| Source: Children Come First http://www.childrencomefirst.com/ALA-2003-newbery.shtml Awards ALA News Release They were among the award winners announced today during the 2003 American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia. Considered the “Academy Awards” of children’s book publishing, the Newbery and Caldecott Medals honor outstanding writing and illustration of works published in the United States during the previous year. Crispin: The Cross of Lead, published by Hyperion Books for Children, is an action-filled page-turner set in 14th-century England. “Asta’s son” is the only name the 13-year-old title character has ever known when he is suddenly orphaned and stripped of home and possessions. Accused of murder and wanted dead or alive, Crispin flees his village and falls in with a juggler, Bear, who becomes his protector and teacher. Relentlessly pursued by Crispin’s enemies, the pair flees to solve the mystery of his identity and fight the injustices of feudalism.
“Avi masterfully creates a plot that sustains tension and suspense from beginning to end, while seamlessly weaving in details of daily medieval life,” said Starr LaTronica, chair of the 2003 Newbery Award committee. “Readers experience Crispin’s surroundings through Avi’s sensory descriptions; they see, hear, smell, taste and feel his world. In the hands of a superb craftsman, ‘Crispin’ is a fascinating coming-of-age novel that brings to readers a riveting adventure and invites them to consider how life hundreds of years ago echoes our contemporary search for freedom.”
“Eric Rohmann’s hand-colored relief prints express a vibrant energy through solid black outlines, lightly textured backgrounds and a robust use of color,” said Pat Scales, chair of the 2003 Caldecott Award committee. “The black frame cannot contain Rabbit’s enthusiasm in this dramatic visual romp, as the characters tumble and spill from the page and back on again. The artist shows his respect for his audience and keen understanding of picture book design. Whatever they do and wherever they go, children will claim Rabbit as their friend.
The awards are administered by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the ALA.
Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by judging committees composed of librarians and other children’s experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. For more information on the ALA youth media awards and notables, go online at: http://www.ala.org/pio/bookawards.html. -
Contact: Larra Clark/Paige Wasson |
