Closer, Ever Closer

[Martha]

After reading a total of 224 titles since April, 2011, our group of 20 kids (grades 6-9) got together tonight and decided the Eva Perry Mock Newbery results.

2012 Eva Perry Mock Newbery Award:
Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys

2012 Eva Perry Mock Newbery Honor Books:
A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness
Bird in a Box, by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Michael Vey: the Prisoner of Cell 25, by Richard Paul Evans
Words in the Dust, by Trent Reedy

We are very proud of their work and ultimate consensus, which accurately depicts this year’s book club.

[Pam]

Okay for Now still stays with me, and I'm hoping it takes the medal. I read Icefall last week and started The Friendship Doll as some have loved it as well, but don't see either getting the Newbery. I am expecting Amelia Earhart to get the nod at least as a honor and hoping for Eight Keys. Despite some reasonable objections to the lack of curiosity in the main character, I still see it as a very authentic voice.

[Hilary]

I just finished Dead End In Norvelt and it's hard to not make comparissons to Okay For Now. i felt that the plot in Norvelt was much tighter, but I found Doug Sweitek to be a stronger character. I also think that Gantos does not have a broad appeal, and it is a certain type of person who enjoys the grotesque sense of humor that he has. Of course that isn't Newbery criteria, but I think it's hard for any committee to NOT bring their personal tastes to the table.

I'm on to Liesl and Po and hope to finish it before Monday, but so far I'm hoping for something totally out of left field like last year!

[Sheila]

Why do you think Okay for Now should or should not win the Newbery?

Also, do you think it is realistic fiction? Or some other type such as a tall tale?

[David]

I'm hoping for Amelia Lost to get the Newbery nod. I thought it was very effective in making a historical event into a compelling tale.

I also hope Okay for Now gets an honor: Doug. I did also enjoy Dead End in Norvelt: it worked for my odd sense of humor :)

[Leigh]

Well, none of the books I was rooting for won, but that's okay. I am starting the Jack Gantos book and it looks interesting.

[Lana]

While Dead End in Norvelt was not one of my favorites, I'm okay with that since I admit my reaction is based on personal preferences. My big disappointment was only two honor books. There were so many worthy books--why not recognize a couple more? *shrug*