Cybils Awards Blog
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The Children's and YA Bloggers Literary Awards, the only book awards of any sort from the blogging community. Mission to award books that are not only written well, but books that kids will actually WANT to read.
Cybils Awards Blog
22h ago
Just so you know, we stopped counting the “readers will relate to” references in the reviews at around 15 … and they kept going.
Seriously, though, is there anything better than a book where a reader can see themselves and grow with a bookish alter ego? Diverse casts, family, friendship, adventure, gaming, and nonfiction. Angst and courage, fears and acceptance. All wrapped in “sweet” stories.
The 2023 CYBILS Awards Elementary/Middle-Grade Graphic Novel finalists have it all. See for yourself.
2023 WINNER
A First Time for EverythingSantat, Dan
First Second Books
Nominated by: Maria Marshall ..read more
Cybils Awards Blog
3d ago
Colorful
Bright
Interactive
Cute
Destined to be a favorite
… everything you want in a board book, yes? There’s no shortage of animals, learning, or engaging questions for young readers, either.
Whether you have a toddler scurrying onto your lap for storytime or you want the perfect gift for a baby shower or toddler birthday, you won’t go wrong with any of the 2023 CYBILS Awards Board Book Finalists.
2023 WINNER
Whose Prints?Allen, Kari, illustrated by Smith, Kim
Little Simon
Nominated by: Christopher Helton
Pamela @ What We’re Reading Now: If you buy one board book this year, make it ..read more
Cybils Awards Blog
5d ago
If you have ever put a book down because your emotions got the best of you, then this is the shortlist for you.
The 2023 High School Nonfiction finalists are just that powerful. In some cases, the events in these books happened many decades ago – long before this generation of young adults and even their parents were born. And yet. Not only do these books offer compelling, inspiring stories for their time, they inform readers in ways that connect to today’s young reader. Activists, outsiders, refugees, friends … survivors.
2023 WINNER
Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism i ..read more
Cybils Awards Blog
1w ago
Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
If you don’t like college basketball.
This list is for you.
Happy #PoetryFriday to you. For some of us, basketball is a kind of poetry in motion. For others, well, it just isn’t. Thankfully, this roundup of poetry books can help. Moving, funny, imaginative, jarring … all found in the pages of these poetry collections. And a book that almost knocks Shel Silverstein off his golden pedestal? Uh huh.
2023 WINNER
Animals in PantsSuzy Levinson, illustrated by Kevin Howdeshell and Kristen Howdeshell
Harry N Abrams
Nominated by: Becky L.
Linda @ Goodre ..read more
Cybils Awards Blog
2w ago
It’s Middle-Grade Monday, y’all!
2023 WINNER
Simon Sort of SaysBow, Erin
Disney Hyperion–Rick Riordan presents
Nominated by: Susan (Bloggin’ ’bout Books)
Sondy @ Sonderbooks – [This has] got so many wonderful ingredients: Quirky characters who seem more realistic because of those quirks, a new kid in school at a very distinctive place, loving parents but kid-centric adventures, a main character who’s exceedingly likable, plenty of humor, and a serious theme dealt with realistically and sensitively. Hmmm. Listing the ingredients doesn’t convey how wonderful this book is. This is a truly wonde ..read more
Cybils Awards Blog
2w ago
What “binds” all of these books together? Besides being for young adults? and speculative fiction? with amazing cover art?
Well, we could tell you, but you are such a savvy, discerning reader, we know you’ll find the answer. This much we’ll share: the word “original” was used by multiple judges across multiple books; and two titles made a fantasy lover out of a reader who doesn’t normally like SFF books.
2023 WINNER
Threads That BindHatzopoulou, Kika
Razorbill
Nominated by: MelissaB
Gina @ Goodreads – The mystery was thrilling, like the stuff they do to try to investigate is ..read more
Cybils Awards Blog
3w ago
ICYMI – This year’s slate of Young Adult Fiction finalists includes two debut authors. In fact, the award-winning book is the debut novel of Jas Hammonds.
The stories are contemporary, compelling, heart-tugging, and heart-wrenching. Things you’d expect in coming-of-age stories. There’s drama, intense storytelling, mystery, family, and … well, let’s turn it over to our judges to tell you more.
Just don’t skim. You might miss the references to recommendations for reluctant readers.
2023 WINNER
We Deserve MonumentsHammonds, Jas
Roaring Brook Press
Nominated by: Kristen
Gina @ Goodreads – Coming ..read more
Cybils Awards Blog
3w ago
What are you doing this Monday morning?
Us? Oh, we’re “March-ing Fourth” with reviews for the 2023 CYBILS Awards finalists and winner in the Fiction Picture Book Category.
From “lovely,” “beautiful,” and “powerful” to “funny,” “hilarious,” and “extra outlandish,” our judges not only share their thoughts, but give you some inside scoop on what their kiddos thought, too!
Go on … March forth to the reviews, then find a copy to read and share with young readers.
2023 WINNER
BigHarrison, Vashti
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: TheBrookeList
Sondy @ Sonderbooks – This gorgeous p ..read more
Cybils Awards Blog
3w ago
A quick recap for those who are just now discovering our review series …
excerpts of judges reviews. Their own opinions (not their panels). Did not necessarily judge this category.
2023 WINNER
The Grace of Wild ThingsHeather Fawcett
Balzer + Bray
Nominated by: marsenault13
Deb @ The Book Search – This one’s a charmer. The whole story is just wonderfully fun. Grace is the opposite of the witch, kind hearted and generous, but with a steely will for justice. Her magical education is less about instruction and more about discovery and so readers will feel opening their own minds to possibil ..read more
Cybils Awards Blog
3w ago
start here
2023 WINNER
The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global CelebrityNicholas Day, illustrated by Brett Helquist
Random House Studio
Nominated by: KtStar
Hilary @ Goodreads – Loved this. Day writes in a style that is irrestistable to the middle grade reader and never ceases to fascinate. The saying that reality is stranger than fiction? Completely applies to this story! It is a winding ride with surprises at every corner. I think this would be treat for kids to read. And this adult learned many new things, too. The language and delivery ..read more