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Michigan Author is 2006 Newbery Medal Winner

More photos of the
Newbery Medal Reception!

The 2006 Newbery Medal has been awarded to Criss Cross written by Lynne Rae Perkins of Cedar, Michigan. Criss Cross (Greenwillow Books) follows the lives of four 14-year-olds in a small town, each at their own crossroads, as they explore new thoughts and feelings in their quest to find the meaning of life and love. The medal was the world's first children's book award and has been awarded annually since 1922 to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Barbara Barstow, chair of the ALA's selection committee had this to say about the award and what it means for an author: "When a book is named a Newbery winner, it means that probably every public library in the nation, and most schools in the nation, will have a copy of this book. Plus, it will be one that will be gifted to children everywhere. It will be discussed, and it will probably never go out of print, so this will change her life significantly."

Great quote: ""I had planned on spending the day walking around my little town with my
mouth hung open," said Perkins, who lives in Suttons Bay, Michigan. "But I have
to be in New York to be on the 'Today' show."

More about the Newbery Medal from the American Library Association
Lynn Rae Perkins site at Harper Collins (chapter excerpt from Criss Cross available)
Books by Lynn Rae Perkins at Leelanau Books
Listen to an interview with the author on NPR's Talk of the Nation
And then there's Criss Cross earns a Newbery, trip to New York in the Traverse City Record-Eagle

A random featured link...
A Photo History of Baraga County
Here you will find a variety of old photographs that date back to the 1870's of towns and locations within Baraga County.

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Posted/updated Jan 25, 2006
by Andrew McFarlane (Absolute Michigan)

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