Introduction
Hey readers! Welcome to a tour of the most dazzling literary gems nominated for the 2023-2024 Golden Sower Awards. These captivating stories are sure to ignite imaginations and leave an enduring mark on young readers. Join us as we delve into the worlds crafted by the talented authors behind these extraordinary works.
Meet the Nominees: Picture Books
Magical Adventures
- *"The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill: A captivating tale of a girl with magical abilities who faces a dangerous quest.
- *"The Way Back Home" by Oliver Jeffers: A poignant and heartwarming story about the journey of finding one’s way.
Whimsical Explorations
- *"Oni the Ox" by M. T. Anderson and Fumi Nakamura: A humorous and imaginative story about a lazy ox who embarks on a grand adventure.
- *"The Thing About Bees" by Shabazz Larkin: A thought-provoking book that explores the importance of bees and environmentalism.
Timeless Classics
- *"The Magic Fish" by Trung Le Nguyen: A vibrant and visually stunning retelling of a Vietnamese folktale.
Middle Grade: Adventures and Discoveries
Spectacular Quests
- *"The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea" by Axie Oh: A captivating fantasy adventure about a girl who discovers her true destiny.
- *"The Storm Keeper’s Island" by Catherine Doyle: A thrilling story about a young girl’s perilous journey to save her island home.
Identity and Belonging
- *"The Fire Keeper’s Daughter" by Angeline Boulley: A poignant and important story about an Ojibwe girl who investigates a series of mysterious deaths.
- *"When Stars Are Scattered" by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed: A powerful graphic novel that tells the true story of a Somali refugee’s journey.
Imagination and Wonder
- *"The Beast Player" by Nahoko Uehashi: A captivating fantasy novel about a young girl who can communicate with beasts.
- *"Aru Shah and the Song of Death" by Roshani Chokshi: A thrilling adventure story steeped in Indian mythology.
Young Adult: Voices and Perspectives
Coming-of-Age Stories
- *"The Narrow" by Kate Alice Marshall: A gripping and timely story about a girl who must navigate the challenges of a dystopian society.
- *"With a Book in Her Hands" by Jennifer Brown: A historical fiction novel that tells the story of a young woman who defies convention.
Identity and Exploration
- *"The Inheritance Games" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: A thrilling mystery novel that follows a group of teenagers as they race to unlock a billionaire’s inheritance.
- *"The Ballad of Never After" by Stephanie Garber: A romantic fantasy novel that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny.
Social Justice and Change
- *"The Other Side of Everything" by Marieke Nijkamp: A thought-provoking and timely novel about a young woman who investigates a hate crime.
- *"Punching the Air" by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam: A powerful and moving novel that follows the story of a young man wrongly convicted of murder.
Golden Sower Nominees: A Comprehensive Table
| Title | Author | Category |
|---|---|---|
| "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" | Kelly Barnhill | Picture Book |
| "The Way Back Home" | Oliver Jeffers | Picture Book |
| "Oni the Ox" | M. T. Anderson and Fumi Nakamura | Picture Book |
| "The Thing About Bees" | Shabazz Larkin | Picture Book |
| "The Magic Fish" | Trung Le Nguyen | Picture Book |
| "The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea" | Axie Oh | Middle Grade |
| "The Storm Keeper’s Island" | Catherine Doyle | Middle Grade |
| "The Fire Keeper’s Daughter" | Angeline Boulley | Middle Grade |
| "When Stars Are Scattered" | Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed | Middle Grade |
| "The Beast Player" | Nahoko Uehashi | Middle Grade |
| "Aru Shah and the Song of Death" | Roshani Chokshi | Middle Grade |
| "The Narrow" | Kate Alice Marshall | Young Adult |
| "With a Book in Her Hands" | Jennifer Brown | Young Adult |
| "The Inheritance Games" | Jennifer Lynn Barnes | Young Adult |
| "The Ballad of Never After" | Stephanie Garber | Young Adult |
| "The Other Side of Everything" | Marieke Nijkamp | Young Adult |
| "Punching the Air" | Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam | Young Adult |
Conclusion
Well, bookworms, there you have it! The 2023-2024 Golden Sower Nominees offer an extraordinary array of stories that will transport you to magical worlds, inspire your imaginations, and provoke your thoughts. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting to explore the wonders of literature, don’t miss the chance to delve into these captivating tales.
And hey, if you’ve devoured all these literary marvels, why not check out our other articles on exceptional books for young readers? We’ve got you covered with recommendations, reviews, and author interviews. Keep the adventure of reading alive and well!
FAQ about Golden Sower Nominees 23-24
What is the Golden Sower Award?
The Golden Sower Award is a prestigious award given annually to the best children’s literature selected by school children in grades 4-8 from South Dakota.
How many books are nominated each year?
Ten books are nominated each year.
Who nominates the books?
The books are nominated by a committee of educators and librarians.
What types of books are nominated?
The nominated books represent a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and picture books.
How are the nominees selected?
The committee considers literary merit, age appropriateness, and appeal to children.
How can I read the nominated books?
The nominated books are available at public libraries and bookstores.
When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced in spring 2024.
How can I vote for my favorite book?
You cannot vote for your favorite book directly, but the winner is chosen based on the votes of school children in grades 4-8 from South Dakota.
Where can I learn more about the Golden Sower Award?
You can visit the South Dakota Library Association website or contact your local public library for more information.
How do I become a Golden Sower judge?
Contact the South Dakota Library Association for information on becoming a Golden Sower judge.
