Felicia M. Davis
SLM 521 - Spring 05
Drop-in #4: Newbery Authors


Newbery Award Authors 

The Newbery Award is presented annually to the author of the MOST DISTINGUISHED contribution to American literature for children.  It is named in honor of John Newbery, a well-known 18th century British bookseller.  It is awarded to a book published in the preceding year (i.e. the winner in 2005 was published in 2004.)  The award was first given in 1922.  Books that are considered for the award but do not win are awarded a Newbery Honor Medal.
  The following websites are the official websites of two recent Newbery Award authors, Linda Sue Park and Cynthia Kadohata.


                                              A.   Cynthia Kadohata                                              B.    Linda Sue Park
                                                                 http://www.kira-kira.us/                                                   http://www.lspark.com/                                                                 


                                                                    Kira Kira cover                                                          Single Shard cover


DIRECTIONS:

Part I:  A comparison of the two authors

1.   Go to each author's website by clicking on their names.  Take a few minutes to get acquainted with the site.  Find the section of the site that will provide you with biographical information about the author.  Read the information carefully, taking notes if necessary in your Reader's Journal.


2.  Draw the Venn Diagram below in your Reader's Journal.  Section A will represent Cynthia Kadohata.  Section B will represent Linda Sue Park. Using information from the sites or from your notes, fill in the chart.  Remember that the middle (section C) is where you write the similarities between the two authors. Information that is unique to the author should be written in the author's section.   (Please make Section C big enough to write in!)


                                                                      Venn Diagram

                                                                                     http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/actbank/Venn.GIF     


Part II:  Analysis and evaluation of author's comments

1.  Let's say that I am interested in knowing about where these two authors get the ideas for their books. Based on what you  find on their website, which one does a better job at explaining how they get their writng ideas and inspirations?  Write the author's name in your Reader's Journal.

2.  In a few sentences, explain what the author you chose had to say about their ideas and inspirations. Write the explanation in your Reader's Journal.

Be ready to discuss your choice and your explanation in our discussion groups!