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

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 *****

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.

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

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 *****

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.

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

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.

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

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 *****

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 Long Winter 1941 Honor Book *****

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.

Number the Stars 1990 Medal Winner *****

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 *****

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.

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

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.

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

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 *****

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?"

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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 *****

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!

The Giver 1994 Medal Winner *****

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.