The Newbery awards were just announced and the winner is: The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman. The Honor Books are: The Underneath, by Kathi Appelt; The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom, by Margarita Engle; Savy, by Ingrid Law; and After Tupac & D Foster, by Jacqueline Woodson. The Caldecott picture book awards were also announced and The House in the Night, illustrated by Beth Krommes, and written by Susan Marie Swanson, won the medal award. The honor books include: A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever, by Marla Frazee; How I Learned Geography, by Uri Shulevitz; and A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, and written by Jen Bryant.
I've compiled a list of some great fiction and non-fiction books for ages nine to adult. Destined to Live: A True Story of a Child in the Holocaust, by Ruth Gruener, is a well written story about the account of the author's experience while growing up in Poland as a Jew during World War II. The struggles of Ruth, and her family, are eye-openers for children of the current generation giving all who read this amazing book a better understanding of the persecution that the Jews unjustly received from the Nazi's. It's truly a miracle that the author's family survived the war.
The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues #1), by Rick Riordan, and One False Note (The 39 Clues #2), by Gordon Korman, is an exciting new series written by some of the best authors of our time. These first two books are so good that there's a great chance you won't put either book down until the very end. Two siblings have just been given a choice after their grandmother dies: inherit one million dollars or participate in a treacherous treasure hunt. They, along with other descendants, are part of the quest and time is of essence. As the adventure unfolds, and the mystery presents itself, there is historical information sprinkled throughout that kids will undoubtedly remember. Book Two continues with the adventure as the siblings travel around the world in search of more clues. The books include on-line games and collectable cards. There are more books planned for the series. The first two are exceptional!
Write Before Your Eyes, by Lisa Williams Kline, is an engaging story laced with magic. Twelve-year-old Gracie has just purchased an old and empty journal. She soon discovers that whatever she writes inside its covers becomes real. She is excited to use the power of the journal to change or make things happen. But she also soon realizes that her intent of what she writes doesn't always have the same impact as she imagined. The book is an inventive and humorous read!
If You're Reading This, It's Too Late, by Pseudonymous Bosch, is a sequel to “The Name of this Book is Secret”. Even though I haven't read the first book, it's not necessary in order to enjoy the second book. This adventure book is full of anticipation and intrigue as two kids search for secrets and mysteries with codes to crack throughout. There is much to discover as you read and it demonstrates humor, friendship, tenacity and persistence.
Golden & Grey: A Good Day for Haunting, by Louise Arnold, is the third installment of this humorous yet chilling series. I reviewed the first Golden & Grey book and enjoyed this one as much. However, it's not necessary to read the first book to be able to follow the storyline. Tom Golden has a great friend, Grey Arthur. But his friend is a bit unusual – he's a ghost. But Grey, as well as many of the other ghosts you meet, is friendly and even funny. Tom and his ghost must solve a mysterious disappearance of jewels that has been caught on film. This is a great and ghostly mystery.
The Runaway Dolls, by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin, and illustrated by Brian Selznick, is the third book in a great series packed with enjoyable escapades as dolls come to life after the store closes. The wonderful illustrations are found throughout the entire book (including the beginning and end papers) and are a perfect addition to the story. When the dolls decide to run away the difficulties abound especially when they lose their way and can't find their directions back. This book also stands alone and is said to be the best, so you need not read the others to enjoy this. However, the other two books, “The Doll People” and “The Meanest Doll in the World”, are wonderful and I'm betting you'll enjoy them as well!
Peak, by Roland Smith, is the epitome of excitement. If you're looking for a book to get you excited about reading again – this is the book for you! As fourteen-year-old Peak attempts to climb Mount Everest and become the youngest ever, the harsh weather and mountain, the difficulties with the Chinese government and discovering the importance of family and friends make this book a terrific read.
What the Dickens, by Gregory Maguire, celebrates the importance of storytelling. A storm is brewing and two siblings listen to their cousin as he begins his tale about a newly hatched creature called What-the-Dickens. The story is packed with creative imagination.
