News Detail
Newbery Award Selection Committee Member Presents
Seventh to Tenth Age students enjoyed a special guest speaker this morning. John Scott, Lower School Librarian at Friends School of Baltimore and a member of the Newbery Award Selection Committee spoke about the history of this prestigious award and the process of selection. The Newbery Medal is given annually to the author of “the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for children.”
Mr. Scott shared many of the books being considered and discussed the responsibilities of being a committee member. In search of the best children’s books to nominate, he has read over 500 books this year. Currently, he is reading two at a time!
Lower School students had a chance to submit questions in advance of Mr. Scott’s presentation, making him a celebrity in the halls of Calvert. One aspiring author asked if there is an age requirement to be considered for a Newbery Medal. While a child has never won the award, without a restriction in place, Mr. Scott suggested that a Calvert student could be the very first!
Calvert students read many books that are Newbery Medal recipients, and when they select books from the library to read, they know the Newbery Medal seal on the book means it is a particularly good choice! Enthusiasm for reading resonated among students and teachers alike during Mr. Scott’s presentation. By sharing a love of reading and defining the qualities that make up an excellent choice for the Newbery Medal, Mr. Scott engaged and excited our young readers and aspiring authors.
Thank you, Mr. Scott for visiting Calvert!
Calvert School is a coed independent lower and middle school.
