10.30.2006

The Whipping Boy 1987 Medal Winner ****


The Whipping Boy is about a prince and his whipping boy. Because the prince can not be hit, whenever he does something wrong another child is punished. Together they leave the castle and have all sorts of adventures that helps the prince see the error of his ways.

This book was nothing like what I thought it was going to be. Because of the title, I was expecting something dark and depressing. Actually it's quite funny and hopeful. Very clever story and the chapter headings were funny and made me want to keep reading. I was surprised to discover that whipping boys were not fictional and actually existed.

10.29.2006

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle 1991 Honor Book ****


The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is about a 13 year old girl living in 1837 who must return to her family who are not living in America. Having stayed behind in England to finish her semester she discovers she must make the trip as the only passenger. Between a mad captain and a revengeful crew she must figure out what it takes to stay alive and see her family again.

I really enjoyed this book, it should be a movie. I was able to get through the story quickly and even find myself looking for moments that I could steal away to read this book. This story starts out to be seemingly obvious but has wonderful surprising twists and turns. I really appreciated the author's appendix at the end of the book and his suggestion at the beginning to refer to throughout the novel. Masts, rigging, bowspirit and other such words are unfamiliar to me and his appendix helped me picture where she was and what she was doing. I admire Charlotte's spunk and surviving such a horrible situation.

10.27.2006

Adam of the Road 1943 Medal Winner **


Adam of the Road is about a boy in 13th Century England who is the son of a minstrel. When he loses both his dog and father in one day, he has many adventures as he attempts to reunite with both of them.

Adam of the Road is interesting but not captivating. It is sort of a coming of age, except the boy is pretty grown up and mature at the beginning. I have to admit, that living in the 21st Century it's pretty frustrating to know that most of his problems could have been solved with a cell phone. While I felt like the book was well researched, I didn't feel like I had a real sense of what life was really like in England. His adventures seemed unrealistic to the point of fantasy and so I'm not sure how minstrels truly lived at that time. I do think this book would be interesting for young boys however.

10.14.2006

The Cat Who Went To Heaven 1931 Medal Winner ***


The Cat Who Went to Heaven is a story of a cat who goes to live with a Japanese artist who has been commissioned to draw a picture of Buddha. Japenese tradition says that cats are the only animal who have rejected the teachings of Buddha and so he can not draw a picture of a cat among all the animals paying respect to Buddha. Good Fortune, the artist's cat, is not pleased to discover that he is not in the picture.

I'm amazed this book was written so long ago. It is quite abstract in thought and quite deep in analogy. I don't recommend this book for young readers at all, and even then only for mature young adults. It's a very quick read, I read it in the bathtub before the water even got cold. I found it hard to dive into at first, and half way through the book I felt like I was drifting and the story had no point. Up until the last 3 pages I was going to give it one star, but I feel the ending where the cat dies and is discovered in the arms of Buddha made the book worth the read. It's a powerful lesson on forgiveness and not deciding one's fate based on legend, past traditions, or even what you may think a person is or has become.

Thimble Summer 1939 Medal Winner ***


Garnet finds a silver thimble right before the rains come and save her father's crops. She decides the thimble is lucky and has all sorts of adventures for the rest of the summer living on a farm in the Midwest.

This book would be great to read chapter by chapter to classroom or children at night. The author does a great job describing farm life in the 1930's. She takes great care to talk about the price of things and how a 50 cent piece can make a child feel rich. So much of the life described in this book is now lost to our modern youth. This book would really teach children what life used to be like for their great grandparents when they were growing up.

10.11.2006

Kira Kira 2005 Medal Winner ***


Kira Kira is a story of a Katie and Lynn two Japanese sisters living in prejudiced Georgia. Katie adores her sister and struggles as Lynn gets sicker and sicker and doesn't know why. Spoiler: Lynn dies of lymphoma.

Let's see a Newberry book medal winner written in the 2000's that's depressing and sad- what a shock! I listened to this book on CD and the cover said for children 8 to 14. I really don't think 8 year old children need to hear a sad story about a little girl dying of cancer. I would probably put this book more at ages 14 and up. While I enjoyed the story and found it very well written and beautifully read by Elaina Erika Davis I think the message was too deep and too sad for little children. At the beginning of the book the relationship between the two sisters is so sweet and innocent, reminds me of the my two girls' relationship. But I think that if either of my two girls were to read this book they would put themselves in their shoes and it would be too heart-wrenching for them.

The Cricket in Times Square **** 1961 Honor Book

Chester the cricket is an accidental stowaway and find himself in Times Square at a news stand. There he meets Tucker the mouse and Harry the cat and Mario the son of the family that owns the stand. Like Charlotte's Web, Chester discovers that he has a talent that can bring luck to the Belini family and spare his own life.

I listened to this book on CD read by Rene Auberjonois. His reading is so fantastic that I'm not sure I would have liked the story as much had I not heard it read by him. He has so many voices that helped give each character its own unique personality. The sounds of the cricket also helped me understand just how amazing his talent truly is. I could listen to this book over and over.

10.10.2006

It's Like This, Cat 1964 Medal Winner ***


Dave Mitchell lives in Manhattan and gets a cat. This creates a series of events that bring different people into his life changing theirs and his own.

The author writes so seemingly effortlessly, I felt like I could see Dave's apartment and the streets of New York without long descriptions of them. In this book she introduces the reader to many different places like Gramercy Park, Bronx Zoo, Coney Island and many others. It's a contemporary novel, so I also get a glimpse of what life was like in the 1960's for a teenage boy.

10.09.2006

A Year Down Yonder 2001 Medal Winner *****


Mary Alice's parents have hit hard times during the Depression and so she must spend a year living with her Grandmother. Its never a dull moment with Grandma. Mary Alice learns how to steal pecans, make the perfect pie crust, and valentines. She even learns the value of having a snake living in your attic. Most importantly she learns how to love her Grandma even when she seems so unlovable.

This book was great! I can see why Richard Peck the author has won so many awards. Reading this book reminded me of the many times I spent with my two grandmothers. It was fun to revisit the same characters from A Long Way From Chicago. I also enjoyed reading a book told by Mary Alice instead of Joe. This would be a great book for every grandmother to have on the nightstand in the guest bedroom when their grandchildren come to visit.

10.08.2006

A Long Way From Chicago 1999 Honor Book ****


A Long Way From Chicago is about Joey and Mary Alice and their adventurs spending one week with Grandma for seven summers. Grandma is full of ideas and stories and lies, from shooting a coffin with a shotgun to convincing the bank her friend's house is where Lincoln debated Douglas, this book is full of surprises and laughter. You'll even learn how to reform ruffians with a dead mouse in a bottle of milk.

I read this book in one day. It was great fun. I thoroughly enjoyed Grandma and her antics. Each chapter was a different summer with Grandma, and like the children I was sad when they stepped on the train and realized this was to be their last summer with Grandma. This would make a fun read aloud book for children either in the classroom or at night.

10.07.2006

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle 1923 Medal Winner *****


The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle is a story told by a small boy named Stubbins. It is through his eyes that we meet the famous Dr. Dolittle and hear about how he learns to talk to animals and his adventures.

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. So far I have had too much luck with book from this decade, but this book really feels timeless. I think children today would enjoy it just as much as children did then. I particularly enjoyed how short each chapter was, which made it a book easy to stop and start. A great book for nighttime, just one chapter at a time.

10.06.2006

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry 1997 Medal Winner **


Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry looks at a year in the life of a poor family living during the depression trying to make ends meet and save their land while battling white prejudice.

I read this book while reading another book titled Cane River set in New Orleans before and after the end to slavery in America. Because this book was set in the 1930's (about the time that Cane River ended) it almost felt like a sequel to Cane River.

I thought this book did a good job of helping a middle class white child understand what it would feel like to grow up as a poverty stricken second generation sharecropper. I was amazed at how awful the whites are portrayed in the book. Truly biased, prejudice and just plain mean. I think this book would help children think about their own attitudes towards other races, religions and cultures. It's easy to read the book and think, "Oh I'd never do that." But the reality is people did do that, and still do that.

M.C. Higgins, the Great 1975 Medal Winner *


M. C. Higgins, the Great is about a boy living in the mountains. His mother walks off the mountain each day to go to work leaving him to watch his younger siblings.

Okay, I did not get this book! Maybe it's because I was reading in the midst of lots of other African American literature and this just didn't seem as poignant. For one, I didn't feel like M.C. had a character arc. He seemed no different on the last page of the book as he did on the first. I can't recommend this book.

Old Yeller 1957 Honor Book **


Old Yeller is a story about a boy and his love-hate relationship with a dog named "Old Yeller" Spoiler: Old Yeller dies.

I need to give full disclosure and say that I do not like dogs. For most of the book I was agreeing with Travis and his dislike for Old Yeller. The ending seemed a little dramatic to me Travis having to shoot the dog himself. I must admit I didn't shed one tear reading this book. But in all fairness, Where the Red Fern Grows does make me cry.

Miss Hickory 1947 Medal Winner *


Miss Hickory is a story about a little doll made out of wood that must learn to survive winter in a nest.

I'm baffled as to why this book won a Newbery. Never before have I read a book where the main character's head gets eaten at the end of a book. Odd. Not sure I would read this one to my kids.

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch 1956 Medal Winner ****


Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a biography about Nathaniel Bowditch who saved hundreds if not thousands of lives by changing the way ships navigate on the seas. He overcame many trials and heartache to succeed in his life and benefit others for years to come.

I loved this book. I found it so fascinating. After reading it, I needed to know if it was a true story, and unbelievably it is! What a wonderful example for children to follow. I especially loved how he learned foreign languages: the New Testament, Dictionary and Grammar book was all he needed in the language he was learning.

A View From Saturday 1997 Medal Winner ****


A View From Saturday is a story about 4 6th grade children and how their lives unexpectedly intertwine and together they form a team that goes on to beat junior high teams. The story is told from the four children's perspectives and their teacher's as well.

I loved this book. Of course I'm biased because I loved her other Newbery From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. I found myself lost in their story and was disappointed when it ended. That is definitely a book I could read over and over just like the Mixed Up Files. Definitely a fun book for a 6th grader to read.

Dear Mr. Henshaw 1984 Medal Winner ****


Dear Mr. Henshaw is a book of letters that a boy writes to an author, Mr. Henshaw. The letters reveal the troubles the boy faces changing schools and coping with divorce.

I was surprised this was written by Beverly Cleary the same author who wrote the Ramona books. I expected something light hearted and funny, but instead I found it to be touching and very poignant. It's easy for me to see why this was a Medal Winner. I think a copy of this book should be in every divorce lawyer's office and required reading for every couple seeking a divorce.

Boy With a Pack 1940 Honor Book ****


Boy With a Pack is about a boy who decides to make some money peddling his goods in the Wild West (Ohio). He walks from New Hampshire with many adventures along the way.

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in what America was like in 1837. Still new in independance it's a great way to find out how different life was like then, but also how some things haven't changed at all.

Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze 1933 Medal Winner ***


Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze is about a boy in China who becomes an apprentice and his adventures living near the Yangtze river.

This book is very similar to A Single Shard but not as riveting. I imagine that in 1933 this may have been American children's only exposure to what life was like in China many years ago. But children of today may find the writing tedious and get bored quickly.

Railroad to Freedom 1933 Honor Book ***


Railroad to Freedom tells the story of Harriet Tubman and how she came help hundreds of slaves to freedom using the Underground Railroad.

I really enjoyed this book and think it should have been the Medal Winner. I've heard of Harriet Tubman since I was a child, but never before have I felt like I knew the complete story. Thank goodness for amazing women like Harriet Tubman, we need more of her around today with all the awful things happening in Africa and other parts of the world.

Gay Neck, The Story of a Pigeon 1928 Medal Winner *


Gay Neck, The Story of a Pigeon tells of a boy in India and his adventures raising a pigeon who becomes a messenger in World War I.

First of all, children today probably won't be able to get past the pigeon's name which means multi-colored. But if they can, they probably won't last beyond the first few pages. Reading this book felt like a chore, especially when the story is told through the eyes of the pigeon.

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread 2004 Medal Winner *****


Tale of Despereaux is a wonderful fairy tale set in a castle. Desperaux is a brave little mouse that isn't willing to accept conventional wisdom and loves a princess.

I really enjoyed the book. I think Kate DiCamillo is becoming my new favorite author. This is a great story for children who need to be inspired to think outside of the box and follow their aspirations and dreams. My 12 year old son read it in one day!

The Matchlock Gun 1942 Medal Winner ***


The Matchlock Gun is set in the mid 1700's when America was still a colony. It's based on a true story of a 10 year old boy trying to protect his family.

I really liked this book, mainly because it's short and a quick read. This would be a great book to read around Thanksgiving to children to get a discussion going about what life was like for early American settlers.

These Happy Golden Years 1944 Honor Book ****

By the Shores of Silver Lake 1940 Honor Book ****

On the Banks of Plum Creek 1938 Honor Book ****

Little Town on the Prairie 1942 Honor Book ****

The Hundred Dresses 1945 Honor Book ******


Wanda lives on the wrong side of town and wears the same dress every day. To make things worse she tells everyone that she 100 dresses at home, which makes her the brunt of popular Peggy's jokes. While Maddie doesn't tease Wanda, she doesn't stand up for her either.

I loved this book as a child. When I first read it I felt like screaming at Wanda, "Can't you see you are making things worse?" But when the mystery is solved I felt like running to Wanda and giving her a big hug. This is a wonderful book for children to see that everyone is deserving of friendship.

A Wrinkle in Time 1963 Medal Winner ***


A Wrinkle in Time is about Meg and her brother Charles Wallace and their search for their brilliant father who everyone assumes has just left their family.

Is it just me or is this book weird? I've never been good with time travel stories. The time space continuum confuses me. Even the movie The Lake House freaked me out. For some reason it's hard for me to just relax and let go of logic and just enjoy time travel.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler 1968 Medal Winner ******


Claudia decides to run away from home and live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, but realizes she can't do it without bringing her brother Jamie along. Soon she's entranced with a new sculpture at the museum and its mystery. Solving the mystery might reveal to her frantic parents where she and Jamie are hiding.

I read this book in one day while in Albuquerque waiting for my dad to finish his meetings. I haven't been able to look at a museum the same way since. I felt such a connection to Claudia and even began wondering myself if I could pull off running away and living in a museum. This book really helps children with their imagination.

Annie and the Old One 1972 Honor Book *****


Annie and the Old One is about a Native American girl who thinks she can slow down Father Time and delay her grandmother's death.

I think this was the first Newbery I ever read. My father brought it home after a trip to Northern New Mexico. I loved the story and learning about Native Americans and their beliefs and legends. He also brought home another book Hawk, You are My Brother which is also a great book.

Ramona and her Father 1978 Honor Book ****


Ramona and Her Father is about Ramona when her father loses his job and the family must learn to adjust to so many changes.


I think this book addresses what most children fear, "What if my parents can't take care of me?" So often children take for granted that their parent(s) go to work each day and the basics are always provided for. But what if the money stopped coming in? Then what? This book helps children see that worrying should be left to the parents and they will find a way to make it work.

Bridge to Terabithia 1978 Medal Winner ******


Bridge to Terabithia is about a boy named Jesse and his friendship with the new girl in town Leslie. Together they create a world where they rule as king and queen.

This is the ultimate book for me. If Newbery awarded best book of the century or millenia this book should receive it. I got this book when I was 9 years old for Christmas and I read it all day by the lights of the Christmas tree. This book was the first book to ever make me cry. I still have that original book and can't even think how many times I have read it. Every man, woman and child should read this book.

The Great Gilly Hopkins 1979 Honor Book *****


Gilly Hopkins is a foster child bounced from home to home hoping that one day she'll live with her mother again.

I read this book as a girl over and over so many times I had it memorized. I loved Gilly Hopkins and ached with her as she tried to reconnect with her mother. This is a very important book for children to read to help them see that other kids at school may not be as they appear.

The Westing Game 1979 Medal Winner *****


The Westing Game is a wonderful mystery where the reader has all the clues. You'll get to know the characters and their bizarre lives while they try to find the murderer.

I got this book from a friend as my husband and I were embarking a cross country trip from Utah to Texas. I devoured this book! I'm a nut for mysteries anyway, but this one is really unique. The character are so fun and entertaining that you don't want to find out that any of them are the murderer!

Jacob Have I Loved 1981 Medal Winner ***

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 1982 Honor Book ****


Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is about a 3rd grader and her adventures in school and at home with her family.

The Ramona books are like Junie B. Jones ONLY BETTER! Who doesn't love Ramona? One of my best friends growing up was named Ramona so that name has a special place in my heart, and so do these books.

Sarah, Plain and Tall 1986 Medal Winner ****


Sarah, Plain and Tall is about a woman who comes to be a bride for a widower and raise his two children. She soon discovers she misses the coast of Maine and the children fear she will leave.

I read this book in college before I was married. I think then I felt sorry for poor Sarah and couldn't understand why she would choose this kind of life for herself. But now that I'm older and with children, I can see how wonderful Sarah is and why she makes the choices that she does.

The Giver 1994 Medal Winner *****


The Giver is about a 12 year old boy Jonas who lives in an Utopian society and selected to be the Receiver of Memories. He struggles with his role in this hypocritical world he now lives in.

You know a book is good when instead of enjoying the Oregon coast and Pacific Ocean, you are inside your rented beach house reading a book. I love "what if the world was like this" kind of books.

Walk Two Moons 1995 Medal Winner *****


Walk Two Moons is about a 13 year old girl's journey to find her mother who has disappeared.


What a beautiful book. While I figured out the reason for her mother's disappearance very quickly and early on in the book, I still enjoyed the ride as the author gives clues throughout the story. Every 13 year old girl who doesn't like her mother should read this book.

A Single Shard 2002 Medal Winner *****


A Shingle Shard is set in ancient Korea and tells of a poor boy who becomes an apprentice to a childless potter.

I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. It's written in such a way that I felt like I could see, hear and smell ancient Korea. It reminded me of Young Fu but much more riveting. My 9 year old son is reading it right now and loves it.

10.05.2006

Introducing Newbery Quest

Welcome to my Newbery Quest! In 2006, I set a goal to read all of the Newbery Medal and Honor books, so I decided that I would share my opinions of each Newbery book as I read them. Because of all the books I have set a goal to read, it does feel like a quest. As I read a Newbery book, I'm going to offer my own personal review. This is in no way a professional opinion. My only credentials are two American Lit classes in high school, and a Children's Literature class in college. I hope you enjoy my Newbery Quest as much as I do!