In a previous Killer KidLit First Lines post (click here to read), I revealed my obsession with revising first lines. I’m almost equally obsessed with writing a banned book (I’m a rogue at heart), or winning the Newbery. Either way, I’m happy.
The idea for this quiz came to me after the January American Library Association award announcements. I wondered, “Can you identify books that are so special that they win the Caldecott, Newbery, or Printz award based on the greatness of their opening lines?”
So here you have it, folks. A quiz to answer that question. I mixed in a few lines from great kid’s books that didn’t win the Caldecott, Newbery, or Printz awards, but that are equally awesome to me. Take the quiz to see if you can figure out which of the first lines are from award winning children’s books.
If you do well on the quiz, CONGRATS! You’re a Kid Lit Trivia Genius.
If not, don’t fret. There are plenty of fantastic books that haven’t won awards. And there are many books that have won awards with just so-so opening lines. In fact, reviewing the opening lines for this quiz led me to believe that my obsession with creating a killer opening line might not be as important as I once thought.
Happy reading and writing! And GOOD LUCK!
CLICK HERE to PLAY OUR
Award Winning KidLit First Lines Quiz
MICHELLE LEONARD is a math and science nerd, a chocolate biscotti baker, and a SCBWI member who writes middle-grade fiction and non-fiction. Connect with her on Twitter !
