The People Awards by Lily Muray - ESSENTIAL

The People Awards by Lily Muray, illustrated by Ana Albero, 76 pages. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Lincoln Children’s Books, 2018. $20. 9781786030641

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This book is a collection of more than thirty mini biographies of men and women who have had a positive impact on the world. The people range from athletes to inventors to teachers and most are well known figures from history as well as contemporary conversations. Each person is represented on a two page spread and has a short biography, four or five illustrations of important moments from their life, what award they are being given, and why they are being given that award. 

This book is effective because it is highly engaging aesthetically. The illustrations are cartoons, but realistic and done in muted colors. The part I predict will hook the most readers is the description of the award they are given and why. I was a little frustrated that the table on contents has page numbers for the different people, but the book doesn’t actually display page numbers throughout. I also thought the award for Beethoven was a mismatch for the tone of the book - “the bad-tempered musical genius award.” I’m not sure why they are awarding his ill temperament.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher