In 2008 and 2009, I had an ambitious Cybils Reading Plan.  The goal was to read one new-to-me book from the list of finalists in each category, and I came pretty close both years.  This year I was a panelist for the Middle Grade Science Fiction and Fantasy category, which involved an even more ambitious reading plan.  By the time the finalists were announced on January 1, I was ready for a break from Cybils reading.  I do have some favorites from among the shortlists, though.  Here they are:

• Easy Readers/Short Chapter Books.  In Easy Readers, I have a soft spot for Mr. Putter and Tabby (and Zeke).  In Short Chapter Books, How Oliver Olson Changed the World.
• Middle Grade Fiction.  I loved, loved Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry (it was on my personal Newbery shortlist).
• Fiction Picture Books.  My two favorites on this list are probably the Caldecott winner (Lion and the Mouse) and the Caldecott honoree (All the World), even though I don't tend to like wordless and (what would you call All the World?) picture books.  I did manage to read all seven shortlisted books, but the others just weren't for me.
• Nonfiction Picture Books.  Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11.  My son was so disappointed that this didn't get a Caldecott honor (although it did get a Sibert honor).  I love Brian Floca's work, too.
• Poetry.  The Tree That Time Built: A Celebration of Nature, Science, and Imagination.
• YA and Graphic Novels.  You'll have to look elsewhere for those, although I have been reading and loving some YA lately.

This year's winners will be announced on Sunday, February 14.  I'm so curious about what will win in our category!  Here's our shortlist:

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
Dreamdark: Silksinger by Laini Taylor
The Farwalker’s Quest by Joni Sensel
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
The Prince of Fenway Park by Julianna Baggott
The Serial Garden: The Complete Armitage Family Stories by Joan Aiken
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (also on my personal Newbery list)

Have you ready any of them (or do you plan to)?  Which is your favorite?  I would love to know.  And if you think When You Reach Me should have been on the list, you can let me know that, too.