The winners of the inaugural Ignyte Awards were announced in October. These awards “celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the current and future landscape of science fiction, fantasy and horror by recognizing incredible feats in storytelling and outstanding efforts toward inclusivity of the genre.” The books appear to be 2019 titles. The awards are given in several categories. Here are the winners and finalists in the YA and middle grade categories:
One January morning, Samuel’s mother mentioned that she wished they had a cow. His father smiled, took his best knife, and invited Samuel to come along to find a cow for his mother. So the two headed out into the cold and snow. At the Snow’s place, they traded the knife for two tin lanterns. Samuel got to play with their dog a bit too. At the Perry’s house they traded the lanterns for a book of poetry. Samuel got to visit some kittens in the barn and got a doughnut too. They traded the book to Widow Mitchell for a pitcher, then the pitcher for a sheep when Dr. Fulton went by. At the general store, the sheep was traded for a pocket watch after Samuel struggled to get it into the pen. He was glad they weren’t keeping the sheep! The pocket watch was traded for a pony and cart. With the storm brewing and night coming on, they almost stopped, but decided to keep trying for a cow. Soon Samuel was picking out a cow in trade for the pony and cart, and he got to choose something else besides!
Schmidt fills this simple story of trading with neighbors with so many small details that the entire small community is populated with characters. Each has a reason for needing to make the trade and often a treat for Samuel along the way. While the road is long and cold, it is also filled with a merry sense of community and shared responsibility. When Samuel makes the hard choice to not keep the little pony and cart, he is rewarded with more than a stubborn sheep for his sacrifice.
Yelchin’s illustrations are done in full-color in this chapter book. They show Samuel meeting each animal along his travels, each animal (except the sheep) one that he longs to keep with him. The illustrations have a marvelous old-fashioned, country quality to them.
A great wintry chapter book with lots of animals and a series of marvelous smart trades. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
SLJ has announced their list of the Best Books 2020. The lists cover picture books, chapter books, middle grade, YA, nonfiction and graphic novels. You can explore the list via the link in the first sentence or there is also a pdf version done in a really attractive format, if you prefer.
What a joy to see so much diversity represented in a Best Books list! Definitely an impressive collection of titles worth discovering and sharing.
The shortlists for the UK Costa Book Awards have been announced. The winners will be announced on January 4th with a “book of the year” prize named on January 26th. The award is the only major UK book award that is open only to authors who reside in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Here are the books named in the children’s award shortlist:
Waking Brain Cells 