Happy Monday Everyone! It’s Becky and I am here to share with you another one of my picks of 2021 of a book that I feel should be considered for the Newbery Award. In case you’re not familiar with the award it is an award given out annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished contribution for children’s literature. Book considered for this award must be aimed at an audience from birth to 14 years of age.
Title: The Shape of Thunder
Author: Jasmine Warga
Summary: Cora and Quinn used to be best friends before what happened. Cora and Quinn’s friendship was destroyed when Quinn’s brother took a gun into school and killed four people, including Cora’s older sister. Quinn wants to undo what her brother did, and she thinks she has found a way for the two girls to go back in time to prevent what happened that horrible day. Cora and Quinn work together to find out how to time travel while rekindling their friendship.
Newbery Considerations: The Newbery Committee has a history of recognizing middle-grade books that deal with loss and grief, and Warga’s novel addresses those topics beautifully. Cora and Quinn’s journey into loss is beautifully crafted, with the characters perfectly written. Warga explores many relevant issues including, racism, school violence, and grief. Warga received Newbery Honors for Other Words for Home, and she may receive the medal for The Shape of Thunder.
Bickering Book Reviews 