On to 2015!

[Jennifer]

Interesting. Is she related to Louise Ehrlich?

[Jenni]

Kim wrote: "Just got an ARC of Esther Ehrlich's Nest. I have a good gut feeling about this one (3 starred reviews + Newbery loves historical fiction). Subject matter sounds heavy, but that's par for the course..."

I just looked up more about this book. It seems really lovely, and I can't wait to read it.

[Jenni]

Jennifer wrote: "Interesting. Is she related to Louise Ehrlich?"

Do you mean Louise Erdich, of Birchbark House fame? I had to look twice at the name, too.

[Kim]

I don't believe there's any relation, but I definitely understand the confusion as I, too, had a similar reaction when I first saw her name.

I've gotta get around to The Fourteenth Goldfish before I tackle it since I was sent that one last month and have been too busy to read. I'm excited for both, of course. I've been a Holm fan since I was in the Newbery age range and I love middle grade sci-fi, so I expect it'll be a fun read.

[Annie]

Shivahn wrote: "Gary Blackwood was born in Pennsylvania and is indeed an American, making him eligible. Can't wait to read Curiosity!"
Thank you!

[Judy]

Moehee01 wrote: "Just finished Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere, and it was a very difficult book to read in the best possible way. Devastating, heartwarming, insightful, poignant...I really can't say enough! T..."

Based on what has been written in this forum about Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere by Julie Lamana I got a copy. WOW!! Very powerful and worth reading. Pairs great with Buddy by Herlong. Both about Hurricane Katrina. Upside Down is one not to be missed!!



Can't wait to share these titles with my students.

[Kim]

I posted about it a few days ago and deleted my post to mull things over again, but I was really disappointed by The Fourteenth Goldfish. At the risk of coming off like a grump as I did in my original review (which I also deleted to mull things over), does anyone else who's gotten the chance to review it feel the same way? I'm not seeing any Newbery stickers in its future, but I think it could be a great book for the right kid(s) despite my opposition to it.

On to Nest soon...

[Jen]

Re: Fourteenth Goldfish

I agree it's not on my Newbery list. It is not a typical Jennifer Holm historical fiction book, but authors need to push themselves just as we need to as teachers or people. The book definitely still has a family connection. She spoke of this when I heard her talk in the winter. It's not my favorite book of hers, but I still enjoyed it and it will appeal to a broad audience of kids.

[Sue]

I am on the waiting list of my public library.
Sue

[Kim]

Read Nest today in two sittings. It's a lovely, strong book that's nearly 330 pages but doesn't feel long. The protagonist's voice is distinctive and a little eccentric without being overly quirky, and her supporting cast is strikingly detailed, as is the setting.

It's a tough book to get through in some parts, though, as it deals with a few things that are uncommon in children's literature. I suppose my relative ease getting through the really dark parts could have something to do with personal experience with some of the subject matter when I was Chirp's age, but I have read a lot of similar books that were much tougher to get through. Ehrlich handles excruciatingly painful topics with a touch more careful than many similar books I've seen before. It's truly impressive.

I wouldn't blame anyone who feels like it's too heavy of a book to give to a lot of kids, but I would've loved it as a kid and I know kids who will love it now. I don't know if it could take the gold Newbery Medal as it's got a couple small kinks that could've been ironed out, but I think a shiny silver Honor sticker would suit it just fine. (Most of my favorite books from any given Newbery batch end up with silver stickers anyway!)

[Josephine]

I read The Eighth Day and thought the concept of a select few people who can experience an additional day between Wednesday and Thursday. They call it Grunsday. It's pretty cool, but it also affords opportunity for crime. I loved the book until about halfway through when the plot turns to magic. I felt very bogged down and wanted the story to end. This is probably because I don't like the fantasy genre very much. I'd be interested to hear other takes on this book,

[Benji]

Fourteenth Goldfish

I actually really liked this one a lot. I think kids will find it funny and intriguing and the length is perfect. It isn't my top choice for Newbery, but it honestly wouldn't surprise me at all if it won.

[Debbie]

Kim wrote: "Just got an ARC of Esther Ehrlich's Nest. I have a good gut feeling about this one (3 starred reviews + Newbery loves historical fiction). Subject matter sounds heavy, but that's par for the course..."

I just finished Nest (I got an ARC too). It might win the Newbery award (it was beautiful) but I'm not sure I want it in my elementary media center because of some of the social issues that come up.

[Kim]

Oh, I don't blame you for that. It's a tough read, and I don't think it's ideal for anyone younger than Chirp herself, but I feel like kids 11+ should be able to handle it so it may be more of a middle school book. (My personal experience at that age may color my judgment, though.)

[Lisa]

I just finished Brown Girl Dreaming by Jaqueline Woodson, and it is absolutely wonderful. It has moved onto my short list for sure. It is the story of her life growing up black in the 60's and how her words were " her Tingalayo and her brilliance." Brilliant indeed.

[Reving]

Lisa, I agree with you about Brown Girl Dreaming. Incredible.
So far, while I have read many great books this year, this one deserves Newbery.

[Laura]

Reving wrote: "Lisa, I agree with you about Brown Girl Dreaming. Incredible.
So far, while I have read many great books this year, this one deserves Newbery."

I agree. I think Brown Girl Dreaming is a rare sure thing for this award.

[Jennifer]

I loved it too. Specifically, which criteria do you think of with BGD? I'm teaching a children's lit class and trying hard to "get into the minds of the committee" when evaluating literature.

[Kathy]

Saving Lucas Biggsfor the compelling way the authors bring history to life for a modern audience; relying on supernatural, fantastic elements that really kept me interested. Saving Lucas Biggs

Half a Chance Like a good photograph, it reveals a lot, but in an overall fashion that illuminates life and makes you stronger. Half a Chance

[Marcie]

I so agree a out Half a Chance. Haven't read Lucad Biggs, but will add it to my list. Thanks!

[Martha]

The Eva Perry Mock Newbery middle school group chose their 'end of the summer favorites.' They include: Bird, Blood Guard, Curiosity, Eighth Day, Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle, Girl in Reverse, Half a Chance, I Kill the Mockingbird, Mending Horses, Misadventures of the Family Fletcher, Nest, Painting the Rainbow, Paper Cowboy, Riverman, Secret Hum of a Daisy, Sittin' Up, Snicker of Magic, Swim that Rock, Tin Star, Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere. We have some work to do!

[Benji]

I've never seen such consensus around a book as there is with Brown Girl Dreaming, right now. I agree. It needs to win the Newbery. There are other really good books, but the writing in this one just blows you away.

[Martha]

Brown Girl Dreaming does have beautiful writing. Unfortunately, 'my kids' do not appreciate the audience for kids who would stick with it.

[Laura]

Benji wrote: "I've never seen such consensus around a book as there is with Brown Girl Dreaming, right now. I agree. It needs to win the Newbery. There are other really good books, but the writing in this one ju..."

I am thrilled that so many of us love it. It is spectacular.

[Sara]

I agree with Benji. Brown Girl Dreaming is simply amazing. I just finished reading it, and I want to read it again!

[Josephine]

I just finished Poached by Stuart Gibbs. I really enjoyed it as I did Belly Up, but not a Newbery. Great companion read for Belly Up. In this one a koala is poached from a popular exhibit at FunJungle where the Hippo was murdered in Belly Up.
Fun Read and a good mystery

[Ashley]

I do a Mock Newbery Club at my school and I was curious if anyone else here does. I am looking for a way to collaborate with other students throughout the country and have "virtual book discussions." Let me know!

[Nancy]

Hi Ashley,
I facilitate a mock Newbery at my public library. I also did at my school libraries! Let's talk!
Nancy

[Chris]

Ashley wrote: "I do a Mock Newbery Club at my school and I was curious if anyone else here does. I am looking for a way to collaborate with other students throughout the country and have "virtual book discussions..."

Ashley,

I do a Newbery unit with my 5th grade students. We have a mock Newbery as part of our unit. I'd love to connect our students during the unit.

Chris

[Sharon]

I do one with my 4th grade book club group. We are currently reading Brown Girl Dreaming, Fourteenth Goldfish, Mark of the Dragonfly, and Absolutely Almost. We post our reviews on our school blog and would love feedback or to discuss the books via Skype with you. If you are interested my school email is sharon_amolo@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

[Martha]

Our group is mainly middle school kids, reading normally April through January. Any time your Mock Newbery members (or anyone else) would like to comment their opinions about titles on our blog, you are more than welcome! http://evaperrymocknewbery.wordpress....

[Ashley]

Thank you Martha! My students actually left some comments today! They are very excited about it!

[Martha]

I just approved them, so they can see them posted now. Thank you very much!

[Josephine]

Has anyone read The Castle Behind The a Thorns? I'm not a fan of fantasy, but I thought this was very good, kind of a take on Sleeping Beauty. I think it appeals to females and males equally. Probably not Newbery though.

[June]

Jo wrote: "Has anyone read The Castle Behind The a Thorns? I'm not a fan of fantasy, but I thought this was very good, kind of a take on Sleeping Beauty. I think it appeals to females and males equally. Proba..."

I love fantasy, and enjoyed this, but don't think it is Newbery worthy. It was a bit slow in the beginning for me. It did pick up and had quite a bit for readers to mull over, so I rounded up to 4 stars.