The Here You Go Award

[[deleted user]]

The Here You Go Award comes from when Mr. Gerbati cuts Jake a break when he attempts to steal from Mr. Gerbati's safe in "Bread and Roses Too" by Katherine Paterson. Mr. Gerbati said "We make.... what you say, bargain?..... You no lie me no more". Paterson shows her readers that there are good people out in the world. Learn from them and follow their example.

The books that will be nominated for this award should have a character that does something nice for another character. It doesn't have to be as big of a nice thing as what Mr. Gerbati did for Jake, but something that would stand out in a reader's mind. Kelley Griffith stated that "dynamic characters, especially main characters, typically grow in understanding." These characters know the right thing to do in any situation and lead a positive example.

There is no type of genre or format required for this award and all grade levels can be included.
Nominations for "The Here You Go Award" should be posted by March 5, 2009

[Sarah]

I nominate "The Giving Tree" because the tree does so many nice things for the man through out her whole life. If the boy wanted shade, somewhere to climb, money, or just a place to sit she gave him just that. She gives everything to him and never once complained. She went from a huge, beautiful tree, to just a stomp to sit on. This story has a great moral for students from kindergarten to second grade. It is perfect for a read aloud or even an independent read.

[Corby]

I nominate "Thank You, Mr Falker" by Patricia Polacco. This is an excellent story of a little girls struggle of learning to read. She manages to slip through 5 grades without being helped (how sad). The other children would make fun of her and call her names. She grows to hate school and she feels dumb. Her family has an opportunity to move. This excites her, she thinks if she moves no one will know she is dumb, but things don't change there. The children continue doing the same things there as in the other school. Then one day things change; there is a new teacher, Mr. Falker. Mr. Falker takes notice and goes the extra mile to help her. By the end of the story she is able to read and feeling much better about herself. This would not have been possible without Mr. Falker. This is the kind of teacher we all want to be. We want to make a difference in children's lives. This book deserves the Here you go award. This would be an excellent read aloud book. Appropriate for ages K-5. As stated by Cramer, read, read, read everything (Cramer, 2001).

[Linzi]

I nominate the book " Wemberly Worried" written by Kevin Henkes in 2000 and published by First Scholastic. This book is about Wemberly and she is scared to begin school until she makes a friend named Jewel who makes her feel more comfortable. They play and have fun together. This book could be used in a read aloud or in guided reading. This book would be good for 1-3 grade.

[Darlene]

I nominate "Papa Gatto" an Italian Fairy tale by Ruth Sanderson. This book is a fairy tale twist similar to Cinderella. The Prince's advisor was a clever cat called Papa Gatto. His wife had recently passed away and he was looking for someone to come and help care for his babies. Sophia came to cook for the kittens and keep the house tidy while he was away. When he got back the house was destroyed and she had taken a necklace of diamonds that had belonged to his wife. He had to go away again so he announced again that he was looking for someone to come and take care of his babies. This time Beatrice came and she loved them, cooked for them, and kept the house tidy. When he came back she explained that she did this to right the wrong of her sister, she wanted no payment. She was very sad to leave the kittens behind. Then the Prince came to be looking for a wife and he wanted Beatrice, but Sophia tried to dupe him into thinking that she was Beatrice. Really enjoyed this story of Beatrice's selflessness and kindness.

[Amanda]

I nominate Rainbow Fish to the Rescue! This book is the sequel to Rainbow Fish. Rainbow fish has already shared his beautiful scales with some other fish, and they have formed a "clique." When a normal fish with stripes wants to join in the fun game with the "beautiful" fish he is not allowed. Even Rainbow Fish ignores the fish with stripes. Later in the book, the striped fish is going to be attacked by a shark. Rainbow Fish and his other beautiful friends decide to save the striped fish's life. After that, they accept him and allow him to play games with them. This book teaches an important lesson about accepting others and doing nice things for them. The beautiful fish save the striped fish's life even though he is different. This is a big favor. Everyone can learn a lesson from this book and it deserves your award!

[Lori]

I nominate the book "Horton Hatches the Egg" by Dr. Seuss for this award. Horton, the benevolent elephant, agrees to "egg sit" while the egg's true mother leaves on a merry jaunt, leaving Horton alone, through wind and rain and snow, to sit patiently and faithfully on the egg as promised. Horton and the mother bird are juxtaposed as good vs. bad, and illustrates not only the merits of keeping one's promises, but the trappings of taking advantage of those who come to our aid in times of need. This book is appropriate for grades 1-4.

[Ericajean]

I nominate Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot by Margot Theis Raven for the Here You Go Award. What makes this story so powerful is the fact that it is based on a true story. During the Berlin Airlift, Lt. Gail S. Halvorsen supplied the children of West Berlin with chocolate and candy, hence the name the Chocolate Pilot. It is a really amazing story that gave the people of West Berlin hope during the blockade put into motion by Josef Stalin to block food, clothing, electricity, et cetera. Without the generosity of American and British Airplanes and support, some 2.2 million people would die. This book goes beyond showing how someone can do something that truly impacts someone else’s life in a positive way. The illustrations are very vivid and colorful giving the story an appealing look.

[Shannon]

I nominate "My Friend John" by Charlotte Zolotow. This book is about a young boy and his friend John. They know everything about one another including secret places, secret fears, and even which girl the other likes. Their strengths and weaknesses compliment each others. These two boys are best friends and do nice things for each other everyday, including keeping each others deepest secrets. This book should win the Hear You Go Award and would be great for 2nd and 3rd grade!

[Shawn]

I nominate "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville.

In the book, the character Starbuck cannot find a room to sleep in one night. The innkeeper says to Starbuck that he may sleep in a room with a native of the Pacific Islands. During the middle of the night, Queequeg comes in and tries to argue with Starbuck whose room it is. And threatens to kill Starbuck. After the innkeeper explains Starbuck's position, Queequeg befriends Starbuck and helps him to get a better position on a whaling ship.

Although this book is more of a book about Captain Ahab's revenge, Queequeg and Starbuck form a friendship that helps to benefit each other.

[[deleted user]]

I nominate the book "Miss Suzy" by Miriam Young. This book shows kindness on two sides and how it is repaid. Miss Suzy is a kind gray squirrel who is chased from her home by six red squirrels who fight a lot. Miss Suzy settles in a doll house in the attic of the house next to her tree and fins five toy soldiers to feed and care for. she tells them stories every night before she tucks them in and one night, she tells them about her beautiful home in the oak tree and how much she misses it. Determined to repay Miss Suzy's kindness, the captain and his men climb up the oak tree and demand that the quarrelsome red squirrels leave Miss Suzy's house. Elated, Miss Suzy requests that the soldiers stop by once a week for dinner so they can maintain their friendship. I think this book deserves to win The "Here You Go" Award because it shows how kindness can be repaid with kindness in a creative and unique way that appeals to children. This book is recommended for grades 1 through 5.

[Amber]

I nominate the book, "My Great-Aunt Arizona" by Gloria Houston. This book is geared toward grades 2-4. The story is about a young girl that grows up to become a teacher back in the 1800's. I nominated this book because of the great story it tells about how a woman becomes a teacher. During this time, it would be more difficult teaching without books, being in the school buildings they had, and continuing to keep in touch with family. She goes through some hard work and hard times, but keeps a positive spirit and begins her teaching career. She leads a good life and stays dedicated to her students.

[Amy]

I nominate "Star Girl" by Jerry Spinelli. Star Girl is a strong female protagonist who overflows with kindness, to the point where some people reject her. Fearless individuality makes "Star Girl" a great read for middle school students. When I first read this book, I had to read it all at once because I couldn't put it down. I believe that Spinelli invented a character who has the power to invoke a spirit of greater kindness in the reader. I believe that for this reason alone it deserves the "Here You Go" award.

[Patrick]

I nominate "Holes" by Louis Sachar. The relationship between Stanley and Hector or "Zero" is on that is one that will teach the reader that being nice to others can lead to success as well as great friendship. There are countless examples in this novel that will leave the reader feeling good about helping others. Good for grades 4th-6th

[[deleted user]]

Jordan Keith March 24, 2009
300 E. Allegheny St.
Martinsburg, PA 16662
Telephone: (814) 793-9250

_________________________________


Jerry Spinelli
Random House Children’s Books
School and Library Marketing
1745 Broadway, Mail Drop 10-4
New York, NY 10019

Dear Mr. Spinelli:

I am writing to inform you that you have been selected as the recipient of the Here You Go award presented at Penn State Altoona. This award is one that comes from when Mr. Gerbati cuts Jake a break when he attempts to steal from Mr. Gerbati's safe in the novel "Bread and Roses Too" by Katherine Paterson. Mr. Gerbati said "We make.... what you say, bargain?..... You no lie me no more". Paterson shows her readers that there are good people out in the world. Learn from them and follow their example.
The books that were nominated for this award had a character or characters that did something nice for another character. It didn’t have to be as big of a nice thing as what Mr. Gerbati did for Jake, but something that stood out in the reader's mind. Kelley Griffith stated, "Dynamic characters, especially main characters, typically grow in understanding." These characters know the right thing to do in any situation and lead a positive example.
There was no type of genre or format required for the award and all grade levels could be included.
Nominations for "The Here You Go Award" were posted by March 5, 2009
I chose your book “Stargirl” because Stargirl did so many nice things for others without expecting anything in return. I liked the book so much that I read it cover to cover because I couldn’t put it down.
Congratulations on the Here You Go award and I look forward to reading your future works of literature.

Sincerely,

Jordan Keith