Number the Stars 1990 Medal Winner *****

Number the Stars is set in German occupied Denmark during WWII. Annalisa and her family are trying to hide the Rosens a jewish family from the German soldiers. The author uses fictional characters to tell actual events of the bravery the Danes exhibited during a very uncertain time.

I really enjoyed the author's unique take on a often repeated tale of Jews hiding from the Nazis. So often the story is told through the eyes of the Jews, but what about the brave Gentiles who helped hide them? What are they thinking? What are there fears? This book handles what happens in the rest of the home while the Jews are in the attic or basement of their home. I'm constantly amazed at the stories of these brave men and women who chose to stand up to the Nazis when they clearly didn't have to. I really enjoyed discovering what tricks were used to fool the Nazis ultimately saving hundreds if not thousands of lives.

My Side of the Mountain 1960 Honor Book *****

My Side of the Mountain is about a boy who runs away from his crowded New York apartment to live on his family's land in the mountains. He learns that the mountain provides everything he could want, food, shelter and clothing. But other humans prove to be his biggest problem.

It wasn't on purpose that I read this book immediately after reading "Hatchet" but it sure made it interesting to do so. Hatchet is about a boy trying to get out of the woods, and this book is about a boy trying to stay on one. For the first time I think I finally understand why people go camping. I mean sleep in a tent, eat fish from the river kind of camping. Bringing all of civilization with you in a motor home isn't true camping. But this kid manages to find just about everything he needs to survive a harsh winter and the lean times. The one part of the book that I find hard to believe is that he wasn't over run with animals constantly trying to eat his food and use his shelter. It seems to me that they wouldn't know to respect his space. But then what do I know? I've never lived in a mountain before.

Hatchet 1988 Honor Book ******

Hatchet is the story of a boy who while flying to see his father for the summer is in an awful plane crash with only his hatchet to help him survive. He learns to rely on resources available to him and manages to survive on a lake somewhere in Canada. Instead of marking time by days, he marks them by events like: Day of First Fire, Day of First Fish, Day of First Meat. He also learns that hope is necessary resource for survival.

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't stop reading it, which lately has been a rare thing for me. I didn't want to eat, sleep or exercise until I knew this kid was going to be okay. And for some reason after finishing the book I had a strong desire for roasted chicken. I think every teenager should read this book, especially those who live in a world full of everything they could possibly want. I'm so glad I bought this book, it's a definite keeper.

Bud, Not Buddy 2000 Medal Winner *****

Bud, Not Buddy is the story of a boy who lost his mother when he was six and goes on a search to find his father. The only information he has is a flyer of a band with the lead singer "Herman E. Calloway" printed on it. He's sure that this is who his father is. So runs away and begins an adventure trying to find him.

Finally, a book about the depression that isn't depressing! I loved Bud. This little 10 year old has such spunk and guts. I wish he could be friends with my own kids. I listened to this on CD read by James Avery (the dad on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and he did a fantastic job. Kudos to Christopher Paul Curtis for writing such a wonderful book for children that teaches, inspires and doesn't depress. I hope he has many more books coming. I highly recommend this book for all children, especially to encourage discussions about the Depression Era in America.

Out of the Dust 1998 Medal Winner ***

Out of the Dust is a book written in free verse about Billy Jo a 14 year old girl growing up during the Depression and in the middle of the dust bowl. When tragedy strikes her family she discovers how to have hope and look forward to the future. Warning: Graphic death is described.

Out of the Dust is not a children's book. I don't know how it can be considered children's literature. While I think this book does a great job of describing what life was like living in the Dust Bowl and just how awful it was, it is too sad and too graphic for young readers. Billy Jo accidently throws a bucket of kerosene this is on fire on her pregnant mother which ultimately leads to her and the baby's death. The guilt and blame that Billy Jo must endure is too deep of a subject for children.

Hurry Home, Candy 1954 Honor Book ****

Hurry Home, Candy is a book about a stray dog that has no one to love him or take care of him. Through the story we learn how he came to become a stray and how he eventually finds a home.

I'm not a dog lover but this book actually makes me want to get one. The author does a great job of helping us see the world through a dog's eyes. We see how we as humans appear to a dog, especially a puppy and why they do the things they do. This would be a great book for a child to read before they get the dog that they have always wanted.

Ella Enchanted 1998 Honor Book ****

Ella Enchanted is the story about a girl who at birth was given the gift of obedience by a fairy, Lucinda. This gift becomes a curse as she realizes that her obedience can harm the ones she loves. Her stepsister discover that she must do whatever they ask and use it to their advantage. While trying to convince Lucinda to take back the gift, Ella figures out how to overcome her curse herself.

I have to say that I think for first time in my life I think that Hollywood did a better job with the screenplay than the author did with the book. I thought the movie was fun and delightful and the entire time I listened to the book on CD I found myself comparing it to the movie. While the story is good in and of itself, I much prefer Hollywood's rendition of the book. I like how in the movie there is more intrique and danger and that Ella does not instantly fall in love with Char but actually protests his reign. She encourages a good character arc in Char while going through her own. The movie also does a better job addressing the issues of prejudice and bias.