Christmas is Coming

I love, love, love Christmas books and movies. They really help me get into the holiday spirit. Here are my favorites:






Movies

A Christmas Carol

There are many versions of Dickens's classic (including a lovely and surprisingly faithful adaptation by the Muppets!), but the 1984 television version starring George S. Scott is my favorite (in fact, I watched this last night). It's a beautiful production that captures the essence of the story. If you intend to watch it as a family, be warned that the introduction of the Ghost of Christmas Past is quite dramatic, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is very creepy.






Meet Me in St. Louis

It's not technically a "Christmas movie," but it boasts one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."






Little Women


Again, not a nuts-to-bolts Christmas movie, but it begins with a beautiful Christmas scene.






A Charlie Brown Christmas


This annual classic has an amazing story behind it: it was hated by television executives, Schulz was pressured to take out Linus reciting from the Gospel of Luke, and some of the child actors were so young that they had to be read their lines one by one.




Books






The Best Christmas Pageant Ever


Not only is this hilarious and a fun read aloud, but it also captures the essence of the Christmas story.






Ramona and Her Father


Christmas will be even tighter this year for the Quimbys, now that Mr. Quimby has lost his job. The funny and touching Nativity scene that concludes the novel never fails to move me.






Silver Packages


I can't read this aloud because I never fail to tear up at the end! A sweet story from Rylant's Appalachian heritage.


Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to everyone! Posting will resume after January 2.

2011 Memorable Reads: Adult Fiction and Nonfiction

This category turned out to be one of the hardest to decide. I’m extremely picky about the adult fiction/nonfiction that I read, because a great deal of my reading is focused on children’s/YA literature. Although I missed the boat on adult fiction this year, I am happy to say that I read some extraordinary nonfiction this year. This was a fabulous year for adult nonfiction.







Bronze

The Night Circus


I was immediately drawn into the world of a mysterious circus that only appears at night. It’s a strange read at times, but if you roll with it and accept it, you’ll have quite the magical read. Out of the adult fiction I read this year, this was the highlight.

Silver

Rin Tin Tin: The Life and Legend


This brilliant account of a World War I German Shepherd puppy who saved the Warner Brothers company and inspired a dynasty was ten years in the making. Orlean also inserts her personal stories of her own love for dogs and of her journey while researching Rin Tin Tin’s story. A truly remarkable read.




Gold

Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, And the Murder of a President



I didn’t post a review of this, which is too bad. A terrific NPR interview with the author tuned me into this book. We obviously have many NPR fans in our community, because this book soon stacked up an impressive amount of holds after that interview . I knew next to nothing about James Garfield before reading this, and I soon discovered that he was quite an intelligent and forward-thinking man, particularly for his era. Candice Millard recreates the exciting and bewildering years of the late 19th century, when the country was only just starting to recover from the Civil War and when the golden era of inventions and discovery was on its cusp. Alexander Graham Bell figures prominently in this book; someone needs to write a new comprehensive biography of this man (please?). This is narrative nonfiction at its best.

Honorable Mention

Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion Across the Islamic World



Rock the Casbah is an extraordinary glimpse into the multifaceted societies in the Middle East. Concentrating on the struggles being fought by traditionalists, extremists, and moderates in Middle Eastern communities, this is a fascinating look at the young Muslim revolutionaries, filmmakers, stand up comics and actors, feminists, and game changers in this ever-changing part of the world.

My other 2011 lists won't show up until the beginning of January. I'm still reading!

2011 Memorable Reads

I have an inordinate fondness of (annotated) lists and countdowns. When I was a child, I repeatedly checked out something called "The Kids' Big Book of Lists" (or a similar title; I've never been able to find it, and it's probably been long out of print). It was awesome; it had an orange cover, I believe, and had a ton of lists. The best roller coasters, babysitting tips, weirdest town names,...you get the picture. So, it should come as no surprise that I'm a big fan of the "Best Of" 2011 lists. Best books, movies, recordings, craziest moments in sports, etc lists entertain me to no end.

I also enjoy making my own Memorable Books of 2011 lists. I don't call them "bests" because I'm mainly judging them on the impact that they had on me, the reader. There are some technically superior books that I've read this year that might not make it to the list.

To make the lists, I scrolled through this blog and wrote down titles that I felt should be on the primary list. I divided them into categories (YA, Adult Fiction/Nonfiction, Poetry, Children's Nonfiction, Children's Fiction, and Older Books, which consists of books published prior to 2011 that I read in 2011) and chose three books (gold, silver, bronze, and honorable mention in some cases).


I'm going to kick off this series with "Older Books"-books published before 2011 that I read in 2011.

Older Books

Bronze

I Must Have Bobo

This charmer from 2010 will captivate anyone who's ever lost a beloved toy or stuffed animal.

Silver

Five Flavors of Dumb

This 2010 young adult novel realistically captures the life of a deaf teenager who just happens to manage a teenage band.


Gold






War Horse

Originally published in 1982, this unforgettable novel about an English boy and a horse during World War I has enjoyed renewed interest due to a well-received London and Broadway production (earned the Tony for Best Play). Steven Spielberg attended the original British production and was instantly attached to the story; his film version will debut on Christmas Day. Anything Spielberg directs draws a massive amount of attention, so this is naturally drawing a ton of attention (and Oscar buzz) before it even opens (yay! the author likes it!). Yes, a few articles call the book "young adult," but the term "young adult" is something that's interpreted differently by some people. It's published and marketed as a children's novel. A sophisticated and mature children's novel, but a children's novel.

Tomorrow: adult fiction/nonfiction picks.

Bunheads

Bunheads


We're seeing a spate of arts related YA fiction, thanks in part to the success of Glee, High School Musical, and their various knockoffs. As someone who grew up dance and theater-obsessed, this thrills my little heart to no end. Seriously, I cannot get enough stories about dancers, musicians, and actors who, as David Letterman would say, "seek the warmth the spotlight can't provide." Oh, oh, oh! Will the talented musician realize that there's life beyond music? (Yes! Unfortunately, that may mean that she suffers a breakdown before that, but hey!) Will the ballet dancer with promising talent chose her love of the dance over other interests, a sensitive boyfriend, and college? (Oooooh, boy!)

On the other hand, she just might end up taking a BA degree in English literature and writing a YA novel based on her actual experiences as a promising ballet dancer, which is what Sophie Flack has done.


Bunheads was named one of Kirkus Reviews's Best YA of 2011 books, and I can't argue with that. It's certainly one of my favorites from this year. I can tolerate the cheese factor in arts-related fiction and movies (to be fair, you really can find the cheese factor more readily in dance-related movies), but it's so grand when the author rises above that. Flack is definitely a promising young novelist who has taken a not uncommon story line for an arts-related novel and created a fresh, engrossing, and addictive read. She expertly reveals the strenuous life of the apprentice dancer: little time for outside interests or socializing, constant competition, insane expectations, and the physical and emotional exhaustion of a ballet career. On the other hand, it's not all eating disorders and misshapen feet; she does an excellent job in balancing both the negative and positive aspects of ballet. I am most pleased that (((spoiler alert)))))
Hannah does not lose her love for ballet, even though her dancing has taken a different path at the end of the novel. Three cheers for Sophie Flack for that one. (((end spoiler alert))))


Several strong swear words pop up throughout the story (not on a regular basis), and there is a very brief and nongraphic intimate scene. Flack's expertise in the ballet world and her innate creativity with words make this a very entertaining read.
Here is an excellent article about Sophie Flack from the Boston Globe. I'm definitely rooting for this author!

Between Shades of Gray

Between Shades of Gray

Be warned: this is a very powerful, intense, and at times, upsetting read. If you can deal with that, then I strongly recommend this memorable debut by Ruta Sepetys. Drawing from her family's own history, Sepetys tells the stories of Lithuanians and other citizens of the Baltic countries who were enslaved during Stalin's reign of terror during and after World War II.

Lina is only fifteen years old when her family is arrested and sent to a prison camp in Siberia; her father is sent to prison. Stalin has ordered the arrest and exile of teachers, religious figures, librarians, musicians, artists, writers, medical professionals, and business owners from the Baltic states. Forced onto cattle cars, where they suffer unimaginable conditions, the prisoners must endure hours of hard labor and minuscule rations. Those who sign a "confession" earn bigger rations--and 25 years of hard labor.

This is an incredibly sad novel, but the courage, determination, and love for family that the prisoners exhibit is phenomenal and balances the misery and horror detailed throughout the story. The community that is formed is also extraordinary--the prisoners comfort each other with tales of family, good things to eat, and Christmas memories. Flashbacks to Lina's life before exile reveal opportunities that were lost, and eventually, the reason why her family was targeted.


Emotionally challenging and rich with unforgettable characters, Between Shades of Gray is one of the best YA novels I've read this year. Definitely hope it's in the running for the Printz.

I Want My MTV

I Want My MTV


Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.

Those words ushered in one of the wildest, weirdest, and most unpredictable television networks in history: MTV. Music Television. Twenty-four hours of music videos hosted by people called VJs (video jockeys). Craig Marks tells all (or rather, in this oral interview format, lets others tell all) in this bewitching and bewildering account of the executives, directors, VJs, and of course, bands and performers, who made it all possible. MTV's humble beginnings (MTV people had to watch the premiere in New Jersey because no New York cable company carried the network), the rise and fall of VJs, MTV's nearly late to the game entry into the rap world, the befuddling standards and practices (yes, MTV had them) that were thrown out the window for certain performers (Madonna, Michael Jackson, Guns 'n' Roses), the heavy metal hair bands (and the women who starred in their videos), grunge music, and the introduction of non-music oriented television shows (Remote Control, House of Style), which eventually led to The Real World, The Jersey Shore, and the end of music television as we know it....it's all here, folks.


Anyone who knows anything about music during the 1980s knows that this particular era was full of astonishing excess displayed by musicians (even, be still my heart, by New Kids on the Block), record executives, and anyone attached to MTV. This excess is displayed in all its gory glory; you've been warned. Frankly, these stories get to be a bit old and predictable after a while. The sections on MTV's influence (especially the Clinton campaign), the love-hate relationships musicians had with the network, the Milli Vanilli scandal (Fab Morvan, the surviving member of the group, spoke honestly and at length) and the development of key shows
(120 Minutes, Yo! MTV Raps, MTV Unplugged, and Headbangers Ball) were the most fascinating. The heavy metal guys were very entertaining, particularly whenever Winger was whining about the audacity of MTV allowing Mike Judge to make fun of them and when the Headbangers Ball guys made fun of Bon Jovi. Also loved reading about a 17 year old kid from Philadelphia named Will Smith rapping about how parents just don't understand, and how the Beastie Boys turned into their own parody.


The author interviewed an impressive amount of people, but I was still disappointed by the absence of several people, namely Axl Rose and Eddie Vedder (but not surprised). We hear from Debbie Gibson and Paula Abdul *multiple* times, though. There was a lot of talk about Michael Jackson (mainly how he forced MTV to call him "The King of Pop"), but I wanted more about the actual making of his videos, particularly Thriller and his deep conflict with its supernatural elements.


While there was definitely nostalgia for 1980s/early 90s MTV and much disappointment over the network's current programming, I was intrigued to find that many musicians were relieved that the emphasis on music videos and MTV's dominance in the music industry is over. Still, for many people who grew up watching MTV during the 80s and early 90s, this book will make you want to call your cable operator and tell them, "I want my MTV!"


(Take heart, those overcome by 80s and early 90s nostalgia during the reading of this book; there's always Youtube. That's why it took me so long to read the book; I interrupted my reading many times to Youtube a video or MTV show that was being discussed. Best to keep your computer/mobile device nearby while reading it.)

Picture Book Roundup, Etc

Haven't written a Roundup in a while! I must rectify this immediately.






The Christmas Coat


I love this book; it's now one of my favorite Christmas books. Based on author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve's childhood on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, The Christmas Coat tells the tale of young Virginia, who coveted a lovely coat that was sent with "Theeast" boxes (boxes sent to the reservation from New England churches). As the daughter of the reservation's Episcopal priest, Virginia must allow others' needs to come before her own. What results is a gentle story about showing kindness and humility to others, even to the ones who aren't necessarily our friends. The illustrations are precious and so life-like; the careful observer will notice delightful touches such as Native American dolls in Santa's sack and the Three Wise Chiefs at the children's nativity pageant. Although the people on the reservation are quite poor, their poverty is not the focus of the story; rather, it's the loving-kindness of the priest's family and the community that's emphasized, along with the rewards that come from putting others first.






Everything Goes: On Land


This is a must for any transportation-crazed preschooler. Everything Goes: On Land features a family going about their day in a very busy urban environment. As they traipse through the city, they discuss the diversity of the cars, trucks, buses, and other modes of transportation. This goes beyond your basic transportation book; in the cars spread, we see a station wagon, a hatchback, an electric car, an antique car, a jeep, taxicab, police car, and even a car driven by a student driver (the same level of detail is shown in the bike spreads, the motorcycle spreads, etc). Our family talks about what happens when you turn the key in the ignition, the different types of trucks, what an RV is (love the stickers on the RV showing where the RV family has been), public transportation, motorcycles, and many other awesome things about things that go. Whew! There's a tremendous amount of detail; if you're reading it to a young child, you may not get through everything, but that's okay. This is definitely a book to return to again and again. It looks like it's the first in a series of similar books, which is very cool.





King Jack and the Dragon


King Jack and the Dragon is an irresistible look at the joys of pretend play and imagination, as exemplified by three young boys. King Jack and his trusty knights must battle the ferocious dragon, and battle they do, bravely and magnificently. Unfortunately, darkness falls, and the parents of the brave warriors send them off to bed. I got a real kick out of this story; not only is this is a great story about pretend play, but I love the fact that it's multicultural and that Jack's little brother is included in the play as a matter of fact. Definitely one of my favorites of 2011.





Titanic Sinks!


Titanic Sinks is not a picture book, but I wanted to tell you about it while I still have it here on my desk. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster, so expect plenty of books about the tragedy (I assume that there will be television specials as well, and I heard that James Cameron is rereleasing his Titanic movie in 3-D). Titanic Sinks is a recreation of newspaper articles, timelines, and interviews about the building of the ship, the voyage, the shipwreck, and the recovery of survivors. I've only had time to browse through it, but I can tell that this is an absorbing and worthwhile read.

We're a month away from the Youth Media Awards (Caldecott, Newbery, and all that jazz)! Crossing my fingers that we have the winners!

Having problems with the trailers?

Hello everyone! If you're a feed subscriber and are having trouble accessing the trailers from the previous post, try this link. I had to edit one of the links when I realized that an embedded video wasn't working. My apologies for any troubles!