               Battle of the Kids' Books
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Press ConferenceMay 5, 2009 Welcome, everyone. Can you believe that just a few weeks ago we were all standing here waiting for the Battle to commence? And now it is almost time for the final two to have it out in front of our distinguished judge, Lois Lowry. Er, yes, Octavian, she did say something about bribes, but we made it very clear to you and Hunger Games that we do not approve of them. NOT AT ALL. Do you understand us? We hope so or no coming back for you next year. What is that? You can't because your story is done? Well, um... ...let's move on. What's that, Graceling? You will be back? Well, we can't promise a match between Fire and Catching Fire, but wouldn't that be incendiary? Ah, Team Nonfiction --- we see you huddled over there in the corner. You say that you will be bigger and better next year? Awesome! Thanks, animal contingent, for that reminder. We wish to announce that no bears, cats, dogs, or porcupines were hurt during this contest. What is your problem, Graveyard Book? Hellhounds? All right, none of them were hurt either. Can we move on, please? So now that we are just about finished with this very first Battle of the (Kids') Book your Battle Commander has a few things to say. First of all --- YOU ARE WRONG, JUDGE SUTTON! The two people making up the Battle Commander and our illustrious commentator, Jonathan Hunt, have all served on award committees. We did exactly what the judges have done here: compared fruit. At the end of the day (or more often, night,) members of award committees have to choose from of a bunch of completely different books. Yes, there are criteria and group discussion; however, in the end, it is everyone's private decision (be it taste or strategy based) as to which book gets their vote. The main difference here is that the judges' decisions are public, set out for all to see. (Peter D. Sieruta got it!) Our hats are off to them for their courageous acts in the crossfire of so many. Secondly, YOU ARE RIGHT, PEANUT THROWERS! Many of these battling books have received accolades galore. We selected competitors that were roughly for the same readers, already known by many spectators, and recognized by reviewers and other award committees as juicy enough for the judges to bite into and be inspired to write flavorful decision essays. In fact, we felt it wasn't about the books as much as it was about the transparent and thoughtful reasoning of our author-judges. Again, our great appreciation for their hard work these last few weeks. Finally, DON'T FEEL LEFT OUT, YOUNG READERS! Whether a judge chose to consider your taste was totally up to him or her; however, we hope and suspect your voices were heard in the People's Choice Poll. Our first and foremost goal was for spectators, judges, battle commanders, commentators, and books to have fun! From what we've seen, we succeeded. Next year, with this arena elegantly renovated (so we are told) we plan on SLJ's second annual Battle of the (Kids') Books being bigger and badder than ever! See you then! What's that? Who won? Come back tomorrow to find out! Posted by Battle Commander on May 5, 2009 | Comments (2)
May 5, 2009
In response to: Press Conference Abby commented: It's been great fun and sparked many a discussion among colleagues at my library! Great work, Battle Commander!
May 5, 2009
In response to: Press Conference Tina Laurel Lee commented: I second the above comment. This has been totally entertaining. I am very excited for another year.
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