Blue Jay in the Desert


By Marlene Shigekawa

Reading Level: Early Elementary School
Genre: Fiction
Awards: Newbery Medal
Publisher: Polychrome Publishing Co. 1993

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While a young boy named Junior and his family are interned in Arizona during World War II, Junior receives a gift from his grandfather that instills in him hope and perseverance.


Award Key

Caldecott Medal

Most distinguished American picture book for children (annually).

Coretta Scott King Award

Distinguished books by authors and illustrators of African descent which promote an understanding and appreciation of the American dream (annually).

Golden Kite Award

Outstanding examples of text, illustration, fiction and nonfiction (four awards annually).

Newbery Medal

Most distinguished contribution to American literature for children (annually).

Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award

Outstanding work of historical fiction published by a U.S. publisher set in the New World.