Happy New Year!

Every year, it seems like I get inundated with lists from different organizations that claim to know what the "best books" are for all readers.  Most of these groups I just ignore because they are savy publishing companies promoting their own interests.  However, one list I always take stock in.  That would be Booklist Magazine's list which this year is titled "Lasting Connections of 2011".  After previewing this list, I can see that there are several titles that have appeared on award lists, which always makes me happy.  The list is organized by subject, so you will find all the science books in one section and language arts in another, etc.  A few favorites of mine are Me....Jane(received the 2012 Caldecott Honor Medal) about Jane Goodall as a child and E-mergency. 

In additon to book lists, the award winners come out at this time of the year!  Drum roll please......... 

American Library Association announces 2012 Youth Media Award winners

DALLAS - The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top books, video and audiobooks for children and young adults – including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards – at its Midwinter Meeting in Dallas.

A list of all the 2012 award winners follows:

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature:
“Dead End in Norvelt,” written by Jack Gantos, is the 2012 Newbery Medal winner.
Newbery Honor Books also were named: "Inside Out & Back Again," written by Thanhha Lai  and "Breaking Stalin’s Nose,” written and illustrated by Eugene Yelchin.

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:
“A Ball for Daisy," illustrated and written by Chris Raschka, is the 2012 Caldecott Medal winner.
Three Caldecott Honor Books also were named: “Blackout,” illustrated and written by John Rocco,  "Grandpa Green" illustrated and written by Lane Smith, and “Me … Jane,” illustrated and written by Patrick McDonnell.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:
“Where Things Come Back,” written by John Corey Whaley, is the 2012 Printz Award winner.

Four Printz Honor Books also were named: “Why We Broke Up,” written by Daniel Handler,
“The Returning,” written by Christine Hinwood
“Jasper Jones,” written by Craig Silvey
“The Scorpio Races,” written by Maggie Stiefvater

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults:
Kadir Nelson, author and illustrator of “Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans,” is the King Author Book winner.
Two King Author Honor Book recipients were selected: Eloise Greenfield, author of “The Great Migration: Journey to the North,”
Patricia C. McKissack, author of “Never Forgotten,”

Enjoy!