Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

by Kelly Yang was chosen by a slim vote on our last poll. So many excellent publications this year!

What did you think of it?

Sounds great, I almost voted for Kelly Yang. I'm glad her book was chosen. I can't wait to read it!

Just finished New From Here and loved it! I laughed and cried.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a good look at how one family delt with the beginning of the pandemic. Some of the messaging was a bit heavy in dealing with racism. A few situations I was surprised the kids faced no consequences but overall they had good intentions and I liked how the siblings grew and interacted. I could see this book getting some awards like Asian Pacific as it's about a Chinese family. Not sure it's quite top Newbery worthy but possibly an honer.

I agree with your comments. It definately reminded me of the uncertainty in those first months of the pandemic. The unique twist of an American family living internationally added another dimension. Mom was easy to talk to, yet I also thought she should have given the kids opportunities to think more closely about their actions. The growth in the interaction of the siblings was satisfying.

There were just too many themes in the book that made the story underdeveloped to be considered distinguished. I enjoyed the sibling relationships. Many parts were too over the top for me to get excited about this title for Newbery. Will be a good book to refer to for the pandemic, family separation, and what life is like when life is uncertain. My favorite part was helping his friend with the restaurant.

This one will definitely stick with me and made me appreciate that it is the author's story. I was glad to see the characters change and grow, particularly Bowden. Lots to talk and think about. I'd love to see it on next year's CCBA list. Not sure it will gather love from the librarians on Newbery committee, but I can see it on lots of kid's choice lists and think it will make a lovely read aloud.

NEW FROM HERE by Kelly Yang is a realistic description of how families had to adjust to lockdowns at the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic. It was hard to read because the experiences are so painful and continue in both the US and China today.
The stories focus on issues that young people deal with such as online learning, ADHD diagnosis and evolving Covid rules and regulations. Although I was distressed that the siblings had unsupervised activity on LinkedIn, NextDoor and Amazon, I assume this is a realistic portrayal of the target readers.
I like the fact that the author provides students with a way to respond to misinformation with the ICEE (interrupt, correct, educate,echo) framework. It makes it possible to be optimistic despite the discouraging world described in the book.

Author Kelly Yang, inspired by her own recent experiences, honestly describes in New From Here, after traveling from Hong Kong to California with her children, how difficult finding a job, and earning enough money to support a family proved to be. Sharing stories with her 3 children of the dire struggles her parents faced with racism, and economic struggles, she subtly guides them to understand how to stand up for themselves and others, when bullies turn nasty. I loved the way Yang's powerful writing transports readers back to the beginning of Covid 19. This is a historical masterpiece that will remain empowering for future generations.

I did not enjoy this book at all. It is way too long for what it’s trying to say. The parents are so one dimensional and aloof about kids doing such odd and, frankly, dangerous things. Like the whole neighbors and earrings thing seemed so implausible and bizarre. They were constantly worried about money but had a home sitting empty in the Bay Area while they lived in Asia. I get the author is trying to make a statement but it reeked of entitlement and that made it extremely unpleasant to read. Which is a shame because Front Desk is really great.

It was okay. There were threads I liked and others that felt unrealistic to me. Not my favorite book of the year so far.

The book is fine. It's not my favorite by Yang. My main complaint is that while it gives a great perspective of ADHD, most children I know with ADHD won't be able to stick with a 350+ page book unless it's action-packed. There are exceptions to this, of course, but my daughter and many of my students with ADHD need quicker reads or they'll lose focus. I DO think this will be popular once the pandemic is over (will it ever be over?!) and kids want to know what COVID was all about!

I enjoyed the book, but agree with the comments about length and undeveloped stories. It was a hard read for me as the family continued to learn about what the pandemic would mean for them as it is still developing. I wonder what kids will think about that as many probably don’t remember a time without the pandemic.

I enjoyed New From Here and think it is appealing to its intended audience, though that is unnecessary. (I think middle grade readers are ready for a novel that mirrors their experience during COVID-19.) Although engaging realistic fiction with an endearing, authentic 10 year old protagonist, there is a lot going on simultaneously and the plot seems to move more quickly than the reader's questions may be answered. Though entertaining and relatable, New From Here does not feel distinguished as compared with other 2022 books.