The Newbery Practitioner’s Guide

CHICAGO — Just in time to celebrate a century of the Newbery Medal, the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and ALA Editions present “The Newbery Practitioner’s Guide: Making the Most of the Award in Your Work.” Edited by Laura Schulte-Cooper, this book digs in and explores where the distinguished award intersects with library work in a range of areas such as collection policy, advocacy, programming, EDI efforts, and censorship. Recognized experts in the fields of library service to youth, children’s literature, and education present strategies, guidance, and tips to support practitioners in making the most of the Newbery in their work. Inside, you’ll find:

• tips on using booklists, displays, mock elections, and "Bookstagramming" to promote the Newbery Award and the award winners;
• perspective on the Newbery Medal at 100, examining where it fits in the history of children's literature and where children’s book publishing stands today in terms of racially diverse literature;
• guidance to help you objectively and confidently deal with issues such as weeding award books and addressing controversies involving Newbery winners and honor books; 
• strategies for leveraging the renown of the Newbery Award to advocate the value of libraries and library workers serving youth; and
• time-saving programming and book group resources, including ready-made activities and discussion questions for dozens of Newbery titles.

Schulte-Cooper is the program officer for communications for the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. ALSC’s vision is for its members to engage communities to build healthy, successful futures for all children. For a century, ALSC members have carefully examined and discussed books published each year to recognize and honor the very best in children’s literature through its various awards, including the Newbery and Caldecott Medals. Through its work and resources, ALSC supports librarians serving youth, families, teachers, literature experts, and child advocates.

Many book retailers and distributors are experiencing service disruptions or delays, including Amazon. For speediest service, order direct from the ALA Store. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.