Newbery buzz among librarians begins early in the year, and all three of these books have appeared on speculation lists. All are worthy of some attention, but what kind of chance do they have? The Poetry of Car Mechanics by Heidi E. Y. Semple. Wordsong (Astra), May 2025, 248 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages10-12… The post Newbery Roundup #1: The Poetry of Car Mechanics, A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation, and Outside appeared first on Redeemed Reader.

They Battled in Blizzards introduces middle-graders to the complexity of World War II’s “Battle of the Bulge.” The post World War II Close Up: They Battled in Blizzards by Deborah Hopkinson appeared first on Redeemed Reader.

Hayley and Betsy discuss The Teacher of Nomad Land and evaluate its chances for a Newbery Award. The post Newbery Buzz 2026: The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri appeared first on Redeemed Reader.

The ALA Youth Media announcements are less than two weeks away! Today, Janie and Megan mull what we both consider to be a strong contender. (Read our review of The Trouble with Heroes, and find previous Newbery speculations, along with the actual winners, on our Newbery Buzz Page.) Janie: We’ve reviewed several books by Kate… The post Newbery Buzz 2026: The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner appeared first on Redeemed Reader.

When a magic fish grants Charlie wishes, she thinks hard about what to wish for; the seventh wish is the most significant… or is it? The post The Seventh Wish by Kate Reynolds appeared first on Redeemed Reader.

Maptastic! takes readers on a tour, not just of countries and geographic features, but of populations, comparisons, and much more. The post Maptastic! Reimagine the World One Map at a Time by DK Publishing appeared first on Redeemed Reader.

A Book of Maps for You introduces very young children to the concept of mapping, and to all the places of home. The post *A Book of Maps for You by Lourdes Heuer appeared first on Redeemed Reader.

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban is the true story of one family’s escape from Castro’s oppression. The post How to Say Goodby in Cuban by Daniel Miyares appeared first on Redeemed Reader.

Janie and Betsy discuss Will’s Race for Home and evaluate its chances for a Newbery Award. The post Newbery Buzz 2026: Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes appeared first on Redeemed Reader.

In Rock Paper Incisors, Skunk and Badger add two rambunctious rats to their household. The post *Rock Paper Incisors by Amy Timberlake appeared first on Redeemed Reader.