Committee results from left to right: the two Caldecott groups, Geisel, and Sibert.
My children’s lit students just met for the last time, and we spent most of our three-hour class in mock book award groups. I had been thinking about trying mock awards in this short six-week module for a few years, but this year Maleka Donaldson Gramling, the terrific course TF, thought it would be worth reconfiguring some tried and true aspects of the course to make room for this lengthy process. I am happy to report that it was worth it. The students had lively and informed discussions and proved that they really have learned a few things over the past few weeks.
In working out the logistics, I relied heavily on advice from Calling Caldecott readers. With 23 students and a handful of auditors, we ended up with four committees: two for Caldecott and one each for Geisel and Sibert. Each student nominated one or two books and tonight they completed the project, meeting in committees (we separated the two Caldecotts into two different rooms), presenting each book, discussing, and voting. You can see a photo of the results above. Here is the full list.
Caldecott committee #1 had an even number of members and after several ballots were still in a dead tie. The final decision was made by coin toss:
- Winner:
The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat - Honor Book:
The Iridescence of Birds by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Hadley Hooper
Caldecott committee #2 had a more traditional experience:
- Winner:
The Noisy Paintbox by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary GrandPre - Honor Books:
- Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo
- The Iridescence of Birds by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Hadley Hooper
Geisel committee choices:
- Winner:
You are (Not) Small by Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant - Honor Book:
Tippy and the Night Parade by Lilly Carré
And the Sibert committee — the largest group — chose:
- Winner:
Eye to Eye by Steve Jenkins - Honor Books:
– The Right Word by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
– The Noisy Paintbox by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary GrandPre
The deliberations were fueled by snacks and each group had an instructor t0 help keep discussion focused on award criteria. I am so grateful to Maleka for moderating the Geisel group and to Lauren Adams (unofficial discussion facilitator and Adolescent Lit instructor) who oversaw the Sibert group. I bounced between the two rooms and helped the Caldecott groups.
What do you all think? Students? Other blog readers? Do you like their results? After all, part of the real committee experience is dealing with the post-decision social media fallout.
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