Robert F. Sibert Informational
Book Award 2008

2008 Medal Winner

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sís YA Graphic Novel  SIS WAL

In his deeply felt memoir set in mid-20th century Prague, Sís contrasts the constrictive walls of the communist state with his personal quest for artistic freedom. Black & white drawings accentuated with sharp punches of red are brightened with splashes of color as hope gradually takes hold. Sís takes us from his childhood, when fear, suspicion and lies permeated everyday life, to the “Prague Spring” of 1968 and beyond, a time when “everything seemed possible.”

“Sís combines the personal and the political in a feat of visual and verbal storytelling,” said Sibert Chair Caroline Parr. “Young readers will learn about an extraordinary time through the detailed, intricate art and the simple but powerful text.”
 

2008 Honor Books

Lightship written and illustrated by Brian Floca  J E FLO

In simple, stately prose that perfectly complements his luminous watercolors, Floca introduces the lightship Ambrose, its crew and cat. Masterful use of the historical present tense, deft, humorous touches and detailed endpapers engage young children while acknowledgments and notes in the book, fore and aft, provide context.

 

Nic Bishop Spiders written and illustrated by Nic Bishop J 595.44 BIS

Even the squeamish will be awed by Bishop's oversized, dramatic and vibrant up-close color photographs of more than a dozen types of spiders in “Nic Bishop Spider.” His compelling, conversational and knowledgeable text provides basic information and startling facts which all ages will relish.