The winner of our first, and most likely last, Judging the BoB Judges (if this features DOES come back we need a snappier name) contest is Martine Leavitt. For her enthusiasm, her no-dithering policy, and her frankness about her own reading tastes: “[Endangered] has a happy ending, too. Was it too happy? Not for me. I don’t just believe in happy endings, I insist upon them.” Martine’s prize is a personal subscription to the Horn Book, and another one to the school or library of her choice. (Incidentally, if you haven’t read her My Book of Life by Angel, published last year by Ferguson/FSG, do.)
Thank you to all the judges for your unwitting participation in this series. I know you didn’t ask for this abuse.
About Roger Sutton
I certainly appreciated you judging their judging. Do it again next year! I probably enjoyed it more than I enjoyed the actual battle (my favorite books kept losing).
Thanks, but I think I’ve made my point. The problem–MY problem–with BoB is that it tends to be more of the same old celebratory stuff about children’s books we see too much of already. Compare it to its inspiration at The Morning News–those critics (and it might make a difference that they ARE critics) find plenty to celebrate, but their discussions are richer and less fawning and/or apologetic.
I had a few favorite books in the BoB brackets and am happy with the winner.
I always enjoy Bob, and this year I thought judging the judges was super interesting. I particularly found all the comments, discussion, and questions raised thought-provoking. I had missed the Slate article by Jacob Silverman, “Against Enthusiasm,” that Roger provided the link for, and thought it was a great starting point for thinking about how books are talked about and why.