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

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 ***

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 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?"

Sounder 1970 Medal Winner ****

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.

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

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 *

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.

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.

Ramona and her Father 1978 Honor Book ****

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 ******

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 *****

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!