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Final Round - 2024 Mock Newbery Award
By Kristen · 34 posts · 187 views
last updated Jan 16, 2024 06:26AM
What Members Thought
wish I was in my 4th grade classroom so I could read aloud this and talk to kids about it
Apr 22, 2024
alisonwonderland (Alison)
rated it
it was amazing
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review of another edition
Shelves:
kindle-borrow,
2023-publication-date,
middle-grade,
2024-favorites,
libby,
audiobook,
newbery
I wasn’t sure that I would enjoy reading a middle grade animal book at this stage of my life, but I ending up loving this 2024 Newbery Award winner the same way I loved Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM when I was ten.
The audio version is brilliantly performed by Ethan Hawke. I also took a quick look at an ebook, so I could see the fun artwork.
The audio version is brilliantly performed by Ethan Hawke. I also took a quick look at an ebook, so I could see the fun artwork.
The Eyes and the Impossible. It wasn’t on anyone’s mock list. Is it really for children? It strikes me as a book for a high school honors English class. Sophisticated vocabulary, themes, imagery. It’s going on the list with The Higher Power of Lucky, The Last Stop on Market Street, and Good Masters, Sweet Ladies. It makes me want to be a fly on the wall when the committee made this choice.
Animal stories, and especially animal main characters, are usually a hard sell for me. I did love Johannes' voice, and the tone. Amongst animal stories, this is a good one. The illustrations are a nice touch, especially considering Johannes' interest in art, and the characters were all distinct and well-developed. There were several moments when I wasn't sure if any plot was going to develop, but the ending was satisfying. And I finished it just in time to hear Eggers' Newbery acceptance speech
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I could say so much about this book. Mostly, it deserved to win the Newbery. Secondly, as Monica said, I wish I had a classroom so I could read it aloud and talk about it with children. If you want to know more, read Betsy Bird's review.
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I liked the Johannes' character. So confident he is the fastest creature on legs. The paintings have such a forest feel. The setting reminded me of Golden Gate Park with the nearby ocean, the windmills and museums and bison.
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Animal fiction is not, and will never be, my favorite genre. But this was a great story-- lots of humor and heart--and would be a nice classroom read-aloud for upper elementary grades.
It took me a while to get into the story. Johannes' exuberant voice was a bit much for me (I actually contemplated not finishing the book), thought it might be perfect for the intended audience. However, the switch at the ending surprised me and won me over.
Might be better with the hardback and the colorful artwork. ...more
Might be better with the hardback and the colorful artwork. ...more
Jan 24, 2024
Kristine
marked it as to-read
Apr 24, 2024
Parry Rigney
marked it as to-read
