Newbery Predictions

In just a few weeks, a committee for the American Library Association (ALA) will announce their selections for the 2010 Newbery Award. This award is granted every year to the most distinguished works of literature for children. In honor of the upcoming award as well as of the conclusion of a great 2009 in children's literature, I'm going to try something crazy this year and make my own predictions for the award. Based on what I've read this year (and I've read a lot!) here are my picks:

Newbery Medal

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

The writing in this book is so incredibly clean and efficient. Every single word packs a lot of punch, and nothing is wasted or fluffed up. The story is deceptively simple, yet plenty complex enough to get readers to really think. The nod to Madeline L'Engel's A Wrinkle In Time with probably appeal to committee members as well, since the books is a much-beloved classic which won the Newbery Medal itself in 1963. Historical works have also been popular with the committee in recent years, only increasing this book's chances. In short: When You Reach Me is a nearly flawless book with interesting characters, great setting, and amazing writing that (even more amazingly) should appeal to most children.

Newbery Honors

Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin

This is a stunning, thought-provoking story of a boy with autism. The narration was absolutely perfect and really reflects Jason's (the main character) unique mindset. I loved getting inside this great character's head and seeing what makes him tick. The subject matter is serious enough to grab the attention of the committee but can be broken down into matters that concern children of all backgrounds: Friendship and finding a place to fit in. Here's hoping that the Newbery committe enjoyed this read as much as I did.

The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had by Kristin Levine

This story is told much in the style of Richard Peck, an author who has been loved by the Newbery committee in the past. Another story of friendship (a popular theme this year among my Newbery picks), The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had is one that might not jump out immediately to kids, but will appeal with some pushing for its very tasteful yet honest look at racism and race relations in the deep south. I loved the story's short chapters which will make readers feel a great sense of accomplishment as they tear through them quickly, while at the same time giving proper treatment to the book's meaty themes.

Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle and Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me by Nan Marino

You may recall that several months ago I blogged about the wonders of this book and its similarities to Newbery Medal favorite When You Reach Me. In truth, the books are incredibly similar, with their historical settings and perfectly efficient writing. Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle was actually my personal favorite of the two. I loved its stunning look at the complex world of childhood friendships and petty hatreds, and the main character was perfectly drawn as an antagonistic protagonist. However, there's something about When You Reach Me that I can't quite put my finger on that make me think that it's the more likely candidate for the big medal and that Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle will get recognition with the silver Honors award.



Finally, here are a few other titles that didn't quite make my own cut, but have a decent shot at recognition. They help to round out my best-of-the-best list from 2009:

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko
The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur
Positively by Courtney Sheinmel

Amazingly enough, I actually think that almost all of my Newbery picks for the year have a decent amount of kid appeal to them! Then again, that probably has a lot to do with the fact that I read an enjoyed them all. Does anyone else have other picks to add to the list?

Kids Internet Resources - Math

Are all of you getting geared up for Do Nothing But Read Day? I hope so! I know that I've got a nice long book lined up for my afternoon. :)

Meanwhile, I think it's time for another installment of Kids Internet Resources. Today's topic: Math.

A+ Math
This website has lots of great flash cards for those of us who need to brush up on our basic math skills - especially those pesky multiplication tables. There's also worksheets and a homework checker for more drills and math help, as well as a few fun math games.

Ask Dr. Math
Do you have a math question that's really stumping you? If so, then you can e-mail the students at Drexel University who run this website with your questions (just make sure that your question hasn't already been answered on the website first). This is a great place to get information on more complicated math skills, including theories and formulas.

Math Playground
Probably my favorite website of this bunch, Math Playground offers more games, flash cards, and worksheets for kids who need to brush up on their skills. But what I really love are the videos which walk you through how to solve different kinds of problems. This is great for when you just need to see exactly how something such as reducing fractions works one more time, or maybe need to have it explained in a voice other than your teacher's.

Do Nothing But Read Day

Sometimes it's hard to find time in your schedule to curl up with a book. We're all busy with school, work, or any of a myriad of other activities. Especially during this busy holiday season, who really has time to read everything they want? Well, a library student from UW-Madison (and, coincidentally, a friend of mine) mused about this conundrum one day on Facebook. The response was overwhelming. So many people shared this plight that Amanda decided to do something about it. She quickly started to spread the word about Do Nothing But Read Day (DNBRD), which she hopes will be a chance for people like her to catch up on all of that reading that they've been meaning to do.

DNBRD is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 20. The rules (which you are free to interpret somewhat loosely to fit your situation) are as follows:

Requirements:
-you must read more than one book (they can be short, and short stories count!)

-comfy clothing (jammies preferable)

-no shoes (slippers are ok)

-mugs of beverages and snacks

Optional:
-sleepy cat(s)

-blankies


Even if you don't adhere COMPLETELY to the rules (even Amanda has admitted that there's plenty of wiggle room there), I really urge all of you to try to participate. Take this opportunity to say, "Yes, I will read that book that's been sitting on my table for months!" or "Yes, I'll try a new author/genre! or "Yes, I will take time out of my busy schedule just for me!"

Be sure to also take a look at the official DNBRD blog. I believe that you can register to participate and even win some prizes. Amanda also has some great book recommendations - mostly teen stuff - if you need some ideas for what to pick up. She's also documented how the idea of DNBRD has spread so rapidly - people in Rhode Island, California, and even Poland and Australia are getting excited!

The Magician's Elephant

Apologies for the long delay in posting. Between holidays and a number of other things I haven't had time to do much reading, much less blogging. But better late than never, I'd like to share the latest book by much-beloved author Kate DiCamillo!

When Peter sees a fortuneteller's tent set up in the market, he knows exactly what he wants to ask: Does his sister live? And if she does, how can he find her? Peter had long believed that his sister had died, but a glimmer of hope compels him to believe otherwise. Sure enough, the fortuneteller assures him that Adele lives, and that an elephant will lead Peter to her. An elephant? How absurd! But on that same night, a magician who intended to conjure a bouquet of lilies before a full audience instead summons an elephant who comes crashing through the ceiling and lands in the lap of an unsuspecting noblewoman. Through a series of unusual events, Peter, the magician, and a host of other characters begin a journey of discovery as they uncover their place in the world.

Kate DiCamillo has created yet another stunningly simple, yet incredibly moving novel for young readers. Her prose is fluid and would be a joy to read aloud with a loved one. The old-world scene is drawn very well and the book's touching conclusion will wrap readers in a cozy feeling of happiness as everything comes together. I truly feel like this book needs to be read during winter in front of a fire while wrapped in a blanket. While not quite as brilliant as The Tale of Despereaux (then again, what ever could be?) and didn't make me sob like The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Magician's Elephant can certainly find a place in the hearts of DiCamillo's fans.

Overall Grade: A