Newbery Honor Author Kevin Henkes

Is it possible that the ALA Youth Media Awards press conference was almost two weeks ago? Wow!  I have not stopped smiling since we called Kate, Holly, Kevin, Amy, and Vince to share good—no, great—news .

I asked two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo (Flora and Ulysses) and Newbery Honor authors Holly Black (Doll Bones), Kevin Henkes (The Year of Billy Miller), Amy Timberlake (One Came Home), and Vince Vawter (Paperboy) the same three questions.

Kate's responses

Amy's responses 

Vince's responses 

Today's special guest is Kevin Henkes! Congratulations, Kevin! 

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes | Greenwillow Books | 2014 Newbery Honor

Everyone loves hearing about THE CALL. What ran through your head when the phone rang? What were you thinking about when the Newbery committee was laughing and clapping?  What did you do after you hung up the phone?

Kevin Henkes: Even though I knew that Monday January 27th was the day of the announcements, when the phone rang at 5:35 a.m. I instinctively thought that something bad had happened to my mother (age 84) or to my son (age 18 and away at college). I was relieved and thrilled when what was really happening sank in. When the committee laughed, I thought it was because I'd said, "I'm in bed." After I hung up, my wife ran out to get celebratory bakery treats and we had a most lovely breakfast. Almond croissants were never so delicious and I'll always associate them with Billy Miller. (And I called my mother and my son with the good news!) 

What does the Newbery mean to you? 

Kevin Henkes: This Newbery Honor means that BILLY MILLER will have a longer life. What more could an author wish? 

Please finish this sentence starter:

Reading is a constant wonder and one of the things that keeps me going. 

Kevin Henkes won the 2005 Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon. 

"So if you are hunting for something new for that first or second grader in your life, you can do no better than pick up The Year of Billy Miller."  - Anita Silvey 

Kevin Henkes reads his manuscripts aloud over and over and over again. 

Junonia is set in a place where Kevin and his family spend time during the summer.

Learn about the inspiration for Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse.

I am giving away a copy of The Year of Billy Miller. 

Rules for the Giveaway 

1. It will run from 2/9 to 11:59 p.m. on 2/10. 

2. You must be at least 13. 

3. Please pay it forward. 

Borrow The Year of Billy Miller from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.