Katherine Applegate Wins Newbery Medal for ‘The One and Only Ivan’

Katherine Applegate, long suffering spouse of frequent OTB commenter Michael Reynolds, has been awarded the Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children for The One and Only Ivan.

katherine-applegate-the-one-and-only-ivan-newbery-award-winner

The Association for Library Service to Children has awarded the 2013 Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children  to Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan.

The 2013 Newbery Medal winner is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers

Ivan’s transformative emergence from the “Ape at Exit 8” to “The One and Only Ivan, Mighty Silverback,” comes to life through the gorilla’s own distinct narrative voice, which is filled with wry humor, deep emotion and thought-provoking insights into the nature of friendship, hope and humanity.

“Katherine Applegate gives readers a unique and unforgettable gorilla’s-eye-view of the world that challenges the way we look at animals and at ourselves,” said Newbery Medal Committee Chair Steven Engelfried.

Applegate accomplished this singular achievement despite the burdens of being married to frequent OTB commenter Michael Reynolds.

FILED UNDER: Books, OTB History
James Joyner
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Comments

  1. Congratulations to Katherine. Both for the award and, well, putting up with Michael 😀

  2. michael reynolds says:

    She’s had a lot to overcome. Clearly I married up.

    Thanks for the post and sorry to have hijacked an earlier thread comment. But obviously I am absurdly proud of her.

  3. grumpy realist says:

    Yippee! Congrats again to you and your wonderful wife.

  4. Chris Berez says:

    Wow! That’s fantastic! Congratulations to Katherine!

  5. KariQ says:

    Wow! That’s great! Congratulations!

  6. Drew says:

    Methinks putting up with Michael may qualify her for Sainthood. Hmmm. Saint Kay. It has a ring…

    Seriously, all the faux outrage of the past aside, this is a talented couple and we should all acknowledge and admire their efforts and accomplishments.

  7. MarkedMan says:

    Wow. Newbery award. That is very cool.

  8. Eric the OTB Lurker says:

    Michael, I think the ugly truth about you has finally been revealed. Despite all the trenchant comments, the witty sayings, even the distinguished “career” as a “writer,” turns out after all that you’re just the trophy husband.

    I see it now: every day spent in a drunken stupor, or shopping the emptiness away, or sunning by the pool, lustily gazing at the pool girl (or boy), trading on the name of your obviously successful and highly regarded wife.

    I’m not sure if I should pity you… or be jealous.

    Obviously, I kid. Congratulations to Katherine. What a fantastic accomplishment.

  9. CSK says:

    My heartiest congratulations!

  10. Franklin says:

    Congratulations to Ms. Applegate. I’ve learned so much about her husband in the past 48 hours or so!

  11. @michael reynolds:

    “But obviously I am absurdly proud of her.”

    As you should be. “Most distinguished contribution to American literature for children” ain’t nothing to sniff at.

    Here’s hoping “Ivan” never goes out of print.

  12. Mikey says:

    @michael reynolds:

    But obviously I am absurdly proud of her.

    And justifiably so. Again, congratulations. It was a most understandable thread-jack.

  13. C. Clavin says:

    @ Michael…
    Can you hook me up with Christina Applegate???
    Please???

  14. wr says:

    Excellent!

  15. ernieyeball says:

    Mazel tov!

  16. David says:

    Congrats to your wife, Michael.

  17. Andre Kenji says:

    @Eric the OTB Lurker:

    turns out after all that you’re just the trophy husband.

    He is too ugly to be a trophy. She married him because she loved him, it´s the only explanation.

  18. Fantastic news!

    Congrats to Katherine!!

  19. MarkedMan says:

    Most of my morning (evening in the US) she had a linking headline on the breaking news section of the NYTimes website. Here’s the link

  20. Dustin says:

    Congratulations to Katherine!

  21. lankyloo says:

    Congratulations to Katherine! You must be very proud of her Michael!

  22. legion says:

    I guess there’s just no accounting for taste – hers, not the award folks, that is… Congrats to you both, Mike!

  23. beth says:

    Congratulations to Ms. Applegate on this award. I have great appreciation for authors who write intelligent books for kids and teens. On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble I discovered an entire aisle – both sides!- dedicated to Teen Paranormal Romance. Thankfully my daughter has never shown an interest in reading about shacking up with a vampire. I’ll certainly have her check out Michael and Katherine’s books.

  24. john personna says:

    cute thread 😉

  25. jukeboxgrad says:

    He is too ugly to be a trophy.

    The whole thing is quite mysterious. I think we just have to assume he must be great in the sack.

  26. Fiona says:

    Very cool! Congratulations to you both.

  27. matt says:

    @michael reynolds: Congratulations to her!

  28. Peterh says:

    That’s certainly a conversation piece for the mantel…..Congratulations!!!

  29. Jen says:

    Congratulations to your lovely wife, Michael–what an amazing accomplishment.

  30. Lynda says:

    Wonderful news, congratulations!