Who Has Won the Newbery Award Twice in a Row? A Deep Dive into This Prestigious Honor

The Newbery Medal, established in 1922 by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), is one of the most coveted awards in the world of children’s literature. It is presented annually by the American Library Association (ALA) to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. While winning the Newbery Medal is a significant achievement for any writer, the idea of winning it twice in a row remains a topic of curiosity. As of today, no author has won the Newbery Medal in consecutive years. But that doesn’t mean the Newbery Medal hasn’t seen multiple wins by the same author.

What Does It Mean to Win the Newbery Award?

Winning the Newbery Award signifies that an author has profoundly impacted children’s literature. The criteria for winning the award include literary quality, originality, and potential to influence young readers. The selection committee, comprised of members from the ALSC, carefully reviews books published in the previous year, choosing the work that stands out as the most distinguished contribution to the genre.

While the Newbery Medal is highly esteemed, there are also Newbery Honor books, which are runners-up to the Medal winner. Newbery Honor books show outstanding merit but do not win the top prize. These books are recognized for their exceptional contributions to children’s literature, and receiving a Newbery Honor is considered an immense honor in its own right.

Who Has Won the Newbery Award Twice, But Not in Consecutive Years?

Lois Lowry, a well-known figure in children’s literature, is a notable two-time winner of the Newbery Medal, though not in consecutive years. She received the prestigious award for Number the Stars in 1990 and again for The Giver in 1994, with a four-year gap between her wins. Lowry’s works have deeply resonated with young readers, and her ability to weave compelling narratives on complex subjects has made her a celebrated author in the world of children’s books.

Other authors have won the Newbery Medal multiple times, but no one has secured the top honor back-to-back years. While the idea of winning two years in a row is a remarkable feat, it’s clear that the Newbery selection committee emphasizes variety and excellence across multiple years of literature rather than rewarding the same author consecutively.

The Newbery Medal: The Ultimate Benchmark for Excellence

The Newbery Medal has long been considered the benchmark for children’s literature excellence. As an award for distinguished contributions to American children’s literature, it highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping young minds. Though no one has won it consecutively, its value remains immeasurable, and many authors strive to earn the accolade at least once in their careers.

Newbery Award Winners List and PDF

The Newbery Award winners list by year is invaluable for those interested in a comprehensive overview of past winners. It provides details about the Medal winners for each year and the works that earned them the honor. The ALA offers this list in a downloadable Newbery Award Winners list PDF, an excellent tool for educators, librarians, and literature enthusiasts looking to explore the history of this prestigious award.

What Does the Newbery Medal Look Like?

The Newbery Medal is a gold medallion that has evolved. Designed by the renowned sculptor Ruth Johnson Colvin, it features an image of a child reading a book. The obverse side includes the inscription “The Newbery Medal,” while the reverse side features an engraving of the book’s title and author. This medal has become a symbol of excellence and achievement in the world of children’s literature.

Has Anyone Won the Newbery Award Twice in a Row in 2021?

Despite speculation, the Newbery Medal has not been awarded twice to any author in 2021. While multiple authors have earned the award more than once, no one has achieved consecutive victories. It’s important to note that the selection process remains rigorous and competitive, ensuring that each winner is chosen for their individual contributions to the field.

How Many People Have Won the Newbery Award More Than Once?

Over the years, several authors have won the Newbery Medal more than once. Some prominent names include:

• Lois Lowry (with Number the Stars in 1990 and The Giver in 1994)
• Katherine Paterson (with Bridge to Terabithia in 1978 and Jacob Have I Loved in 1981)
• E.L. Konigsburg (with From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler in 1968 and The View from Saturday in 1997)

However, no author has managed to win consecutively, even with multiple wins. This highlights the award’s commitment to recognizing diverse and distinctive voices in children’s literature each year.

Conclusion: The Newbery Medal’s Lasting Impact

While it’s true that no author has won the Newbery Medal twice in a row, this fact does not diminish the importance of the award. The Newbery Medal continues to serve as a prestigious recognition of excellence in children’s literature, celebrating authors who craft stories that captivate young minds and inspire future generations. Whether an author has won once or multiple times, the Newbery Medal remains a shining example of literary achievement.

For readers and educators alike, the Newbery Award winners list and Newbery Honor books are essential resources, guiding them to the best in children’s literature each year. And while consecutive wins remain elusive, the legacy of the Newbery Medal is one that will undoubtedly continue to inspire for generations to come.

FAQs About Who Has Won the Newbery Award Twice in a Row?

1. How is the Newbery Medal Winner Selected?

The Newbery Medal winner is selected by a committee of librarians and literature experts from the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The committee reviews eligible books published the previous year, considering literary quality, originality, and their impact on children’s literature. The chosen book is deemed the most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature.

2. What Books Are Eligible for the Newbery Medal?

To be eligible for the Newbery Medal, a book must be written by an American author and intended for children up to age 14. The book must be published in the United States during the previous calendar year. The book can be fiction or nonfiction, but it must significantly contribute to children’s literature.

3. Can a Picture Book Win the Newbery Medal?

Yes, a picture book can win the Newbery Medal, though it is rare. Picture books that are considered for the Newbery Medal usually stand out for their literary quality, content, and impact on young readers. An example is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, which won the Newbery Honor in 1964.

4. What is the Difference Between a Newbery Medal and a Newbery Honor?

The Newbery Medal is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature, while Newbery Honor books receive special recognition as exceptional but do not win the medal. Honor books are considered outstanding in their own right and are listed alongside the winner.

5. Has Any Author Won the Newbery Award for the Same Book More Than Once?

No, an author cannot win the Newbery Award for the same book more than once. However, authors can win multiple awards for different works if each book deserves the honor.