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And the Winner Is...

Choose an award-winning book to read and create a poster to promote it.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper
  • Poster Board

Steps

  • Step 1

    Each year the Association for Library Service to Children (a division of the American Library Association) recognizes "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children." These books are awarded a Newbury Medal or a Caldecott Medal. Encourage students to select a book to read from a list of these award winners. Ask what they think makes a great book and what criteria they'd use when deciding whether or not to award it a prize.

  • Step 2

    Have a class discussion about the books students chose to read and resarch. Why do they feel the book they read won the award? What merit did it have? What insights can they share about the book, including what part is most memorable or affected them strongly?

  • Step 3

    Have them create a poster to promote the book. It should include the title, author/illustrator, and either an image from the book or a scene reimagined, based on the text. Ask them to write a brief summary of the book on a separate card or piece of paper and why they would recommend it to others. Display the posters and written statements on a class bulletin board or in a school hallway, if available.

Standards

LA: Add drawings or other visual displays to written text to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

LA: Describe how characters in a story respond to major events, challenges, and other characters.

LA: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence using organization and style appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience so listeners can follow the line of reasoning.

Adaptations

Visit your local library and explore several Newbery/Caldecott winners. Investigate library events and, if possible, attend a discussion about an award-winning book or arrange to have a librarian discuss books the students chose.

Learn about what it takes to become a librarian. Research library science, which prepares people to work in many disciplines including humanities, law, technology, applied science, and other areas. In addition to libraries and schools, there are librarians in museums, information centers, corporations, and archive sites.