HAPPY NEW YEAR: Congrats to the CYBILS FINALISTS in NONFICTION Elementary and Middle Grade!

 

It was a privilege and honor to participate as a round one panelist for Cybilis nominees again this year. The titles we considered for ELEMENTARY and for MIDDLE GRADES nonfiction were extensive and impressive. Narrowing the offerings down to only seven finalists in each category was a challenge, but one that involved fantastic discussions and considerations among an amazing group or blogger/reviewers. I reach this point in the process feeling somewhat exhausted but entirely excited about the remarkable books this will bring to public attention and will fill the lives of young readers, their classrooms, and their families this year and for many years to come.

Kate Messner is an incredibly talented author, teacher, writing coach, and all-around benefit to the world. Several years ago she wrote a poem and posted it on her blog. It is titled:

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR BOOK TODAY?

She has kindly indicated that other bloggers, such as myself, may share it with audiences as long as we credit the source and link to her original post. I am delighted to share the opening lines, and I urge you, whether you are a creator of books or not, to click on that title above which will take you to the full poem in her original post. Her reflections about the value of creative work as reflected in awards applies to many other endeavors. While you are there, subscribe to her newsletter and blog. You won't regret it!

What Happened to Your Book Today

by Kate Messner (Copyright 2011)

 

Somewhere, a child laughed

on that page where you made a joke.

Somewhere, she wiped away a tear,

Just when you thought she might.

 

Somewhere, your book was passed

from one hand to another in a hallway

busy with clanging lockers,

with whispered words,

“You have got to read this.”

And a scribbled note:

O.M.G. SO good.

Give it back when ur done.

... and the rest gets even better. Please click and read it in full.

With the truth of Kate's poem in mind, though, it is undeniable that being named a finalist, or the eventual winner, is a thrilling experience. So, without further delay, here are the finalist titles for my categories, followed by a link to read the lists of finalists in EVERY category. Good luck to the final judges- there are such outstanding choices choices to consider and your challenging job will be to settle on the "one and only" in your category! Those will be announced on Valentine's Day to celebrate those books and all other books we love!

Without further ado, here are the finalists in the elementary and middle grade nonfiction categories!   PLEASE click HERE to read a vbrief blog/review of each of these remarkable titles!

and

Your really will love these, and make some young readers you know VERY happy if you recommend them! Here's the link:  2021 CYBILS AWARDS FINALISTS for ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE GRADE READERS!. Congratulations to one and all. 

Don't forget to CLICK HERE to read blurbs for the finalists in EVERY category!