Sanford Middle School Librarian and Media Specialist Julie Williams has been selected to serve on the School Library Journal's Mock Newbery Committee, joining librarians from across the nation in evaluating the best children's literature of 2024.
The Mock Newbery Committee mirrors the official Newbery Award process, which Williams describes as "the most distinguished award for children's literature in the US." Since 1922, the Newbery Award has recognized excellence in children's books, creating a legacy of literary classics that many remember from their elementary school days.
"I follow it all year long," said Williams, who was selected for the committee in mid-December after demonstrating she had already read six required books from the nomination list. "I had already read a lot of the books I knew were going to be nominated because I try to keep up.”
The committee is currently evaluating 15 books published in 2024, with members engaging in daily online discussions about each title's merits. "We read the books, and they do a blog entry every day," Williams explained. "All of us who are on this committee can chime in and say, 'This is what I like, this is what I didn't like, this is why I think we should pick this one.'"
The process is rigorous and time-intensive. Williams spent much of her holiday break immersed in books, even reading during car trips. "My husband's like, 'What are you doing tonight?' What do you think? I'm sitting and reading," she said.
Committee members must read physical copies rather than listen to audiobooks. "They don't like you to use audio books," Williams explained, "because it can depend on the narrator. If the narrator is really good, it can kind of make you think that the book might be better than it is."
The committee will soon narrow down their selections to five finalists, which they'll discuss in detail during an online meeting on January 24th. Their final selection will be announced shortly before the official Newbery Award announcement on January 27th.
Williams sees this committee work as part of a cherished tradition in children's literature. "It helps me because I read so much. When kids ask for book recommendations, I've read a lot," she said. "It's kind of like our Oscars for the best book, and they get a big gold medal on the cover when they win."