Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Scumble by Ingrid Law is the sequel to 2009 Newbery Honor Savvy. Sequels have a tendency to not live up to the first books reputation; however there have been a few sequels out there that receive higher fame. 2001 Newbery A Year Down Yonder was a sequel to 1999 Newbery Honor A Long Way From Chicago. 1985 Medal winner The Hero and the Crown is a sequel to 1983 Newbery honor The Blue Sword. And other books like: The Black Cauldron, The High King, Dicey's Song, The Grey King.

Some sequels are just as good but don't win any awards, while other sequels have been more of a bust. Books sequels Lucky Breaks, and Small Steps have been known to be disappointing.

Where do you think Scumble falls? Does it have a chance at the Newbery?

Don't think it has a chance, but it's an entertaining read and I'll definitely recommend it to fans of Savvy. Seems like Law will have more savvy books to share with her readers in the future--lots of great ideas & characters here.

I think I liked this sequel to Savvy even better than the first one. Ledge was just so real and believable. And it was great to learn more about his amazing family. Visiting with Granpa Bomba, Samson and Rocket was very nice, especially finding out how Rocket was fairing in learning to scumble. I even liked the new characters.

Yes, the language gets to you after awhile, but it's still pretty fun. Give it a try. I'm sure you'll like it!


As for whether it has a chance at the Newbery, probably not. But mainly because the competition is getting pretty fierce.

I thought the language was what made Scumble stand out - it felt like a very American fantasy (as opposed to based on more a more European style of fairy tales/magic/wizards/dragons) and the language accentuated that. I thought the plot and characters were well done, but I definitely enjoyed her way with descriptive words.

I enjoyed this one as much or better than Savvy. What a wedding gathering, with all those savvies! I also don't know that it has a good chance for the Newbery, but it is well worth the ride.