hares. Every winter, snowshoe hares change their coat color to white. This helps them blend in with snow. Unfortunately, shorter winters are leaving many hares “mismatched.” With less snow, their white fur stands out against the brown forest floor, making them more likely to get eaten by a predator.

I loved doing the research for Hopping Ahead of Climate Change. For this book, I got to interview scientists, read about animals, and go out with Professor Scott Mills to catch snowshoe hares. As always, though, when writing the book, I had to leave out 90% of the information I gathered. Why? One reason is that longer books cost more money to manufacture. Another is that not all of what I learned related directly to my main topic. Last, I wanted to keep the book as interesting as possible so that you, the readers, wouldn’t start yawning and drooling all over the pages!

Still, some cool information always gets left on the cutting room floor. But now, thanks to Kid Lit Frenzy, for the first time ever I am pleased to give you TEN HAREY FACTS that you won’t find in Hopping Ahead of Climate Change—or any other book. They are things that I learned while writing the book, but just didn’t quite make it into the final draft. Enjoy!

Harey Fact #10:

A jackrabbit is actually a kind of hare!

Harey Fact #9:

For a small animal, hares need a lot of space to live in. In his work, Scott usually finds only .5 to 2 hares per hectare. Can you figure out how many hares that per acre?

Harey Fact #8:

Scott and his team named one of their favorite hare study areas “The Milk Shake.” That’s because it was close to a great milk shake place in the nearby town of Seeley Lake. Mmmmm… milk shakes…

Harey Fact #7:

Have you ever wondered why science museums collect and store millions of dead animal specimens? Scott’s work provides the answer: because future scientists might need them one day! Old museum specimens are helping Scott and his team in at least two ways—telling them how early or late coat colors changed in the past, and if the animals genes have changed in the last century or so.

Harey Fact #6:

When I first started talking to Scott, he was about to spend a year in Bhutan, at the foot of the Himalaya Mountains. There, Scott expected to find coat-color-changing animals, but guess what? There weren’t any! That’s startling in one of the world’s highest and snowiest regions, but it shows the importance of having scientists to actually look at places instead of just assuming what the world is like.

Harey Fact #5:

Besides finding hares in their traps, Scott and his team have caught marten, grouse, wood rats, and gray jays. More than anything else, though, they catch skunks! It takes real skill to get a skunk out of a trap without getting sprayed!

Harey Fact #4:

Scott measures the health of a hare by the ratio of its weight to the length of its hind foot. The length of the hind foot gives Scott an idea of how old the hare is. Its weight tells him how healthy it is for that age. Which do you think survives better—heavier or lighter hares? (Answer at the bottom.)

Harey Fact #3:

Scott’s team has given names to some of the hares they keep in captivity. These include Harry Houdini, Buns, Nibbler, and my favorite, David Hopperfield.

Harey Fact #2:

As a college student, Scott wanted to be a wildlife veterinarian. After spending a summer working with mountain goats in Olympic National Park, he decided to become a wildlife biologist. He got his PhD at the University of California at Santa Cruz.

And now for…(drum roll and hares thumping)…

Harey Fact #1:

During his career studying hares, Scott Mills and his crew have caught and tagged more than 10,000 hares!

___________________
Answer to Fact #4: heavier hares.

About the author:
Sneed B. Collard III is the author of the award-winning books Fire Birds—Valuing Natural Wildfires and Burned Forests; Double Eagle; Shep—Our Most Loyal Dog; Dog Sense; Pocket Babies and Other Amazing Marsupials; and The Prairie Builders—Reconstructing America’s Lost Grasslands, winner of the AAAS/Subaru/Science Books & Films Prize for Excellence in Science Books. Sneed has evolved through several life-history stages on his way to becoming one of today’s leading children’s authors. His first book, Sea Snakes, was published in 1993. His seventy-fifth (or so) book, his memoir Snakes, Alligators, and Broken Hearts—Journeys of a Biologist’s Son, was released in Fall, 2015. In 2006, Sneed was the recipient of the Washington Post Children’s Book Guild Children’s Nonfiction Writer of the Year Award for his body of work.

Thank you Sneed for stopping by Kid Lit Frenzy and sharing great facts about hares and your new book. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews: