The American Library Association announced the top books for children, including the Newbery and Caldecott Awards, at its Midwinter Meeting in Boston on January 18. "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead is the winner of the 2010 John Newbery Award. In this book, as her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1970s TV game show "The $20,000 Pyramid," a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space. 

Four Newbery Honor Books were also chosen: "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose, "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jaqueline Kelly, "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin, and "The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg" by Rodman Philbrick.

The 2010 Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book was awarded to "The Lion and the Mouse" by Jerry Pinkney. The two Caldecott Honor Books that were selected are "All the World" illustrated by Marla Frazee and "Red Sings From Treetops: A Year in Colors" illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski.

The Coretta Scott King Award, which recognizes an African American author and illustrator, was awarded to "Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal" by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson.

These ALA Awards guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for children and young adults. Selected by judging committees of librarians and other children's literature experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. A complete list of awards and winners can be found at www.ALA.org.

All of these books and more are as close as your fingertips. They can be requested online or by stopping in at the Bay Village Library and you can judge them for yourself. How many readers have enjoyed "Sounder," "Jacob Have I Loved," "Sarah, Plain and Tall" or "Missing May"? All are past Newbery Award winners! Come in to the library and see the complete list of past winners and rediscover an old favorite!

Joyce Sandy works in the Children's Department at the Bay Village Library.