Happy Monday Everyone! It's Becky and I am here to share with you another one of my picks of 2021 of a book that I feel should be considered for the Newbery Award. In case you're not familiar with the award it is an award given out annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished contribution for children's literature. Book considered for this award must be aimed at an audience from birth to 14 years of age.

Title: We Belong
Author: Cookie Hiponia Everman
Summary: Stella and Luna love it when their mother Elsie tells them stories. Elsie tells her daughters stories that reflect her early childhood in the Philippines. Elsie shares her childhood experiences as a refugee and an immigrant in the United States through her stories.

Newbery Considerations: The Newbery Committee has a history of rewarding books rich in mythology.  We Belong beautifully integrates mythology with the story of a young refugee immigrating to the United States. The book is relatable and the story relevant. The story is told in verses which makes it accessible to young readers. The rhythmic prose elevates the language of the book. The book's books format includes different color text for each narrative as well as small illustrations. The pieces of the books come together to create a well-crafted novel that may get it noticed by the Newbery Committee.