Monday, February 6, 2023

And the Winner Is...

The American Library Association announced the winners of this year's Youth Media Awards.  The winner of the prestigious John Newbery Medal is...(drumroll, please...)

Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson 


Freewater is a "lyrical, accessible historical middle-grade novel about two enslaved children’s escape from a plantation and the many ways they find freedom.

Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there’s no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp.

In this society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to find his mother and help his new home.

Deeply inspiring and loosely based on the history of maroon communities in the South, this is a striking tale of survival, adventure, friendship, and courage."  - description from Amazon


A copy of the book has been ordered and is on its way.  Be sure to stop by the library to check it out - or check out one of the many past Newbery winners we currently have on display.

For a complete list of YMA winners, please visit here.



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