Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Non-fiction books have always had a more difficult time winning the Newbery medal. Do you think Amelia Lost has a chance?

It is on both of the mock Newbery lists we have seen so far.

Kristen wrote: "Non-fiction books have always had a more difficult time winning the Newbery medal. Do you think Amelia Lost has a chance?"

Yes! The structure is great--the story of Amelia's last flight and the subsequent search for her is interspersed throughout the larger story of her life. Even though I knew what would happen at the end of the story, I was still flying through the pages to get to the next update. I also thought that the presentation was well-balanced and gave an interesting look at Amelia's public and private lives, and how hard she had to work in order to support her flights financially. The author, Candace Fleming, also did a really nice job of including Amelia's own words in the book as well as informative asides that give a greater understanding of the time and what flying was like then. I have been recommending this title a lot--it's just a great overall presentation of a very interesting life.

I think biography might have an advantage over other types of non-fiction because it's easier to compare to a novel - it's got plot and character development and setting and all that stuff that we expect in novels. Not that it ends up getting honored that often, but I think Amelia Lost has a chance - it's got that sense of pacing and character. I think the only possible thing against might be that the Newbery committee will be focusing on text and not those great photos, and I wonder if the book would lose just a little of its magic if you ignore them.

I had the pleasure of meeting Candace Fleming this summer, right after I read Amelia Lost. She is a fascinating, very thorough author. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that my daughter and I both lived in Earhart Hall at Purdue, and we have seen several of the artifacts. My daughter currently lives in a dorm where Amelia actually stayed. Ms. Fleming explained that she does all of her own research, does not read others' books about her biography subjects, and really tries to include things that interest children who might read her books. For example, she said she will probably always include things like pets, school, hobbies, childhood friends, toys and things that our current students would relate to.

I hadn't planned on reading this until I saw it was our Setpember read. I started it last night and was hooked right away! A book I may not have picked up without a group to encourage me to read it. Now so glad to be reading it. I am hoping I can get a few of my Mock Newbery kids to give it a try. Thanks to whoever it was that suggested this one!

I thought this was fantastic! I also was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened, even though we know. It was well written and is a great book for kids. I think it is definitely a Newbery possible selection.

I loved this! Everywhere I went while I was reading it I was a walking encyclopedia of Amelia information. Loved that it wasn't dumbed down for kids, but age appropriate - yet fascinates adults as well. I'd love to own this on my kids non-fic shelf.

I too enjoyed the structure of this book! It combined the biography with the dramatization of the final hours and the documentary style of explaining various aspects of culture, technology, etc. in text boxes. It was really innovative and cool. The dramatization drew in the reader beautifully. I can see it capturing children. I also loved how Fleming showed the "branding" aspects of Amelia and was even handed with some of her more ruthless actions.
This story though fascinating and innovative doesn't have the same depth or illuminate the fortitude as clearly that Latham was able to convey in Carry On, Mr. Bowditch (another biography that won the Newbery Medal). I'm thinking this book will receive an honor, but not the medal.

I loved this book. Lots of visuals and Amelia seems like a very exciting person. Not sure if it is a contender for the medal but definitely one children will enjoy.

I finally got around to reading this one, and I agree it is distinguished in many ways. I like the comment that Kristine made - it's completely age-appropriate for children without ever feeling like it was dumbed down. Kids can relate to her early history and the adult life -which is so often boring to kids - is made exciting and interesting by focusing largely on her adventurous nature. The pacing and structure of the book are very well developed.