SAN DIEGO — “Moon Over Manifest,” Clare Vanderpool’s story of a girl in Depression-era Kansas who investigates a hidden past, was awarded the prestigious Newbery Medal on Monday as the American Library Association presented its top honors to books for children and young adults at a ceremony in San Diego. The book, for 9- to 12-year-olds, is the debut from the Kansas-based author.
The top award for illustration, the Caldecott Medal, went to “A Sick Day for Amos McGee,” illustrated by Erin E. Stead and written by her husband, Philip C. Stead. In one long spread, the woodblock prints — accessible to the book’s readers, ages 2-6 — tell the story of a zookeeper who stays home sick and is visited by the animals he cares for.
Dozens of finalists and winners in 23 categories were announced at the ALA’s midwinter conference. A complete list of award-winners is available online at . Los Angeles Times
