The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

1959 Newberry Medalist

I don't know why I was surprised that I enjoyed this so much, but for some reason I was.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is the story of Kit, a priveliged girl who grows up on a plantation in Barbados, who after losing her grandfather is forced to flee to Connecticut into the safety of her aunt's home. The only problem is that it's 1687, and her aunt is a Puritan, and is already struggling to survive with her disapproving husband and two daughters--one of which has a disability.

Kit struggles to find her way in the restrictive society, but an indulged girl from an island nation is not going to do well any way you look at it.

She finally finds a kindred spirit in Hannah Tupper, who is rumored to be a witch. When Kit's loyalty to Hannah is stronger than her concern over her own image in the town, she meets with trouble and is accused of being a witch herself.

This is quite interesting, I have to admit, and I really enjoyed it. I think that this too, is for middle school and up, and unfortunately, I believe that boys probably won't enjoy it much--or at least give it a fair enough chance.

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

2005 Newberry Honor Book
2005 Printz Honor Book

Prejudice and intolerance are the elephant in the room in this novel by Gary Schmidt. Turner, the new

preacher's son arrives in Maine with less than a warm welcome. Baseball isn't played the same way as it had been in Boston, and he thinks that the local boys' habit of jumping off the cliffs into the ocean is crazy. The only person who befriends him is Lizzie Bright Griffin, the pastor's daughter on Malaga island--which was colonized by freed slaves.

Turner finds himself in trouble when he discovers that the well-to-do white men in his town plan to force the Malaga inhabitants off the island in order to build a resort.

Receiving no help from his father, Turner takes it upon himself to try and save the residents

of Malaga island--with tragic results.

I have to say, that I didn't grow up with a strong example of racism, and at points in this book, it shocked me. It certainly doesn't encourage anyone to become racist, but because of the mature tones of this book, I would encourage middle school or higher on this one. However, a very important story that should be learned by everyone.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

1979 Newberry Honor Book
Now, I know that I have done nothing but gush about every book that I've covered so far. Well, that is about to change, but I leave the blame on my shoulders, and my own shortcomings in taste.

The Westing Game is a puzzle mystery that involves an apartment building and its residents, a few outsiders, a very wealthy man, and his last will and testament.

The average amazon review is 4 1/2 stars out of five, and in order not to discourage your reading, I will give you an amazon reader review:

The years pass, and still a must-read, May 30, 2000
Reviewer: Ilana - See all my reviews'The Westing Game' was my favorite book as a pre-teen, so when I returned to it years later, my expectations were low. Was I wrong! This book might be accessible to younger readers, but no one who loves a mystery with incredible characters should miss this for the world.
While the plot centers around a less than run-of-the-mill whodunit, the book mainly focuses on the characters: each unique, bizarre, and ultimately endearing. The author manages to make them quirky without making them caricatures. The developing relationships between the 'heirs' as they attempt to unravel the mystery, is, I think, far more important than the mystery itself; they also develop in their sense of identity. These are all themes any adult can appreciate, woven into the story with humor and sly understatement, yet in effect deeply moving.
The plot is complex and suspenseful, layered so impenetrably that at least one surprise at the end is inevitable. Yet even when wrapped in the most logical of puzzles, the author never loses the human touch. There are many scenes portrayed with hilarious, touching absurdity; and Raskin is dead-on with her take on human nature, even when her depiction seems exaggerated.
Read it for a good chuckle--but in the end it may be more than that.

I hope this helps. I am just not into the mystery genre. I also didn't enjoy Chasing Vermeer at all, and everyone raves about that one.

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

1945 Newberry Honor Book


I have read the Hundred Dresses before, and every time I pick it up, I am always brought to tears. The story of Wanda Petronski and her hundred dresses is as timeless today as it was 60 years ago. This is a great lesson for all kids, about a little girl who lives on the wrong side of the tracks, has a funny sounding name and accent, and wears the same dress to school every day. The other little girls poke fun at her, and when they do, she always claims to have one hundred dresses at home, lined up in her closet.

Only at Wanda's absence at school, and after a scathing letter from her father, do the girls in Wanda's class start to feel remorseful, but Wanda's generosity and ability to forgive make this a bearable tale for kids.

Not only is this great for the "bully" and the "victim", but also for the children who would stand idly by and allow things to happen.

Fabulous.

Penny From Heaven by Jennifer Holm

In order for users to more easily find specific titles, I will be using a different post for each book from now on. The picture of the cover will now be the link if you would like to purchase the book.

Newberry Honor Book, 2007

I have to admit I probably enjoyed Penny from Heaven more than a lot of the current honorees. The story was so humble and sweet, and has a broad appeal.
The story focuses on Penny, an 11 year-old Italian-American passing her summer away. Penny's father is absent, she was told he died and nothing more. She lives with her mother and her maternal grandparents, who do not understand the Italian aunts, uncles, and cousins on her father's side of the family. Penny seems to be favored by her uncles, and even she recognizes this.
Most of her free time is spent with her cousin, Frankie, who could possibly be on the path to juvenile delinquency.
I don't want to give away anything, but a dark chapter in American history is covered in this book, and even I was surprised by some of the facts (this is not too heavy for kids, I promise). There also was an episode with a laundry wringer that I was skeptical about, until I confirmed it with my grandmother that such a thing was possible.
I encourage all to pick this up and enjoy, adult and child alike.

What a story!

I am going to cover a few Printz books all at once, but want to show special attention to this year's winner.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang (Printz Winner 2007)

I can't say that I was excited to read this when I picked it up. It's a graphic novel, and while I appreciate their purpose, I find that I don't enjoy most (with the exception of Maus). I was determined to read this though, and was blown away by the story. As a graphic novel, it is a quick read (it took me about 45 minutes). As a Printz winner, the target audience is young adult, but I wouldn't hesitate to give this to someone younger as well. The story is played out in three tales, each intertwining with the others. We are first introduced to the Monkey King, a traditional mythological character in Chinese traditions, and then to Jin Wang, trying to adjust to a new school as only the second Asian student, and finally to Danny, who appears to be caucasian, but is visited yearly by his cousin, Chin-Kee, who epitomizes every stereotype about asians known to man.

This is a modern fable, and is told as such. The overall message is appreciating yourself, and being comfortable in your own skin, regardless of color or ethnicity. I may be white, but being heavier than the norm(even though this particular issue is not covered in the book), I can appreciate the message. Great for anyone with self-doubt, and may be effective for the kids who ridicule as well. Fabulous!

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler (Printz Honor Book, 2004)

I didn't intentionally choose two books in a row about self image, it just happened. Do not be deceived by the title of this book. This is not a comedy. This covers the story of Virginia, who seems to have a perfect family. Successful parents, brother at Columbia, and sister in the Peace Corps. All thin, all beautiful, all perfect. Virginia, however is heavier than the norm, comforts herself with food, and is humiliated by her parents' ignorant comments on her body. The one highlight in her life is Byron, her brother-on-a-pedestal. One day, however, a call comes to the house. Byron has been accused of date-raping a girl on campus. Virginia's world is rocked to the core. Virginia learns that she has to accept that her hero has faults as well. A great look at how a family struggles to survive after a shameful occurrence. I don't recommend this book for anyone younger than high school, as it deals with rape, sexism, and self-abuse. It does tell a very important tale, and recommend it highly for those mature enough to deal with the situation.

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson (Printz Winner, 2004)

Apparently everything has a message today. When I first read this book, I have to admit that I was blown away. Bobby is 16, and finds himself caring for a newborn infant-his newborn infant-and feeling completely overwhelmed. His mother is supportive, but refuses to take over the care of baby Feather. Feather's mother is conspicuously absent, and we don't find out until well into the book why she is such. A strong story where Feather's need for a parent competes with Bobby's need to be a child for as long as he can, I found a lump in my throat several times. I appreciate that this is a teenage father assuming responsibility, and the story will appeal to both genders for this reason. Also a winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for non-violent social change, a great read for junior high and beyond. Even as an adult, it made me pause whether I would be responsible enough to take on the challenge of raising a baby on my own. Bravo.

Its own special post...

I had to give the following book its own post, as I believe it is the best book out for preteen and teenage girls, as well as a hilarious tale for women, too!

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison (Printz Honor Book, 2001)

Before I even speak about this book, enjoy an excerpt:

Sunday August 23rd
my bedroom raining
10:00 am
Dad had Uncle Eddie round so naturally they had to come and nose around and see what I was up to. If Uncle Eddie (who is bald as a coot -- two coots, in fact) says to me one more time, "Should bald heads be buttered?" I may kill myself. He doesn't seem to realize that I no longer wear romper-suits. I feel like yelling at him, "I am fourteen years old, Uncle Eddie! I am bursting with womanhood, I wear a bra! OK, it's a bit on the loose side and does ride up round my neck I if run for the bus "but the womanly potential is there, you bald coot!"

Talking of breasts, I'm worried that I may end up like the rest of the women in my family, with just the one bust, like a sort of shelf affair. Mum can balance things on hers when her hands are full--at parties, and so on, she can have a sandwich and drink and save a snack for later by putting it on her shelf. It's very unattractive. I would like a proper amount of breastiness but not go too far with it, like Melanie Andrews, for instance. I got the most awful shock in the showers after hockey last term. Her bra looks like two shopping bags. I suspect she is a bit unbalanced hormonally. She certainly is when she tries to run for the ball. I thought she'd run right through the fence with the momentum of her bosoomers' as Jas so amusingly calls them.

Let me tell you, this is the funniest thing I've read in years. The diary of Georgia, a 14-year-old prep school student, in all her awkwardness is at the top of my list. When I first read this, I lived in an apartment building, and I laughed so hard and loud, my neighbors probably thought I was crazy. This is for anyone who had anything other than a perfect adolescence. Georgia and her friends are goofy, ridiculous, and predestined to embarrass themselves as they try to pretend they are they height of sophistication. Hilarious. The six following books in this series are just as good as the first, but please read them in order so as not to spoil anything.

A Few I've Read Recently...

There are a few books on the Newberry List I've read recently, and plan to cover here. My goal is not to supply a series of book reports, so feel free to let me know when I get a little long winded.

Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson (Honor book 2006)

Written by Jacqueline Woodson, Show Way tells the story of Soonie's great-grandma, who is sold into slavery with only some fabric and needles to her name. Soonie discovers the heritage of the Show Way quilts, which were secretly maps of the Underground Railroad. This is a picture book, which is rare for a Newberry honor, but not unheard of. I really enjoyed this story, and if you liked the Addy series of American Girl Books, or books on quilting, this is for you!

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo (Medal Winner 2004)

Now, I will be the first to admit I did not want to like this book. I was very upset that it had knocked out my most favorite children's book, Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell, that for some time, I refused to pick it up. When I finally did, I LOVED IT! A fairy tale for the kids of the modern world, I immediately was taken into the story. The best read-aloud book there is. Hands down.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Honor Book 2001)

Another great book from Ms. DiCamillo, this is a very sweet story, with undertones of Pollyanna. Much better than the movie translation, with the very bad acting of Annasophia Robb, the book really puts you in touch with the heroine, India Opal. Everyone can find a character to sympathize with in this great story. Don't be fooled by the female main character...this is a book for everyone.

A few words about Kate DiCamillo: All of her books are great--from the Mercy Watson Series to the Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Check out her website www.katedicamillo.com

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (Medal Winner 1978)
I originally read this in the 6th grade, and remember enjoying it, even though it was required reading. However, when I started seeing the the trailers, I began to doubt that I had read it at all. I picked it up a few weeks ago, to make sure I was remembering the story properly. Well, my adult self took the story line a lot harder than my 6th grade self, that's for sure. Still...a great book, but be prepared to bawl your little heart out.


Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski (1946 Medal Winner)

This was a new book for me...I had actually pulled it out of a box of freebies while working at Blue Kangaroo Books. It has been sitting on my shelf untouched for at least a year. I had only grabbed it as a resource for a classroom later on. When perusing the list of Newberry books, I noticed this was listed, and thought, "Don't I have that book?" Well, lo and behold, I did. This is probably the oldest book I have read from the list, and was uncertain how I would receive it.

What I discovered is that this has to be the original American Girl book! It's the tale of Birdie and her family, who have just moved to southern Florida with dreams to prosper with a family farm. The family is plagued by poor weather, bad animals, and neighbors just itching for a feud.

Ms. Lenski does a great job of capturing a (practically) dead dialect that just made the story better, in my opinion. Kids today (especially those that struggle with reading) may be hampered with the dialect, but I loved it. The only thing I struggled with at times in this book is the treatment of animals. Let's face it, the book was written in another time, about a time even farther back, and animals were considered objects in the past. The book could use a short prediscussion about what is appropriate now vs. then. Otherwise, a great read. Once again, boys and girls will both enjoy!

Just what am I getting into?

Exactly what am I getting myself into here? I have been thinking about developing a system to get through more books lately (I'm usually so random, and--admittedly do read a lot of trash with the good). Even though I'm 28 years old, my favorite books are always kids' and teen fiction. Upon reflection, I was aghast that I had only read a handful of the over 300 Newberry winners and honor books. I have decided to endeavor to read all books that have been named winners or runners up since the founding of the award in 1922. No small task. The only exemption I am allowing myself is if a book is completely out of print and unavailable. On top of this, if that were not crazy enough, I plan on covering all 30+ books that have been honored by the Michael Printz Award for young adult fiction. If you are an adult, and like to read, I encourage you to pick up a few of these books and enjoy them with an open mind.

The Higher Power of Lucky

The first book I would like to cover is the most recent Newberry winner, The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron.

Higher Power is about Lucky, a ten year old girl whose mother has passed away, and whose father is not interested in her at all. As a matter of fact, Lucky is so without parents that her father's first wife has become her guardian. Lucky's favorite pasttime is eavesdropping on the local 12-step progam meetings, and honestly, in a town with a population of 43, I would imagine that might be mine, too.

Lucky keeps hearing testimonials in the meetings about how each attendant finds their "higher power" and turns their life around. This urges Lucky to find her higher power.

This was such a sweet story, with a wonderful message that shows even though a girl, family, or town may not be the norm, they still have the ability to find their higher power.

I would be remiss to ignore the backlash against this book(as much as I would like to), but I am sure there are legitimate concerns before reading the book about content. Here is an excerpt from the Yahoo News article concerning the content issue:

Yes, controversy sells. Criticism of an award-winning children's book over the word "scrotum" has brought Susan Patron's "The Higher Power of Lucky" into the top 40 on Amazon.com.
"The Higher Power of Lucky" is the story of a 10-year-old girl in rural California and her quest for "Higher Power." The opening chapter includes a passage about a man "who had drunk half a gallon of rum listening to Johnny Cash all morning in his parked '62 Cadillac, then fallen out of the car when he saw a rattlesnake on the passenger seat biting his dog, Roy, on the scrotum."

The AP contacted several librarians who had criticized "Higher Power" on LM_Net. All said they either have it(as opposed to banning it) or were still deciding. Even Nilsson, who complained of the book's "Howard Stern-type shock treatment," told the AP that she is carrying it, although she questions whether it was worthy of a Newbery. Nilsson also said that she didn't know of anyone who had refused to stock it.

In a statement on their website, the American Library Association chose to respond to their choice of winner and its content thusly:

Recent media coverage failed to discuss the true value of the 'Higher Power of Lucky,' by Susan Patron. The author’s use of one word should not prevent children from having free access to this remarkable piece of children’s literature. Children and their families should be given the opportunity to read this book and develop their opinions.
"The 'Higher Power of Lucky' is a perfectly nuanced blend of adventure and survival, both emotional and physical. It is a gently humorous character study, as well as a blueprint for a self-examined life. The book serves as a reminder that children support one another just as adults do.
"Libraries are about inclusion rather than exclusion. The freedom to read, speak, think and express ourselves is core to our American values. Part of living in a democracy means respecting each other’s differences and the right of all people to choose for themselves what they and their families read.

For the full statement, please go to www.ala.org.

Now, my opinion:

I was prepared to be upset or disturbed by all of this while reading Higher Power. As a matter of fact, I-a bookseller- picked this book up with the sole purpose of being educated when responding to parents' concerns about content. I now feel perfectly safe recommending it for most kids. The word is used three times, once in the above statement, once to state that after hearing the story about Short Sam and his dog, Lucky did not know what it meant, and once when she asks what it is.

The references are not graphic or excessive, but stated simply. It is a perfect example of how a kid hears something not intended for their ears, their contemplation of the meaning and the clarification of the meaning. I am pleased that the scientific term was used, instead of some ridiculous slang term that 5th grade boys would use (no offense, 5th grade boys!). The story far outshines the one word. I recommend that parents review the book before their kids, and determine for themselves if they want to pass it on. It's a great lesson for adults as well as kids.