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!