Top 20 Books of 2020: 5-1
20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1
5. The Old Truck by Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey [Norton Young Readers | Grades PreK-1]
Because it feels like a timeless classic with a modern sensibility. -Travis
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4. Lift by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat [Little, Brown | Grades K-3]
Because it’s an immersive cinematic experience in book form. -Travis
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3. Twins by Varian Johnson, illustrated by Shannon Wright [Graphix (Scholastic) | Grades 3-7]
Because Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright created a phenomenal graphic novel readers will pass from hand to hand, from heart to heart. -John
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2. Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang [First Second (Macmillan) | Grades 4 and up]
Because it’s a compelling true story, expertly told with love, curiosity, and humor. -Travis
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1. When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed [Dial (Penguin) | Grades 4-7]
Because Omar and Hassan’s story is one you’ll never forget. -Travis
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Filed under: Best of, Best of 2020
About Travis Jonker
Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.
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Angie Moore says
I loved this whole list! ?? I really liked The Old Truck, then thanks to your Mock Caldecott list, read it with 3rd-5th and now I love it. Absolutely timeless… like Amos McGee.