I finally took the time to look through the books on the American Library Associations list of books to Discuss at the Midwinter conference, which is going on in Philly right now.  I'm glad to find that many of the titles are on my "Likes and Loves" lists for CCIRA in two weeks.  Just thought I'd post before the announcement that my picks this year are Aaron Becker's Journey for the Caldecott and for the Newbery Counting by 7's  by Holly Goldberg Sloan or The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes.  We'll see Monday how I did.  I've only been right twice in the 30+ years I've been predicting, - The Invention of Hugo Cabret and The One and Only Ivan.  This somehow never got posted last year, so I thought I'd do it now as I prepare for this year's lists.  Also would mention that Journey  and The Year of Billy Miller did get honors, but actual awards went to other books.

Thanks to Sarah at Broomfield Children's Library for the brief talk about great new books.  It's so wonderful to share her enthusiasm for what really works with kids. She is an amazing resource to parents, teachers, and caregivers.  
 Favorites she mentioned that I've gotten to read to kids when subbing this year so far are:
Kleusemeier, Jesse (2013) Open This Little Book, illustrated by Suzy Lee, San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.
Becker, Aaron(2013) Journey, Somerville, Mass: Candlewick. (My pick for Caldecott.  I loved this wordless one that I had to sit outside the library and read it with Leah before returning it.  Then I had to go buy a copy.  Reminiscent of The Red Balloon.)
Miller, Pat Zietlow (2013) Sophie's Squash, illlustrated by Anne Wilsdorf, NY: Schwartz & Wade.
Lehrhaupt, Adam (2013) Warning! Do Not Open This Book, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe, NY: Simon & Schuster. (this and the next solicited the lovely "Read it Again!")
Docherty, Helen (2013) The Snatchabook, illustrated by Thomas Dockerty, Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky.

Adam Lehrhaupt runs a book dare on his blog to encourage and share reading current kid lit.
He gives a prize for participation but I participate just for fun. Might be a great activity to sponsor in a school library.