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.

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.

Hurry Home, Candy 1954 Honor Book ****

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.

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

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.

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.

Old Yeller 1957 Honor Book **

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.

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

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.