I’m not sure that I have a hope of actually getting any of these predictions right since I’ve read only a handful of books in any of the genres, but it’s fun, anyway. I’m limiting myself to one pick per genre, just for kicks. Here are my predictions (only in the genres in which I read nominated titles, of course):
Fantasy/Science Fiction (middle grade):
I’ve read three of the nominated titles, and I nominated one of them. 🙂 I think they’re all three fabulous books, but my nod goes to Secrets at Sea, a book I plan to review soon. Richard Peck’s mousy voices are all wit and sophistication and mousy timidity, depending on the character. Perfection!
I won’t be a bit surprised to see The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic or The Cheshire Cheese Cat on the list, either. (Both are linked to my reviews.)
Fiction Picture Books:
How does one decide among so many gems? I’m going with my nominee, Follow Me by Tricia Tusa. (Linked to my review.)
I’ve been around the Kitlitosphere enough to know that I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, a book we’ve read but I haven’t reviewed, has made quite a splash. I also figure that Press Here by Herve Tullet has a good chance of making the list. I’m really excited about this genre!
Graphic novels (middle grade):
I’ve read exactly one of these, and while I’m not sure it actually fits the genre, I think it will make the list: Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick. (Peripherally related: Steady Eddie and I saw Hugo, the film adaptation of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, at the beginning of the week and it was really good. I’m not sure how well it followed the book in all the little details, but it was a good story with great atmosphere.)
Graphic novels (young adult):
As I mentioned above, I don’t know much about this genre, but I do know that Allen Say is considered a master; his Caldecott awards speak for themselves. Drawing from Memory, his graphic biography which relates how he became an artist, is a story for which he found the perfect medium.
Middle grade fiction:
I think it’s almost too difficult to judge between books that are realistic and books that are historical fiction. How does one compare them? I don’t know. I’m giving my nod, since I only get one ;-), to Camo Girl by Kekla Magoon. Heaven knows I like historical fiction much better than realistic fiction, but I think Camo Girl might actually make the cut.
I’ve read more in this category than in any other, so I’m excited about this one, too!
Nonfiction picture books:
As much as I love Can We Save the Tiger?, Planting the Wild Garden, and Thunder Birds (review forthcoming), I’m going to let me children’s voices lead the way in this genre and pick I Feel Better with a Frog in My Throat: History’s Strangest Cures by Carlyn Beccia. They loved this one!
Of course, it won’t hurt my feelings if they all make the cut. I’m excited about this one, too!
Poetry:
I love, love, love Cousins of Clouds: Elephant Poems. I nominated it, and I really hope it’s shortlisted!
I’ve read exactly one of the nominated titles, but I definitely think it’s worthy of the shortlist. Since it’s historical fiction, I’m not sure how it will fare up against modern teen angst, but I love it: Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Well, that’s it. My two cents. I’m really, really excited to see how this all turns out. I’ve never followed any awards as closely as I have these, and I’m eager to get on to the business of reading as many shortlisted titles as I can. The shortlists go up at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time on January 1, so sometime later that day (probably much later!), I’ll have up an Armchair Cybils shortlist post for you to link up your thoughts and any reviews you’ve posted since the last linky party.
I think I enjoy this a little too much. 🙂
