Neil Gaiman Wins Newberry Medal for 2009
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With any children’s book that opens with a triple homicide, you immediately know, this one will stand out in the crowd. Neil Gaiman, known for his extensive comic work, as well as work in mainstream fiction novels has ventured into the children’s book realm again and achieved high honors for his efforts. The Graveyard Book, which focuses on the raising of a living boy by the ghosts in a cemetery, has won the 2009 Newberry Medal. The book also features spot illustrations by Gaiman’s frequent collaborator, Dave McKean throughout the book.
Awarded by the American Library Association to one single book each year, the Newbery Medal has been presented to the best in children’s literature each year since 1922. Among past winners are such familiar titles as Holes by Louis Sachar, Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.
The ALA presented a number of other awards at their midwinter conference in Denver this month. Also worthy of note, A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book was Stinky by Eleanor Davis, and published by Raw Junior/Little Lit, which is the publishing house of Art Spiegelman’s wife, Francoise Mouly. The Geisel focuses on beginning reader books.
