Celebrate Nonfiction

Exploring the Joy of Nonfiction Reading and Writing

Getting Ready for . . . the Sibert Smackdown! 2017/2018

The Sibert Smackdown is an activity intended to build enthusiasm for the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, which is given each
year as part of the 
American Library Association’s annual Youth Media Awards. It focuses on picture books because they are more manageable to read in a school setting.

Last year, when I announced the ten nonfiction picture books I was
recommending for the Sibert Smackdown! in early December, some people wished I
had posted the list sooner.

I
completely understand their dilemma. It can be hard to plan and implement this
kind of activity in just 6 weeks, especially with a major holiday right in the
middle.

 
So I
have good news. In 2018, ALA Midwinter is later than normal, so the
YMA ceremony isn’t until February 12. That gives us all
more time to read and consider.

Still, I know it’s helpful to have as much
advance notice as possible, so today I’m posting the list I’m currently
considering. The final list, which will be posted in early December, may be slightly different.
 

Balderdash!:John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel and Nancy Carpenter

DazzleShips: World War I and the Art of Confusion by Chris Barton and Victo Ngai

Deadliest! 20Dangerous Animals
by Steve Jenkins

Grace Hopper: Queen of ComputerCode by Laurie Wallmark and Katy Wu

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

Hidden Life of a Toad by Doug Wechsler

How to Be an Elephant by Katherine Roy

One Proud Penny by Randy Siegel and Serge Bloch


This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids Around the World by Matt LaMothe
 

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by
Cynthia Levinson and Vanessa Brantley Newton


I recommend reading this post now. It describes how some
educators modified or enhanced the Sibert Smackdown!
to create
learning experiences that were perfect for their particular students.

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