Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

El Deafo by Cece Bell has been receiving a lot of attention and great reviews.

Is it time for a graphic novel to win the Newbery?

Yes! Or they need to create an award specifically for graphic novels. I love this book and have already successfully put it in the hands of many students and parents, including one mom whose story is similar to the author's. The wording of the Newbery criteria regarding illustrations is still muddled to me. Some people seem to interpret it as if the text should stand alone, while others stress the illustrations cannot add to or take away from the text. If you say they cannot take away, then El Deafo should be a shoe-in. Any other reading of the rules would imply graphic novels, as a whole, have no chance. My only complaint if this title does win something, is that Smile got ripped off in its year. I felt just as strongly about it winning an award, and feel it has endured over the years. Both have significant, timeless messages about navigating obstacles and friendships, and are presented in a distinguished way.

Personally, I liked Drama a lot better than Smile, but since this thread is about El Deafo, I will comment mainly on it.

This is my review of the book: Another good graphic novel. I wasn't terribly fond of the choice to illustrate the children as rabbits, but the rest of the book is really good. I admire the honest exposure of both the main character's feelings, but also the honest and varied reactions of other children (and some adults).

The only thing that puzzled me a bit was that the teacher didn't turn off the mike when she wasn't in the presence of the main character. I have worn mikes like this and even though I am a sub, I have been quickly instructed to turn it off when I wasn't talking about things that the student needed to hear, e.g., when I was directly helping another student.

I appreciate the discussion at the end of the book of deaf culture and the varied degree of acceptance of hearing aids and sign language.
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So, that said, what is the reasoning behind illustrating the characters with rabbits?

And, why didn't the teacher turn off the mike?

I thought using a rabbit, whose primary physical feature is EARS, was pretty clever (and obvious).
As for the mic, the aforementioned mother who grew up at the same time wearing a similar device to CeCe Bell had identical stories about hearing her teacher in the office and even in the bathroom.
My husband is the facilities director for our entire district and often comes across empty classrooms with amplifying speakers and the teacher is nowhere to be seen yammering away with the mic still on. Also, as a classroom teacher, it seemed very plausible to me a teacher would often forget about the mic, especially if it was just part of your regular day.

Here's a terrific YouTube video of CeCe talking about her book:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cnj5S...

I think the book is worthy of Newbery consideration!

Interview in SLJ really will answer a lot of peoples questions about this book.

I was under the impression that a graphic novel is not eligible for the Newbery because the story relies on the pictures.
What is the Will Eisner award for?
I tried looking up the answers and decided this group would be the best place to get accurate information.

There are Will Eisner awards for youth publications in three different age brackets, and I'd be surprised if El Deafo doesn't win one. The Will Eisners just don't get the same coverage and prestige in the media and book industry as the ALA Youth Media Awards do.
For me, El Deafo embodies what a Newbery winner should and just so happens to be a graphic novel. I just think it is a shame that the criteria for the Newbery hasn't been more clearly adjusted to include them.

To respond to Jo's comment:

Nothing in the Newbery terms and criteria excludes a graphic novel from winning. There is also some precedence of ALA Youth Media wins going to graphic fiction in the not typically art-focused awards: American Born Chinese won the Printz Award, for example. http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/...

I read this graphic novel just before it was announced as the book of the month. I absolutely adored it and immediately bought two copies to bring in to my 4th grade classroom. I thought the story was really wonderful, for audiences of all ages. I think this could be read and re-read at different stages in a person's life and you would get something new from it. While parts of the story were embellished or invented, the true heart of the graphic novel is very honest and open. I can't wait to hear what my 4th graders get out of it. I'm really looking forward to discussing the book with them!El Deafo

I believe my students would truly love this book. Although I borrowed a copy of this book from the library, I plan to purchase a couple of copies of this book for my classroom library. My classes do a Battle of the Books. I am currently reading Crossover to my class. I think I will put this book up against it. I have an Elmo, so I will probably read the book aloud and let them view the pictures under the Elmo. It will be interesting which book wins this battle. I could see this book winning an honor, but I don't think it will win the Newbery. I haven't found anything yet to beat The Crossover.

Loved this! http://revingsblog.blogspot.com/2014/...

I've had this book in my 6th grade classroom library all school year. Actually I have to say it is NEVER in the library: It has been checked out over and over again. It has been the subject of several student book talks in my five core classes. So kids do love it! I would say that there is a considerable following of the graphic novel genre as of late: Drama, Smile, Sisters, the Amulet series, several novels that have been remade into graphic versions, and now El Deafo have been passed around from student to student with great enthusiasm. I love the idea of the book and the sweet innocence of Cece herself. As a Newbery contender, I agree that Smile should have been its predecessor as an honor book. But there are so many great books this year. I was enthralled with Rain, Reign. Loved The Night Gardener, A Snicker of Magic, and am in love with Brown Girl Dreaming for the second time now. I have 20 books in our Mock Challenge published this year and can't wait to see who comes out on top:-)

A wonderful graphic memoir. I heard Cece speak about this book, and she tells a very compelling and funny story. I don't know about Newbery....but what about a Schneider?

http://www.npr.org/2014/12/14/3695990...

I thought it was wonderful. I think it is Jackie's year but really hope this gets an Honor.

Kristen wrote: " El Deafo by Cece Bell has been receiving a lot of attention and great reviews.

Is it time for a graphic novel to win the Newbery?"

YES! This book is distinguished, refreshing, and feels like the right book at the right time. The only thing keeping it from the win is Brown Girl Dreaming. What an awesome year for children's lit!

Making my way through the contenders, and I was meh with this book. Liked the idea, but the I found the story uneven. I was expecting more of a revelation, I guess. I think the author wanted to create a fun book, and she did so.

So far I've enjoyed Rain Reign and 14th Goldfish MUCH better, but I'm still going...

"The committee is to make its decision primarily on the text. Other components of a book, such as illustrations, overall design of the book, etc., may be considered when they make the book less effective."

This would be the issue which would hold El Deafo back... but I love this book and would love for it to win an award.

Just terrific! Not only was it a pleasure getting to know the author as a young girl, but also she has provided a great service to the hearing world with her innumerable insights into the daily challenges of the deaf. (And some of the advantages - long-range eavesdropping, anyone? Cool!)

This is one of the most charming and fascinating memoirs I have ever read. I hope it wins some kind of Newbery so that it will achieve the popularity it deserves.