Title: Way Down Deep
Author: Ruth White
ISBN: 0374382514
Publisher: New York : Farrar Straus Giroux,2007
Starred review in: PW April 2007
"God is in that place where sleep takes us. Way down deep inside, where all the
answers lie."
Annotation In the West Virginia town of Way Down Deep in the 1950s, a foundling
called Ruby June is happily living with Miss Arbutus at the local boarding house
when suddenly, after the arrival of a family of outsiders, the mystery of Ruby's
past begins to unravel.
Appalachian fable with themes of sleep and dreams, reads like a fairytale. Opening
the book to find a map and cast of characters as long as your arm, this might
intimidate rather than inform. A sweet, charming dream of a book. A place where the
goodness of people is the rule for conduct. Who wouldn't want to live here?
Review by: Beth J., CLTR
Monday, March 26, 2007
Mock Newbery: Way Down Deep
Mock Newbery: Remembering Mrs. Rossi
Title: Remembering Mrs Rossi
Author: Amy Hest
Publisher: Cambridge, MA : Candlewick Press,2007
ISBN: 0763621633
Without being overly maudlin, Amy Hest manages to explore a child's grief. Third
grader Annie and her father settle into their motherless life. Set in NYC.
Sympathetic teacher Misss Meadows. Bewildered father. Former students of her mother
write a touching eulogy book and present it Annie and her father. The students book
is presented as a conclusion. A fine introduction to the quiet grief that hopefully
none of the readers will ever experience. Was it too quiet, was it bibliotherapy?
Review by: Beth J., CLTR
Mock Newbery: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Title: The Invention of HUGO CABRET
Author: Brian Selznick
Publisher: New York : Scholastic Press,2007
ISBN: 0439813786
Imagine a combination of "Griffin and Sabine" and "The Thief Lord". Abandoned
(orphaned) child in a Parisian train station, theives out of necessistiy and keeps
the clocks running so as not to have his uncles's disappeatrance noticed. This
tender book is a combination of art that unfolds in cinematic fashion, echoing
(presaging) the events in the text. An automaton in need of repair holds the clue to
characters pasts and their futures. Skillful blending of text and art brings an
added dimension to the storytelling. While the book works on more than one level, is
this the finest of literature or an author's fancy?
Review by: Beth J., CLTR
Mock Newbery: A Friendship for Today
Title: A Friendship for Today
Author: McKissack, Patricia C
Publisher: New York : Scholastic Press,2007
ISBN: 043966098X
Starred review: PW 1/8/07
Based on the author's real life experience, this novel of intergration in the 1950's
skillfully layers storylines. Rosemary is the only black student in her fifth grade
class. Her best friend JJ contracts polio, her parents marriage is dissolving and she
changes schools. Rosemary's family and community lend her the strength and dignity
to face these challenges. Rosemary starts an unlikely friendship with Grace, one the
whiteDead End kids, who used to make her life miserable. Rosemary and Grace team
up to counter prejudice. Tolerance is the theme in and out of the classroom.
Review by: Beth J., CLTR
Monday, March 12, 2007
F.A.Q. for the 2008 Mock Awards
F.A.Q.s for the BCCLS Mock Awards, 2007:
Q: How do you choose the books you read?
A: All the books we choose receive starred reviews from authoritative review sources, including Booklist, KLIATT, SLJ, VOYA (we add books to our reading list that receive a 5Q, regardless of the P rating), Kirkus, PW, Horn Book. In the case of the Mock Printz, we also consider a nomination to YALSA's Best Books for Young Adults equivalent to a starred review. From the list of starred reviews, we see which books have garnered the most praise and begin with those. We also read according to our personal interests.
Q: How do you choose the books that appear on your short list?
A: Everyone on a Mock Awards committee puts a list together of their personal top ten candidates for their award. The ten books that appear on the largest number of top ten lists are the ones shortlisted for the Mock Awards.
Q: What other criteria do you use in choosing books?
A: When deciding what books to honor, we use the criteria from the ALA Awards. Most importantly, the awards are about writing quality, not popularity, and not emotional reaction. A book that sits on the shelf and collects dust could still be eligible for a Mock Award if the writing is strong enough.
For more information on the ALA Awards, visit the Caldecott, Newbery, and Printz sites.
Q. Can I come to the Mock Awards program in January even though I'm a director? Not a youth services librarian? Employed by a non-BCCLS library?
A: Absolutely. All professional and paraprofessional library employees with an interest in literature for children and young adults are welcome to attend.
A: No, but it helps to have some familiarity with the book. Read enough to find out whether it's worthy or not. Read reviews! Check to see if the book has generated buzz among librarians, including discussion on children's and YA literature listservs like PUBYAC, YALSA-BK, and Adbooks.
Q: Does my library have to buy everything on the list?
A: No, but everything on the list should have a starred review from an authoritative review source. Check to see if this type of book is well-received at your library. Lists like these are a fast checkup for your collection.
Q: How can I give my favorite title the best chance of being on your list?
A: Contact one of the members of the BCCLS Youth Services Committee and ask that your book be read and considered. Campaign for it on the blog, or on the BCCLSYouth mailing list. Bring it to the program anyway and find out why it didn't make the list.
Q: Why isn't the final list published earlier?
A: We would miss too many great books fromt he fall publishing season. September and October are big months in publishing, and we have to allow time for libraries to acquire copies of these books and for committee members to read them.
Q: How do you read that many books in a short period of time?
A: Start by reading some star-reviewed items as they come into your library, especially items that have more than one starred review or are nominated to YALSA's Best Books for Young Adults. Look at the blog to find out what's getting a lot of discussion. Chances are some of the books you see listed here will make the final cut.
As for the rest, reading is part of the job. Turn off the TV, stay up late reading, and come in to work a little bleary-eyed in the morning. Also, consider listening to some of the selections. It's a great way to handle that horrible rush-hour commute, or to make time pass while you're chopping vegetables or on the treadmill.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
MocK Newbery: On the Wings of Heroes by Peck
The first title I finished for the Mock Newbery is On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck (Specifics at the end). Note I said finished and not the first started. I'm still attempting to slog my way through Corydon and the fall of Atlantis.
When I started Wings, I had a bit of trouble getting into the book, but I was soon drawn into Peck's characters and I kept thinking just a few more pages until I find out...xyz. Of course by the time I answered that question or plot point there was something else I wanted to know so I was strung along to the end mostly in one sitting. The plot wasn't terrifically original or new, but the characters felt real and the narrator's voice rang true, though slightly old for the age in the book, excusable since it's told looking back on the events. I liked the book, but don't feel that there was anything groundbreaking about it. The ending was a lose/lose situation for Peck....if the brother dies, then it's cliche and old; if the brother comes home alive from war, then it's too neat and idyllic. I'm not going to say which happens....just that I don't think there is a way he could have made everyone happy with any ending. Personally, I have mixed feeling about the end and wish that a few of the episodes in the book got a bit more attention (like the Chicago gangsters & fake gas books or even a bit of explaining about rationing and war stamps).
Starred review in: Kirkus 01/01/07
Peck, Richard
On the Wings of Heroes
Fiction 10+
9780803730816
When I started Wings, I had a bit of trouble getting into the book, but I was soon drawn into Peck's characters and I kept thinking just a few more pages until I find out...xyz. Of course by the time I answered that question or plot point there was something else I wanted to know so I was strung along to the end mostly in one sitting. The plot wasn't terrifically original or new, but the characters felt real and the narrator's voice rang true, though slightly old for the age in the book, excusable since it's told looking back on the events. I liked the book, but don't feel that there was anything groundbreaking about it. The ending was a lose/lose situation for Peck....if the brother dies, then it's cliche and old; if the brother comes home alive from war, then it's too neat and idyllic. I'm not going to say which happens....just that I don't think there is a way he could have made everyone happy with any ending. Personally, I have mixed feeling about the end and wish that a few of the episodes in the book got a bit more attention (like the Chicago gangsters & fake gas books or even a bit of explaining about rationing and war stamps).
Starred review in: Kirkus 01/01/07
Peck, Richard
On the Wings of Heroes
Fiction 10+
9780803730816
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Awards announced, 2007!
Thanks to everyone who attended and voted at the Mock Awards this week. The winners are:
Mock Caldecott:
WINNER: Flotsam by David Wiesner
HONORS: The Secret Science Project that Almost ate the School by Judy Sierra and John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith
Mock Newbery:
WINNER: Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
HONORS: Toys Go Out: Being the adventures of a knowledgeable Stingray, a toughy little Buffalo, and someone called Plastic by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul Zelinsky and The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
Mock Printz:
WINNER: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
HONORS: Life as we Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer and The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
Remember that although the final list is compiled by members of the Youth Services Committee, anyone is welcome to suggest a book for consideration. Here's to a great 2006, and we're looking at 2007 to be even better.
Mock Caldecott:
WINNER: Flotsam by David Wiesner
HONORS: The Secret Science Project that Almost ate the School by Judy Sierra and John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith
Mock Newbery:
WINNER: Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
HONORS: Toys Go Out: Being the adventures of a knowledgeable Stingray, a toughy little Buffalo, and someone called Plastic by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul Zelinsky and The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
Mock Printz:
WINNER: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
HONORS: Life as we Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer and The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
Remember that although the final list is compiled by members of the Youth Services Committee, anyone is welcome to suggest a book for consideration. Here's to a great 2006, and we're looking at 2007 to be even better.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Final reading lists: Mock Caldecott, Newbery, and Printz
Welcome to all readers for the 2007 BCCLS Mock Awards! Here are the dates and places for awards selection:
Mock Caldecott: Tuesday, January 9, 2007, 9: 30 a.m. at the New Milford Library
Mock Newbery: Tuesday, January 9, 2007, 1:30 p.m. at the New Milford Library
Mock Printz: Thursday, January 11, 2007, 9:30 a.m. at the Paramus Library
To RSVP for one, two, or all three Mock Awards, send an email to carlie @ bccls.org (without the spaces) and include in your email which programs you plan to attend.
Reading lists:
Mock Caldecott: Tuesday, January 9, 2007, 9: 30 a.m. at the New Milford Library
Mock Newbery: Tuesday, January 9, 2007, 1:30 p.m. at the New Milford Library
Mock Printz: Thursday, January 11, 2007, 9:30 a.m. at the Paramus Library
To RSVP for one, two, or all three Mock Awards, send an email to carlie @ bccls.org (without the spaces) and include in your email which programs you plan to attend.
Reading lists:
Mock Caldecott:
1. Grandfather Buffalo by Jim Arnosky
2. An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston.
3. Max's Words by Kate Banks
4. Tiger of the Snows by Robert Burleigh
5. Sea Horse, the Shyest Fish in the Sea by Chris Butterworth
6. Walk On! by Marla Frazee
7. The Boy Who Cried Wolf by B.G. Hennessy
8. Sleepy Boy by Polly Kanevsky
9. Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
10. Moon Plane by Peter McCarty
11. Jazz by Walter Dean Myers
12. Cookies, Bite Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
13. Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow by Joyce Sidman
14. The Secret Science Project that Almost Ate the School by Judy Sierra
15. John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith
16. Flotsam by David Weisner
2. An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston.
3. Max's Words by Kate Banks
4. Tiger of the Snows by Robert Burleigh
5. Sea Horse, the Shyest Fish in the Sea by Chris Butterworth
6. Walk On! by Marla Frazee
7. The Boy Who Cried Wolf by B.G. Hennessy
8. Sleepy Boy by Polly Kanevsky
9. Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
10. Moon Plane by Peter McCarty
11. Jazz by Walter Dean Myers
12. Cookies, Bite Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
13. Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow by Joyce Sidman
14. The Secret Science Project that Almost Ate the School by Judy Sierra
15. John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith
16. Flotsam by David Weisner
Mock Newbery:
1. Defining Dulcie by Paul Acampora
2. Victory by Susan Cooper
3. The Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman
4. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
5. Penny from Heaven by Jennifer Holm
6. Part of Me by Kimberly Willis Holt
7. Toys Go Out: Being the adventures of a knowledgeable Stingray, a toughy little Buffalo, and someone called Plastic by Emily Jenkins
8. Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata
9. Alabama Moon by Watt Key
10. Gossamer by Lois Lowry
11. Bread and Roses, Too by Katherine Paterson
12. Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
13. The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
1. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
2. Stay With Me by Garret Freymann-Weyr
3. The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs by Jack Gantos
4. Rash by Pete Hautman
5. Time's Memory by Julius Lester
2. Victory by Susan Cooper
3. The Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman
4. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
5. Penny from Heaven by Jennifer Holm
6. Part of Me by Kimberly Willis Holt
7. Toys Go Out: Being the adventures of a knowledgeable Stingray, a toughy little Buffalo, and someone called Plastic by Emily Jenkins
8. Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata
9. Alabama Moon by Watt Key
10. Gossamer by Lois Lowry
11. Bread and Roses, Too by Katherine Paterson
12. Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
13. The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
Mock Printz:
1. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
2. Stay With Me by Garret Freymann-Weyr
3. The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs by Jack Gantos
4. Rash by Pete Hautman
5. Time's Memory by Julius Lester
6. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
7. a brief chapter in my impossible life by Dana Reinhardt
8. Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud
9. It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
10. The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
11. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
7. a brief chapter in my impossible life by Dana Reinhardt
8. Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud
9. It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
10. The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
11. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
A change to my top picks: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
I know I've already posted my top ten, but this is a book I can't stop thinking about. I read it in two sittings (and I was sorely tempted to read it instead of getting some much-needed sleep) and the buzz on YALSA-BK and Adbooks has been huge.
Title: Life as we Knew It
Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer
ISBN: 0-15-205826-5
Starred review in: Booklist and PW
Review: Miranda is as normal a teenage girl as anyone can get. Her divorced parents make an effort to get along (even though her dad's new wife is pregnant), her older brother is away at college, and her younger brother is a rising baseball star. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, swimming, skating, and obsessing over her favorite Olympic men's figure-skating hopeful. Everything in her life changes, however, when an asteroid hits the moon. In the days before the asteroid hits, no one seems too worried, because asteroids hit the moon all the time. When the force of the asteroid knocks the moon out of its orbit, however, disastrous climate changes occur. Massive tsunamis wipe out millions of coastal dwellers. Earthquakes occur in Missouri. Volcanic eruptions cause a nuclear winter. Miranda's concerns quickly go from whether the captain of the swim team likes her to her family's dwindling food supply. Told in diary format, this is a frightening look at a dystopian future no one can control. Through illness, starvation, death, and subzero temperatures Miranda tries to cling to normalcy.
This title would make an excellent group discussion book, as it covers so many subjects: environmentalism, family relations, love, and survival, just to start. It's a quick read, great for both the junior high and high school set, and tense from start to finish. If you don't already have this in your collection, please consider buying it. I believe it has a wide audience and the potential to win a lot of honors.
Carlie, BCCLS
Title: Life as we Knew It
Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer
ISBN: 0-15-205826-5
Starred review in: Booklist and PW
Review: Miranda is as normal a teenage girl as anyone can get. Her divorced parents make an effort to get along (even though her dad's new wife is pregnant), her older brother is away at college, and her younger brother is a rising baseball star. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, swimming, skating, and obsessing over her favorite Olympic men's figure-skating hopeful. Everything in her life changes, however, when an asteroid hits the moon. In the days before the asteroid hits, no one seems too worried, because asteroids hit the moon all the time. When the force of the asteroid knocks the moon out of its orbit, however, disastrous climate changes occur. Massive tsunamis wipe out millions of coastal dwellers. Earthquakes occur in Missouri. Volcanic eruptions cause a nuclear winter. Miranda's concerns quickly go from whether the captain of the swim team likes her to her family's dwindling food supply. Told in diary format, this is a frightening look at a dystopian future no one can control. Through illness, starvation, death, and subzero temperatures Miranda tries to cling to normalcy.
This title would make an excellent group discussion book, as it covers so many subjects: environmentalism, family relations, love, and survival, just to start. It's a quick read, great for both the junior high and high school set, and tense from start to finish. If you don't already have this in your collection, please consider buying it. I believe it has a wide audience and the potential to win a lot of honors.
Carlie, BCCLS
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Mock Printz: Barbara's top eleven
From Barbara W. at Wyckoff:
- Stay With Me by Garret Freymann-Weyr
- Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
- Surrender by Sonya Hartnett
- The Wish House by Celia Rees
- a brief chapter in my impossible life by Dana Reinhardt
- A Bad Boy Can be Good for a Girl by Tanya Lee Stone
- It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
- The Unresolved by T.K. Welsh
- The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
- Storm Thief by Chris Wooding
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Mock Printz: Lynn's top ten
From Lynn K. at Englewood:
- Time's Memory by Julius Lester
- Stay With Me by Garret Freymann-Weyr
- St. Iggy by K.L. Going
- It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
- The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Clay by David Almond
- Rash by Pete Hautman
- Over a Thousand Hills I Walk With You by Hannah Jansen
- Blind Faith by Ellen Wittlinger
Friday, October 20, 2006
Mock Newbery: Carol's top twelve
From Carol H. at Franklin Lakes:
- Penny from Heaven by Jennifer Holm
- Gossamer by Lois Lowry
- Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
- Singing Hands by Delia Ray
- Bread and Roses Too by Katherine Paterson
- Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
- Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
- Year of the Dog by Grace Lin
- The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
- I'll Sing You One-O by Nancy Gregory
- Defining Dulcie by Paul Acampora
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Mock Newbery: Amy's top ten
From Amy S. at Teaneck:
- Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
- Penny From Heaven by Jennifer Holm
- The Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman
- Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
- Part of Me by Kimberly Willis Holt
- Bread and Roses Too by Katherine Paterson
- House of the Red Fish by Graham Salisbury
- Gossamer by Lois Lowry
- Defining Dulcie by Paul Acampora
- Victory by Susan Cooper
- The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
Monday, October 16, 2006
Mock Printz: Carlie's top ten
I've had a few additions and subtractions since I made my informal post. My formal top ten...okay, eleven, are now:
- The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
- It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
- Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud
- The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs by Jack Gantos
- The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
- Rash by Pete Hautman
- a brief chapter in my impossible life by Dana Reinhardt
- Time's Memory by Julius Lester
- Born to Rock by Gordon Korman
- A Bad Boy Can be Good for a Girl by Tanya Lee Stone
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Friday, October 13, 2006
Mock Printz - Susan's Top Ten
ADDENDUM:
I am adding another title to my top ten, which is
A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt....
The following is the list of my favorite top ten, actually eleven contenders for the mock Printz Award. This list reflects my personal tastes so there are lots of fantasy and historical fiction... Fortunately there were many of those kinds of books published...Changes to this list are likely...
1. Book Thief by Markus Zusak
2. Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
3.Summer of Kings by Han Nolan
4. Bread and Roses Too by Katherine Paterson
5. Love Curse of the Rumbaughs by Jack Gantos
6. Monster Blood Tattoo Book One : Foundling
7. Bella at Midnight by diane Stanley
8. Gossamer by Lois Lowry
9. Monkey Town by Ronald Kidd
10. Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud
11. River Secrets by Shannon Hale
Reviewer: Susan Rappaport, Rutherford Public Library
I am adding another title to my top ten, which is
A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt....
The following is the list of my favorite top ten, actually eleven contenders for the mock Printz Award. This list reflects my personal tastes so there are lots of fantasy and historical fiction... Fortunately there were many of those kinds of books published...Changes to this list are likely...
1. Book Thief by Markus Zusak
2. Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
3.Summer of Kings by Han Nolan
4. Bread and Roses Too by Katherine Paterson
5. Love Curse of the Rumbaughs by Jack Gantos
6. Monster Blood Tattoo Book One : Foundling
7. Bella at Midnight by diane Stanley
8. Gossamer by Lois Lowry
9. Monkey Town by Ronald Kidd
10. Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud
11. River Secrets by Shannon Hale
Reviewer: Susan Rappaport, Rutherford Public Library
Mock Printz: Annie's Top Ten
In no particular order....
An Abundance of Katherines- John Green
Born to Rock- Gordon Korman
Sold- Patricia McCormick
Time's Memory- Julius Lester
The Rules of Survival- Nancy Werlin
It's Kind of a Funny Story- Ned Vizzini
A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life- Dana Reinhardt
The Book Thief- Marcus Zusak
The Pox party / taken from accounts by [Octavius Nothing's] own hand and other sundry sources -M.T. Anderson
The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs- Jack Gantos
--Annie Miller, Paramus
An Abundance of Katherines- John Green
Born to Rock- Gordon Korman
Sold- Patricia McCormick
Time's Memory- Julius Lester
The Rules of Survival- Nancy Werlin
It's Kind of a Funny Story- Ned Vizzini
A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life- Dana Reinhardt
The Book Thief- Marcus Zusak
The Pox party / taken from accounts by [Octavius Nothing's] own hand and other sundry sources -M.T. Anderson
The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs- Jack Gantos
--Annie Miller, Paramus
Mock Newbery: Latricia's Top Ten
These aren't in any specific order, and there are actually 11 because I had a late addition before posting this:
Penny from Heaven - Jennifer Holm
Here lies the librarian - Richard Peck
Gossamer - Lois Lowery
Corydon and the Island of Monsters
Quail Club - Carolyn Marsden
Year of the Dog - Grace Lin
Weedflower - Cynthia Kadohata
King of Attolia - Megan Turner
Victory - Susan Cooper
Fairest - Gail Carson Levin
Defining Dulcie - Paul Acampora
Latricia Batchelor - Tenafly Public Library
Penny from Heaven - Jennifer Holm
Here lies the librarian - Richard Peck
Gossamer - Lois Lowery
Corydon and the Island of Monsters
Quail Club - Carolyn Marsden
Year of the Dog - Grace Lin
Weedflower - Cynthia Kadohata
King of Attolia - Megan Turner
Victory - Susan Cooper
Fairest - Gail Carson Levin
Defining Dulcie - Paul Acampora
Latricia Batchelor - Tenafly Public Library
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Mock Printz or Newbery: Bread and Roses Too
Title: Bread and Roses, Too
Author: Katherine Paterson
ISBN: 0618654798
Review: Bread and Roses Too touched me in a way that it had me crying by the end of the book. I really came to care for the characters and the historical background was fascinating. The book takes place during the mill strikes in Lawrence, Mass in 1912. The story focuses on two kids in two different positions whose lives become intertwined. Jake is a boy whose alcoholic father works him in the mills and beats him up on pay day to take all the money for drink. He leaves the boy living on the streets like a "rat". Rosa meets him sleeping on a trash heap. In contrast, she is the daughter of Italian immigrants, much loved and the hope of the family because of her intellectual abilities. Her Dad died in a fire at the mills. She too lives from hand to mouth but her life has some joy in it because of her caring mother and siblings. When the big strike happens, the kids are sent off to Italian families in Barre, Vermont. Jake can't get the proper paperwork done so he sneaks on the bus and gets Rosa to lie for him by pretending he is her brother. Their experiences with a wealthy family in Barre and the bonds that begin to form make for a touching, well thought out historical novel. Although the kids are not teens, this book will still work for teens. These kids have plenty of responsibility and live much older lives than contemporary counterparts. Jake is essentially on his own and Rosa has a definite leadership role in the family. This book will definitely win an award somewhere.
Reviewer: Susan Rappaport, Rutherford Public Library
Author: Katherine Paterson
ISBN: 0618654798
Review: Bread and Roses Too touched me in a way that it had me crying by the end of the book. I really came to care for the characters and the historical background was fascinating. The book takes place during the mill strikes in Lawrence, Mass in 1912. The story focuses on two kids in two different positions whose lives become intertwined. Jake is a boy whose alcoholic father works him in the mills and beats him up on pay day to take all the money for drink. He leaves the boy living on the streets like a "rat". Rosa meets him sleeping on a trash heap. In contrast, she is the daughter of Italian immigrants, much loved and the hope of the family because of her intellectual abilities. Her Dad died in a fire at the mills. She too lives from hand to mouth but her life has some joy in it because of her caring mother and siblings. When the big strike happens, the kids are sent off to Italian families in Barre, Vermont. Jake can't get the proper paperwork done so he sneaks on the bus and gets Rosa to lie for him by pretending he is her brother. Their experiences with a wealthy family in Barre and the bonds that begin to form make for a touching, well thought out historical novel. Although the kids are not teens, this book will still work for teens. These kids have plenty of responsibility and live much older lives than contemporary counterparts. Jake is essentially on his own and Rosa has a definite leadership role in the family. This book will definitely win an award somewhere.
Reviewer: Susan Rappaport, Rutherford Public Library
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Mock Printz or Newbery: Defining Dulcie by Paul Acampora
Title: Defining Dulcie
Author: Paul Acampora
ISBN: 0803730462
Starred Review: April Booklist and PW
Review:
Defining Dulcie is about a sixteen year old girl who just lost her father. Just that sentence made me want to put the book down and avoid it, but I'm glad I didn't. This isn't just about the death of a parent, it's a book about growing up and realizing that the world doesn't revolve around you. Dulcie was very close to her father. She even worked with him at the local HS where he was a janitor and her gandfather was in charge of maintenance. After Dulcie's father dies, her mother decides that she cannot stay in this town. She wants to move to California and reinvent herself. Dulcie deals with this though she is unhappy about leaving home and her grandfather and her father, even if he is in the ground. When they get to California and her mother wants to trade in her father's pickup for a little car, Dulcie has had enough. This is the truck that she and her dad rebuilt together in the HS autoshop. SO at night Dulcie takes her mom's creditcard and the truck and drives back to CT. The balance of the book is Dulcie's summer with her Grandfather working for free at her old job as punishment for stealing the truck and worrying her mother. Over the summer she meets Roxane, an older teen, who her grandfather hired in her place nad who knew her dad. Quickly Dulcie realizes that there is something going on at Roxane's house....something that makes her fights with her mother seem childish.
There are themes of grief and loss through out this book and it's great at showing that different people need to grieve in different ways. Dulcie's mom had to get out of town and away of ther memories, but Dulcie needed those memories and needed the safety of home to deal with losing her father. Woven through the grief that Dulcie deals with though are also themes of growing up, of looking outside yourself to really SEE other people. The ending was somewhat unrealistic, but it fit the story perfectly. It was the happy ending that everyone needed.
One other thing I loved about this book is that it does what all those "SAT Novels" try to do. There is great vacab in it and at times the characters even stop and define the words out loud to each other or to themselves in interior monologues. There is also a ton of quotes and saying and deper layers of meaning if you feel like digging into the story. This truely is a book about a teenager finding herself and defining who she is.
Reviwer: Latricia Batchelor, Tenafly
Author: Paul Acampora
ISBN: 0803730462
Starred Review: April Booklist and PW
Review:
Defining Dulcie is about a sixteen year old girl who just lost her father. Just that sentence made me want to put the book down and avoid it, but I'm glad I didn't. This isn't just about the death of a parent, it's a book about growing up and realizing that the world doesn't revolve around you. Dulcie was very close to her father. She even worked with him at the local HS where he was a janitor and her gandfather was in charge of maintenance. After Dulcie's father dies, her mother decides that she cannot stay in this town. She wants to move to California and reinvent herself. Dulcie deals with this though she is unhappy about leaving home and her grandfather and her father, even if he is in the ground. When they get to California and her mother wants to trade in her father's pickup for a little car, Dulcie has had enough. This is the truck that she and her dad rebuilt together in the HS autoshop. SO at night Dulcie takes her mom's creditcard and the truck and drives back to CT. The balance of the book is Dulcie's summer with her Grandfather working for free at her old job as punishment for stealing the truck and worrying her mother. Over the summer she meets Roxane, an older teen, who her grandfather hired in her place nad who knew her dad. Quickly Dulcie realizes that there is something going on at Roxane's house....something that makes her fights with her mother seem childish.
There are themes of grief and loss through out this book and it's great at showing that different people need to grieve in different ways. Dulcie's mom had to get out of town and away of ther memories, but Dulcie needed those memories and needed the safety of home to deal with losing her father. Woven through the grief that Dulcie deals with though are also themes of growing up, of looking outside yourself to really SEE other people. The ending was somewhat unrealistic, but it fit the story perfectly. It was the happy ending that everyone needed.
One other thing I loved about this book is that it does what all those "SAT Novels" try to do. There is great vacab in it and at times the characters even stop and define the words out loud to each other or to themselves in interior monologues. There is also a ton of quotes and saying and deper layers of meaning if you feel like digging into the story. This truely is a book about a teenager finding herself and defining who she is.
Reviwer: Latricia Batchelor, Tenafly
Mock Newbery: Victory by Susan Cooper
Title: Victory
Author: Susan Cooper
ISBN: 1416914773
Review:
Victory is two stories in one. The contemporary story is of a British teen (Molly) whose mother married an American with a son a few years ago, but now he is being transfered back 'home' to the states. So she and her mom have to pick up thier life and move to New England. The second story is that of Sam, a boy serving in the British navy in 1803 aboard the HMS VICTORY.
The two stories are linked through an old copy of a biography of the commander of the ship which Molly, the British teen, finds in an old used book store. In alternating chapters, the readers learn both Molly's and Sam's stories. Sam's story does seem to overwhelm Molly's at some points in the book. It just just that his story is much more dramatic and action filled while Molly's story is quieter.
The alternating chapters and time jumping did throw me off a bit. Every time I started to really get into the story of Molly or Sam the chapter would end and the book would jump back to the other. I almost wish the book was set up as all of Sam's story then Molly's or as 3/4 Molly's until the point where she and her Grandfather are visiting the Victory and then all of Sam's story was inserted there. Jumping back for the final 1/4 of Molly's wouldn't have been as jaring and I think it would still have made sense. That complaint aside, it was a great story about life changiing and dealing with it. I found the view point of Molly as an English girl trying to get used to America as a new home an interesting idea. I wish a bit more had ben done with that.
Overall, I found the book to be a unique look at outsiders trying to fit in and adjust to a new life. Even with it's weaknesses this book will easily make my top 10.
Star Review: Booklist May,
Revewer: Latricia Batchelor, Tenafly Public Library
Author: Susan Cooper
ISBN: 1416914773
Review:
Victory is two stories in one. The contemporary story is of a British teen (Molly) whose mother married an American with a son a few years ago, but now he is being transfered back 'home' to the states. So she and her mom have to pick up thier life and move to New England. The second story is that of Sam, a boy serving in the British navy in 1803 aboard the HMS VICTORY.
The two stories are linked through an old copy of a biography of the commander of the ship which Molly, the British teen, finds in an old used book store. In alternating chapters, the readers learn both Molly's and Sam's stories. Sam's story does seem to overwhelm Molly's at some points in the book. It just just that his story is much more dramatic and action filled while Molly's story is quieter.
The alternating chapters and time jumping did throw me off a bit. Every time I started to really get into the story of Molly or Sam the chapter would end and the book would jump back to the other. I almost wish the book was set up as all of Sam's story then Molly's or as 3/4 Molly's until the point where she and her Grandfather are visiting the Victory and then all of Sam's story was inserted there. Jumping back for the final 1/4 of Molly's wouldn't have been as jaring and I think it would still have made sense. That complaint aside, it was a great story about life changiing and dealing with it. I found the view point of Molly as an English girl trying to get used to America as a new home an interesting idea. I wish a bit more had ben done with that.
Overall, I found the book to be a unique look at outsiders trying to fit in and adjust to a new life. Even with it's weaknesses this book will easily make my top 10.
Star Review: Booklist May,
Revewer: Latricia Batchelor, Tenafly Public Library
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