As a voracious reader at a young age, I read pretty much everything I could get my hands on, but in my school library, there were two things I looked out for more than anything: Caldecott and Newbery Honor books. The two prizes, which go to the most distinguished American picture book for children and outstanding contribution to children’s literature respectively, are awards beyond reproach, and they always led me down a path towards great reads. For creators of material for younger readers, they’re titanic achievements, and ones worth celebrating.
Today, it was announced that graphic novels received both awards this year, which is a heck of a thing. Jillian and Mariko Tamaki’s exceptional work “This One Summer” earned the Caldecott honor as well as a Printz Honor, deservedly bringing in notable prizes for their nuanced, heartfelt coming-of-age story about a young girl on her family’s yearly summer break. It earned a lot of esteem at the end of the year from many places, but I’d wager nothing brings the Tamaki sisters more pride than this one, especially considering they were the first graphic novel ever to receive the honor. CeCe Bell’s “El Deafo”, another standout, received the Newbery honor. I actually haven’t had the opportunity to read the book yet, but as in my childhood, this type of award is one you can’t ignore. Congrats to both winners, and it’s proof once again that there are incredible works for younger readers if you just look for them in the right places.
First Second Press Release
THIS ONE SUMMER WINS A CALDECOTT HONOR AND A PRINTZ HONOR
Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki’s New York Times Best-Selling graphic novel This One Summer has just received a Caldecott Honor and a Printz Honor.
This One Summer is the first graphic novel to ever be recognized by a Caldecott, the award given to the most distinguished American picture book for children published each year. It is the second graphic novel ever to be honored by the Printz, following Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese (First Second Books, 2006).
“It’s an incredible thrill to be recognized by the ALA, and by librarians in general, who pretty much run the show as far as we are concerned. We are grateful for the many communities that have supported this book, which was inspired by the amazingness of young people. Thank you librarians, thank you comic book readers, publishers and makers,” say Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki.
First Second Editorial Director Mark Siegel says, “The Caldecott Award is the highest honor a picture book can receive, and the Printz has the same place in young adult literature. The great librarians on these committees prove over and over how vital these awards are, and how far we have come since the days when comics were disqualified from the literary conversation. Here it is: proof that great story, great characters, great voices and yes, great writing come in graphic novel packages.”
