The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem Van Loon.
Although I'm glad that I read the first ever, Newbery Medal winning book, I know for a fact that I will not be recommending it to other readers. Reading this book felt like I was reading a history text book, not a children's book. I'm so very happy that today there are so many wonderful children's books that I can read and recommend to young readers.
Here's a quote that from the book that I found quite interesting:
"Why should we ever read fairy stories when the the truth of history is so much more interesting and entertaining?" ~ Hendrik Willems Van Loon
If you're interested, you can read the book for free at Project Gutenberg.
Check out what Katie Burke has to say about her experience reading The Story of Mankind, at Reader Writer Librarian.
I first learned about the Newbery Medal Challenge on Mr. Schu's blog, Watch Connect Read.
For a couple of years I followed the progress of Mr. Schu, Mr. Sharp, and others,via blog posts and other social media. I thought about joining the challenge, but was in the process of finishing my library school program and pursuing a position as a school librarian. I also didn't have a friend or colleague that was interested in taking the challenge with me.
Fast forward a few years and here i am, beginning my third year as an elementary school librarian and my sixteenth year as a reading specialist (both positions are half time, blending and blurring, uniquely in my Pre-K - 5th grade building).
My interest in pursuing the Newbery Medal Reading Challenge has continued and so, I decided to ask my friend and colleague, Katie Burke of, Reader Writer Librarian, to join me in taking the reading challenge. Knowing that Katie and I both share a love of books, reading, and libraries, I decided to invite her to take the challenge with me. Being that she is a fellow book nerd, she agreed! So, here we go!
After lots of text messaging and conversations, we've decided to begin at the beginning, read the first ever Newbery Medal winning book, and work our way to the present. Here are some other "rules" for our reading challenge:
1. We'll attempt to read one book per week. Knowing that we are busy, both personally and professionally, if a book a week doesn't always work out, that's ok.
2. We'll post some sort of response to the books we read, either through a blog post, review, or video.
3. We plan to share our reading challenge with our students.
Here is a list of the Newberry Medal Winning books beginning in 1922 and leading up to the present.
Newbery Medal Winners, 1922 - present
Let the Reading Adventure begin!
