Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

I recently finished this book and consider it the best that I've read all year. Does it qualify for the Newbery? It is more YA than juvenile.

Shari wrote: "I recently finished this book and consider it the best that I've read all year. Does it qualify for the Newbery? It is more YA than juvenile."

Not only is it eligible, The Hate You Give has a great shot at winning.

Hands down, the strongest book I've read this year. And while I can see many a fourteen-year-old and even twelve-year-olds reading it. I would put it as upper YA. The amount of language and sexual talk puts it outside of the accepted maturity range of most elementary schools. There is no rule that a Newbery needs to be included in an elementary collection as the upper age is fourteen, but it would break my heart to have Newbery winner exclude most of my students.

I would be surprised if it won simply because of the maturity level. It's amazing, though.

I too consider it one of the best books I've read this year, and I certainly see a chance for crossover Printz and Newbery recognition. In fact, I would love to see that happen, but my feeling is this book is meant for teens over the age of 14... Horn has it listed for high school and SLJ (Grades 8 and up). It could happen though.

Common sense media says it is 14+
They gave 5 stars for positive messages and positive role models,. I'm trying to get my hands on a copy to read.

Julie wrote: "I would be surprised if it won simply because of the maturity level. It's amazing, though."

Considering the young adult graphic novel This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki won a Caldecott Honor back in 2015, I think maturity level continues to be downplayed by the children's literature committees. I am not sure if it is a trend or the new norm.

My sense as a former member of the committee and being closely involved in conversations (e.g. the Heavy Medal blog), is that there is a lot of hard thinking about an audience of children "...defined as persons of ages up to and including fourteen." That could mean a kid who is a day short of fifteen.

The Hate U Give is a powerful story. I have a copy being passed around in my 7th grade English class. I will have my own 6th grade daughter read it this summer.

This is difficult ground. As someone who has been schooled deeply by Heavy Medal and someone who has given countless presentations on censorship, especially the danger of librarians self-censoring materials, I'm going to step out on the minefield.

It can be agreed that recommended ages are utterly subjective when it comes to individual choices. It should also be argued that, not one word of Angie Thomas's book should be altered. It is perfection. It is also a truth that when it comes to profanity, taboo words are merely an agreed upon norm among society.

However, when we are talking about an award for books that goes from zero to fourteen years and three hundred and sixty-four days, is it okay to exclude the majority of the age range? (I suppose 100% of zero-year-olds have been excluded in the past ninety some years.) When selecting books for my K-6 school library, I strive to be expansive in choices that bump up against recommend ages, but with THE HATE U GIVE the reach is too far away for it to be considered for my school. While I understand I can't speak for all my students, more than a mere majority would be highly uncomfortable, not with the substance of the story, but with the level of profanity and the frank intimate sexual discussions Starr has about and with her boyfriend.

I will continue to argue to my death that scrotum has never, and will never be a filthy word. The vocabulary used in THUG is acknowledged to be "mature content." If it were to get the medal, the Newbery would forever be viewed with suspicion by many parents and librarians throughout much of the country. I worry it it will feel usurped from their expectations so soundly they will never give it credibility again. Frankly, if THUG is considered outside the age restraint, there is no reason for it not to win. As I stated before, it is perfection.

I realize I'm speaking from a white-red-state sensibility. Starr's parents had to have "the talk" with her about the police while she was the age of my students. There is a large number of children in our country for which this is their reality. For them to see their lives reflected honestly in such a compelling and fully-rounded story is powerful. Having it win the Newbery would legitimize a segment of our country that has been stereo-typed and mostly absent in much of children's literature. My hope is, and my belief is, more and more books with these voices will emerge.

I do feel that THUG is above the accepted age range, but that there will naturally be many, many younger readers for which it will be a perfect fit.

My goodness, I love this book. It would be incredible to see it get Printz and Newbery attention, and if any novel deserves it, it's this one.

I loved, loved LOVED this book but wouldn't give it to anyone younger than 12. It will be a huge movie I bet...

Laura wrote: "Julie wrote: "I would be surprised if it won simply because of the maturity level. It's amazing, though."

Considering the young adult graphic novel This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki won a Caldecott..."

The age range for both the Newbery and the Caldecott is ages 0-14. This One Summer is YA, but appropriate for the younger end of YA and with a protagonist who fits in this age range. I don't think what you're seeing is a blurring of the guidelines, but an appreciation of the full range of the guidelines.

I have this on my to-read list and just had the eAudio but it expired before I could listen. My understanding is this is a Young Adult title so maybe another one should be chosen for August in the group.

I'm glad to hear such good response to the book though, I can't wait to read it!

This was an amazing book and may win many other accolades but as others have mentioned it definitely seems firmly YA. Still loved it and cannot wait to put it into a patron's hands!

Bethany wrote: "I have this on my to-read list and just had the eAudio but it expired before I could listen. My understanding is this is a Young Adult title so maybe another one should be chosen for August in the ..."

Highly, highly recommend the audiobook!