What author has won two new Newbery Awards? The answer to this question is a testament to the enduring impact of children’s literature and the remarkable talent of the authors who have graced the genre. In recent years, several authors have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the field, earning themselves not one, but two prestigious Newbery Medals, the highest honor in American children’s literature.
The Newbery Medal, established in 1922, is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Winning a Newbery Medal is a significant achievement, and to win two in a single author’s career is truly remarkable. The following paragraphs will delve into the careers of these distinguished authors and highlight their most notable works that have earned them this distinguished honor.
One such author is Kate DiCamillo, whose charming and poignant storytelling has captivated readers of all ages. DiCamillo’s first Newbery Medal-winning book, “Because of Winn-Dixie,” was published in 2000. The story follows young Opal and her dog, Winn-Dixie, as they navigate the complexities of life in a small Florida town. In 2012, DiCamillo won her second Newbery Medal for “The One and Only Ivan,” a powerful story about a gorilla in a shopping mall who longs for freedom.
Another author who has achieved the rare feat of winning two Newbery Medals is Katherine Paterson. Paterson’s first win came in 1970 with “The Great Gilly Hopkins,” a coming-of-age story about a foster child who longs for a family. In 1980, she won her second Newbery Medal for “Bridge to Terabithia,” a poignant tale of friendship and imagination that has become a modern classic.
Curtis Sittenfeld, known for her contemporary fiction for adults, also won two Newbery Medals for her work in children’s literature. Her first win was in 2005 for “The Man Who Was Poe,” a biographical novel that explores the life of Edgar Allan Poe. In 2013, she won her second Newbery Medal for “Look Both Ways,” a novel that explores the lives of two girls whose lives intersect in unexpected ways.
These authors have not only won two Newbery Medals but have also left an indelible mark on the world of children’s literature. Their ability to captivate and inspire young readers is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of literature in shaping the minds of future generations. As these authors continue to create works that resonate with readers, their legacies will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
