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Mock Newbery

Mock Newbery 2026 will begin in July 2025 when the first reading list and fall meeting dates will be available. 

Mock Newbery 2025

Each fall, Rhode Island librarians begin meeting to select a “mock” version of the Newbery award through a program coordinated by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services. The group meets three times to nominate and discuss potential winners before developing a final list of books to be considered at the January voting meeting. On January 8, 2025 a group of 7 children’s and school librarians selected their winner and honor books after reading and discussing 25 eligible books.

Winner:  
The Wrong Way Home, written by Kate O'Shaughnessy

Honor Titles:  
Not Nothing, written by Gayle Forman 
And Then, Boom!, written by Lisa Fipps

About Mock Newbery 2025:

It's time to start taking a closer look at the children's books of 2025! Participating in the Mock Newbery is an opportunity to read the newest children’s books and to discuss them with other passionate readers. All discussion meetings will be virtual using Zoom. A letter certifying participation is available for those applying the Mock Newbery program towards professional development.

Discussion #1, Reading list
Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Virtual Zoom Discussion, Register

Discussion #2, Reading list
Wednesday, December 4, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Virtual Zoom Discussion, Register

Discussion #3 - Reading list 
Wednesday, January 8, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Virtual Zoom Discussion, Register

 

About Mock Newbery

Each fall Rhode Island librarians gather to select the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children in a "mock" version of the Newbery Medal award. Over the course of several meetings, participants discuss the merits of the year's best children's books to create a final list of books eligible for consideration at the voting meeting. The discussions center on the criteria set forth by the award. During the voting meeting participants have one final discussion before using the balloting system of the real Newbery Committee to determine the RI Mock Newbery winner. This annual program helps librarians sharpen their selection skills and learn about the award process for the Newbery Medal, which is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished American book for children by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association.