Mock Newbery 2026 discussion
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Flora & Ulysses
Book of the Month - 2014
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December Read - Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures
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Kristen
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rated it 3 stars
Dec 01, 2013 02:16PM
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Is this the December read?
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Yep. It's been getting some pretty favorable reviews.
I read this book over the summer and really enjoyed it. I think it's very unique, and overall -- very delightful. I look forward to reading the discussion about this book. I really adored that squirrel!
For some reason I could hardly get through the "silliness" of this situation - not sure why the writing itself didn't pull me through. "My" kids voted it off early this year, even though I was championing DiCamillo and her talent from the past. I would love to hear specifics to compare this to other contenders this year.
I found the storyline funny and loved the addition of the comic book type of illustrations which kids will find enjoyable. I think kids will love the squirrel. However, I felt this wasn't her best work and didn't like it as much as did the Year of Billy Miller and The Thing About Luck. The Thing About Luck may not appeal to kids as much due to the nature of the storyline and it being more of a think piece. I think it will appeal to those readers familiar with the mirgrant life or wanting to know more about it or older readers. It doesn't have the light heartedness of the Year of Billy Miller or the silliness of Flora and Ulysses.
The Year of Billy Miller does a pretty good job of capturing some of the fears of school, the family relationships, etc. and some of the typical boy antics.
I love F&U so much! But will the art make it ineligible?
The art doesn't make it ineligible, but only the text can be considered. From the terms and criteria:"2. Each book is to be considered as a contribution to American literature. The committee is to make its decision primarily on the text. Other components of a book, such as illustrations, overall design of the book, etc., may be considered when they make the book less effective."
Here is the website: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/...
I just finished Salt and I think it is Newbery worthy. I especially liked how James' narration was written as images on the American flag and Anikwa's was shaped like patterns of Miami ribbon work of diamond and triangle shapes. Anyone else think this one has a chance?
I liked Flora & Ulysses, but I didn't love it. I really enjoyed the comic sequences, but as stated, those can't be considered.
Jo, I really liked Salt. I participate in the discussion over at Heavy Medal. The mods have us nominate books like the real Newbery committee and I chose that one. I like the dual perspectives and that the author chose a period in history that is not well known.
Agreed I did enjoy F & U for the ease of reading, language, and comic style illustrations. For any of the before mentioned reasons it will be a hit with kids along with the antics of F & U. As for Newbery, my gut doesn't feel it. I'm not sure if I've read the next Newbery yet. I just also finished The Center of Everything and enjoyed that as well. Right now my favorite for the year has been Beholding Bee.
I read Flora & Ulysses several weeks ago, and liked it in spite of the silliness. I really love the language DiCamillo uses and this story has done it again. Newbery worthy? I'm just not sure. I agree with the comment "I'm not sure I've read the next Newbery yet.". I'm still reading.
I loved Flora & Ulysses. I don't think it's going to win, though. My top choices are Counting by 7s, Every Day After, and maybe Beholding Bee.
I just finished Flora & Ulysses (one good thing about "snow" days - extra time to read). I really enjoyed it. It is both comical and meaningful. That said, I don't think it meets the requirements for Newbery. I am having trouble deciding on my front runner.
I really loved this story. I think DiCamillo always does a nice job of touching heavy topics with a light hand. I cannot wait to read it aloud. It is definitely on my short list for a Newbery.
I enjoyed F and U but I don't think it is a contender. The students in my school seem to love it.
I enjoyed this silly book. Don't think it is a Newbery contender though.
This one is certainly on my short list. It was silly and meaningful, quirky and touching, but my money is still on The Center of Everything. There is still so much to read! I am so far behind!
I just didn't find this book all that appealing. Ulysses was the only real likable character in the story. I thought were all kind of irritating. I'm still hoping The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt will be the winner this year.
Maria wrote: "I enjoyed F and U but I don't think it is a contender. The students in my school seem to love it."that about sums it up for me. Kids love it but it isn't Newbery material, imo.
I enjoyed F&U, and found it sufficiently meaningful (meaty, resonant) to get through despite the silliness. The characters were complex, not iconographic. For example, think of the horrible thing the Mom said to Flora, when Flora was announcing that she wanted to move to her Dad's. And then think of how even more horrible William Spiver's mom was to him. But this is still too light a book to be Newbery worthy, imo.
I don't know what it is about DiCamillo but I just don't love her books. I didn't really enjoy this one. I think it is something about her writing style. It wasn't a bad book or poorly written, I just didn't really enjoy it.
I feel that way about Kathi Appelt. I can't put my finger on exactly why.
This brings home the point to me of the daunting task of awarding the top honors to books. It's tough to stick with criteria and overcome our own biases. I love DiCamillo, and don't care for Applet. I do my best to set aside bias with collection development and I really understand the daunting task of picking those award winners. I wonder which book will win Newbery. So far, I see no clear leader of the pack.
Just finished Sugar by Rhodes. I enjoyed the reconstruction time period with a new perspective by bringing in the Chinese. History never ceases to amaze me by allowing cultures to come together and and help begin to heal wounds and bring people together. The title will be an strong female perspective addition to titles about the reconstruction time period.
Jill, I hear you - I don't like DiCamillo as much as others do, either. Here, I think it was because somehow I just didn't connect with Flora - she felt created, not real, to me.
I loved the vibrance of F&U. It was so creative and fun. Fun doesn't often pull a Newbery though.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and never felt that the 'quirkiness' was forced. However, when I compare it to the multi layers of story and theme of Edward Tulane, I can't imagine a Newbery win.
Carol wrote: "I just didn't find this book all that appealing. Ulysses was the only real likable character in the story. I thought were all kind of irritating. I'm still hoping The True Blue Scouts of Sugar M..."
I loved that book too! Also have my fingers crossed for it!
I loved that book too! Also have my fingers crossed for it!
I'm a huge fan of DiCamillo but this one didn't work for me. Maybe I was reading with Newbery on my mind and it's not worthy.
I haven't finished it yet, but so far it reminds me too much of Beverly Cleary's The Mouse and the Motorcycle - quirky kid has a friendship with a small rodent with unusual abilities. A good story, but not a Newbery.
This may not be a Newbery contender, but it was a delight to read. A charming bit of nonsense.
I just read this a second time (this time aloud to my daughter) and I really think it is more than a silly story. There is wonderful language, and the underlying plot is very serious - a child questioning her role in the aftermath of a divorce. Using the device of a poetic, flying, typing squirrel keeps the story from getting too dark and heavy. Also, kids will love the squirrel! As a former bookseller, this one would be a cinch to pitch to parents and kids alike.
I completely agree with you, Dave. There is much more to Flora and Ulysses, than just a "silly" squirrel story. The divorce element, as well as, two fairly eccentric children trying to find their place. I am a reading specialist and I think several of my reluctant readers would become motivated to read this book simply to learn more about a squirrel with superpowers!
