25 years ago today.
My blog post from 2007
As you can imagine, there are many articles in today's newspapers (and in this month's magazines):
Challenger Shuttle Disaster at 25 from space.com
Washington Post's blog is asking for readers' memories and includes a short documentary about the explosion, a link to the Post's article from that day, and
President Reagan's remarks.
5 Myths of Challenger Shuttle Disaster Debunked from National Geographic.
This month's issue of Yankee Magazine includes an article about Grace Corrigan, mother of Christa McAuliffe, and her efforts to keep her daughter's legacy alive.
Carl McNair, brother of Challenger astronaut Dr. Ronald McNair, spoke to NPR about his brother. He also spoke to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a more detailed article about the Dr. Ronald McNair Foundation and the McNair Achievement Programs, as well as his memories of his brother.
CBS News spoke to Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, wife of Challenger astronaut Dick Scobee, about her memories.
We also have a new YA book, written by Jenny Moss, about the Challenger disaster. I'm starting Taking Off this weekend and look forward to telling you about it.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing
Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing won the 2011 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults. Ann Angel interviewed close friends and family members of this gifted yet self-destructive young woman, which makes for a very intimate portrayal of Joplin.
Angel is clearly an admirer, yet, as a professional biographer, she doesn't mask or excuse Joplin's destructive tendencies. She is honest and not sensationalistic about the controversial aspects of Joplin's life, including her sexuality, drug use, and abortion that she had early in her career. On the other hand, the insights that she gained through Joplin's sister, former band members, and close friends help to create a sensitive account of this troubled singer. Keeping in mind that the book's intended audience probably knows little about the era, she explains the hippie/beatnik movement and the political/social climate of the time. She also discusses Joplin's musical influences, particularly her favorite blues singers. She does this not only in words but through the plentiful photographs featured throughout the book, including ones in which she identifies and discusses the common dress and hangouts of hippies and beatniks, as well as Joplin's hometown of Port Arthur, TX.
Angel doesn't excuse Joplin's ultimately fateful decisions, but she firmly makes the point that Joplin's deep insecurities and need for attention, coupled with the media and her own fans cheerleading her into more outrageous behavior made a deadly combination. Having known very little about Joplin, I was captivated by this impressive, well-balanced, and thoughtful account of her larger-than-life personality and her tragic end. The photographs, many of a smiling Joplin, enhance, rather than distract from the text. An extensive timeline and bibliography round out this worthy addition to young adult biography.
The New York Times published an intriguing article about Joplin's legacy.
Joplin's beloved sister and co-executor of her estate (along with her brother), Laura Joplin, wrote a memoir of her sister in 1992.
Finally, we have Janis Joplin's Greatest Hits.
Friday, January 21, 2011
New Books for the New Year, Part II
Moving right along!
Ponyella
Look at that cover. A little girl, horses, and in a pink background. Combine that with a fairy godmare (!) and the talents of Laura Joffe Numeroff, who knows a thing or two about writing books beloved by small children, and you have a book that probably won't stay long on the shelves.
The Romeo and Juliet Code
Scholastic is pitching this as ""Chasing Vermeer meets The Secret Garden." Oh, yeah? Publisher Weekly agrees, saying that it "resembles The Secret Garden in all the best ways." Whoa. Felicity has been sent to live in Maine with her grandmother, uncle, and aunt. It's World War II, and many London children are being sent away from the city. She meets a 12 year old polio patient, and together they set out to solve the mysteries of this dark, enormous mansion, including the reason why Uncle Gideon is receiving letters from Portugal in her father's handwriting. It's also received stellar reviews from The Wall Street Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus. Cannot wait to read this. Sounds like it may be one to watch for the 2012 Newbery?
Ship Breaker
Ship Breaker won the 2011 Printz for young adult fiction. It's a futuristic tale set in the Gulf Coast.
Silverlicious
Victoria Kann has another "-licious" title out. Pinkalicious loses a tooth!
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable
Twins Coke and Pepsi (!) are about to turn thirteen. Before that happens, they have to jump off a cliff, get trapped in a sand dune, be chased by a bunch of crazy people, be thrown into a giant tub of SPAM, and much, much more. They're part of The Genius Files, a top-secret government organization. Dan Gutman is popular among elementary school kids, so I'm thrilled that he's embarking on a new series.
The Great Wall of Lucy Lu
Lucy just knows that her sixth grade year will be awesome. She loves basketball and is psyched about finally getting her own room. That is, until her great-aunt from China comes to visit, and Lucy has to share her room (she thought she would be Ms. Free and Independent when her older sister went off to college)! Not only that, her parents are making her attend Chinese school, which may interfere with basketball practice. Reviews have been very appreciative, and note that Wendy Wan-Long Shang incorporates Chinese proverbs and traditional tales in the story. Very cool.
A Running Back Can't Always Rush
I'm hoping that Scholastic's Victory School Superstars will find fans among our patrons. These easy chapter books look cute and they feature multicultural characters. Each book features a different sport; this one introduces us to Danny, a football player. Looks like a little moral lesson is incorporated into each story.
The Pirate of Kindergarten
I saw this in a catalog, thought it looked interesting, and forgot about it until it won the young children's book division of the Schneider Family Book Award. The Schneider is one of my favorite awards. Since 2004, the Schneider has recognized picture books, middle grade novels, and young adult fiction that portray the everyday experience of life with a disability. The Pirate of Kindergarten features a kindergartener who must wear an eye patch (and later, glasses) in order to correct her double vision.
The Secret River
Marjorie Kinnan Rawling's The Secret River, originally published in 1955, is given new life through illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon. Those familiar with The Yearling won't be surprised to find that this is also set in rural Florida. Set during the Depression, when not only is there not much food, but not much catfish for her father to sell at market, this is the story of what happens (and doesn't happen) when young Calpurnia finds a secret river. This looks tremendous.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs
Johnette Downing is one of my favorite children's performers; her music, inspired by her Louisiana roots and sung in her soothing low voice, is a welcome antidote to the hyper-cheerfulness of too many children's recordings. She's also adapted and illustrated picture books; her most recent one is an adaptation of "I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly." I'm happy that it's already received very good reviews.
A Time of Miracles
This year's Batchelder Award (given to the American publisher of a children's book originally published outside of the United States in a language other than English) tells the story, translated from the French, of a boy with a mysterious past and his caregiver who flee the war-ravaged Caucasus for the safety of France over the course of five years.
Tony Baloney
Tony Baloney is a middle child with annoying siblings and frequently finds himself in trouble. And he's a penguin. Sounds irresistible. (I'm a middle child, myself.)
Windblowne
Oliver asks his great-uncle Gilbert to help him make a kite for the town's kite festival. When great-uncle Gilbert mysteriously disappears, Oliver uses his uncle's kites in order to find him. Kirkus praised this "inventive debut fantasy."
That should keep everyone busy for a while!
Ponyella
Look at that cover. A little girl, horses, and in a pink background. Combine that with a fairy godmare (!) and the talents of Laura Joffe Numeroff, who knows a thing or two about writing books beloved by small children, and you have a book that probably won't stay long on the shelves.
The Romeo and Juliet Code
Scholastic is pitching this as ""Chasing Vermeer meets The Secret Garden." Oh, yeah? Publisher Weekly agrees, saying that it "resembles The Secret Garden in all the best ways." Whoa. Felicity has been sent to live in Maine with her grandmother, uncle, and aunt. It's World War II, and many London children are being sent away from the city. She meets a 12 year old polio patient, and together they set out to solve the mysteries of this dark, enormous mansion, including the reason why Uncle Gideon is receiving letters from Portugal in her father's handwriting. It's also received stellar reviews from The Wall Street Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus. Cannot wait to read this. Sounds like it may be one to watch for the 2012 Newbery?
Ship Breaker
Ship Breaker won the 2011 Printz for young adult fiction. It's a futuristic tale set in the Gulf Coast.
Silverlicious
Victoria Kann has another "-licious" title out. Pinkalicious loses a tooth!
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable
Twins Coke and Pepsi (!) are about to turn thirteen. Before that happens, they have to jump off a cliff, get trapped in a sand dune, be chased by a bunch of crazy people, be thrown into a giant tub of SPAM, and much, much more. They're part of The Genius Files, a top-secret government organization. Dan Gutman is popular among elementary school kids, so I'm thrilled that he's embarking on a new series.
The Great Wall of Lucy Lu
Lucy just knows that her sixth grade year will be awesome. She loves basketball and is psyched about finally getting her own room. That is, until her great-aunt from China comes to visit, and Lucy has to share her room (she thought she would be Ms. Free and Independent when her older sister went off to college)! Not only that, her parents are making her attend Chinese school, which may interfere with basketball practice. Reviews have been very appreciative, and note that Wendy Wan-Long Shang incorporates Chinese proverbs and traditional tales in the story. Very cool.
A Running Back Can't Always Rush
I'm hoping that Scholastic's Victory School Superstars will find fans among our patrons. These easy chapter books look cute and they feature multicultural characters. Each book features a different sport; this one introduces us to Danny, a football player. Looks like a little moral lesson is incorporated into each story.
The Pirate of Kindergarten
I saw this in a catalog, thought it looked interesting, and forgot about it until it won the young children's book division of the Schneider Family Book Award. The Schneider is one of my favorite awards. Since 2004, the Schneider has recognized picture books, middle grade novels, and young adult fiction that portray the everyday experience of life with a disability. The Pirate of Kindergarten features a kindergartener who must wear an eye patch (and later, glasses) in order to correct her double vision.
The Secret River
Marjorie Kinnan Rawling's The Secret River, originally published in 1955, is given new life through illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon. Those familiar with The Yearling won't be surprised to find that this is also set in rural Florida. Set during the Depression, when not only is there not much food, but not much catfish for her father to sell at market, this is the story of what happens (and doesn't happen) when young Calpurnia finds a secret river. This looks tremendous.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs
Johnette Downing is one of my favorite children's performers; her music, inspired by her Louisiana roots and sung in her soothing low voice, is a welcome antidote to the hyper-cheerfulness of too many children's recordings. She's also adapted and illustrated picture books; her most recent one is an adaptation of "I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly." I'm happy that it's already received very good reviews.
A Time of Miracles
This year's Batchelder Award (given to the American publisher of a children's book originally published outside of the United States in a language other than English) tells the story, translated from the French, of a boy with a mysterious past and his caregiver who flee the war-ravaged Caucasus for the safety of France over the course of five years.
Tony Baloney
Tony Baloney is a middle child with annoying siblings and frequently finds himself in trouble. And he's a penguin. Sounds irresistible. (I'm a middle child, myself.)
Windblowne
Oliver asks his great-uncle Gilbert to help him make a kite for the town's kite festival. When great-uncle Gilbert mysteriously disappears, Oliver uses his uncle's kites in order to find him. Kirkus praised this "inventive debut fantasy."
That should keep everyone busy for a while!
New Books For the New Year, Part I
The 2011 books are coming in! Some of these "new books" are from 2010, actually. I needed to order several books that received Honors and the Printz. Let's get on with this, shall we?
Bitter Melon
I'm fascinated with all the hoopla surrounding Amy Chua's recent Wall Street Journal article and memoir. With that in mind (and remembering that Ms. Chua is not representative of all Chinese and Chinese-American mothers), I'm eager to read Bitter Melon. Set in 1980s San Francisco, this is a YA novel about a young Chinese-American rebelling against her mother and setting her own path in life.
Buzz Beaker and the Outer Space Trip
African-American boys are barely represented in easy readers; I'm happy to have found Buzz Beaker. We also ordered Buzz Beaker and the Speed Secret. Buzz appears to be an inventor of sorts.
Camo Girl
This coming of age novel about a biracial girl growing up in the Las Vegas suburbs sounds very appealing.
Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream
Clara Lee, a hopeful Little Miss Apple Pie contestant, looks adorable. I predict that this will be popular among our patrons.
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
Both books were Newbery Honor recipients. Looking forward to reading them.
Doodlebug: A Novel in Doodles
Books with cartoon illustrations are all the rage, thanks to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Doreen uses her notebook to chronicle her feelings about her new home and city. Dodo has ADD; girl characters with ADD are not common in children's literature, so this is a welcome addition. Kirkus Reviews called it "charming and thoughtful."
Except If
An egg will become a baby bird, except if it becomes a baby snake! And so on and so on. This looks terrific; I hope I can share it with my toddler story time group.
I Must Have Bobo
Aww. The story of a young boy separated from his favorite toy (and the cat who also covets his toy). Looks adorable.
Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln
Patricia Polacco's latest picture book features two brothers who visit a museum in Harper's Ferry, WV and are transported to the Battle of Antietam. Just in time for the Civil War sesquicentennial (150th anniversary).
Little White Rabbit
Looks like another lovely charmer from Kevin Henkes; a little rabbit wonders what it would be like to be other animals. Drama comes in the form of a cat, naturally. Cats are all about drama.
Magic Tree House: A Crazy Day With Cobras
Jack and Annie explore India during the Mogul Empire (1600s). The nonfiction companion is Snakes and Other Reptiles.
Monkey Truck
Kids love stories about monkeys. Kids love stories about trucks. So why not write a story about a monkey truck that rescues jungle animals in trouble? I'm sure this will be popular.
Painter and Ugly
Togo is one of my favorite picture books, so I'm really looking forward to Painter and Ugly. Anyone who thinks that picture books are only for small children should take a look at Robert J. Blake's books; his writing and illustrations are beautiful, evocative, and sophisticated. Blake returns to a favorite theme: sled dogs and the Iditarod.
To be continued.
Bitter Melon
I'm fascinated with all the hoopla surrounding Amy Chua's recent Wall Street Journal article and memoir. With that in mind (and remembering that Ms. Chua is not representative of all Chinese and Chinese-American mothers), I'm eager to read Bitter Melon. Set in 1980s San Francisco, this is a YA novel about a young Chinese-American rebelling against her mother and setting her own path in life.
Buzz Beaker and the Outer Space Trip
African-American boys are barely represented in easy readers; I'm happy to have found Buzz Beaker. We also ordered Buzz Beaker and the Speed Secret. Buzz appears to be an inventor of sorts.
Camo Girl
This coming of age novel about a biracial girl growing up in the Las Vegas suburbs sounds very appealing.
Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream
Clara Lee, a hopeful Little Miss Apple Pie contestant, looks adorable. I predict that this will be popular among our patrons.
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
Both books were Newbery Honor recipients. Looking forward to reading them.
Doodlebug: A Novel in Doodles
Books with cartoon illustrations are all the rage, thanks to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Doreen uses her notebook to chronicle her feelings about her new home and city. Dodo has ADD; girl characters with ADD are not common in children's literature, so this is a welcome addition. Kirkus Reviews called it "charming and thoughtful."
Except If
An egg will become a baby bird, except if it becomes a baby snake! And so on and so on. This looks terrific; I hope I can share it with my toddler story time group.
I Must Have Bobo
Aww. The story of a young boy separated from his favorite toy (and the cat who also covets his toy). Looks adorable.
Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln
Patricia Polacco's latest picture book features two brothers who visit a museum in Harper's Ferry, WV and are transported to the Battle of Antietam. Just in time for the Civil War sesquicentennial (150th anniversary).
Little White Rabbit
Looks like another lovely charmer from Kevin Henkes; a little rabbit wonders what it would be like to be other animals. Drama comes in the form of a cat, naturally. Cats are all about drama.
Magic Tree House: A Crazy Day With Cobras
Jack and Annie explore India during the Mogul Empire (1600s). The nonfiction companion is Snakes and Other Reptiles.
Monkey Truck
Kids love stories about monkeys. Kids love stories about trucks. So why not write a story about a monkey truck that rescues jungle animals in trouble? I'm sure this will be popular.
Painter and Ugly
Togo is one of my favorite picture books, so I'm really looking forward to Painter and Ugly. Anyone who thinks that picture books are only for small children should take a look at Robert J. Blake's books; his writing and illustrations are beautiful, evocative, and sophisticated. Blake returns to a favorite theme: sled dogs and the Iditarod.
To be continued.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Audiobook(s) of the Week: Feed and Native American Heroines
If you need a gripping, on the edge of your seat audiobook, look no further than M.T. Anderson's Feed (as long as you're aware of the strong and frequent profanity). This is an outstanding production; mega-brag, as the characters would say. Centered in a culture in which people wear feeds that not only constantly pump in information, advertisements, and entertainment, but also control their environment, Feed is an intense, hilarious, heartbreaking, and chilling story.
The reader, David Aaron Baker, is phenomenal. He speaks in "teen talk" in an effortless and believable manner. His inflections for the many characters in the story, male and female, are meaningful, realistic, dead on, and remain constant throughout the story. The actors performing the feed's commercials are awesome, and I looked forward to their appearances throughout the story. Even though I knew how the story ended, I had to take the long way home Monday night because I didn't want to stop the CD. This is a brilliant production.
Native American Heroines was my first experience with a Rabbit Ears Entertainment recording. I'm eager to listen to our other Rabbit Ears Entertainment CDs; they are beautifully produced. Native American Heroines features a story about Sacajawea and a Native American legend about a girl who gives up her birthday gift in order to help her community. The readers, Laura Dern (for the Song of Sacajawea) and Geena Davis (for Princess Scargo) are excellent, although I wouldn't recommend listening to this CD in the car. Their sweet and calm voices on this CD, as well as the soothing musical touches and interlude are more suitable for a bedtime (or naptime!) listen.
The reader, David Aaron Baker, is phenomenal. He speaks in "teen talk" in an effortless and believable manner. His inflections for the many characters in the story, male and female, are meaningful, realistic, dead on, and remain constant throughout the story. The actors performing the feed's commercials are awesome, and I looked forward to their appearances throughout the story. Even though I knew how the story ended, I had to take the long way home Monday night because I didn't want to stop the CD. This is a brilliant production.
Native American Heroines was my first experience with a Rabbit Ears Entertainment recording. I'm eager to listen to our other Rabbit Ears Entertainment CDs; they are beautifully produced. Native American Heroines features a story about Sacajawea and a Native American legend about a girl who gives up her birthday gift in order to help her community. The readers, Laura Dern (for the Song of Sacajawea) and Geena Davis (for Princess Scargo) are excellent, although I wouldn't recommend listening to this CD in the car. Their sweet and calm voices on this CD, as well as the soothing musical touches and interlude are more suitable for a bedtime (or naptime!) listen.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Audiobook of the Week
Did you make any New Year's resolutions? I made a "readolution." My readolution was to listen to more audiobooks. We have an excellent children's/YA audiobook collection, and I need to become more familiar with it. I'm aiming for one audiobook a week.
I picked up The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen, read by Barbara Rosenblat. Hannah is not looking forward to the Passover Seder; just another long boring ritual, in her eyes. When, as part of the seder ritual, she opens the door to "invite" the Prophet Elijah to the seder, she finds herself whisked away to 1930s Poland.
Barbara Rosenblat is a stellar reader. With just the slightest change in inflection, she takes on the persona of a young girl, an elderly rabbi, or a Nazi. It is a spellbinding recording. Definitely a great way to start off my new readolution!
I picked up The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen, read by Barbara Rosenblat. Hannah is not looking forward to the Passover Seder; just another long boring ritual, in her eyes. When, as part of the seder ritual, she opens the door to "invite" the Prophet Elijah to the seder, she finds herself whisked away to 1930s Poland.
Barbara Rosenblat is a stellar reader. With just the slightest change in inflection, she takes on the persona of a young girl, an elderly rabbi, or a Nazi. It is a spellbinding recording. Definitely a great way to start off my new readolution!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Moon Over Manifest
Quick post today.
Wonderful book! Definitely deserved the Newbery. It requires a patient reader, but it's so worth it. After finishing it, I just sat there for a few seconds, thinking about the book. Abilene is a fantastic character.
I picked up Unraveling Freedom several days before I started Moon Over Manifest. Although Moon Over Manifest takes place in 1936, a great deal of the book deals with the (psychological) effects of World War I and touches upon the prejudice and discrimination faced by German-Americans (and other European immigrants). Reading Unraveling Freedom helped to inform my reading of Moon Over Manifest. Don't do what I did and read the first several pages during your lunch break; the sinking of the Lusitania is told in graphic detail.
I have to confess that I didn't think I would like Heart of a Samurai. Don't know why; I knew part of it was a sea story, and I'm not a big sea story fan.
WELL. I could hardly put it down last night. It's a fascinating read about the first Japanese person to set foot in the United States. It's an exciting and intriguing read. The author pulls you immediately into the story; if you know someone with a historical fiction assignment (especially a boy), hand him/her this book.
Told you that was quick!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Envelope, Please...
OK< so they don't actually say that at the ALA Youth Media Awards. Yes, the Oscars of the children's/YA literature world were announced yesterday. I'm happy that we already have a very good sampling of the award winners (save for the Printz, but that award is tricky to predict). And yes, there are some books that I felt were overlooked. That's the way the cookie crumbles.
Let's start with the biggies.
Newbery Medal: Moon Over Manifest
It's fun when the Newbery goes to a book that was not considered the front-runner. Well, maybe not so much fun if you are the author of the book that was considered the front-runner. You know what's even more fun? When we have the winning book in our collection. I ordered this several months ago, thought it looked like my cup of tea, but didn't push it to the top of my reading list. I started it yesterday. This is my cup of tea. Oh, yes. Although the two books are quite different, it reminds me in spirit of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. It has that same expansive American historical fiction with a lovable and unique girl character feel to it. The Wednesday Wars, another favorite of mine, has a similar feel, although the main character is a boy. I'm planning to finish it today; I know a lot of people are anxious to read it!
Newbery Honor
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night: I've heard wonderful things about this. I had it marked for an order coinciding with National Poetry Month, but I will order it ASAP.
Heart of a Samurai
I haven't read this yet (will start tomorrow). I ordered it due to the great reviews and the fact that it sounded like an exciting historical fiction read (rescue at sea, remote islands, panning gold in San Francisco, and all that). It's also based on the true story of Nakahama Manjiro, the first Japanese person to set foot in the United States.
One Crazy Summer
One Crazy Summer showed up on many Newbery Medal predictions list. It's an engaging, memorable, and occasionally emotionally difficult read about a young girl reconnecting with her mother, who has recently joined the Black Panthers movement. (Have you noticed a historical fiction theme?)
Turtle in Paradise
Jennifer Holm is one of all-time favorite authors, so I'm happy that she's been awarded a Newbery Honor for the second time (the first was for the wonderful Our Only May Amelia). Still hoping for a shiny gold medal for her one day, though. I like this one very much; it's a Depression-era story set in Key West.
Caldecott Medal
A Sick Day For Amos McGee
This is adorable. A zookeeper falls ill. Not to worry; his beloved animals have his back. I'm very happy this won.
Caldecott Honor
Interrupting Chicken
Ha! Very happy this received the Honor. It's a situation with which many parents are familiar: a child interrupting (and redirecting) a bedtime story.
We don't have Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave, but we will order it.
In my next post, I'll touch on the other awards announced for the ALA Youth Media Awards.
Let's start with the biggies.
Newbery Medal: Moon Over Manifest
It's fun when the Newbery goes to a book that was not considered the front-runner. Well, maybe not so much fun if you are the author of the book that was considered the front-runner. You know what's even more fun? When we have the winning book in our collection. I ordered this several months ago, thought it looked like my cup of tea, but didn't push it to the top of my reading list. I started it yesterday. This is my cup of tea. Oh, yes. Although the two books are quite different, it reminds me in spirit of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. It has that same expansive American historical fiction with a lovable and unique girl character feel to it. The Wednesday Wars, another favorite of mine, has a similar feel, although the main character is a boy. I'm planning to finish it today; I know a lot of people are anxious to read it!
Newbery Honor
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night: I've heard wonderful things about this. I had it marked for an order coinciding with National Poetry Month, but I will order it ASAP.
Heart of a Samurai
I haven't read this yet (will start tomorrow). I ordered it due to the great reviews and the fact that it sounded like an exciting historical fiction read (rescue at sea, remote islands, panning gold in San Francisco, and all that). It's also based on the true story of Nakahama Manjiro, the first Japanese person to set foot in the United States.
One Crazy Summer
One Crazy Summer showed up on many Newbery Medal predictions list. It's an engaging, memorable, and occasionally emotionally difficult read about a young girl reconnecting with her mother, who has recently joined the Black Panthers movement. (Have you noticed a historical fiction theme?)
Turtle in Paradise
Jennifer Holm is one of all-time favorite authors, so I'm happy that she's been awarded a Newbery Honor for the second time (the first was for the wonderful Our Only May Amelia). Still hoping for a shiny gold medal for her one day, though. I like this one very much; it's a Depression-era story set in Key West.
Caldecott Medal
A Sick Day For Amos McGee
This is adorable. A zookeeper falls ill. Not to worry; his beloved animals have his back. I'm very happy this won.
Caldecott Honor
Interrupting Chicken
Ha! Very happy this received the Honor. It's a situation with which many parents are familiar: a child interrupting (and redirecting) a bedtime story.
We don't have Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave, but we will order it.
In my next post, I'll touch on the other awards announced for the ALA Youth Media Awards.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Happy New Year and Newbery/Caldecott countdown
Happy 2011!
I don't have any new children's/YA books to review. During my holiday, I read magazines, a mindless book on the British royals (my airplane book), and started The Emperor of All Maladies on my new Nook. The description in the catalog makes it sound terribly dull; it is anything but. It is a fascinating book on the history of cancer treatment, diagnosis, etc. Did you know that The New York Times would not publish an announcement for a breast cancer support group? This was in the 1950s. Not only would they not publish the word "breast," but they would not publish the word "cancer." The society editor suggested to the would-be advertiser (and breast cancer patient) that she announce a support group for the "diseases of the chest wall." Amazing. There are also many personal stories that make for a more intimate reading experience. Don't miss it.
Now that 2010 has come and go, I'd like to tell you about my top 10 reads of the year:
1. Revolution
Brilliant writing, tough subject. Sophisticated YA.
2. The Other Half of My Heart
I adore this book. I just noticed that it's on ALSC's finalist list for the 2011 Notable Books list. I so hope that it makes the final list so that more people discover it.
3. The Birthday Ball
Short chapter books seem to be quite out of fashion these days, which is unfortunate. Thank goodness for Lois Lowry. Although a princess tale, there's enough snarky humor that a boy would enjoy it (although it might be an effort to get him to pick it up). I cannot wait for her upcoming book. It's about a group of church mice that are determined to survive the "Great X" (extermination) and the church's annual Blessing of the Animals ritual on St. Francis's feast day (a rainy day means that the pets are indoors). The leader of the mice group, Mouse Mistress Hildegarde, is tired of the mice being the only animals not blessed on St. Francis's day! I don't think I can stand it.
4. Sparky
This is an excellent and fair biography of the multi-faceted Peanuts cartoonist.
5. Smile
Anyone who's been through the trauma of orthodontics would empathize and appreciate this tale of braces, boys, and other middle/high school issues. It's a great example of outstanding storytelling through the graphic novel format. Skeptics should definitely read it.
6. After Ever After
This sequel to the memorable Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie takes a look at what life with cancer is like after the spaghetti dinner fundraisers and get-well cards have ceased. Told through the perspective of Jeff, the younger brother in DG&DP, it is an eye-opening story of the uncertainty of remission and the aftermath of cancer treatments.
7. Sellout
A terrific novel about a suburban African-American teen volunteering at a troubled girls' center in the Bronx. Realistic and moving.
8. Big Red Lollipop
This is a charmer. Although it's centered around an East Indian family, this tale of sibling issues will resonate with many children. Lovely, lovely.
9. City Dog, Country Dog
Some people were rather "meh" about this book. Not me! Although I understand that they would rather see Williams creating more books (as author-illustrator) like Knuffle Bunny and the Pigeon books, I couldn't help but love this book (I do agree that Williams's identity and charm does seem smothered).
10. I Didn't Do It
Another winner from Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest! This companion to Once I Ate a Pie is nothing but a collection of funny, cute, and tender poems (and illustrations) from puppies' points of view.
The biggest children's literary prizes will be announced this Monday, January 10. The Newbery and Caldecott will be announced, along with other awards. Whether the committee goes with a widely-predicted title (One Crazy Summer) or something from left field (???), I just hope that we already have the books, period. We shall see.
I don't have any new children's/YA books to review. During my holiday, I read magazines, a mindless book on the British royals (my airplane book), and started The Emperor of All Maladies on my new Nook. The description in the catalog makes it sound terribly dull; it is anything but. It is a fascinating book on the history of cancer treatment, diagnosis, etc. Did you know that The New York Times would not publish an announcement for a breast cancer support group? This was in the 1950s. Not only would they not publish the word "breast," but they would not publish the word "cancer." The society editor suggested to the would-be advertiser (and breast cancer patient) that she announce a support group for the "diseases of the chest wall." Amazing. There are also many personal stories that make for a more intimate reading experience. Don't miss it.
Now that 2010 has come and go, I'd like to tell you about my top 10 reads of the year:
1. Revolution
Brilliant writing, tough subject. Sophisticated YA.
2. The Other Half of My Heart
I adore this book. I just noticed that it's on ALSC's finalist list for the 2011 Notable Books list. I so hope that it makes the final list so that more people discover it.
3. The Birthday Ball
Short chapter books seem to be quite out of fashion these days, which is unfortunate. Thank goodness for Lois Lowry. Although a princess tale, there's enough snarky humor that a boy would enjoy it (although it might be an effort to get him to pick it up). I cannot wait for her upcoming book. It's about a group of church mice that are determined to survive the "Great X" (extermination) and the church's annual Blessing of the Animals ritual on St. Francis's feast day (a rainy day means that the pets are indoors). The leader of the mice group, Mouse Mistress Hildegarde, is tired of the mice being the only animals not blessed on St. Francis's day! I don't think I can stand it.
4. Sparky
This is an excellent and fair biography of the multi-faceted Peanuts cartoonist.
5. Smile
Anyone who's been through the trauma of orthodontics would empathize and appreciate this tale of braces, boys, and other middle/high school issues. It's a great example of outstanding storytelling through the graphic novel format. Skeptics should definitely read it.
6. After Ever After
This sequel to the memorable Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie takes a look at what life with cancer is like after the spaghetti dinner fundraisers and get-well cards have ceased. Told through the perspective of Jeff, the younger brother in DG&DP, it is an eye-opening story of the uncertainty of remission and the aftermath of cancer treatments.
7. Sellout
A terrific novel about a suburban African-American teen volunteering at a troubled girls' center in the Bronx. Realistic and moving.
8. Big Red Lollipop
This is a charmer. Although it's centered around an East Indian family, this tale of sibling issues will resonate with many children. Lovely, lovely.
9. City Dog, Country Dog
Some people were rather "meh" about this book. Not me! Although I understand that they would rather see Williams creating more books (as author-illustrator) like Knuffle Bunny and the Pigeon books, I couldn't help but love this book (I do agree that Williams's identity and charm does seem smothered).
10. I Didn't Do It
Another winner from Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest! This companion to Once I Ate a Pie is nothing but a collection of funny, cute, and tender poems (and illustrations) from puppies' points of view.
The biggest children's literary prizes will be announced this Monday, January 10. The Newbery and Caldecott will be announced, along with other awards. Whether the committee goes with a widely-predicted title (One Crazy Summer) or something from left field (???), I just hope that we already have the books, period. We shall see.
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