The Great Wide Sea

It is always fun to read a book where the setting is where you live or someplace you have traveled. (Richard Peck's Central Illinois books) I enjoy reading books where the time period is my time period. (When You Reach Me's 1970's) Another of my favorite things is learning about a different culture and their cooking, ingredients, meals. We can easily try Chinese, Mexican, Italian. A short drive and we can try Thai and Indian.

In The Great Wide Sea by M. H. Herlong, a father, reeling from his wife's tragic death, goes on sabbatical, sells their home and takes his three boys for a year-long Carribean Sea voyage. At one of the harbor markets, there is a vendor selling fresh karashi conch. There is a description of how the live conch are opened and removed from their shell. Later the boys catch their own conch to eat.

So when I was taken to Fuji's for my birthday, and I saw "karashi conch" on the sushi appetizer menu, I knew what I had to try. I have to say that I'm not particularly fond of sushi - an acquired taste in my book - but this was FANTASTIC. The flavor was simply tremendous! I'd definitely order it again. I love when books inspire you to try something you might not otherwise. My disclaimer - I did not know what an actual live conch looked like at the time. Can we say "giant snail" or worse - SLUG. Kidding. I like escargo ... I will try anything.

The question is why were the boys catching and killing conches? Maybe? The oldest boy is 15. The middle boy is 11. And the youngest brother is barely 5. All three are traumatized by their mother's death as well. No one is doing well. Their father's plan sets them in a new tailspin. None of them want to go. They need some kind of normal to continue without her. But what your father commands, you obey.

I find it amazing that, between the four of them, they run a tight ship. Ben is in charge of the mechanics. Dylan is in charge of navigation. Gerry is gradually introduced to chores that he can manage along the way. More and more chores as he gets older. I can imagine a number of children that would love to be taken out of school to be homeschooled on a boat for a year. They swim the beaches of multiple islands, go exploring on their own, and study when they like. What most kids would forego ... living on a small sailboat with a father you are barely talking to and taking care of your two siblings when your father is too grieved to do it himself.

This was a hard book to read. I like it, but there is a lot of pain. Ben hates his father. Ben loves his brothers. And this tears him apart. I learned a lot about sailboating on the open ocean. The storms at sea were very vivid. But the jacket summary says something about one almost drowning, one almost dying, and one going crazy. And I will warn you that they lose their father when he falls overboard one night at the tiller while the boys all sleep peacefully. So I'll leave you to wonder how this book can get worse before it gets better.

Notes from the Midnight Driver

In 2008, Jordan Sonnenblick won the Caudill Award for Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. Notes from the Midnight Driver is a companion novel. One book doesn't require that the other one be read, however, those who are familiar with his first novel will appreciate the cameo appearances in the second.

The first chapter was the hardest chapter to read. Not because it wasn't exciting, hilarious and well-written. Not at all. On the contrary, I felt kind of guilty reading it and wondering how on earth was I going to be able to recommend it to my patrons. And here's why ...

Sixteen-year-old Alex admits that looking back on the situation, what he did was exceptionally stupid, but in the moment, he actually thought his idea was brilliant. Right up there with Einstein and the Theory of Relativity. His mom is out on her first date since his dad ditched them. Alex wants revenge and decides to confront his dad, hoping to catch him with his girlfriend, Alex's third grade teacher. Needing some extra courage, Alex decides to drink A LOT of vodka before hopping into his mom's car. He winds up in a neighbor's yard. He has decapitated her garden gnome.

Now here is why I will recommend it anyway. Alex is appropriately punished. He is arrested. He must appear before a judge in court that will result in a plea bargain. Alex will have to wait a long time before he is allowed to get his license. He is on probation in the meantime. He has to pay an obscene amount of money to replace the gnome and will earn the money by serving 100 community service hours chosen by his mother and approved by the judge. And he will have to be humilated at school for his stupidity.

More reason to read ... His community service hours require him to befriend a grumpy old man, Solomon Lewis, in an assisted living facility. Alex is on the receiving end of a whole lot of Yiddish not to mention the pranks always followed by a "Gotcha!" By the end of the book, it is apparent that they were paired on purpose and for a good reason.

If you liked Drums at all for the musical talent, you won't be disappointed here. I could "hear" the music that Sonnenblick described. I could "feel" the rhythms he wanted to convey. Alex is musically inclined although not the "prodigy" of Drums' Steven. Alex plays electric guitar. He struggles, but he works hard. Eventually sharing his jazz music with the Grump only to find that the Grump can give him lessons.

There are so many great things about this book and Ilove the way it wraps up. It comes full circle and it leaves you satisfied because each character has an opportunity to grow and each has the opportunity to give wisdom and insight. It's also a book about love and forgiveness. That is why it pains me to point out the possible deal-breakers. And I've got another ...

Alex's best friend is a "spitfire," a girl, a karate expert, with her own broken home. They are so close that they have slumber parties together ... hmmmm. Even at 16, she spends the night, and his parents don't think anything of it. Alex is starting to realize that maybe he would rather her be his girlfriend. Sol, upon meeting her, calls her "Alex's wife." And Alex has learned to trust Sol's wisdom.

At the moment, this novel is only available in Young Adult. This is due to a budget freeze and not its content. Hopefully, after the start of the new fiscal year, it will be found on our "Caudill Column."

Savvy

I read Savvy by Ingrid Law over a year ago when it received Newbery Honors. I remembered enjoying it, but needed a refresher. To begin with, a "savvy" is a rare and unique talent that is awakened in a child upon their thirteenth birthday. Well, that is if you are one of Beaumont children. You could call it a super power and everyone's is different.

Mississippi (Mibs) Beaumont's has a mother whose talent is doing everything perfectly. Whatever task she takes on, she does it too perfection. Kind of a hard act to follow. Mibs' Grandpa Bompa's talent is moving mountains. No, really. Mibs' deceased Grandma could save radio waves in jars. Mibs' oldest brother Rocket is "electrical". Imagine generating enough electricity to keep your house running when the power is out. Mibs' other older brother, Fish, can control the elements. So you might understand why Mibs, on the Eve of her thirteenth birthday, is both excited and concerned.

Mibs wants a savvy that can help people. A savvy that can save people. A savvy that is every bit as amazing as the rest in her family. But she also doesn't want a savvy that causes trouble or sticky situations. The Beaumonts have to keep their talents under wraps. Don't want to draw too much attention from the locals. But that's exactly what happens. You see, right before her birthday, Mibs' Poppa is in a horrible car accident and winds up in a hospital that is nowhere close.

Poppa is broken and and he won't wake up. Mibs' mom and older brother go to join him if and while he recovers. Mibs and Fish are left with Grandpa and the two younger siblings, Samson and Gypsy. It looks likes Mibs' birthday isn't going to happen the way she had intended and she's mad at herself for being mad at her Poppa for ruining her big celebration. Things get worse when the Pastor's wife, with her two teenage kids in tow, shows up to help and make this the biggest and best birthday party ever. Miss Rosemary means well, but she can't possibly understand how important a thirteenth birthday is to a Beaumont. And Mibs certainly can't discuss with her either.

The hardest part, is Mibs "knows" that her savvy, whatever it turns out to be, will help her Poppa. It simply must save him. More than anything, she wants to go to him and prove her worth. So when she gets the opportunity, that's exactly what she does. She sneaks away. Steals a ride and is off - in the wrong direction - and with some additional stowaways.

This is a very sweet story. It's all about tuning other people's voices out of your head and listening to your own voice. Scumble, a companion novel, is set to be released sometime this year. I am very excited to get a hold of it. The characters in Savvy beg to continue their story.

The Mailbox

Uninspiring title. Unexciting cover. The jacket summary informs me that it's another book about a troubled foster child who has been shipped from house to house, but he really wants - needs - a home. Two or three years ago, I counted FIVE of these stories among the Caudill nominees. That is fully one quarter of the nominees!

The idea is that in order for there to be conflict and tension and action and adventure, the parents must be removed from the scenario. James of the Giant Peach lost his parents in the first chapter to a stampeding rhinoceros. Harry, THE Harry, never even knew his parents who were killed because they tried to protect him. And poor Holling Hoodhood, the Wednesday Warrior, his parents worked full-time and had very little time for Holling even when they were home. So these characters are forced to make choices on their own without the moral direction and guidance of a parent. Other more eccentric, or malicious, or magical adults take the place of the parents and offer much of the force towards the action.

The Mailbox by Audrey Shafer IS a story of a foster boy, Gabe, but it is NOT uninspiring, unexciting, or ordinary in anyway. In fact, it is so beautiful and well-written that I was surprised to find out that this is her debut novel. The language is gorgeous even when the characters are rough around the edges as well as inside and out. I would encourage you to give this book a try. You will be greatly rewarded with surprises around many corners. And a feel-good ending that might leave you in tears. Like me. Again.

Gabe is not sure what happened to his mother. At the young age of two, he began the journey from one foster family to another. When he turned nine, his social worker accidentally discovered that his mother had a much older brother, Vernon, a Vietnam War vet with a fake leg. As cantankerous and reclusive as Uncle Vernon is, he still agrees to raise his nephew. On the one hand, he puts Gabe to bed with such philosophy as, "Scum-lickin' pus-suckin' buckets of trouble ken happen whether you're good or bad. But why git spit by skunk muck? Stay low and steer clear of screw-ups, Gabe." But on the other hand, Uncle Vernon has power tools and knows how to use them. He is also more than willing to teach Gabe how to run them as well.

Two-years later and Gabe is a 6th-grader. He returns home from his first day of school to find Uncle Vernon dead in the middle of the floor. Unable to deal with the situation, and scared to be taken away, Gabe attempts to continue his life as if nothing has happened. And when Uncle Vernon's body is stolen the next day, it becomes a little bit easier to function as if Uncle Vernon just stepped out and will soon return.

That same day, Gabe receives a letter in the mailbox. The front side says, "I have a secret." The back side says, "Do not be afraid." But Gabe is afraid. Very afraid. And yet he begins a correspondance with this stranger through the mailbox and a friendship forms. In the process, Gabe learns more about his extraordinary Uncle. Gabe wants to honor his uncle's memory and make him proud. A child left to his own devices, and yet he manages to run the household he is now heading with more pride and good sense than many grownups. You'll have to read the book to meet the grownups that care for Gabe and are impressed by him.

Fablehaven

It is a good time for me to talk about Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, because I intend to finish the 2nd in the series today. Hopefully. When I read a book, and I know it's part of a series, I have mixed feelings. One of my habits (quirks) is to read all of the books in the series, so I always hope that it's going to be good and I can get excited about and look forward to the next one. Usually, this is the case. But not always. A Series of Unfortunate Events - 3 books would have been plenty. I hated the series way before the 13th came out. But I read them. UGH! 39 Clues - again, just want to be done. Cut to the chase. Put me out of my misery. But I'll read them. I'm just not too thrilled with nearly everything having to belong to a series. I can really appreciate an author who can tell their story in a single, manageable book.

Fablehaven, from what I have read, is a complete 5-book set: Rise of the Evening Star, Grip of the Shadow Plague, Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, Keys to the Demon Prison. The last book was published March 23, 2010. Decatur Public Library owns the first 3, but I will be putting the other 2 in a book cart to order if they have not been already. I'm happy to say that I looked forward to reading book 2 and have not been disappointed!

Kendra and her younger brother Seth have been sent to their grandparents' house while their parents go on an unexpected vacation. They have never been there and hardly even know their grandparents. Thinking about it, they can't remember a time when they were visited by both grandparents together. One or the other would make a necessary appearance and stay aloof. In fact, Kendra knows that Grandpa doesn't really want them to visit. They are not too excited to be dropped off.

It turns out the sibling's grandparents are the co-guardians of a preserve called Fablehaven. It is a secret sanctuary where fairies, goblins, imps, brownies, satyrs and golems reside. Kendra and Seth have to be brought into the secret because Seth has a habit of making rash choices that go against the rules that have been laid out for them. Don't enter the woods. Don't enter the barn. Don't drink the milk. Stay in your room at night. Seth sets out for the woods never considering the possible dangers, and meets a witch. Then Kendra breaks a rule and drinks the milk and now she can see that all the butterflies and dragonflies and birds are actually fairies.

For the kids' safety, Grandpa is forced to tell them the secrets of Fablehaven. They could so easily make a mistake that could put their lives in danger. Maybe catch a fairy in a jar and keep it inside overnight. Now they are allowed to drink a mug of special milk everymorning so that they can see the preserve for what it really is. There are still rules to be followed, but now they know the reason for the rules. When you hurt a fairy, they are allowed to reciprocate. Even if it is done out of ignorance. There are many evil creatures on the preserve and they are restricted from entering the house or even the yard. Obeying the rules can be the difference between life and death.

But Seth still has not learned his lesson after being turned into a monstrous walrus-like creature. It is Midsummer Night's Eve and special precautions must be taken. It is the night when all of the magical creatures of Fablehaven will come out and celebrate the night. The instructions are to stay in the bedroom. Do NOT look out the window. Certainly, do NOT open it regardless of what is seen or heard. Wear earplugs to help. Do not leave the room until Grandpa comes in in the morning to announce breakfast. What do you think Seth goes and does?

I mentioned that books with a male main character gain a greater audience than those with heroines. Here is a possible exception. Kendra and Seth come together as a set. Occasionally they have adventures on their own and we follow them. Seth is an over-brave, not-putting-too-much-thought-in-his-actions kind of kid. Kendra is thoughtful and cautious and does not consider herself very brave. But it is up to Kendra, alone, to save her family and Fablehaven. That kind of responsibility will lead to greater courage. And she will be rewarded for it. I think even the boys can get interested in this one. There is enough of Seth to keep it boyish. And they can identify with his arguments against his over-safe older sister. There are evil, nasty creatures to compensate for the beautiful, yet snarky, fairies. There is plenty of action and adventure as well.

Kendra and Seth prove that they are capable of believing and living with their grandparents unusual life. They are let into more and more of the possibilities, opportunities and dangers of being guardians. But this is fantasy based upon the presence of magical creatures and humans who learn magic and the use of potions to keep the creatures at bay. The law is "And it harm none, do what you will." It is a tenuous treaty, that once broken, results in violent chaos.

There is another mystery. Where is Grandma really? Visiting a sick friend or in some kind of danger?

11 Birthdays

One of the two days that I was reading 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass, I got a lot of attention for reading it. I took it to Gabi and Cordy's dance studio and was reading it in the hallway. A 4-year-old ran by, stopped in her tracks, and turned to inform me that her big sister was reading the same book. A half hour later, a 6-year-old ran by and stopped in HIS tracks to tell me that his big sister was reading the same book. Ok, fine, they have the same big sister, BUT I was surprised that they both noticed and showed an interest. That same night, I received a message from an adult who had purchased the book for her daughter. Although the daughter hadn't read it yet, the mother was enjoying it. I was surprised by the number of people who picked this particular book to read.

Yes, the colorful balloons are very eye-catching. I just noticed that the back cover is a flip of the front cover, but a boy is holding the balloons instead of the girl. It's just that when I saw the book for the first time, it didn't scream "read me"! I'm just curious why people choose the books that they decide to read. I've read two other books by this author: A Mango-Shaped Space and Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life and I liked both of them. They are contemporary realistic fiction with a hint of whimsy. A touch of the fantastical. Let's just say, that I'm never surprised when someone asks for The Lightning Thief or Diary of a Wimpy Kid. But when someone asks for a book like 11 Birthdays, I wonder how they discovered it. Scholastic Book Fair perhaps.

I have called this book a blending of the Hatfields and the McCoys AND the movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray and Andy McDowell. I'll admit that it is one of my favorite comedies. Amanda and Leo were born the same day, in the same town, in the same hospital. That's where their parents first met. By some strange stroke of luck, and a double-booking, both families end up at Mr. McAllister's Magic Castle Birthday Party Palace to celebrate their 1st birthdays. And so it begins. A ten-year tradition where best friends share their birthday parties every year.

But something awful happened at their party the year they turned ten. Amanda refuses to talk to Leo the entire year leading up to their 11th birthdays. For the first time, they will celebrate their birthdays separately. It ends up being the worst day, let alone birthday, of Amanda's life. NOTHING goes right. Everything goes wrong. She cannot wait for the day to end. She just wants to get to the weekend so she can sort things out. Unfortunately, she wakes up the next morning, and it's that awful day all over again.

Much like Groundhog Day, once she realizes that she is indeed living the same day over and over again, she tries to fix things in an effort to get past that horrible day. If only she knew what needed to be fixed! Luckily, she discovers that she is in this situation with one other person. Hopefully they can fix time and their friendship as well and move on with their lives. It is an "enchanting" story.

Found

I am so excited about this new series, The Missing, by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Her series called The Shadow Children is one of my favorites - Among the Hidden is the first. She is one of those authors that never disappoints me. She tends to write science fiction in a contemporary realistic setting. It would seem that Haddix will add historical fiction to the mix in this series. Found is Book 1 and it lays out both the premise and the direction for the future works. Book 2, Sent, has already been published and is on the library shelves. (One copy is in my bedroom - YEA!)

So, 13 years ago, a plane "appeared" on the tarmac at an airport. One airline employee who noticed it waits for disembarking passengers. They never come. Finally, she leaves her post and enters the plane. She discovers 36 infants ... No sooner do the airport authorities take control of the situation and remove the babies, than the airplane vanishes.

Now, 13-year-old Jonah has received a letter in the mail that states "You are one of the missing." He assumes it is a prank, possibly played by his sister or some kids from school. Then, the new boy down the block, Chip, receives the same letter which blows Jonah's theories about his own letter. Soon they both receive a second letter that says: "Beware! they are coming back to get you."

Jonah has always known he was adopted. Chip has just discovered that he too is adopted. Jonah and his sister Katherine agree to help Chip discover his biological roots when his parents refuse. The FBI gets involved, but aims to discourage them rather than assist them. People start appearing and disappearing in front of their eyes - like ghosts. Documents appear and disappear out of thin air.

The kids are met with two opposing sides - from the future. Someone decided to save the children from the past and place them in families in the present. For example, rather than watch Alexis Romanov be killed by the Bolsheviks, time travelers remove him from his time and place him in the present. One of the forces Jonah is met with has decided that the children should return to their time - and their death. And then there is the other side which isn't much better.

Definitely a book that was hard to put down. Lots of mystery and plenty of questions left unanswered. While you're patiently waiting, with me, for the complete series of SEVEN books to be completed, I highly recommend you try the other series ... where third children are illegal and must be hidden in order to survive.

Diamond Willow

It seems to me that there is a plethora of children's literature set in Alaska with lots of sled dogs and children who wish to handle that special team. Don't forget the adults who don't think it's a good idea. It's practically its own genre.

When I get a book that is written in poetry, but doesn't have a J811 on the spine, I cringe. The only redeeming quality in my opinion is its brevity. What I do appreciate: poetry that is confined to rules. Makes it a bit harder. More like a puzzle. Haiku ... sonnet ... shapes ... villanelle. I have a weakness for Dylan Thomas. I like cadence, rhythm, accents. I DO NOT care for iambic pentameter. hahaha. Here is something new to me ... diamond poetry?

Notice the bold words in the middle that speak to the reader as well. This is Diamond Willow by Helen Frost

Almost every page of this book is a diamond poem with an extra, bold message within. It reads like a narrative. Almost as if someone is speaking and the bold words are what that person is thinking. Almost, but not quite. That is over-simplification. I like it. I'll have to try it ... it presents a challenge.

Now, interspersed between the poems, there are narratives. Short, single-page thoughts from different ancestors in the form of animals. For instance, One of Diamond Willow's great grandparents is present in the form of a bird. The bird watches Diamond Willow and comments on what she sees and maybe tries to provide guidance. There is also a fox, a mouse, a cougar. They are all identified as someone who has passed from this life, but is related to the people involved in some way.

Which is where I will point out ... It is a great way to illustrate the beliefs of another culture. The Native people "worship", honor, pay homage to their ancestors. And their ancestors assist them in times of trouble and are present in the form of the animal life surrounding them. But it can also open up a wide variety of curiousity in other beliefs. The book presents the story as if it were so. The book is not meant to be fantasy. It is meant to be contemporary realistic fiction. I admit, it makes me a little uncomfortable. I would want to address it to my young reader. I understand fully how curiosity can lead to a certain acceptance. You read a horoscope "for fun" but marvel in how "accurate" it is. You start to personify your pets. Maybe my dog is really the spirit of my grandfather ... I don't wish for my mind or my child's to be ignorantly lead astray out of curiousity.

My favorite part of the book was the "aha" moment. The part where I gasped and raised my hand to my mouth in surprise. I won't spoil it for you. I enjoyed it immensely. But I had to remind myself that as sweet as the story is, it is not my belief system. I also read it in one day which is always a perk!

What's the story about? A young girl who wants to be allowed to take her favorite dog and team of sled dogs out on her own. Is she given permission? Yes, eventually. Does she get a bit carried away? Yes, she's reckless. Does someone get hurt? Yes, her favorite dog. Now she must find a way to lessen her guilt and make amends.

The Hunger Games

When I was in 2nd grade, my class read a short story from our textbook called The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. To the best of my remembrance ... In a small village, every year, they held a lottery. Each resident draws a pebble from a bag. The person who draws THE pebble, the marked one, is then stoned by the rest of the community. I believe the idea centered around the death of one for the sake of the many. Of course the narrator of the story ended up winning the lottery that year. I remember be stunned, shocked, by the outcome. It left an impression upon me that has lasted over 30 years. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is The Lottery to the millionth power. OK, maybe not that much, but you get the picture.

This is from the same author who brought us the absolutely wonderful series Gregor the Overlander. From the minute I read the reviews of this book, I new I'd love it. Multiple times I tried to order this book for the Children's Department. Alas, it is still only in Young Adult. I was told it was too brutal. I was told I better read it first and I would change my mind. Maybe the Caudill nomination will help my cause. Not saying I'd recommend it to a 6th-grader, but I want it available to the mature, high reading comprehension crowd of 8th-graders.

The setting is post apocolyptic America. The country is divided into 13 districts, well, 12 still remain. #13 was annihilated by the government for an uprising. Every year, all children age 12 - 18 are entered into a lottery. One boy's name AND one girl's name is drawn from each district for a total of 24 contestants. The winners are wisked away where they will train while the country gets to know them. Then all 24 kids are placed in a controlled environment of the government's choosing and operation. And they are forced to fend for themselve and kill each other off until there is only 1 left standing. That ONE will be given a life of luxury for the rest of their days to share with their family.

If this isn't bad enough; if you're not already thinking I'm crazy for wanting it in the Children's Department, it actually gets worse. Most of the districts live in poverty. To acquire more food for her family to survive for the year, a kid can actually add her name MORE times into the lottery in exchange for food. So one of the few privileged children might only be entered once, but a child from a desperate family might be forced to enter his name a dozen times. The heroine of this story, Katniss, is one such person. Unfortunately, although Katniss' name is NOT drawn, her younger sister's name is. Katniss volunteers to take her place. This is allowed, but rarely ever happens.

But wait, there's more. The games are televised to the entire country. If the games are not exciting enough for the viewers, the government can intervene, maybe release some rabid dogs or poisonous gases. And kids from the richer districts can actually be trained from an early age to survive in such conditions. Kids born and bred to be contestants in these games.They receive economic support as well. Not to mention they are generally healthier and better fed than the contestants from the poor districts. So the contest isn't evenly matched to begin with.

So what are my reasons for recommending this brutal book? It's not for everyone, but it is my personal favorite of all the Caudill nominees this year. It is original and well-written. It's hard to put down. It's inspiring. It's about love. Love for family, friends, community. It's about taking a stand for what is right when no one else will.

I often say there is a book that everyone needs to read or a movie that everyone should see. For instance, it might be about World War II and I think everyone should have a good understanding of what our soldiers did for our country. What they lived through or died for. Or it might be a book like The Giver that might demonstrate how an idea, remove all pain, can adversely affect a community/society. We NEED pain and suffering to experience JOY!

One librarian said that this book was particularly painful because she can see where our current culture is heading. It's perhaps too close to the truth. I think it is no more brutal than the other nominee, Chains, where slaves are routinely beaten and maimed, and that actually happened in our world. In a world where we might be more sensitized to violence through movies, television, and video games, I see this book as a warning to just how bad things could get if the "haves" control the "have-nots."

This is the 1st book in a trilogy. The 2nd book, Catching Fire, is already available and just as thought-provoking. The 3rd, Mockingjay, is scheduled to be published August of this year. The 1st book has violence and murder. In the 2nd book, although it doesn't have any sex whatsoever to speak of, a rumor is made that Katniss is pregnant to gain sympathy for her cause.

In a world where 5th graders are already reading Young Adult books because their reading level is so high. OR every 6th grader wants to snag a copy of Twilight because it has a cult following among the older sisters. OR the 8th grader wants permission to check out Young Adult books knowing that sex, drugs and violence are just a signature away. Here is one of those books that is borderline ... 7th thru 12 grade. I'd rather make it available than forbidden. For the right child. It is just a truly marvelous, thought-provoking book. We have it TOO easy in America. We don't know real pain anymore. Only boredom.

Scarlett

Scarlett by Cathy Cassidy, was the first breath of fresh air I received this year. Yes, there is conflict, but it was fun conflict.

Scarlett is a 12-year-old Londoner. She's pierced her tongue without permission. She's dyed her hair to match her name. She wears platform sandals even if they aren't practical. And she's been kicked out of 5 schools in 2 years. Her grandma doesn't want her. Her uncle doesn't want her. Her mother has decided that she can't handle her, obviously. So Scarlett is being sent to Ireland to live with her father, his new wife and a younger step-sister.

Scarlett's father left her mother 2 years ago. And that of course is when the trouble started. Until that time, Scarlett had been a picture perfect little girl with curls. She excelled in everything and was an over-achiever. When her father left, well, what was the point? If you can't attract positive attention, negative attention will have to suffice.

The tree on the cover is the wishing tree next to the lough (lake) where Scarlett finds solace. People tie a ribbon or scrap of cloth to the tree and make a wish. First she runs there to escape her new school. Then she runs there to escape her family. Finally, she goes there to study, create, daydream. And it is there that she first encounters Kian, a strange, wild boy who pretty much sweeps her off her feet. Yes, there is definitely romance to be had. Romance surrounded by mystery. No one knows who (what?) Kian is. He's definitely not from around these parts. But Scarlett can't stay away. She spends as much time as she can with him.

As a child of divorce myself, I really identified with Scarlett. I think Cassidy has it right on. She's mad at her mom and her dad for taking away the life that she loved. Her mother is too busy working on a career to give her the attention she needs. And mother is still reeling from the divorce herself. Scarlett sees her dad as taking her ideal life away and giving it to another newer, better, less rebellious daughter. Scarlett no longer fits in. So she makes herself even less palatable to everyone.

What I appreciate most is the tender loving kindness of the step-mother. She encourages Scarlett to be a part of the family without forcing it upon her. She advocates for her until Scarlett can forgive her father and start trying to fit in again. Perhaps that best choice was homeschooling her, allowing Scarlett to be an individual and get the space and time and solitude she needs to actually acknowledge her situation and not just react to it. Her father as her teacher enables them to get to know each other again and build a new relationship without the anger.

Relish what is light-hearted.

The Boy Who Dared

The entire title of this Caudill nominee is The Boy Who Dared: A Novel Based on the True Story of a Hitler Youth by Susan Campbell Bartoletti. She also wrote the Newbery Honor book Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow J943.086/B

The book begins on death row, in a prison in Germany, October 27, 1942. The prisoner is 17-year-old Helmuth Hubener. And it is Tuesday. The executioner works on Tuesdays. You never know if or when they are coming to your cell. This is part of his punishment. Helmuth rejoices when a guard brings him stale bread and malt coffee. He knows he will live another day. But at 1pm, Helmuth has another visitor, the Executory Leader. He will be executed after 8pm October 27, 1942.

Over the course of Prison Day 264, as Helmuth shares the monotony of death row and the uncertainty of life tomorrow, he also gives us flashbacks that explain how he ended up on death row, a traiter to Hitler's Germany. He was found guilty of listening to a foreign radio station and distributing the news heard in connection with conspiracy to commit high treason and treasonable support of the enemy.

You're a boy of 15 ... maybe 16. You are patriotic to a fault. You love your country and your culture and your God. But everyday, one more thing becomes forbidden. You can no longer buy your favorite pastries at your favorite bakery. You can no longer listen to radio stations other than those approved by the government. You can no longer associate with an old friend from your church. Are you willing to fight for your human rights, your political freedom and truth at the cost of your life? Are you willing to protect your friends so that they can keep their lives even if it means losing yours?

"There are many reasons for a person to lie, but to have a reason to tell the truth, you must have a deep belief. And great courage." from Author's Note. The author's note presents the facts and the real people in this fictional work. Following, are pictures of Helmuth and his family and a timeline of the Third Reich. I urge you to look at the pictures first. I had a hard time believing any "kid" could be this strong and loyal and noble. When I found the pictures, there were many tears left to be shed. So young.

Chains

Every year, while children are reading the list of 20 Caudill nominees so that they can vote for their favorite in February, a tireless group of readers made up of teachers and librarians are wittling down a list of hundreds of book recommendations submitted to be considered as next year's Caudill nominees. Right before "this year's" winner is announced, nominees for next year's award are presented. Another 20! Another frenzy to check our stacks to see what we already own. Another frenzy to read as many as possible as quickly as possible. Another rush to find out why some are in Young Adult only and whether or not we can have them in Juvenile. Another book order for new items or additional copies or paper backs! Updated pamphlet from last year is run to the presses! I love that day! But it will mean I'm busy for awhile. Aiming for 100 pages a day.

Topping the 2011 list is Laurie Halse Anderson's Chains. Anderson won the Caudill in 2003 for Fever 1793 and I don't think the kids who chose that book to win will be disappointed in this one in the least. The setting is the Revolutionary War, New York City. Our heroine is Isabel, a young slave girl. Her problem? Her master willed that Isabel and her sister Ruth were to be set free upon her death. What happens instead? A mean-spirited nephew chooses to sell them. And sell them far away from home so that they cannot be legally helped. The sisters are sold to wealthy Loyalists. Isabel is put to work assisting in the kitchen, cleaning the house, serving guests, and walking the mile to retrieve water from the well.Young Ruth is chosen by "Madam" to be a living doll and companion. She is dressed well and expected to be seen and not heard.

Isabel is a strong-willed, vocal girl who has been taught to read. Quiet Ruth suffers from an illness that causes seizures, which is misconstrued as her being possessed by demon spirits. It is not long before the girls discover their new masters to be very cruel. With this knowledge, Isabel determines to find a way to save herself and her sister. The first opportunity comes in the form of another slave, Curzon, who serves the rebel/Patriot army. He promises help in exchange for information about the Loyalists. It's a hard decision for Isabel. It's a dangerous job that she has been asked to do. If she gets caught, she could go to jail or worse and she wouldn't be able to help her sister.

This book is very well-researched and written and most certainly NOT one-sided. No one really knows who the good or bad guys are. If the rebels win, slavery will continue, but maybe they will help Isabel for her assistance. The English have already outlawed slavery. If the British Army wins, will they free the slaves? If she helps them, will they help her and and her sister? Master beats Madam and Madam beats Isabel, but Master's Aunt shows Isabel great kindness within the bounds she's allowed. The Aunt laments not buying Isabel when she had the chance. Kindness is paid with kindness in this relationship.

As confused and downtrodden as Isabel is, she makes remarkable choices on behalf of her sister and the people who have showed her kindness. She goes above and beyond the call of duty to help Curzon when he is held prisoner by the King's Army. She brings him food and delivers messages and even cleans the prison in an opportunity to save him. She gets herself cornered, beaten and eventually branded in an attempt save her sister. And still she continues in the hope that someday she will get her freedom. It is a brutal and emotional book. The scenes are not pretty and sometimes they are hard to read, but the book is about survival. It might just jumpstart some of today's children who are struggling to survive mere boredom. I am glad to say that there is a sequel, Forge, do to be published October of this year.

The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award is an annual award given to the author of the book voted most outstanding by students in grades 4 through 8 in participating Illinois schools. The award is named in honor of Rebecca Caudill who lived and wrote in Urbana, Illinois, for nearly 50 years. The award is given in recognition of her literary talent and the universal appeal of her books which have touched the hearts of many children and young adults. It's purpose it to encourage children and young adults to read for personal satisfaction; to develop a statewide awareness of outstanding literature for children and young people and to promote a desire for literacy; and to encourage cooperation among Illinois agencies providing educational and library service to young people.

Mare's War

Here is a prime example of why I use awards and honors for recommendations for my own reading lists. I am a white girl. SURPRISE! Yeah, I've got rhythm. I can follow the beat. If there is music, I will dance. Can't help it. Some rhythms are harder to feel than others, (I'm thinking Tanzanian,) but I can be taught! In literature, I know where I will naturally gravitate without a nudge. But my patrons do not consist only of white girls and geeky boys. I turn to the Coretta Scott King Award to guide me in my African American experience.

This year's Author Award went to Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. Decatur Public Library (DPL) call # - JB Reeves, B. Yep! Non-Fiction Bio. Sorry. But it is slight in width, tall in size and picture book format so I did glance through it, but still too much text ... hahaha.

One book DID receive honors and that is Mare's War by Tanita S. Davis. It can be found in both Juvenile and Young Adult so I'm saying this book would be good for 8th grade girls and up. It is set in the present with flashbacks during World War II. Tali and Octavia are teenage sisters who have been forced to drive cross country with their Grandmother, Mare, to a family reunion during their summer vacation. Can we say "NOT HAPPY"?

Let's see ... Mare smokes like a chimney ... listens to bad music ... drives too slowly ... is not supposed to drive at night, but does anyway ... is smarter than a whip ... and knows what two teenage girls will do when left to their own devices. BUT, Mare has had an extremely interesting life that she begins to share with the sisters. And these flashbacks were the best part of the book. Mare joined the African American regiment of the Women's Army Corps (WACs) and had to lie in order to do it because she was too young. She had assignments in America, England and France.

Mare was able to leave behind the responsibilities that were expected of her: working on the family farm, watching out for her younger sister, cleaning a rich white woman's house during the day, and working in a diner at night. If that doesn't tire you out, what will? Basic training. Dangerous, ocean voyage. Air raid drills. Making sure the soldiers' mail gets to the right person in a reasonable amount of time. Fabulous story. I haven't read too much about the WACs in juvenile fiction. African American regiment? Unheard of until now.

There are some "heads-up" which I will share without spoiling too much I hope. I mentioned the smoking, but the teenagers badger their Mare to no end about it being gross and unhealthy. Mare's mother is a widow and she seems to have a few live-in boyfriends. One in particular has plans to molest Mare's younger sister. There is a scene where he makes advances on Mare as well. Mare protects her sister by using a gun. No one is hurt, but she aimed to kill. One of Mare's friends in her regiment is believed to be a lesbian although it is not referred to as such or as bluntly. Finally, Tali orders an alcoholic beverage in a bar and has plans to pick up an older man. Luckily her plans are thwarted by Mare and she is punished. Oh, and there is some underage, without-a-learner's permit driving.

The Coretta Scott King Book Award is presented annually by the Coretta Scott King Task Force of the American Library Association's Ethnic Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT). Recipients are authors and illustrators of African descent whose distinguished books promote an understanding and appreciation of the "American Dream" Author awards began in 1970, while illustrator awards began in 1974.

Going to start tackling the 2011 Caudills next ...

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

Now here is a conundrum I often find myself in: A girl is more likely to read a good book, even if a boy is the main character. A boy, however, will most likely not even touch a book, no matter how good it is, if the main character is a girl. So girls have a greater array of books to read from than boys, but boys often become main characters to reach a larger audience. Do you follow? Imagine if Harry Potter were Harriet Potter. Would there even be a movie? Yes, you have a strong female character in Hermione, but she could never capture the majority of boys' attention. Fablehaven and The Alchemyst try a different tactic I believe and I will talk about them soon.

There are five Newbery books this year. The winner might be read by a few boys. Calpurnia and Mountain won't. The biography is even about a female. So it's a girl-heavy year, but Homer P. Figg  by Rodman Philbrick, (Freak the Mighty,) is about as boyish as one can get! You'll catch Homer stealing food from the hog slops and telling tall tales. He'll act like a squealing pig-boy and chase his brother into the battle at Gettysburg. Why?

Homer and his big brother Harold are being raised by their Uncle Squint. Homer's dad died before Homer was even born. His mother, a school-marm, succumbed to the fever. The only kin left was Squint who happened to be the meanest man alive. Well, the second meanest. Among the things Uncle Squint hates, "he hates Southerners, because they own slaves; he hates Negroes, because they complain of being enslaved; he hates Senator Douglas, because Douglas is short; he hates President Lincoln, because Lincoln is tall; and he hates the sky, because it didn't matter if the sky is sunny and blue, it's bound to rain someday."

Squint's worst offense is selling brother Harold into conscription in the Yankee army even though he is only 17. Homer knows it's his fault for stealing stale bread from the pig slops because Harold would still be there if he hadn't have stood up for his brother. Homer knows it's up to him to run away after his brother and set things right.

We follow Homer from the backwoods of Maine to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He falls in with some criminals and ends up helping the Underground Railroad. He falls in with more criminals and ends up caged with some pigs. He falls in with a medicine man as the Infamous Pig Boy and ends up in a hot air balloon flying over the battlefield. And he finally saves his brother by wounding Harold himself. Harold was always too brave and too honest. He was sure to end up killed without Homer's help!

Next we move on to the Coretta Scott King Awards!

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

I thought I'd take a moment to address another of my quirks because one is looking at me right now. I've already mentioned that I don't read Juvenile Non-Fiction so I'll point out that Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose received Newbery Honors this year, but you will not be hearing about the book from me. But should you so desire ... Decatur Public Library owns it and the call number is J323.092/H. I'm relatively certain that the book will cry if I ignore it entirely. That takes care of the quirk staring me down. Now for #2.

I read books in alphabetical order by author's last name. That way I don't read all of the ones I'm excited about first and save what I think are dull ones for last. It also prevents me from reading a bunch of short ones quickly leaving the long ones to plow through later. And that is why today I am presenting Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin which proves to be every bit as gorgeous on the inside as on the outside!

I think perhaps my favorite part of this book is how it developed. Grace Lin is an Asian American who was raised in New York. Her mother chose NOT to force her Chinese background upon her, but instead kept chinese folktales and fairy tale books in the home knowing that Grace could not resist a new book. In the beginning, Grace was disappointed by the simplicity and sparseness of the tales, but her own imagination began to fill in the blanks. Grace created stories out of one line legends and mythic characters to form Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

This is a story about a father who fills the head of his only daughter with fantastical stories much to the chagrin of his wife. They live at the foot of a famine-stricken mountain where such tales seem like nonsense next to the daily toil that helps the family eek out a meager existence. Inspired by the enchanted stories, the daughter, Minli, leaves home to bring back good fortune to her family. In her absence, her mother is awakened to the blessings they had, but are now gone. The happiness of their daughter and the joy of the stories that filled their evenings.

There is the story of the parents as they wait for Minli's return. There is the story of Minli and her journey to bring good fortune to her family. And interwoven are a multitude of folktales that direct her and lead the story forward. Or rather, lead the story home again, for it is a great circle where wrongs are righted and promises are kept and treasures are both given and returned. Throw in a handful of colorful dragons and goldfish that are dragons, and you have an enchanting, Asian inspired fantasy.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

On to the 2010 Newbery Honor books. This is where I tend to get excited! It has been said that the Newbery Award tends to be politically driven. The best book might not always win. A deserving author of an incredible book might win another year for differnet book when the timing is right. So ... I often find that I prefer the Honor books to the Medal winner. It is unfortunate that most readers would neglect the honor books. They get some of the glory for a year at the most and then they fall into oblivion. This year, I actually like the winner as much as the honor books. The first time in a LONG time that I can say that.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly is a book with a charming cover - sunshiny yellow with a silouette of a girl catching butterflies amidst the branches of a tree. It drew me right in and then slapped me. It is that word - EVOLUTION - that raised my guard. So I'll state here and now that I am a Christ-following Creationist and I have a hard time recommending any book where Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species appears to take center stage. Darwin biographies for children are being published at a noticeable rate and it makes me cringe. I don't have anything against Darwin or his book, but I am troubled by where it eventually led.

While I was reading it, I was really focused on whether or not I could allow my own children to read it for pleasure without instruction. In a world where the majority of the children's books don't even mention church, here is one where church is a part of the week if not more. The family attends as a family. There are at least two churches in town and there is a little bit of rivalry. The greatest rivalry though belongs to Calpurnia (Callie) Tate's Grandfather and the reverend of the Tate's family church. They like to discuss the what The Origin of Species means to the Book of Genesis, but this is never openly discussed in the book, just alluded to. Grandfather no longer attends church. He went for most of his life and he thinks he's been enough. It would seem that he gets plenty of one on one time with the reverend though.

No, this book is about a young girl born in the middle of a passal of boys. She has an interest in science as does her grandfather. And it is Callie who has the courage to approach the grumpy old man who probably doesn't even know her name. A lovely friendship strikes up and Grandfather encourages Callie to keep of a journal of what she observes in nature. He take her on as a kind of assistant in his own wanderings and even in his research into distilling walnuts. Grandfather does let her sample a bit of the brew for her opinion. She doesn't think she'll try the stuff again!

Here is a girl whose destiny is to be a debutante, when she would rather be independent, support herself with her own job, and perhaps go to university. Poor Callie, her mother is so determined that she learn how to cook instead! It was a different world back then, right at the turn of the 19th century. But even I identified with this girl who thought she was different. It was I who sat on the sofa discussing the use of Calculus with my grandfather, while the women folk washed the dishes.

When You Reach Me

The winner of the 2010 Newbery Award is When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. This is a book our library already owned and I remembered checking it in. Everybody say it: Don't judge a book by its cover! Well, I did and I wasn't interested. I read the jacket summary and passed on it. First Light written by the same author had been on the 2010 Rebecca Caudill list and of course I had read it. And LOVED it. It was a sci-fi/fantasy in the same vein as The Giver and The City of Ember. But this new book didn't look like it was in the same category so I put it on the new book shelf without a second glance.

And then it won the Newbery. Secretly, I always wish that I've already read the winner. #1 It's one less book for me to read and #2 It says I can recognize a good book. So like a good librarian, and with a hung head, I snagged the first copy I found, checked it out and dove right in. Glad to say I was not disappointed. There is a mystery and an element of sci/fi. And if you like Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, you'll be ahead of the game.

The setting is 1970s New York City. This is not considered Historical Fiction when the librarian recommending it was born during the same decade, however, the American Girl Store already considers the 70s to be historical (Julie). UGH. You might have to explain the $20,000 Pyramid game if you're old enough to remember it. It's important because the mother of the main character, Miranda, is invited to play the game on national television.

Because I don't wish to spoil anything, I am going to share my favorite moment of the book. And I think the book is all about love. Miranda has recently lost her best friend, Sal, for unknown reasons. He ignores her now without explanation and it hurts. So Miranda makes a new friend, Annemarie. Unfortunately, this leaves Annemarie's best friend Julia out in the cold. One day, Miranda watches the way Julia looks at Annemarie and recognizes the lovesick look that she has for Sal. Miranda sees her own hurt mirrored in Julia's. Then she states "Sometimes you never feel meaner than the moment you stop being mean." And the healing between the kids begins.

Tomorrow The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

The Newbery Medal is presented annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to children's literature in America published in the previous year. It is named after John Newbery, an 18th-century bookseller and is awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The first Newbery Medal was given in 1922. (Yesterday, I mispoke and said it was 1923. But then I checked, and the first award went to a work of non-fiction, so in my mind I ignore it.)

I Read Too Much so you don't have to

I read an obscene amount of books. Children's books. My excuse, and it's a good one, is because it is my job. Yes, I'm a Childrens' Librarian at Decatur Public Library.

I've read every Caldecott and Newbery Winner. I've read every Rebecca Caudill Winner. I've read every Caldecott Honor book. I'm currently working on reading every Newbery Honor book. I've reached the 1960's and I have to go back to 1923. I'm also working on every Caudill Nominee and there are over 200! I think I'm back to 1997 and they go back to 1988. I've also recently started working on the Coretta Scott King Award winners. I'm flustered 'cause I'm way behind! (In the future, I'll explain each award.)

Those are the books I make myself read ... a to do list if you will. Then there is the list of books that I would choose to read regardless. I'm a Sci-Fi/Fantasy geek. That's where I naturally gravitate. But I prefer to be well-rounded. If a 5th grade boy needs suggestions and he's already read Lightning Thief I need to be ready.

I've started this blog in an effort to justify all of the reading. The chance to share my knowledge with more people. I work part-time, so I'm only available 20 hours a week when you can pick my brain. And I have a good place to start. The Newbery, Caldecott, King awards have been announced recently. The 2011 Caudill Nominees have been announced as well. And I'm reading at a frantic pace. In the days ahead, I intend to present each of these as I have read them.

I better add a disclaimer. Because I read so much, and because I don't particularly care for it, I don't read juvenile non-fiction, even if it's an award winner. I just can't get excited about it. And I have never cared much for poetry. Something has to scream READ ME for me to change my mind.

However, I DO read adult non-fiction. About a chapter a day. And I might share those books too ...

Tomorrow ... 2010 Newbery Winner