Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Caldecott author Peter Brown has written a very interesting story. What did you think about The Wild Robot?

I think it is spectacular. There isn't much Peter Brown can't accomplish brilliantly.

I did not like it.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I disliked it with the same part of my brain that made me reject Pax and The One and Only Ivan.

It probably also hurt that I am a fan of science fiction in general, and Isaac Asimov in particular. I felt cheated when the cover and title sold me a robot story then gave me a cuddly animal story instead.

I've already read this book, and to be honest, I didn't love it. It definitely has a strong appeal for kids who like survival stories and/or stories that feature slightly anthropomorphic animals in their natural habitat. But I'm not particularly a fan of either of those subgenres, and I found this book to be a little bit slow, simplistic and predictable in terms of plot, and sparse on dialogue. Given its popularity, I'll probably give it another look before Newbery season, but I really can't see myself changing my mind to the point where I'd actually want it to win.

I loved this book... I loved Roz and Brightbill and all the island animals. What a beautiful story! This book will provide a lot of inspiration for kids to talk and debate. What does it really mean to be alive? What is the best way to adapt to new circumstances and surroundings? Does kindness win over power and violence? The power of community comes alive, as well as the idea of being open to others who might look different than us. Beautiful and powerful book! The only thing I would change is the ending. I am not sure HOW I would change it, but if left me longing, and somewhat dissatisfied... But maybe it is because I liked this story so much, I did not want it to end. Possibly a sequel? Return of the Wild Robot?

This book was not at all like I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised by the direction the story took. I love how the the author ended the book--I'm even okay with the ending even if there isn't a The Wild Robot part II. It is the way life is. I felt that was what Roz what getting at--it wasn't good nor bad--it was the way it just had to be. This is my favorite to win the Newbery.

A unique exploration of artificial intelligence. Can a computer/robot be taught to think like an animal? Why does our technology focus on teaching robots the problem solving skills of humans?

I was distressed by the violence of the animal vs robot battle, but I am probably more sensitive than a child reader.

I really, really loved this. Was my first choice until I read Towers Falling, but this is my second choice for sure! http://revingsblog.blogspot.com/2016/...

http://revingsblog.blogspot.com/2016/...

Ana wrote: "I loved this book... I loved Roz and Brightbill and all the island animals. What a beautiful story! This book will provide a lot of inspiration for kids to talk and debate. What does it really mean..."

I would love a sequel as well. The Wild Robot is quite a special book.

I enjoyed the book , it's creative concept and it's illustrations. I was disappointed with the ending, however.

Ana, I wish I could write a review as beautifully as you did for this book! I agree with your comments completely and feel this book is a strong contender for the Newbery. I did not expect a robot book where the robot has a heart, nor did I expect to become so fond of a robot character. But for a few days, Peter Brown transported me to a fantasy world that kept me thinking, predicting, and getting attached to delightful characters!

Thank you so much, Pam!

I love this book as much as I love The One and Only Ivan. Roz is such a loveable character and kids quickly fall in love with her. Most of my class as read The Wild Robot and it has been a favorite so far for 2016.

I read this book quite a while ago, but looking back at my review I can remember why I liked this book, but I didn't love it. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I agree, Serenity. I liked it, but didn't love it. I'm with Phil; I was hoping for a good sci-fi, not sweet anthropomorphic forest creatures.

I love Wild Robot. So many lessons are in the book that can relate to all of us. From watch your surroundings to learn about others to take care of those around you. This story touched my heart and isn't soon leaving.

I read this book over the summer and did not like it at all. I found it tedious and had to make myself finish it. I find it odd that others are comparing this book to The One and Only Ivan which I love dearly. The Wild Robot was odd and had a disconnect with me that I could not resolve. While very original, I will be disappointed if it gets a nod.

I also did not like it. As the person above said, I was not sure of its theme. There are better books out there.

I liked The Wild Robot a lot, though it's not my favorite for the Newbery. I was expecting something completely different and was very pleasantly surprised. I loved the exploration of what it meant--really--to be a contributing member of a community.

I like this one and suspect that some kids will love it. However, I don't think it is distinguished. I read it earlier in the year and gave it three stars.

I had already read this book, too. I enjoyed it quite a bit, to my surprise. So far my students really like it, too. However, it's not my pick for the Newbery. I'm still torn between Nine, Ten, a September 11th Story (which my 4th/5th Newbery Club will be readin) and When Friendship followed me home.

Magdalena wrote: "I've already read this book, and to be honest, I didn't love it. It definitely has a strong appeal for kids who like survival stories and/or stories that feature slightly anthropomorphic animals in..."

This book just didn't cut it for me as a Newbery. I am pretty much in line with Magdalena.

I predict this will be on many, many student choice award lists, but not Newbery. I enjoyed it and loved the combination of robots and the ecological message. I also liked that it is simple and short enough to be accessible to younger readers. I can see teachers using it as a read aloud in primary classrooms and as independent or guided reading from 2nd grade up.

Great book but not Newbery, IMO. Easy to recommend to students.

I was 100% drawn into this book.
It had heart and substance.
I feel it is worthy, but since last years choice, I no longer give the award much credence. I haven't even highlighted it this year with my students.
Though the committee members change, they are essentially the same.
They choose what is PC, and what they feel kids should read.

Caren wrote: "I was 100% drawn into this book.
It had heart and substance.
I feel it is worthy, but since last years choice, I no longer give the award much credence. I haven't even highlighted it this year wit..."

Caren, I think that the committee tends to get flukey results. I don't think it's a question of trying to be PC so much as it is something about the process resulting in dark horse picks. If you look at the last ten winners, there are some real left-field choices in there, such as Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, Dead End in Norvelt, and Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village.

I enjoyed this book, especially the way Roz grew, and agree with Czechgirl and Pam P, in that it was unexpected and shows that an individual can have an impact on a community in a positive way. The Sci-Fi part is a fun way to explore this idea, too. My kids are reading for the Nerdy Award, and this is not one of the top contenders, however.

Caren wrote: "I was 100% drawn into this book.
It had heart and substance.
I feel it is worthy, but since last years choice, I no longer give the award much credence. I haven't even highlighted it this year wit..."

Regarding last year's choice: I am so glad they finally chose a book that was not for high school readers only! They finally chose a book that children on the younger end of the spectrum can read.

My young grandson and I read this book together; I chose it because I was pretty sure that it would have significant boy appeal. (Robots!)

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there was plenty to engage the attention of girls as well, and I appreciated the author's decision to make the robot female. The story was strong, the characters were quite well developed, the natural setting was rendered in convincing detail. The dialogue, however, left a lot to be desired.

I wouldn't describe this as a Newbery contender, but it is a nice story aimed at grades 1 - 3 that has the potential to become a classic.

Ana wrote: "I loved this book... I loved Roz and Brightbill and all the island animals. What a beautiful story! This book will provide a lot of inspiration for kids to talk and debate. What does it really mean..."

I agree with Ana! This story had so many interesting ideas -- especially the look at what it means to be a living creature -- and while not every one of those ideas came to full fruition, it would be a blast to discuss this with a reading group. I guess I sort of hear what people are saying about it being too simple or lacking in dialogue, but these are the things that made me think of Wall-E (in a good way). It's not my absolute favorite, but my feelings wouldn't be hurt if it won.

I like this book too and feel students will like it. I think that's important.

Jo wrote: "I like this book too and feel students will like it. I think that's important."

It is important that children enjoy the book. There have been instances in the past where the Newbery winner is unpopular with children. It is truly unfortunate. It may be written well but does it speak to children? Geared toward children? Relatable? Fun? There are a couple top contenders that the children have shown no interest in my area. One I have only seen adults buy for themselves and the second only a few teachers. Booksellers, librarians, parents are all trying to cultivate a love for books in children. We want them to be life long readers. Not turn them off.

Laura wrote: "Jo wrote: "I like this book too and feel students will like it. I think that's important."

It is important that children enjoy the book. There have been instances in the past where the Newbery win..."

I agree that the winner should have both kid-appeal and quality, but that can be a hard balance to strike. Personally, I thought Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! had quality, but zero of my students read it. On the other hand, it's not like the Newbery should go to The Adventures of Captain Underpants.

Books that hit that sweet spot for my students this year are Pax and Ghost with Booked in a distant third.

Phil wrote: "Laura wrote: "Jo wrote: "I like this book too and feel students will like it. I think that's important."

It is important that children enjoy the book. There have been instances in the past where t..."

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! is a perfect example.