Robert F. Sibert Informational
Book Award 2003

2003 Medal Winner

The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler by James Cross Giblin  YA 921 HITLER, A., Gib
Giblin poses and answers three questions in this compelling, accessible account of Hitler, his world and his legacy. “What sort of man could plan and carry out such horrendous schemes, win support for his deadly ventures and why did no one stop him until it was almost too late?” .
“A true master of storytelling, Giblin demonstrates that Hitler was a more complex person than most textbooks portray,” states Chair Sue McCleaf Nespeca. “An engrossing and absorbing text, this work sets the standard for biographies for older children.”

2003 Honor Books:                                                                                    

Six Days in October: The Stock Market Crash of 1929 by Karen Blumenthal YA 332.64 BLU  
Blumenthal’s juvenile book debut is a grippingly written account of the chaotic events preceding the 1929 stock market crash. Using numerous primary sources, the text is enhanced with photographs, editorial cartoons and sidebars explaining terms such as stocks and bonds and the Dow Jones Average.

Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos YA 921 GANTOS, J., Gan
Gantos courageously recounts his turbulent youth and young adulthood in this powerful and heart wrenching memoir. He weaves literary quotes and allusions in superb text to echo the impact of the printed word on his life. The arresting book design mirrors his graphic prison experience and compelling vignettes engage the reader.

Action Jackson by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker
Greenberg and Jordan capture Jackson Pollack’s spirit and artistic style through succinct narrative and purposeful words in “Action Jackson.” Detailed source notes enrich this informational picture book, which superbly portrays a brief period in Pollack’s life. Parker’s watercolor illustrations splash out of their frames, reflecting the action and movement for which Pollack is renowned.

When Marian Sang by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick j 921 ANDERSON, M., Rya
A gloriously designed and thoughtfully researched book, “When Marian Sang,” encapsulates the life of famed African American contralto Marian Anderson. Ryan’s vibrant text melds perfectly with Selznick’s sepia toned illustrations to portray Anderson’s passion for singing and her perseverance in overcoming the barriers to train and perform because of her race.