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.
Here’s how it
works. Students in grades 3-8 read the nonfiction picture books
on your class’s Mock Sibert list. You can use the list I’ve compiled below, select titles from the Anderson’s Bookshop list, or create your own list. My list includes titles that have strong kid
appeal, will promote good discussions, and can be used as mentor texts in
writing workshop. They reinforce the research techniques and craft moves
included in most State ELA standards.
13 Ways to Eat a Fly by Sue Heavenrich and David Clark
The Beak
Book by Robin Page
Flip! How
the Frisbee Took Flight by Margaret Muirhead
and Adam Gustavson
How to
Make a Book (About My Dog) by Chris Barton and
Sarah Horne
The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in thee Rainforest by Heather Lang and Jana Christy
Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd and Christian Robinson
The People’s
Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art by Cynthia Levinson and Evan Turk
Out of the
Blue: How Animals Evolved from Prehistoric Seas by Elizabeth Shreeve and Frann Preston-Gannon
Unbound: The
Life and Art of Judith Scott by Joyce
Scott with Brie Spangler and Melissa Sweet
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston
Weatherford and Floyd Cooper
We Are
Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell and Frané Lessac
What’s in Your
Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures by
Heather L. Montgomery and Maribel Lechuga
Will
some of these books be named on Monday, January 24,
2022, when the Sibert
Medal committee announces its winner and honor titles at the ALA
Youth Media Awards ceremony? Who knows, but I do have a pretty good track record.
After
reading your Mock Sibert titles, students choose their two favorites
and use this
worksheet, which
you can download from my website, to evaluate and compare the books before
they vote. The worksheet features a kid-friendly version of the criteria used
by the real Sibert committee.
I also suggest using the guidelines developed by former Sibert
judge Melody Allen. They are available here, here, and here
And I’d recommend reading this post, which describes how some educators have modified
or enhanced the Sibert Smackdown! in the past. It’s so important to create learning experiences that are perfect for
your particular students.
I’d love
to hear how your students are progressing, and so would other participating
teachers and librarians. Please use the Twitter hashtag #SibertSmackdown to
share what you are doing.
Happy
Reading!
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6 Responses
Fantastic line-up, Melissa! I haven't yet had a chance to read Chris's book, but I've read and enjoyed all of the others. 13 Ways to Eat a Fly was so much fun! Really loved that one, and Evan Turk's art for The People's Painter is just stunning. Flip was a lot of fun too!
And, of course I love Out of the Blue & In Your Pocket, two very different but wonderful works that I am the proud owner of (as well as Flip & People's Painter)!
I think Unspeakable will be winning many awards this season. It's powerful and poignant, both Carole's text and Floyd's art. So sad that he's gone 🙁
Oh my goodness! I am so sorry, I just commented asking for an updated list for the Sibert Smackdown and I just found it! I am so sorry, I promise I search before posting my comment! Lol
I am so happy I found this list, I really want to do this with 5th grade this year! Thank you 🙂
So glad you found it. If you are on twitter, you can use the hashtag to see what other teachers are doing.
I really don't know how the judges ever pick a single winner. So many fabulous books are sent into the world each year. The list you've posted here would send me over the edge if I had to choose a favorite.
I love book lists…and yours is fabulous. I see lots of books on it that I've read and loved…and others that I haven't read yet…but am ready to fall in love with.
We are enjoying all of the books and thinking about the selection for the best one. Thank you for the guidance and suggestions.