Mock Newbery

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 available December 13
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.