Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Schlitz won the Newbery in 2008 with Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village a book that has been criticized for being one that adults enjoy more than children. Is Splendors and Glooms child friendly? Or, more importantly, is Splendors and Glooms Newbery worthy?

While this might have a more limited audience than some books we've been discussing, I think the kids who like this type of book will eat it up (I would have, anytime between 10 and 14). I definitely think it's Newbery worthy - it's my favorite so far for this year.

I thought it hit all the criteria nicely - well-developed characters, atmospheric setting, absorbing plot, strong writing, compelling themes, etc. The combination of the Gothic feel, Victorian setting, surprising humor, and a little magic just seemed perfect to me.

"My kids" are loving it. I put off reading it as long as I could - I dreaded the glooms but then found them acceptable.

Kristen wrote: "Schlitz won the Newbery in 2008 with Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village a book that has been criticized for being one that adults enjoy more than children. Is Splendors an..."

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! GREAT book on CD! ;o)

Kristen wrote: "Schlitz won the Newbery in 2008 with Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village a book that has been criticized for being one that adults enjoy more than children. Is Splendors an..."


I'm not sure if I would call Splendors and Glooms Newbery worthy but I read the advance and really enjoyed it. It will appeal to adults as well as older kids who enjoy a sometimes creepy story blended into a classic Dickens tale. What kid wouldn't love a story about an evil puppeteer? This is a good choice but I am still voting for The One and Only Ivan!

The One and Only Ivan is a likely winner, imo. Brilliant book, both kids and adults will like it.

I loved Spendors and Gloom and cannot wait for the sequel. I did not like Good Masters: Sweet Ladies as a Newbery winner. Splendors and Gloom is very appealing to kids.

"My kids" like Splendors and Glooms much better than they like The One and Only Ivan.

I loved this book. I really did. I just can't get any kids to finish it. It's kind of dense at some points, and some kids find it "boring" (I didn't). it was very well written, and I thought it could have been marketed just as well as an adult book kind of like The Night Circus. I think Ivan is a better candidate for the Newbery, just because it is highly readable for most middle grade children.

Benji wrote: "I loved this book. I really did. I just can't get any kids to finish it. It's kind of dense at some points, and some kids find it "boring" (I didn't). it was very well written, and I thought it cou..."

I agree with you Benji. On the first two pages of Chapter Four I had my high school senior read and look for "challenging" vocab words. She found two that were on her AP English vocab list, among others! I also felt it was directed more toward an older, if not adult audience. GO Ivan!

I was reluctant to start Splendors and Glooms as it is not my favorite genre. I go for more realistic fiction.
I am on page 136 and can't put it down! I think it reads like an Alfred Hitchcock to Twilight Zone episode. That is if anyone is old enough to remember those shows. Well back to reading. Poor, poor Clara.

I got my first student to check it out! She's a really good reader, so I hope she finishes it!

Jonathan Hunt has written an interesting post on the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery blog.

http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/...

Stylewise I thought Schlitz was amazing. Her descriptions took me to a chilling world reminiscent of those terrifying moments as a child watching Pinocchio. Creepy puppets, death masks, lockets of hair, each very well defined and compelling. I can see kids enjoying this book and rereading it again and again. True it is wordy and lengthy but I know some kids, the ones that enjoyed Coraline and The Graveyard Book, who could plough through it all. In all I thought it was excellent.

Just finished Splendors and Glooms on a frosty, snow covered day.

This is not a book I would have ever picked up to read, but since it was on the Mock Newbery October read, I did, and not with the best attitude. I wasn't a big fan of Good Masters, Sweet Ladies. But this writing was msterful. This is Newbery quality! The characters were so well developed. I felt I knew Lizzie Rose and Parsefall. It was creepy, yet a sweet story of love as well.

What are we reading in November Mock Newbery Group?

The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech

This book really sticks with you. Although like some readers, I felt it could be directed towards an older reader, I'm sure some students in upper MG will enjoy it. It is definitely distinguished especially in the areas of plot and character.