The 2015 Cybils Finalists: The Ones That Got Away

Perhaps the most difficult thing about being a Round 1 judge is letting go of  your own personal favorites in order to create a finalist list. It’s a good thing: working with a panel means you get a variety of books for a diverse group of readers rather than, say, All The Books Blogger X Likes. But, there are just so many good …

The 2015 Finalists: What’s Being Said, Part 3

Over the past week, more love for the Cybils finalists have come in. Here’s a sampling of our favorites! https://t.co/DOu9IxYyDC CYBILS Finalist List. So thrilled to see Picture Perfect here. pic.twitter.com/CXuSlvA072 — Jacqueline Jules (@jacquelinejules) January 3, 2016 Hooray! So happy to see SOFIA on this list @Kimdraws. Also, RANGER! @KateMessner @literaticat https://t.co/ykqsb36s0z — Kelly Sonnack (@KSonnack) January 3, 2016 …

The 2015 Finalists: What’s Being Said, Part 2

@yainterrobang @cybils @courtney_s Aaahhhhhhhhh! So thrilled, and for ALL THE RAGE too! Thank you! — Nova Ren Suma (@novaren) January 1, 2016 @YAReviewNet @cybils @courtney_s @andimJULIE @thejuby @tamaraistone @ElanaKArnold Wow!! I'm so honored!! Thank youuu!! — Nicola Yoon (@NicolaYoon) January 1, 2016 Cuckoo Song is one of the finalists for the elementary/middle grade speculative fiction category of the #cybils! https://t.co/vICHpCFZqV …

The 2015 Finalists: What’s Being Said, Part 1

One of our favorite parts of the Cybils announcements is seeing all the excitement. We thought we’d share some of the tweets and posts we saw over the past couple of days.  There was so much excitement, in fact, that one post can’t hold it all. Let us know if we missed yours! Unexpected award shortlisting is unexpected! And delightful! What a …

The 2015 Finalists

Given our colorful logo at the top of this page, I keep thinking it’s been ten years since Cybils rolled out its very first roster of finalists. It’s actually been nine – but this is our 10th contest, inclusive.  My 8th grade Algebra I teacher, Mr. Cloutier, is somewhere shaking his head in my direction at my stubborn innumeracy. I’m …

Easy Reader/Early Chapter Books for the Holidays

Do you have a fledgling or newly independent reader in your family? Cybils has recognized many great easy readers and early chapter books that would make great holiday gifts for beginning readers. Check out some of my favorites below:    Easy Readers   The Penny series by Kevin Henkes Penny is a young mouse with loving parents and adorable baby …

Fiction Picture Books for the Holidays

There are so many wonderful reasons to gift books for the holidays. Picture book gifts come with a bonus: they are meant to be shared. Whether its a quiet story before bedtime or a raucous adventure with dinosaurs, the experience creates joy for everyone involved.    This selection of Cybils finalists are sure to be read (and shared!) over and …

Young Adult Speculative Fiction for the Holidays

Growing up in my family, there were always books under the Christmas tree, and some of my most treasured gifts throughout my life have been books. I clearly remember the year I got a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories for Christmas. I believe I also received a bicycle that same year, and after appropriately admiring it, I ignored it as …

Non-Fiction for the Holidays

Gifting nonfiction is a little trickier than fiction, in my opinion. You can bestow the most amazing book on sharks ever written on your dearest niece, but if it turns out she’s into caterpillars and views sharks with disdain. Well…. However, never let it be said that I backed down from a reader’s advisory challenge and here are a few …