Moorhead Public Schools

Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month of April, students of all ages have joined media specialist Daniel Dooher in the Horizon Middle School West media center for a read-along event celebrating Dave Eggers’ book, “The Eyes and the Impossible”—winner of the 2024 John Newbery Medal.
“Last year, Dave Eggers offered librarians a special edition copy of ‘The Eyes and the Impossible’ and we were lucky enough to receive one,” explained Dooher. “Winning the Newbery Medal is like winning an Oscar for children’s literature! The book’s award created a special opportunity to engage Moorhead students in a collective reading experience.”
Published in 2023, “The Eyes and the Impossible” is a story of adventure, friendship and community told from the perspective of Johannes, a heroic dog. The special edition of the book sent to Horizon West is designed for read-alouds. Bound in etched wood, it features large print and special illustrations by Shawn Harris.
Each read-aloud session lasts a half-hour and covers a different part of the book. This allows the students to absorb the story and get a longer look at the numerous illustrations for a more immersive experience with the award-winning novel. This approach shows students the value of connecting more deeply with literature.
“We’ve had a great response so far, with a good number of students attending each session,” added Dooher. “It’s been a blast sharing this story with students.”
The Association for Library Service to Children—part of the American Library Association—awards the John Newbery Medal “to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” Each winning book bears a distinctive gold seal that has been a part of media centers and libraries for decades.
“That golden sticker is something that tells young readers that this is an interesting book that people are reading and talking about,” said Dooher. “It’s truly a gold standard for children’s literature, which makes our ability to share this story in such a unique way so special.”
Read-alouds of “The Eyes and the Impossible” will continue at 4:05 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Horizon West media center through May 2.