who has won the newbery award twice in a row

2 min read 24-01-2025

who has won the newbery award twice in a row

The Newbery Medal, awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), is the most prestigious award in children's literature. Winning once is a remarkable achievement, but winning it twice in a row? That's an almost unheard-of feat. This article delves into the history of the Newbery Award, exploring whether any author has ever managed this incredible accomplishment.

The Prestige of the Newbery Medal

The Newbery Medal recognizes the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Since its inception in 1922, the award has celebrated countless authors and their impactful works. The selection process is rigorous, with a committee of librarians carefully reviewing and deliberating over submitted books. The winner is announced each January at the ALA Midwinter Meeting.

The Myth of Back-to-Back Wins

While many authors have won multiple Newbery Medals throughout history, no author has ever won the award twice in a row. The competition is fierce, with a consistently high level of talent emerging in children's literature each year. The committee's judging process ensures fairness and prevents any bias towards previous winners.

Notable Multiple Newbery Winners

While no one has achieved consecutive wins, several authors have earned the prestigious medal more than once. These include:

Elizabeth George Speare: Won for The Witch of Blackbird Pond (1958) and The Bronze Bow (1961).
Katherine Paterson: Won for Bridge to Terabithia (1978) and Jacob Have I Loved (1981).
Lois Lowry: Won for Number the Stars (1990) and The Giver (1994).

These authors demonstrate the remarkable talent and consistent quality of work needed to achieve multiple Newbery wins, even if not consecutively.

Why Consecutive Wins Are So Rare

The rarity of consecutive Newbery wins highlights the dynamic nature of children's literature. Each year presents new stories, styles, and authors vying for recognition. The selection committee's commitment to selecting the most distinguished contribution ensures a diverse range of winning books that reflect the evolution of children's literature. No single author can be expected to consistently dominate the field year after year.

The Legacy of Newbery Winners

The Newbery Medal's legacy extends far beyond individual awards. The books recognized have become classics, shaping generations of readers and influencing the landscape of children's literature. Each winner's contribution to the world of storytelling is significant, regardless of whether they won consecutively.

Conclusion: A Challenging Feat

While the dream of winning the Newbery Medal once is a significant achievement for any children's author, winning it twice in a row remains an elusive goal. The competitive nature of the award, combined with the rigorous selection process, makes this particular accomplishment exceedingly rare. The continued success and impact of multiple Newbery winners, however, underscores the ongoing high quality and innovation within the world of children's literature.