Newbery Quest

The Midwife's Apprentice 1996 Medal Winner *****

2009-04-27T22:27:00.004-06:00

With no memory of a family or even her own name, a little girl is found in dung pile trying to keep warm by a midwife. She names her Dung Beetle and offers to make her an apprentice. Dung Beetle, later called Alyce, learns hard lessons of life as she tries to make the midwife happy so that she can have a warm place to stay and food to eat, two things she had never recalls having for the past 12 or 13 years of her life. Alyce laters runs away because of her feelings of failure and becomes an inn keeper's helper until the midwife comes to the inn. Alyce struggles to overcome feelings of guilt and low self-confidence while trying to decide what she wants from life.

I really enjoyed this book. The story was simple to Crispin: Cross of Lead. I found myself frustrated that the author didn't place Alyce in a time or location until almost near the end of the book. Cushman gives many implicit clues but no real explicit ones. The front cover helped me know she was in medevial England. If a school teacher is reading this to his or her class, I recommend they start at the end of the book with Author's Note. This will help all be clear for the story. I loved Alyce's character arc, timeless principals for children of all ages. I recommend this book for grades 3 - 7.

The Family Under the Bridge 1959 Honor Book *****

2008-12-21T11:17:00.004-07:00

The Calcet family has lost their father and as a result their home. A homeless man, Armand, takes pity on them and adopts them as his own. All they want for Christmas is a real home, but Father Christmas says he can't put a home on his donkey's back so they need to ask for something else. Armand decides that he's going to help the Calcet children get their only Christmas wish. He surpises even himself when he is able to provide them a home.

This is a delightful book. I'm surprised it hasn't been made into a Christmas movie, or maybe it has and I've just never seen it. This is a very quick read and definitely a feel-good story, especially during the Holiday season. I would recommend this for children in 4th to 6th grade.

The 21 Balloons 1948 Medal Winner ****

2007-11-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

The 21 Balloons is a story of a man who decided to travel around the world in a hot air balloon. But one seagull changed all that, and his trip took a very different turn. Stranded on Krakatoa island just before the famous 1883 explosion, he meets 20 families who live quite comfortably in a society based on cuisine and eating out. He is later found alone, ill and traumatized. The whole world is anxious to hear his story, but he'll only tell it in San Francisco to his explorers club.

This is a fun book for children. The author states that he mixed truth with fiction with no attempt to separate the two. The book has several suspenseful moments which would make it fun as a read aloud in a classroom. I have to admit I'm now wanting to research Krakatoa and try to find exactly what did happen.

Rabbit Hill1945 Medal Winner **

2007-11-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

Rabbit Hill is the story of a family of rabbits and their neighbors hoping that the New Folks moving into the empty home will plant a garden so that they'll have food to eat. The story focuses on their son Little Georgie and his adventures. The animals are shocked to discover that not only do the New Folks plant a garden, but believe in being kind to animals as well.

I tried to give this story the benefit of being 60+ plus years old when reading it, but it was still not very good. The other books written in this decade that I have read are much more compelling. I just couldn't seem to get past the fact that these rabbits are able to build a home, can food, make soup, sew clothes, write letters, but unable to grow a garden? This fact might have been overlooked by children six decades ago, but I think kids today wouldn't willingly suspend their belief that these animals can't feed themselves. It's a harmless story and children who enjoy animals might like it.

Across Five Aprils 1965 Honor Book ****

2007-10-30T23:19:00.001-06:00

Jethro Creighton lives in Southern Illinois with is parents and sister. His brothers are off to fight a war to keep the country together. One brother is fighting on the Union side, and the other has joined the Rebs. This story follows the Creighton family across five Aprils and tells of the heartache and tragedy that the Civil War brought to so many families. They will face death, sickness, injury and many other losses before the war ends.

I found this book interesting but hard to stay engaged. I enjoyed most reading about Lincoln and how he was perceived throughout the war. I felt like I learned many aspects to the war that I didn't know before. For instance, Lincoln ran for re-election against a military general that had fired just a couple years before, and he wasn't even able to carry his own hometown. Some felt like Lincoln was doing too much, and others felt as though he hadn't done enough. He truly was between a rock and a hard place. The other interesting perspective on the war was seeing it through the eyes of the family. They didn't realize the magnitude of the war at the onset just like everyone else. As the war continues on, so does the devastation both physically and emotionally. I have greater appreciation for those willing to fight to keep this country together.

Graven Images 1983 Honor Book ***

2007-10-30T23:12:00.001-06:00

Graven Images is a compilation of 3 short stories with a common theme. Each story has a graven image that a person or people rely on. Each story contains the supernatural and the use of both irony and light-hearted humor.

This book would be great for a classroom to invoke a discussion on how we worship "statues" in modern day. It was a quick read, I finished it during a plane ride. I found it fun but not too earth shattering. I think it would be find for a 4th, 5th, or 6th grade class to read.

Pictures of Hollis Woods 2003 Honor Book ****

2007-10-30T23:02:00.000-06:00

Hollis Woods is a foster child that tends to run away. She finally finds a place where she feels like staying put. Interspersed between the chapters are different pictures of Hollis Woods. These pictures give us glimpses into her life before she met her new guardian Josie. As Josie's memory begins to deteriorate, Hollis must find a way to keep them together. Her solution? To runaway of course, only this time bringing Josie with her. Her destination is the one place she once felt like she was truly a part of a family, the Regan's summer home. As worried "Mustard woman" the social worker looks for her, Hollis for the first time begins to find herself.

This book is very reminiscent of The Great Gilly Hopkins only much more somber. I enjoyed reading it, and found myself looking forward to the next picture. While I enjoyed Gilly Hopkins more because of it's humor and colorful characters, I found this book interesting with a much more likeable protagonist and found myself rooting for her to find the family so has long desired.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead 2003 Medal Winner *****

2007-09-19T10:38:00.001-06:00

Crispin: The Cross of Lead is a story set in 14th century England when the Feudal system was common among the villages. When Asta dies her son inherits a cross made of lead with words that he cannot read. He then accidentally overhears a conversation that changes the course of his life. Father Quinlen tells him his name is actually Crispin and promises to reveal the identity of his father but is murdered. With the cross as his sole possession and a half year's salary as bounty for his head he escapes the only place he has ever known and tries to make his way to a place where over 30,000 people live called a town. On his way he meets a tall large man, Bear who forces him to pledge Crispin's allegiance to him for the rest of his life. Together Bear and Crispin unravel the truth about Crispin and who he really is.

Avi is becoming one of my new favorite authors. He has this uncanny ability to transport you to another time and you actually think you are reading about a person who truly lived on this earth. When Avi talks about Crispin's experience climbing a set of stairs for the first time I was riveted. It never dawned on me how that would truly feel to someone who had never been higher than the ground. The story is compelling and moves very quickly. You don't want to skim a single paragraph. A great book for ages 4th grade and higher, even adults will have a difficult time putting this one down. The only reason I didn't give it 6 stars is because I was disappointed with the ending.

Fine White Dust 1987 Honor Book *****

2007-09-14T11:51:00.000-06:00

Fine White Dust is about Pete's summer after his seventh grade year. This is the summer he meets the Man, who at first he think is an axe murderer. But when he discovers that he is actually a preacher and attends his Revival Meeting, he finds that the Man will change his life. Pete has always felt different from his parents and his best friend Rufus, an atheist. But the Man understands him and helps him become a born again Christian and even asks him to leave everything behind to follow him.

This book grabbed me on the very first page and that's hard to do. I loved the foreshadowing using the fine white dust and the similes the author used throughout the book. I read it in just a few short hours. I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone younger than junior high, but this would be an amazing book to use for a book report or a literary review exercise in high school English.

My fourteen year old-son read this book and he was surprised I liked it as much as I did. He thought I should have only given it two stars.

Island of the Blue Dolphins 1961 Medal Winner ******

2007-07-30T08:27:00.000-06:00

Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on the true story of an American Indian woman named Karana who was found living alone on an island off the coast of California. During an evacuation of her tribe, she jumped ship in order to be with her brother who shortly died thereafter. This book tells how Karana found shelter, clothes, food, companionship and serenity while living alone on the Island of the Blue Dolphins.

I listened to this book on a Playaway read by Tantoo Cardinal and she did an amazing job. Her voice is calm and soothing, exactly how I imagine Karana's voice to sound. This was one of those books that some how stayed under my radar during my childhood years, and all my friends are shocked I had never read it. Now I am too, how did I miss reading what in 1976 was considered in the top 10 books from the last 200 years. While I can't imagine living 18 years in solitude, this book does help me realize that it's possible. This is a definite must read for all children.

Yolanda's Genius 1996 Honor Book *****

2007-07-30T08:20:00.000-06:00

Yolanda's Genius is the story of a 5th grader who is big for her age and loves to learn and share what she knows with others. One day someone asks her if she's a genius. She looks the word up in the dictionary and discovers that she's not a genius her brother is. He has a unusual gift for music and when his harmonica is ruined she decides she's going to discover a way to bring music back into his life.

This was such a sweet and tender story about a sister and brother. Just about any 5th grader will a feel a little of Yolanda inside of them, whether big or small. Fifth grade seems to be about the time that children realize each other's differences and the need to feel accepted in spite of them. This book would be perfect for any child who may have an usual physical feature or talent. Definitely a read aloud for a fifth grade class.

Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush 1983 Honor Book *

2007-07-24T22:17:00.000-06:00

Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush is about a 14 year old girl named Tree who is left to care for her retarded brother Dab for days at a time while her mother works and dates her boyfriend. Unbeknownst to her Dab suffers from a rare disease that becomes acute when one takes drugs or drinks alcohol. Dab has been using barbiturates and becoming increasingly ill. Tree's dead uncle, Brother whom she never knew existed appears to her as a ghost and has her enter a magical mirror where she learns that her father isn't really dead but abandoned her family, her uncle didn't die in a car accident but committed suicide, and that her mother used to beat her brother and tie him up. Her mother finally returns home and find Dab extremely ill, they get him to the hospital just in time to run up a big bill before he dies. So she must leave again to work off the debt and brings in a homeless woman to live with Tree who moves into Dab's room less than 24 hours after his death.

If my wonderful summary of the book doesn't give it away I'll tell you straight out. I hated this book! Anyone reading this review should shower me with gifts and thank you cards for reading this book so that they don't have to go anywhere near it. Not only is it confusing and strange, it's inappropiate for children, and I question how valuable it even is for adults. Never I have a read a book that has caused me to consider a negative star system. I feel like finding the author and asking for compensation for time wasted reading this book. Either after reading 72 Newbery books I have no idea what it takes to be considered a Newbery, or somehow the judges that year were using the same barbiturates as Dab when choosing this book.

Miracles on Maple Hill 1957 Medal Winner *****

2007-07-19T14:06:00.000-06:00

Miracles on Maple Hill is about a family that decides to fix up the mother's grandmother's old home on Maple Hill, and hopefully fix the family as well. The father is struggling to recover from being a prisoner of war during the Korean Conflict. Unable to find a job, he just wants to be left alone to work on the house. The children, Joe and Marly finish school back home and join their dad for the summer. Marly is impetuous and friendly and loves to meet new friends, exactly what her dad didn't want. Mr. Chris promises Marly one miracle a week on Maple Hill. When the family decides to live there all year, Marly gets to see lots of miracles.

I listened to this book on a Playaway now offered at my local library. I found all the different voices and sound effects distracting, but not enough to turn me off this book. What a delightful story. Mainly told through the eyes of little Marly, we see the wonders and beauty of nature through her perspective. When young adult issues like, war, POW, unemployment and financial hardship are too distant and hard to understand. All she knows is that Dad is grumpy and Mom is worried. Little did she the greatest miracle on Maple Hill would be getting her father again. This book would be a great story for a classroom, about 4th grade and up. Older children could talk about the more complex issues, but younger children can just sit back and learn everything involved in making maple syrup. I couldn't help but crave pancakes the entire time I was reading it.

Hoot 2003 Honor Book *****

2007-07-16T14:54:00.000-06:00

Hoot is the story of Roy Eberhart who has just moved from Montana to Florida. Immediately the bully singles him out as an easy target. While trying to avoid Dana's punches he becomes fascinated with a boy he sees running through the streets who should obviously be in school. Meanwhile, Officer Delenko struggles to find out who the vandals are messing up the empty lot and delaying the building of another Mother Paula's Pancake House. Soon Roy discovers something even more helpless than he whose lives are in danger.

Any book that mentions both Bozeman, Montana (where I was born) and Las Cruces, New Mexico (where I was raised) has got to be good! I listened to this book on CD read by Chad Lowe. He did an amazing job. I would listen to a book read by him any day. Roy is a likeable character without being too goody goody. The stories are sweet but real and with lots and lots of humor. I recommend this book for all young ages. Even my 13 year old son asked to take the CDs into his room so that he could listen to them as fell asleep. Great read aloud book!

The Black Pearl 1968 Honor Book ***

2007-07-08T15:28:00.001-06:00

The Black Pearl tells the story of a young boy whose father owns a fleet of ships to find pearls in the ocean. When Ramon finds a rare and expensive black pearl, his father decides to donate it to the Catholic church in town. When tragedy soon strikes, some begin to wonder if the pearl is possibly cursed, and Ramon decides to break the curse himself.

This book is very short, but for some reason I really had a hard time getting through it. I easily was confused even though the writing style is simple and easily understood. My husband who rarely reads fiction, read it in just a couple of hours, whereas I took many nights to finish it. Even though the summary tells us that Ramon finds the Black Pearl, it doesn't happen until the book is half way finished. I found myself getting ancy thinking, "When does he find the pearl?" For being such a critical event to the whole story, I thought it should have happened sooner. I think young boys would enjoy this book because of the adventure and suspense. Probably 4th or 5th grade.

My Brother Sam is Dead 1975 Honor Book ****

2007-07-03T12:46:00.000-06:00

My Brother Sam is Dead tells the story of the Revolutionary war through the eyes of Tim Meeker, a young boy whose brother Sam has left the Yale and his family to fight with the Rebels. Tim can't decide if he's a Tory (sympathizer with the British) or wants to see America a free country. Ultimately the decision doesn't matter as life gets more difficult and the war continues on.

Growing up American, everything I've ever heard about the Revolutionary War has been through the eyes of brave, strong Patriots who fought tooth and limb for our freedom. This book has helped me see there is a whole other side to the story. There were towns of colonists who were just fine under British rule and didn't see a need for independence. Yet they had to make sacrifices too, for a country they didn't even believe in. I've always seen Tories as unpatriotic ignorant old people whose love for the Mother Country would never die. My opinion of them have changed as a result of this book. I think every student studying U.S. history should read this book. It will help them gain a deeper appreciation for their freedom, it will help them see there are two sides to every story, and hopefully it will help them see that war is not the best solution to a problem.

Slave Dancer 1974 Medal Winner ***

2007-06-27T19:03:00.000-06:00

The Slave Dancer tells the story of Jessie who is kidnapped in New Orleans because he can play a fife. He discovers that his talent is used to "dance the slaves" to keep their muscles strong for when they are sold. Jessie sees first hand the horrors of the slave trade industry and wonders if there is anything he can do to personally stop the practice.

The Slave Dancer is a compelling story, but in my opinion too graphic for children. I think it's important that we learn the horrors of slave ships, but at not too young of an age. There are some very violent and graphic scenes that describe death of both crewmen and slaves alike. I appreciated the authors obvious research and telling this story through the eyes of a young adult who didn't want to be there.

The Long Winter 1941 Honor Book *****

2007-06-23T11:26:00.000-06:00

The Long Winter tells the story of the Ingalls family the year they were literally snowed in their cabin. They ran out of food, fuel and energy. This book gives a detailed account of what the family had to do to survive the long winter.

I remember reading this book one summer in Arizona enjoying 110+ degree heat and literally shivering as I read. I couldn't put it down, I felt like every time I did I was leaving the family to starve. Laura did a great job explaining how easily it can be to get in such a predicament. After finishing this book I began looking at my resources differently and trying to see how much I can live without, instead of with. I can honestly say that this is one of the few books that I have read that has truly changed my life and view of the world. I think this is appropiate for all ages.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham: 1963 1996 Honor Book ****

2007-06-22T22:55:00.000-06:00

The Watsons are known as the "Weird Watsons". Kenny tells stories about his family's trip to see their maternal grandmother in Birmingham, Alabama. His parents want to leave his older brother Byron there to live with his grandma because he's such a trouble maker. They arrive to experience first hand the tensions between whites and blacks. Kenny witnesses an event so horrible he wonders if he'll ever be the same.

This book is similar to the author's other newbery, Bud, Not Buddy. While told in a humorous and light-hearted way, the author does a compelling job showing what life was like before the human rights bill was signed in 1964. I laughed out loud, and also stopped to pay close attention. I fell in love with the Watsons. Because of the tragic death at the end, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone younger than ten years old.

The House of the Scorpion 2003 Honor Book ***

2007-06-22T08:56:00.000-06:00

The House of the Scorpion is a science fiction based in the future. Mexico no longer exists, there is now Opium a country that borders the U.S. and Aztlan. Just as many people are immigrating to Aztlan as the U.S., but get caught in the middle in Opium. Matt is a clone of El Patron the leader of the country. Unlike other clones, his brains haven't been ruined and he's able to learn, communicate and even play the piano. As he ages he slowly comes to understand his real realtionship with the 148 year old leader of the country and what he must do to make a life for himself.

As a former molecular biologist, I really like genetic thrillers. Having created plant clones myself, I love to think about how our world would be different if we could make human clones. Not that I think we should, but some days I wish I had a clone to clean the bathrooms! I think this book would be hard for younger children to followalthough those in junior high or school would really like it. The last section of the book does seem to drag on a bit, I wish the author hadn't spent so much time with the Keepers.

An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 2004 Honor Book ***

2007-06-18T17:15:00.000-06:00

An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 is an account of the events during the plague that hit the nation's capital at the time, Philadelphia. This plague was so devastating that it essentially shut down the federal government. The author Jim Murphy chronicles the events using documenations, pictures and vivid descriptions.

I found this book to be fascinating but not appropiate for children. Some of the accounts are graphic and disturbing. I think a high school student could handle the information, but I wouldn't go much younger than that. Interestingly former slaves from Africa and West Indies were immunized because they had had it children in their homeland. This put them in the perfect position to truly serve the community and try to help the sick and dying. How they were treated after the epidemic is truly tragic.

A Corner of the Universe 2003 Honor Book ***

2007-06-18T17:08:00.000-06:00

A Corner of the Universe is about 11 year-old Hattie Owen. Its summer in 1960 and Hattie is shy with few friends and just like to be at home with her parents. She's shocked to discover that she actually has a 21 year-old uncle, Adam, who no one has ever told her about. He's coming home for the summer because the school where lived has shut down. Adam is mentally challenged and needs to find a new school. Hattie learns much from Adam as she's able to look past his challenges and see his heart inside.

This is actually a very touching story with flavorful characters and stories. I listened to it on CD and Judith Ivey did a fantastic job as the various people. Her interpretation of Adam made me stop whatever I was doing to listen. This book does have some deep subjects however and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone under 12 and think it would be best for an older teenager.

Millions of Cats 1929 Honor Book **

2007-06-16T17:53:00.000-06:00

Millions of Cats is about an old man and his wife who wanted a cat. He can't decide between the millions of cats so he brings them all home. They then let the cats decide which one can stay.

I'm not a fan of cats, and I didn't really get this book. It's a short read and small children might enjoy it.

Surviving the Applewhites 2003 Honor Book ****

2007-06-16T12:05:00.000-06:00

Jake Semple's parents are both in jail, he burned down a middle school and now as a last resort has to live with the Applewhites, a free-thinking family who run the Creative Academy. The Creative Academy is unlike any other school Jake has ever seen. No homework, no teachers, and you write your own curriculum. E.D. is supposed to share her curriculum with Jake. E.D. is nothing like the other Applewhites, she likes order, routine and predictability, certainly hard to come by living at Wit's End, the Applewhite's farm. Pretty soon chaos moves to catastrophe when the father decides to direct "The Sound of Music" and tries to break out of the norm by casting every race and color as the von Trapp family. Soon both Jake and E.D. discover even they have talents that can be appreciated in an extremely unconventional family.

What a unique and fun book. Definitely a great classroom read for 4th grade and up. The chapters alternate between E.D's and Jake's point of view. The author did a great job with dialog, I could hear the different voices and fluctuations automatically. I found it difficult to put down and finished in a just few days. A great story for any teenage boy or girl to read that is headed down the path of "goth".

Everything on a Waffle 2002 Honor Book ******

2007-06-15T10:31:00.000-06:00

Primrose Squarp's parents are lost at sea and everyone believes they have died, except Primrose. Her mother left behind a recipe for apricot glazed carrots and a grocery list, so Primrose decides to begin a recipe collection, and collect many amazing experiences along the way.

I absolutely loved this book. Definitely the perfect read aloud for a classroom. At first when it mentioned the death of Primrose's parents, I thought, "Oh no! not again." But the style is more like Junie B. Jones, only her spelling and grammar has improved. I can't wait to run to the bookstore to buy a copy of this book, if for just the recipes alone! It's been a very long time since I've gotten so excited about a book. You can't help but fall in love with Primrose and everyone at Coal Harbour.

Olive's Ocean 2004 Honor Book ***

2007-06-14T17:52:00.000-06:00

Martha spends her summer vacation visiting her grandmother just after the death of a school mate she hardly knew, Olive. Just before the vacation Olive's mother drops off a page from her journal where she mentions Martha and her wish to see the ocean. As Martha spends her summer pondering death and life she decides to try to help Olive fulfill her wish.

As soon as I heard one of the first sentences, "Olive Bristow was dead." I thought "Oh boy, another book about death and despair, a popular theme for this decade." Thankfully I was wrong. It is a sweet coming of age story about 12-year-old Martha. The writing is beautiful and very descriptive. While she doesn't waste her time describing outfits and hair color, I feel that I can picture each character in my mind. I listened to this story on CD read by Blair Brown who did a wonderful job. Definitely a good read for children ages 12 and up.

Joey Pigza Loses Control 2001 Honor Book *

2007-06-13T16:55:00.000-06:00

A single mother drops her son off at his father's house for 6 weeks. Because he's hyperactive, he must be on constant medication and very quickly his alcoholic father convinces him to remove the patch that administers the medication. Joey continues to spiral down out of control as his medication wears off, until finally he's able to steal money out of a fountain at a mall and call his mom to come get him.

I really didn't like this book. I found it frustrating and depressing. What grandmother takes money from her grandson just to buy cigarettes? An addicted woman I guess. I just wanted to slap Joey's grandmother and father up side the head. Definitely not a book any child needs to read.

Number the Stars 1990 Medal Winner *****

2006-12-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

Number the Stars is set in German occupied Denmark during WWII. Annalisa and her family are trying to hide the Rosens a jewish family from the German soldiers. The author uses fictional characters to tell actual events of the bravery the Danes exhibited during a very uncertain time.

I really enjoyed the author's unique take on a often repeated tale of Jews hiding from the Nazis. So often the story is told through the eyes of the Jews, but what about the brave Gentiles who helped hide them? What are they thinking? What are there fears? This book handles what happens in the rest of the home while the Jews are in the attic or basement of their home. I'm constantly amazed at the stories of these brave men and women who chose to stand up to the Nazis when they clearly didn't have to. I really enjoyed discovering what tricks were used to fool the Nazis ultimately saving hundreds if not thousands of lives.

My Side of the Mountain 1960 Honor Book *****

2006-12-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

My Side of the Mountain is about a boy who runs away from his crowded New York apartment to live on his family's land in the mountains. He learns that the mountain provides everything he could want, food, shelter and clothing. But other humans prove to be his biggest problem.

It wasn't on purpose that I read this book immediately after reading "Hatchet" but it sure made it interesting to do so. Hatchet is about a boy trying to get out of the woods, and this book is about a boy trying to stay on one. For the first time I think I finally understand why people go camping. I mean sleep in a tent, eat fish from the river kind of camping. Bringing all of civilization with you in a motor home isn't true camping. But this kid manages to find just about everything he needs to survive a harsh winter and the lean times. The one part of the book that I find hard to believe is that he wasn't over run with animals constantly trying to eat his food and use his shelter. It seems to me that they wouldn't know to respect his space. But then what do I know? I've never lived in a mountain before.

Hatchet 1988 Honor Book ******

2006-12-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hatchet is the story of a boy who while flying to see his father for the summer is in an awful plane crash with only his hatchet to help him survive. He learns to rely on resources available to him and manages to survive on a lake somewhere in Canada. Instead of marking time by days, he marks them by events like: Day of First Fire, Day of First Fish, Day of First Meat. He also learns that hope is necessary resource for survival.

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't stop reading it, which lately has been a rare thing for me. I didn't want to eat, sleep or exercise until I knew this kid was going to be okay. And for some reason after finishing the book I had a strong desire for roasted chicken. I think every teenager should read this book, especially those who live in a world full of everything they could possibly want. I'm so glad I bought this book, it's a definite keeper.

Bud, Not Buddy 2000 Medal Winner *****

2006-12-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Bud, Not Buddy is the story of a boy who lost his mother when he was six and goes on a search to find his father. The only information he has is a flyer of a band with the lead singer "Herman E. Calloway" printed on it. He's sure that this is who his father is. So runs away and begins an adventure trying to find him.

Finally, a book about the depression that isn't depressing! I loved Bud. This little 10 year old has such spunk and guts. I wish he could be friends with my own kids. I listened to this on CD read by James Avery (the dad on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and he did a fantastic job. Kudos to Christopher Paul Curtis for writing such a wonderful book for children that teaches, inspires and doesn't depress. I hope he has many more books coming. I highly recommend this book for all children, especially to encourage discussions about the Depression Era in America.

Out of the Dust 1998 Medal Winner ***

2006-12-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

Out of the Dust is a book written in free verse about Billy Jo a 14 year old girl growing up during the Depression and in the middle of the dust bowl. When tragedy strikes her family she discovers how to have hope and look forward to the future. Warning: Graphic death is described.

Out of the Dust is not a children's book. I don't know how it can be considered children's literature. While I think this book does a great job of describing what life was like living in the Dust Bowl and just how awful it was, it is too sad and too graphic for young readers. Billy Jo accidently throws a bucket of kerosene this is on fire on her pregnant mother which ultimately leads to her and the baby's death. The guilt and blame that Billy Jo must endure is too deep of a subject for children.

Hurry Home, Candy 1954 Honor Book ****

2006-12-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hurry Home, Candy is a book about a stray dog that has no one to love him or take care of him. Through the story we learn how he came to become a stray and how he eventually finds a home.

I'm not a dog lover but this book actually makes me want to get one. The author does a great job of helping us see the world through a dog's eyes. We see how we as humans appear to a dog, especially a puppy and why they do the things they do. This would be a great book for a child to read before they get the dog that they have always wanted.

Ella Enchanted 1998 Honor Book ****

2006-12-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ella Enchanted is the story about a girl who at birth was given the gift of obedience by a fairy, Lucinda. This gift becomes a curse as she realizes that her obedience can harm the ones she loves. Her stepsister discover that she must do whatever they ask and use it to their advantage. While trying to convince Lucinda to take back the gift, Ella figures out how to overcome her curse herself.

I have to say that I think for first time in my life I think that Hollywood did a better job with the screenplay than the author did with the book. I thought the movie was fun and delightful and the entire time I listened to the book on CD I found myself comparing it to the movie. While the story is good in and of itself, I much prefer Hollywood's rendition of the book. I like how in the movie there is more intrique and danger and that Ella does not instantly fall in love with Char but actually protests his reign. She encourages a good character arc in Char while going through her own. The movie also does a better job addressing the issues of prejudice and bias.

The Courage of Sarah Noble 1955 Medal Winner ****

2006-11-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Courage of Sarah Noble is about a young girl who is left behind to live with Indians while her father goes to bring back the rest of her family. She learns to be brave and discovers that the Indians are just as loving and kind as her own family.

This was a very short story that I listened to on tape. The beginning stated that the story was based on some historical facts, that a young girl was indeed left behind to live with a family of Indians in the new America. My girls were with me listening to the story and really enjoyed the tale. I think this would be a good book to read before talking about race relations and how we feel about others from other countries.

Johnny Tremain 1944 Medal Winner ***

2006-11-25T22:52:00.000-07:00

Johnny Tremain is about a boy who lives in Boston just as the Revolutionary War beguns. A silversmith apprentice, he injures his hand and can no longer learn his trade. He meets rebels such as Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and others who speak of war to rid English rule. He is able to participate in the Boston Tea Party and attend meetings as the leaders try to figure out how to defeat the British.

From what I understand this book is supposed to be a classic. I was frankly disappointed and feel that I'm being very generous giving it three stars. First of all, Johnny Tremain is not a likeable character. His pride and ignorance really is frustrating to me as a reader. Just as I think that I really hate this guy, he has a sudden change of heart and decides to become a different person by losing his personality altogether. Now instead of hating Johnny, I don't care about him at all. I was really hoping this book would teach me about the events leading up to the Revolutionary War, but for some reason the author makes him crippled and he sleeps through the first battles. So he wakes up and gets to learn about what happened just as anyone would by reading a history book. Towards the end I felt that the author was just as bored with the story as I was and decided to just end it. And frankly, I was glad when it did.

Charlotte's Web 1953 Honor Book *****

2006-11-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

Charlotte's Web is about a pig named Wilbur that is saved by Fern from certain death, only to discover that his days are numbered on Zuckerman's Farm. Charlotte, a common gray spider, comes to the rescue and his life is saved for a second time. Wilbur then learns that Charlotte's life is ending but he can't return the favor.

I listened to this book on tape read by the author E.B. White. At first it was distracting to hear about life on a farm read with a Boston accent, but soon I just settled in to listen to the story. It's such a sweet story but also powerful. What are we willing to do for a friend? This a great book to inspire children's imagination and to teach them about sacrifice and friendship. I think this book should be in everyone's personal library.

The Upstairs Room 1973 Honor Book *****

2006-11-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

The Upstairs Room is based on the author's experiences hiding during World War II in Holland in the room upstairs with her sister.

I've always been interested in WWII and especially the Holocaust. Genocide is such a strange part of our human race. This book really helps a reader understand not only what it was like for the Jews who went into hiding, but what life was like for those brave Gentiles who hid them. No one knew how long the war would last, and many didn't truly understand what it was they were hiding from. These sisters thought it would just be for a few months that turned into years. After hearing this book on tape, I feel like I have a greater appreciation for the small things that I take advantage of almost daily, sunshine, being able to walk long distances, a wide selection of books that I can read any time I want, eating on a plate, being able to wave hello to strangers, and so many other things that I do without even thinking about it. I think this book would be a great way to introduce the horrors of WWII to young children. It can spark deeper discussions like, "Why were they hiding?", "Who was Hitler?", "What would have happened to the Gentiles if they had been caught?"

Because of Winn-Dixie 2001 Honor Book ****

2006-11-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

Because of Winn-Dixie is about a girl name India Opal who moves with her father a preacher to a small town and finds a dog in the local Winn-Dixie. She able to make friends and have lots of adventures because of Winn-Dixie.

I really enjoyed the movie and the book is very close to the movie. It's so fun to listen to the stories, makes me wish I could go to Fanny's library and listen to her while sucking on lozenges. I wonder what my sorrow would taste like.

Hope Was Here 2001 Honor Book ****

2006-11-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hope is a girl without a father and mother and raised by her aunt moving from place to place. They leave bustling New York to go to a rural town in Wisconsin to run a diner. There she waitresses and gets involved in city politice helping the diner's owner fight the corrupt mayor. She also must deal with her past and that she had a father who left and mother who wouldn't raise her. Spoiler: There is a death at the end.

I listened to Hope Was Here on CD and the cover said for 10 and up. Ummm.... I'm not so sure about that. I would probably say 14 and up. I don't know how much a 10 year old would be interested in teenage love, city politics and fighting leukemia. I did find the story intriguing and touching and liked the development of characters. I feel as though if I were to walk into Welcome Stairways I could sit right down and tell Flo that I'd like the meatloaf and apple pie which is Addie's speciality.

Sounder 1970 Medal Winner ****

2006-11-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Sounder is a story of a boy whose father and dog disappear the same day. His father is sent to jail for stealing a ham to feed his starving family and his dog is shot trying to prevent the white men from taking his dad. The boy must learn to adjust to life without the comfort of his father and search for his dog who he thinks has left to died in the woods.

This is probably the most beautifully written Newbery I've read so far. The imagery is akin to poetry. While the story was interesting (similar to Adam of the Road) it was written in a way that made reading a true pleasure. There were times I would reread a sentence or a paragraph just to marvel and his amazing way of explaining the simplest of scenes. When I get the chance I would love to find out what else this author has written.

The Whipping Boy 1987 Medal Winner ****

2006-10-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

The Whipping Boy is about a prince and his whipping boy. Because the prince can not be hit, whenever he does something wrong another child is punished. Together they leave the castle and have all sorts of adventures that helps the prince see the error of his ways.

This book was nothing like what I thought it was going to be. Because of the title, I was expecting something dark and depressing. Actually it's quite funny and hopeful. Very clever story and the chapter headings were funny and made me want to keep reading. I was surprised to discover that whipping boys were not fictional and actually existed.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle 1991 Honor Book ****

2006-10-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is about a 13 year old girl living in 1837 who must return to her family who are not living in America. Having stayed behind in England to finish her semester she discovers she must make the trip as the only passenger. Between a mad captain and a revengeful crew she must figure out what it takes to stay alive and see her family again.

I really enjoyed this book, it should be a movie. I was able to get through the story quickly and even find myself looking for moments that I could steal away to read this book. This story starts out to be seemingly obvious but has wonderful surprising twists and turns. I really appreciated the author's appendix at the end of the book and his suggestion at the beginning to refer to throughout the novel. Masts, rigging, bowspirit and other such words are unfamiliar to me and his appendix helped me picture where she was and what she was doing. I admire Charlotte's spunk and surviving such a horrible situation.

Adam of the Road 1943 Medal Winner **

2006-10-27T08:53:00.000-06:00

Adam of the Road is about a boy in 13th Century England who is the son of a minstrel. When he loses both his dog and father in one day, he has many adventures as he attempts to reunite with both of them.

Adam of the Road is interesting but not captivating. It is sort of a coming of age, except the boy is pretty grown up and mature at the beginning. I have to admit, that living in the 21st Century it's pretty frustrating to know that most of his problems could have been solved with a cell phone. While I felt like the book was well researched, I didn't feel like I had a real sense of what life was really like in England. His adventures seemed unrealistic to the point of fantasy and so I'm not sure how minstrels truly lived at that time. I do think this book would be interesting for young boys however.

The Cat Who Went To Heaven 1931 Medal Winner ***

2006-10-14T21:36:00.000-06:00

The Cat Who Went to Heaven is a story of a cat who goes to live with a Japanese artist who has been commissioned to draw a picture of Buddha. Japenese tradition says that cats are the only animal who have rejected the teachings of Buddha and so he can not draw a picture of a cat among all the animals paying respect to Buddha. Good Fortune, the artist's cat, is not pleased to discover that he is not in the picture.

I'm amazed this book was written so long ago. It is quite abstract in thought and quite deep in analogy. I don't recommend this book for young readers at all, and even then only for mature young adults. It's a very quick read, I read it in the bathtub before the water even got cold. I found it hard to dive into at first, and half way through the book I felt like I was drifting and the story had no point. Up until the last 3 pages I was going to give it one star, but I feel the ending where the cat dies and is discovered in the arms of Buddha made the book worth the read. It's a powerful lesson on forgiveness and not deciding one's fate based on legend, past traditions, or even what you may think a person is or has become.

Thimble Summer 1939 Medal Winner ***

2006-10-14T11:50:00.000-06:00

Garnet finds a silver thimble right before the rains come and save her father's crops. She decides the thimble is lucky and has all sorts of adventures for the rest of the summer living on a farm in the Midwest.

This book would be great to read chapter by chapter to classroom or children at night. The author does a great job describing farm life in the 1930's. She takes great care to talk about the price of things and how a 50 cent piece can make a child feel rich. So much of the life described in this book is now lost to our modern youth. This book would really teach children what life used to be like for their great grandparents when they were growing up.

Kira Kira 2005 Medal Winner ***

2006-10-11T21:16:00.000-06:00

Kira Kira is a story of a Katie and Lynn two Japanese sisters living in prejudiced Georgia. Katie adores her sister and struggles as Lynn gets sicker and sicker and doesn't know why. Spoiler: Lynn dies of lymphoma.

Let's see a Newberry book medal winner written in the 2000's that's depressing and sad- what a shock! I listened to this book on CD and the cover said for children 8 to 14. I really don't think 8 year old children need to hear a sad story about a little girl dying of cancer. I would probably put this book more at ages 14 and up. While I enjoyed the story and found it very well written and beautifully read by Elaina Erika Davis I think the message was too deep and too sad for little children. At the beginning of the book the relationship between the two sisters is so sweet and innocent, reminds me of the my two girls' relationship. But I think that if either of my two girls were to read this book they would put themselves in their shoes and it would be too heart-wrenching for them.

The Cricket in Times Square **** 1961 Honor Book

2006-10-11T10:33:00.000-06:00

Chester the cricket is an accidental stowaway and find himself in Times Square at a news stand. There he meets Tucker the mouse and Harry the cat and Mario the son of the family that owns the stand. Like Charlotte's Web, Chester discovers that he has a talent that can bring luck to the Belini family and spare his own life.

I listened to this book on CD read by Rene Auberjonois. His reading is so fantastic that I'm not sure I would have liked the story as much had I not heard it read by him. He has so many voices that helped give each character its own unique personality. The sounds of the cricket also helped me understand just how amazing his talent truly is. I could listen to this book over and over.

It's Like This, Cat 1964 Medal Winner ***

2006-10-10T09:33:00.000-06:00

Dave Mitchell lives in Manhattan and gets a cat. This creates a series of events that bring different people into his life changing theirs and his own.

The author writes so seemingly effortlessly, I felt like I could see Dave's apartment and the streets of New York without long descriptions of them. In this book she introduces the reader to many different places like Gramercy Park, Bronx Zoo, Coney Island and many others. It's a contemporary novel, so I also get a glimpse of what life was like in the 1960's for a teenage boy.

A Year Down Yonder 2001 Medal Winner *****

2006-10-09T17:41:00.000-06:00

Mary Alice's parents have hit hard times during the Depression and so she must spend a year living with her Grandmother. Its never a dull moment with Grandma. Mary Alice learns how to steal pecans, make the perfect pie crust, and valentines. She even learns the value of having a snake living in your attic. Most importantly she learns how to love her Grandma even when she seems so unlovable.

This book was great! I can see why Richard Peck the author has won so many awards. Reading this book reminded me of the many times I spent with my two grandmothers. It was fun to revisit the same characters from A Long Way From Chicago. I also enjoyed reading a book told by Mary Alice instead of Joe. This would be a great book for every grandmother to have on the nightstand in the guest bedroom when their grandchildren come to visit.

A Long Way From Chicago 1999 Honor Book ****

2006-10-08T14:17:00.000-06:00

A Long Way From Chicago is about Joey and Mary Alice and their adventurs spending one week with Grandma for seven summers. Grandma is full of ideas and stories and lies, from shooting a coffin with a shotgun to convincing the bank her friend's house is where Lincoln debated Douglas, this book is full of surprises and laughter. You'll even learn how to reform ruffians with a dead mouse in a bottle of milk.

I read this book in one day. It was great fun. I thoroughly enjoyed Grandma and her antics. Each chapter was a different summer with Grandma, and like the children I was sad when they stepped on the train and realized this was to be their last summer with Grandma. This would make a fun read aloud book for children either in the classroom or at night.

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle 1923 Medal Winner *****

2006-10-07T10:10:00.000-06:00

The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle is a story told by a small boy named Stubbins. It is through his eyes that we meet the famous Dr. Dolittle and hear about how he learns to talk to animals and his adventures.

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. So far I have had too much luck with book from this decade, but this book really feels timeless. I think children today would enjoy it just as much as children did then. I particularly enjoyed how short each chapter was, which made it a book easy to stop and start. A great book for nighttime, just one chapter at a time.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry 1997 Medal Winner **

2006-10-06T15:49:00.000-06:00

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry looks at a year in the life of a poor family living during the depression trying to make ends meet and save their land while battling white prejudice.

I read this book while reading another book titled Cane River set in New Orleans before and after the end to slavery in America. Because this book was set in the 1930's (about the time that Cane River ended) it almost felt like a sequel to Cane River.

I thought this book did a good job of helping a middle class white child understand what it would feel like to grow up as a poverty stricken second generation sharecropper. I was amazed at how awful the whites are portrayed in the book. Truly biased, prejudice and just plain mean. I think this book would help children think about their own attitudes towards other races, religions and cultures. It's easy to read the book and think, "Oh I'd never do that." But the reality is people did do that, and still do that.

M.C. Higgins, the Great 1975 Medal Winner *

2006-10-06T15:48:00.000-06:00

M. C. Higgins, the Great is about a boy living in the mountains. His mother walks off the mountain each day to go to work leaving him to watch his younger siblings.

Okay, I did not get this book! Maybe it's because I was reading in the midst of lots of other African American literature and this just didn't seem as poignant. For one, I didn't feel like M.C. had a character arc. He seemed no different on the last page of the book as he did on the first. I can't recommend this book.

Old Yeller 1957 Honor Book **

2006-10-06T15:46:00.000-06:00

Old Yeller is a story about a boy and his love-hate relationship with a dog named "Old Yeller" Spoiler: Old Yeller dies.

I need to give full disclosure and say that I do not like dogs. For most of the book I was agreeing with Travis and his dislike for Old Yeller. The ending seemed a little dramatic to me Travis having to shoot the dog himself. I must admit I didn't shed one tear reading this book. But in all fairness, Where the Red Fern Grows does make me cry.

Miss Hickory 1947 Medal Winner *

2006-10-06T15:45:00.000-06:00

Miss Hickory is a story about a little doll made out of wood that must learn to survive winter in a nest.

I'm baffled as to why this book won a Newbery. Never before have I read a book where the main character's head gets eaten at the end of a book. Odd. Not sure I would read this one to my kids.

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch 1956 Medal Winner ****

2006-10-06T15:44:00.000-06:00

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a biography about Nathaniel Bowditch who saved hundreds if not thousands of lives by changing the way ships navigate on the seas. He overcame many trials and heartache to succeed in his life and benefit others for years to come.

I loved this book. I found it so fascinating. After reading it, I needed to know if it was a true story, and unbelievably it is! What a wonderful example for children to follow. I especially loved how he learned foreign languages: the New Testament, Dictionary and Grammar book was all he needed in the language he was learning.

A View From Saturday 1997 Medal Winner ****

2006-10-06T15:43:00.000-06:00

A View From Saturday is a story about 4 6th grade children and how their lives unexpectedly intertwine and together they form a team that goes on to beat junior high teams. The story is told from the four children's perspectives and their teacher's as well.

I loved this book. Of course I'm biased because I loved her other Newbery From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. I found myself lost in their story and was disappointed when it ended. That is definitely a book I could read over and over just like the Mixed Up Files. Definitely a fun book for a 6th grader to read.

Dear Mr. Henshaw 1984 Medal Winner ****

2006-10-06T15:42:00.000-06:00

Dear Mr. Henshaw is a book of letters that a boy writes to an author, Mr. Henshaw. The letters reveal the troubles the boy faces changing schools and coping with divorce.

I was surprised this was written by Beverly Cleary the same author who wrote the Ramona books. I expected something light hearted and funny, but instead I found it to be touching and very poignant. It's easy for me to see why this was a Medal Winner. I think a copy of this book should be in every divorce lawyer's office and required reading for every couple seeking a divorce.

Boy With a Pack 1940 Honor Book ****

2006-10-06T15:41:00.000-06:00

Boy With a Pack is about a boy who decides to make some money peddling his goods in the Wild West (Ohio). He walks from New Hampshire with many adventures along the way.

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in what America was like in 1837. Still new in independance it's a great way to find out how different life was like then, but also how some things haven't changed at all.

Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze 1933 Medal Winner ***

2006-10-06T15:40:00.000-06:00

Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze is about a boy in China who becomes an apprentice and his adventures living near the Yangtze river.

This book is very similar to A Single Shard but not as riveting. I imagine that in 1933 this may have been American children's only exposure to what life was like in China many years ago. But children of today may find the writing tedious and get bored quickly.

Railroad to Freedom 1933 Honor Book ***

2006-10-06T15:39:00.000-06:00

Railroad to Freedom tells the story of Harriet Tubman and how she came help hundreds of slaves to freedom using the Underground Railroad.

I really enjoyed this book and think it should have been the Medal Winner. I've heard of Harriet Tubman since I was a child, but never before have I felt like I knew the complete story. Thank goodness for amazing women like Harriet Tubman, we need more of her around today with all the awful things happening in Africa and other parts of the world.

Gay Neck, The Story of a Pigeon 1928 Medal Winner *

2006-10-06T15:38:00.000-06:00

Gay Neck, The Story of a Pigeon tells of a boy in India and his adventures raising a pigeon who becomes a messenger in World War I.

First of all, children today probably won't be able to get past the pigeon's name which means multi-colored. But if they can, they probably won't last beyond the first few pages. Reading this book felt like a chore, especially when the story is told through the eyes of the pigeon.

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread 2004 Medal Winner *****

2006-10-06T15:37:00.000-06:00

Tale of Despereaux is a wonderful fairy tale set in a castle. Desperaux is a brave little mouse that isn't willing to accept conventional wisdom and loves a princess.

I really enjoyed the book. I think Kate DiCamillo is becoming my new favorite author. This is a great story for children who need to be inspired to think outside of the box and follow their aspirations and dreams. My 12 year old son read it in one day!

The Matchlock Gun 1942 Medal Winner ***

2006-10-06T04:48:00.000-06:00

The Matchlock Gun is set in the mid 1700's when America was still a colony. It's based on a true story of a 10 year old boy trying to protect his family.

I really liked this book, mainly because it's short and a quick read. This would be a great book to read around Thanksgiving to children to get a discussion going about what life was like for early American settlers.

These Happy Golden Years 1944 Honor Book ****

2006-10-06T01:48:00.001-06:00

By the Shores of Silver Lake 1940 Honor Book ****

2006-10-06T01:47:00.000-06:00

On the Banks of Plum Creek 1938 Honor Book ****

2006-10-06T01:46:00.000-06:00

Little Town on the Prairie 1942 Honor Book ****

2006-10-06T01:45:00.000-06:00

The Hundred Dresses 1945 Honor Book ******

2006-10-06T01:44:00.000-06:00

Wanda lives on the wrong side of town and wears the same dress every day. To make things worse she tells everyone that she 100 dresses at home, which makes her the brunt of popular Peggy's jokes. While Maddie doesn't tease Wanda, she doesn't stand up for her either.

I loved this book as a child. When I first read it I felt like screaming at Wanda, "Can't you see you are making things worse?" But when the mystery is solved I felt like running to Wanda and giving her a big hug. This is a wonderful book for children to see that everyone is deserving of friendship.

A Wrinkle in Time 1963 Medal Winner ***

2006-10-06T01:43:00.000-06:00

A Wrinkle in Time is about Meg and her brother Charles Wallace and their search for their brilliant father who everyone assumes has just left their family.

Is it just me or is this book weird? I've never been good with time travel stories. The time space continuum confuses me. Even the movie The Lake House freaked me out. For some reason it's hard for me to just relax and let go of logic and just enjoy time travel.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler 1968 Medal Winner ******

2006-10-06T01:42:00.000-06:00

Claudia decides to run away from home and live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, but realizes she can't do it without bringing her brother Jamie along. Soon she's entranced with a new sculpture at the museum and its mystery. Solving the mystery might reveal to her frantic parents where she and Jamie are hiding.

I read this book in one day while in Albuquerque waiting for my dad to finish his meetings. I haven't been able to look at a museum the same way since. I felt such a connection to Claudia and even began wondering myself if I could pull off running away and living in a museum. This book really helps children with their imagination.

Annie and the Old One 1972 Honor Book *****

2006-10-06T01:41:00.000-06:00

Annie and the Old One is about a Native American girl who thinks she can slow down Father Time and delay her grandmother's death.

I think this was the first Newbery I ever read. My father brought it home after a trip to Northern New Mexico. I loved the story and learning about Native Americans and their beliefs and legends. He also brought home another book Hawk, You are My Brother which is also a great book.

Ramona and her Father 1978 Honor Book ****

2006-10-06T01:40:00.000-06:00

Ramona and Her Father is about Ramona when her father loses his job and the family must learn to adjust to so many changes.

I think this book addresses what most children fear, "What if my parents can't take care of me?" So often children take for granted that their parent(s) go to work each day and the basics are always provided for. But what if the money stopped coming in? Then what? This book helps children see that worrying should be left to the parents and they will find a way to make it work.

Bridge to Terabithia 1978 Medal Winner ******

2006-10-06T01:39:00.002-06:00

Bridge to Terabithia is about a boy named Jesse and his friendship with the new girl in town Leslie. Together they create a world where they rule as king and queen.

This is the ultimate book for me. If Newbery awarded best book of the century or millenia this book should receive it. I got this book when I was 9 years old for Christmas and I read it all day by the lights of the Christmas tree. This book was the first book to ever make me cry. I still have that original book and can't even think how many times I have read it. Every man, woman and child should read this book.

The Great Gilly Hopkins 1979 Honor Book *****

2006-10-06T01:39:00.001-06:00

Gilly Hopkins is a foster child bounced from home to home hoping that one day she'll live with her mother again.

I read this book as a girl over and over so many times I had it memorized. I loved Gilly Hopkins and ached with her as she tried to reconnect with her mother. This is a very important book for children to read to help them see that other kids at school may not be as they appear.

The Westing Game 1979 Medal Winner *****

2006-10-06T01:38:00.000-06:00

The Westing Game is a wonderful mystery where the reader has all the clues. You'll get to know the characters and their bizarre lives while they try to find the murderer.

I got this book from a friend as my husband and I were embarking a cross country trip from Utah to Texas. I devoured this book! I'm a nut for mysteries anyway, but this one is really unique. The character are so fun and entertaining that you don't want to find out that any of them are the murderer!

Jacob Have I Loved 1981 Medal Winner ***

2006-10-06T01:37:00.000-06:00

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 1982 Honor Book ****

2006-10-06T01:36:00.000-06:00

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is about a 3rd grader and her adventures in school and at home with her family.

The Ramona books are like Junie B. Jones ONLY BETTER! Who doesn't love Ramona? One of my best friends growing up was named Ramona so that name has a special place in my heart, and so do these books.

Sarah, Plain and Tall 1986 Medal Winner ****

2006-10-06T01:35:00.000-06:00

Sarah, Plain and Tall is about a woman who comes to be a bride for a widower and raise his two children. She soon discovers she misses the coast of Maine and the children fear she will leave.

I read this book in college before I was married. I think then I felt sorry for poor Sarah and couldn't understand why she would choose this kind of life for herself. But now that I'm older and with children, I can see how wonderful Sarah is and why she makes the choices that she does.

The Giver 1994 Medal Winner *****

2006-10-06T01:34:00.002-06:00

The Giver is about a 12 year old boy Jonas who lives in an Utopian society and selected to be the Receiver of Memories. He struggles with his role in this hypocritical world he now lives in.

You know a book is good when instead of enjoying the Oregon coast and Pacific Ocean, you are inside your rented beach house reading a book. I love "what if the world was like this" kind of books.

Walk Two Moons 1995 Medal Winner *****

2006-10-06T01:34:00.001-06:00

Walk Two Moons is about a 13 year old girl's journey to find her mother who has disappeared.

What a beautiful book. While I figured out the reason for her mother's disappearance very quickly and early on in the book, I still enjoyed the ride as the author gives clues throughout the story. Every 13 year old girl who doesn't like her mother should read this book.

A Single Shard 2002 Medal Winner *****

2006-10-06T01:33:00.000-06:00

A Shingle Shard is set in ancient Korea and tells of a poor boy who becomes an apprentice to a childless potter.

I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. It's written in such a way that I felt like I could see, hear and smell ancient Korea. It reminded me of Young Fu but much more riveting. My 9 year old son is reading it right now and loves it.

Introducing Newbery Quest

2006-10-05T15:03:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my Newbery Quest! In 2006, I set a goal to read all of the Newbery Medal and Honor books, so I decided that I would share my opinions of each Newbery book as I read them. Because of all the books I have set a goal to read, it does feel like a quest. As I read a Newbery book, I'm going to offer my own personal review. This is in no way a professional opinion. My only credentials are two American Lit classes in high school, and a Children's Literature class in college. I hope you enjoy my Newbery Quest as much as I do!