The American Library Association has awarded the Newbery Medal to “Moon Over Manifest” by Clare Vanderpool. The Newbery is presented for the year’s most distinguished book for children.
The novel is the first by Vanderpool.
“Moon Over Manifest” is a historical fiction novel, aimed at grades 5-8. The book, set in 1936, follows its narrator, 12-year-old Abilene, as she uncovers mysteries and secrets in her new home, Manifest, Kansas. The novel weaves in other historic viewpoints, including 20 year old newspaper columns, letters from a soldier fighting in WWI, and more. The story touches on a variety subjects, including the depression, orphans, bootlegging and drought. It has equal doses of humor, sorrow and hope.
Recent winners include Rebecca Stead’s “When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead” and “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman.