Reading+Is+My+Life-+Book+Blog

What I love most about my job is having immediate access to all of the dramatic, suspenseful, touching, scary, thought-provoking, humorous, romantic, and fantastical literature ever written, right at my fingertips!

I was born with the appropriate last name of "Reading". Reading is a big part of my life. Books are my constant companions who travel with me, wait for me at my bedside, and keep me company while waiting to see the doctor, dentist, etc. They make me laugh, cry, shout, and sigh. I would be really lonely without books, my friends.

I can gladly say that I fulfilled the summer reading challenge and read 25 award winning books from the following categories: [|Newbery Award] or Honor books,[| Printz Award] or Honor books, [|National Book Award books], __High School Nutmeg__, Teen Nutmeg or Intermediate Nutmeg current nominees or past Nutmeg Winners. There were some I absolutely loved and some that were sort of a miss. Although I enjoyed the challenge, I looked forward to reading some book that were not award winners, such as sequels and popular titles.

6/19/13 3. __Divergent__- Veronica Roth (2014 Teen Nutmeg Nominee) I was reluctant to try another dystopian series, but SO glad I did! Roth creates a rich world of characters who struggle to survive. Tris is strong, smart, vulnerable and likable. I definitely found myself rooting for her and those she cared about. Another great female character. Although the first novel reveals much about the Erudite and Dauntless plan to overthrow the Abnegation government, there are still a lot of unanswered questions to be revealed in the sequel, Insurgent.

6/14/13 Finally working towards my Gold! Ten more titles- goal is to be done by the start of the next school year. I am off to a good start...

2. __Page by Paige__- Laura Lee Gulledge (2014 Teen Nutmeg Nominee) My first graphic novel! When High School student Paige moves to New York with her parents, she learns to trust herself and her new friends enough to share her most personal and cherished love- her sketchbook. I enjoyed the story, although the graphic novel format is still not my thing. Also, I am not sure I would have put this title on the Nutmeg Nominee list- it is pretty girly.

1. __The Great Wall of Lucy Wu__- Wendy Wan-Long Shang (2014 Intermediate Nutmeg Nominee) Contemporary story of Chinese American, basketball obsessed Lucy Wu. About to enter sixth grade, Lucy Wu is looking forward to getting her own room when her sister goes off to college and to playing basketball. Lucy's dreams of having her own room are thwarted when her long-lost great-aunt comes to visit. To top it all off, Lucy is forced to take Chinese lessons every Saturday. At first, Lucy wallows in self-pity. But as the year goes on, Lucy learns that even though things don't happen the way you want them to or think they will, sometimes they turn out even better.

5/28/13 15. __The Lions of Littlerock__- Kristin Levine (2014 Teen Nutmeg Nominee) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Historical fiction describing the struggles of the citizens of Littlerock, Arkansas in their attempts to integrate their public schools. The book focuses on the fact that the high school was closed for a whole school year, just to avoid integration. Twelve year old Marlee is affected by the prejudices and actions of the town's citizens in many ways, forcing her to come out of her shell to stand up for friendship.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This was my final title for my silver medal on the "Reading Wall of Fame". My goal is to read ten more award winners by the start of next school year- Gold Medal- here I come!

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">5/6/13 <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">14. __The Surrender Tree: poems of Cuba's struggle for freedom__- Margarita Engle (2009 Newbery Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">A novel in verse based on true events and people of Cuba's struggle for freedom from slavery and Spain. This historical fiction novel brings to light events and heroes of this tumultuous time in Cuba's history. This brief, yet beautifully written book taught me about events in Cuba's, Spain's and even the United States' history. Although the characters must endure horrific conditions and constantly fear for their lives, there is a hopeful ending. Told in the perspective of various characters.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">4/1/13 <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">13. __Three Times Lucky__- Sheila Turnage (2013 Nutmeg Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">A small town, a spunky heroine, a missing mother, and a murder! __Three Times Lucky__ has it all. Mo LoBeau has been searching for her "upstream mother" since she can remember. The Colonel does not remember his past. Miss Lana occasionally disappears to visit a cousin. Dale's father is a mean drunk. Mr. Jessie has turned up dead. Mo and Dale work together to solve these mysteries and problems with the help of Detective Joe Starr and other friends to create a hilarious yet heart-felt tale. This will keep you guessing right up until the last chapter!

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">3/7/13 <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">12. __Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry__- Mildred D. Taylor (1977 Newbery Winner) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This historical fiction novel is set in the 1930s in Mississippi. Cassie Logan's African American family is more fortunate than most; Cassie's father has a good job with the railroad, Cassie's mother is a teacher, and they own their own land. The Logans know that the laws down south are not fair. Slowly, but deliberately, the Logans carry out whatever actions they can to bring about justice and equality without putting themselves or others in danger.This gritty, realistic, heartwarming portrayal of life in the United States in the 1930s south was, indeed worthy of the Newbery Medal. Although published in 1977, this book has stood the test of time; a true masterpiece.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">3/1/13 <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">11. __The First Part Last__- Angela Johnson (2004 Printz Award and Coretta Scott King Award winner) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Seventeen-year-old Bobby and his girlfriend, Nia, are having a baby. As the couple struggles with high school and just being teenagers, they struggle with the biggest decision of their lives: whether or not to keep their baby. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Told from Bobby's point of view in alternative chapters between then and now, __The First Part Last__ is beautifully written and heart-rendingly real. This is my first re-read. I originally read this book when it won the Printz in 2004. Even though I knew what was going to happen this time, I still cried. Highly recommended for mature 7th/8th graders or any high school student. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">2/21/13 <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Only five more until I earn my Silver Medal! My goal is to earn silver by the end of the school year... <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">10. __Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature__- Robin Brande (2013 Teen Nutmeg Nominee) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">High school freshman Mena is ostracized by her friends and family when she stand up for what she thinks is right, even though it goes against everything she had always believed in. This is a great coming-of-age novel. Mena is smart, thoughtful, and brave. The supporting characters are well-developed and likeable. The only character who is without any redeeming qualities is Pastor Wells. This book concludes that you can believe in God and have faith, but also believe in science and evolution; the two are not mutually exclusive. Most importantly, people should be tolerant and respectful of each other, no matter their beliefs.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">2/12/13 <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">9. __On My Honor__- Marion Dane Bauer (1987 Newbery Honor) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This is one of those books where you wish you could scream at the character. At least, that's how I felt. During a summer excursion to a nearby river, friends Joel and Tony dare each other to swim out to the sand bar in the middle of the river. The stronger swimmer, Joel is ahead of Tony. When he turns to see how far behind him Tony is, he sees that Tony is not there. After frantically searching the river, Joel must come to the realization that Tony has drowned, pulled under by the strong river current. Instead of going to the police or telling his parents what has happened, Joel keeps the afternoon's events to himself. He is devastated and feels so guilty that he is sure the smell of the river emanates off of him. The only way for Joel to feel better is for him to confess, but is he brave enough to do it? I kept yelling, "Yes! Just tell them what happened!!!" It was agonizing to read. I felt incredibly sorry that Joel lost his friend in such a terrible way and felt like he was the one responsible. Only time will heal this wound.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">8. __Dear Mr. Henshaw__- Beverly Cleary (1984 Newbery Winner) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Written as letters to author Mr. Henshaw and diary entries, sixth grader Leigh Botts (a boy) relates his feelings about being in a new school, the divorce of his parents and his feelings about his absent father. I loved Leigh. Although he was mad at his Dad for leaving and not calling when he said he would, Leigh is able to admit that he still loves his father, but comes to understand that he cannot count on him. My favorite character other then Leigh was the school custodian, Mr. Fridley. He recognized Leigh's pain, was kind to him, gave him advice without being condescending. I also loved how the librarian saved Mr. Henshaw's new book so that Leigh could be the first to check it out. I do this all the time!

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">2/6/13 <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">7. __The Accidental Genius of Weasel High__- Rick Detorie (2013 Nutmeg Nominee) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This is one of those books that incorporates text with comic style artwork. I was reluctant to pick this one up, since I am not usually a big fan of this style of book. However, I am glad that I did! The main character, Larkin, is sweet, funny, smart and vulnerable. He is an aspiring film maker who finds out that his best friend/girlfriend, Brooke, isn't really his girlfriend at all. Although Larkin's heart is broken, he forges on with wit, humor, and a great attitude. Not to say that he doesn't occasionally get down. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The best part of the book for me was when I read this line, "I haven't heard that much cursing," said my Dad, "since your grandmother found out Guiding Light was cancelled." Yes, I was a die-hard Guiding Light fan- I think I might have cursed a bit too...

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">1/28/13 <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The new Newbery and Printz Awards were announced today! I can add one more to my list- I just finished the Newbery Award winner this weekend. Let's just say I had a sneaking suspicion that this one would be a winner.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">6. __The One and Only Ivan__- Katherine Applegate (2013 Newbery Award Winner) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Ivan is a gorilla. The story is told from his point of view. Ivan is held captive in a small "domain" in a mall with a circus theme. His friends are: Stella, the elephant, Bob, the dog, and Julia, the human girl. When a baby elephant joins them, Ivan is determined to get her to a better place before it is too late. I must admit, when I first started reading this, I wasn't sure what all the buzz was about. But as I progressed, I fell in love with Ivan. You can't help but root for Ivan, Ruby, and Bob.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">12/17/12 <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Okay, back to the award winners. I am working on my Silver Medal- teacher need to read 15 more titles to earn this distinction, 40 book in total. I have completed 5 so far...

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">1. __Breaking Stalin's Nose__- Eugene Velchin (2012 Newbery Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">A historical fiction piece that takes place in the Soviet Union during Stalin's reign. Told from the point of view of 10 year old Sasha, this heartbreaking story sheds light on the unfairness of the government of the time. Sasha is forced to reconsider all he has always believed in in just a matter of days. This short book reveals a dark time in Soviet history through text and illustrations. Sasha faces some hard truths, but remains hopeful for the future, and never loses faith in his father. I loved it!

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">2. __Joey Pigza Loses Control__- Jack Gantos (2001 Newbery Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">In this sequel to __Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key__, Joey's father returns to Joey's life. Unfortunately, Joey's father may be even more unstable than Joey, and is not a good influence. Joey goes along with his father's suggestion that he stop taking his medication, even though he knows it will lead to his uncontrollable behavior. Joey struggles with trying to please his father and what he know is best for him. Fortunately for Joey, he is able to return safely to his mother.This is one of those books that is not easy to read. I found myself yelling at the book, encouraging Joey to call his mother and tell her about his father's drinking and bad decisions. Joey is so likable, I found myself rooting for him the entire time. Many kids will relate to Joey's struggles.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">3. __Penny from Heaven__- Jennifer L. Holm (2007 Newbery Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Historical fiction that focuses on Italian Americans in New Jersey, 1953. Title character, Penny, divides her time between her mother and her mother's parents, and her father's large Italian family. At the height of the polio outbreak, Penny's mother barely lets Penny do anything fun during her summer vacation. Finally, Penny is allowed to work at her Uncle's butcher shop, making deliveries with her cousin Frankie. As the summer progresses, Penny discovers the truth about her father's death and the power of love. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This book was right up my alley. I loved the setting, the characters, and the storyline. Penny is smart, hopeful, and caring. At the end of the book, there is an Author's note which gives further details about the time and some photographs of her family, on whom the books is based. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to readers of all ages.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">4. __Nothing but the Truth: A Documentary Novel__- Avi (1992 Newbery Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This book is for those of us who do not need closure of a story or the ending spelled out for us. I happen to like books like this. 9th grade student Philip Malloy is suspended for humming along to the Star Spangled Banner during morning announcements when students are directed to listen at a "respectful silence". When asked to stop humming/singing by his homeroom teacher, who also happens to be his Language Arts teacher, a class Philip is close to failing, Philip refuses. After being suspended, Philip's reasons for disobeying the "respectful silence" turns into a freedom of speech issue. Is that what Philip really intended? Was Philip humming softly to the National Anthem as he claimed or was he singing loudly and disrespectfully as his teacher stated? Avi never tells us- you decide!

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">5. __Yolanda's Genius__- Carol Fenner (1996 Newbery Honor Book) <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Yolanda has had to be tough. She comes from a dangerous section of Chicago and feels that she not only needs to defend herself, but also her quiet, introverted younger brother. Yolanda's toughness is not her only attribute. She is also extremely intelligent. She uses her smarts and bravery to adapt to the new and safe school her mother has moved them to, in the small town of Grand River, Michigan. Yolanda is the only one to see that her little brother, Andrew, is a musical genius. When none of the adults takes Yolanda seriously, she takes matters into her own hands to ensure that her brother is given the musical education he deserves. This realistic fiction novel was funny, moving, and sweet. I loved Yolanda's spunk and smarts. What a great book.

__Dust and Decay__- Jonathan Maberry This was the first book I read after the challenge. It is the sequel to Rot and Ruin, which I absolutely loved. The sequel did not disappoint. I don't want to ruin it for those who have yet to read this one, but I was not happy with the ending and was nearly brought to tears this time.

__UnWholly__- Neal Shusterman The sequel to Unwind. I have to say that Neal Shusterman is probably my favorite teen author. And that is saying a lot. UnWholly begins where Unwind left off. We find out what became of Lev, Connor and Risa after the explosion at the Harvest Camp where they were kept. The characters struggle with morality while trying to do the "right thing" in order to change a corrupt and unfair world. Looking forward to the final installment in the series: UnSouled.

__Beauty__- Lisa Daily Chick Lit at it's best. High school student Molly is not popular. She has frizzy hair, lanky limbs, and pimples. (Sounds just like me when I was in high school, except that I had glasses too!) Even her younger brother makes fun of her, calling her "beast". At the town fair, even Molly's best friend, Hailey, makes fun of her, forcing Molly to run off and hide from everyone. Molly encounters a gypsy artist who listens to Molly's problems while painting her portrait. Molly tells the artist that she wishes she was the "most beautiful girl in Miracle". When she awakes the next morning, Molly is transformed. She looks like herself, but her hair is shiny, her skin is clear, and her features are now perfect. Molly becomes popular and even gets the boy of her dreams. But things start to fall apart and Molly just wishes she could go back to the girl she was before.

Ms. Reading's Summer Reading List <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">1. __Inside Out and Back Again__- Thanhha Lai (2012 Newbery Honor Book, 2012 National Book Award Winner) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Written in verse, Inside Out and Back Again tells the story of ten year old Ha and her families' voyage from Vietnam to America where they must learn to adapt to a culture completely different from their own. Although the family goes through some hard times, their love for each other allows the family to succeed in their new homeland.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I can see why this was an award winner. Although the story is dramatic, the author creates a character in Ha who deals with her troubles with humor and wit. You just can't help but root for her.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">2. __Bridge to Terabithia__- Katherine Patterson (1978 Newbery Award Winner) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Okay, I know what you are thinking, "You have never read __Bridge to Terabithia__?!?" The answer is, no. Believe it or not, this one escaped me. It was the response of a student that prompted me to pick this one up. What a wonderful book. The friendship of Jess and Leslie was pure and inspiring. I hope that everyone gets to experience a friendship like theirs at least once in their lives.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">3. __Rot & Ruin__- Jonathan Maberry (2013 Teen Nutmeg Nominee) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">LOVED IT! Yes, there are Zombies and Zombie killers. Sounds sensational, but there is a lot more to Rot & Ruin than the gore. Benny has always thought that his brother, Tom, was a coward. He blamed Tom for not saving his mother on First Night, leaving her to be turned into a Zombie, and for them to fend for themselves. Benny comes to realize that Tom is a much different person then Benny had thought he was and that things are not always what they seem. Tom, Benny, Nix, and The Lost Girl are courageous, thoughtful, intelligent, and caring. They fight for what is right with compassion and love. I can't wait to read the sequel, __Dust & Decay__.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">4. __The Midwife's Apprentice__- Karen Cushman (1996 Newbery Award Winner) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Set in the Middle Ages, __The Midwife's Apprentice__ follows a nameless orphan, looking for her place in the world. The orphan, who eventually names herself Alyce, works as an apprentice for a midwife. With only a stray orange cat she names Beetle as a friend, Alyce must learn not only how to survive, but find her place in the world. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Alyce is funny, smart and clever, although she does not think she is. At first, she has no confidence, but she soon learns how to stand up for herself in order to find happiness. Some of Alyce's antics had me laughing out loud. I love books where there is a strong, intelligent female character. I have found one in Alyce.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">5. __Scorpions__- Walter Dean Myers (1989 Newbery Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Jamal is a good kid in a bad situation. He lives in Harlem, New York with his mother and little sister. His father is around sometimes and his older brother is in prison. Jamal feels responsible for raising the money to get his brother out of jail so his mother would not have to work so much. He decides to join the gang his brother was in to try and raise the money quickly. Things get out of hand when Jamal's best friend, Tito, is forced to shoot a gang member in order to save Jamal's life. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Scorpions is gritty, realistic, and sad. Don't look for a "happily ever after" in this one.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">6. __Why We Broke Up__- Daniel Handler (2012 Printz Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Min recounts her relationship with Ed, her first love, in a letter to Ed outlining the reasons for their break-up. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The book, entirely made up of heavy, glossy paper, includes wonderful illustrations by Maira Kalman of items Ed has given to Min during their relationship that she is returning to him in a box that will be left on his doorstep. As someone who has had her heart broken, I know exactly how Min feels and what she is going through. It was really hard to read at times, knowing what was coming. This book is for mature teens, grades 10 and up due to the nature of Min and Ed's relationship, behaviors of older teens and language.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">7. __Crazy Lady__- Jane Leslie Conly (1994 Newbery Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Vernon is one of four siblings living with their father after the death of their mother. Vernon has a hard time in school. He is so close to failing English, that he enlists the help of a tutor, a retired teacher who lives in his neighborhood. In exchange for her tutoring, Vernon agrees to help her next door neighbor, an alcoholic woman who cares for her mentally handicapped son, Ronald. Through his relationship with Ronald, Vernon learns that people aren't always what they appear to be. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">My favorite character in this book is Miss Anne, the tutor, mainly because of her relationship with books. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">"A book can be a friend," Miss Anne said. "When I feel lonely, I slide my chair right over to that big bookcase"-she gestured-"and put out my hand. Whatever it falls on, I pick up and read. By now I know some of those books so well, I think they must know me, too. So we have tea together-Madame Bovary and I. Once I even had tea with Robinson Crusoe." <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">"I got a new name for you, Miss Anne." <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">"What, Vernon?" <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">"You're a book-a-holic."

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">8. __What I Saw and How I Lied__- Judy Blundell (2008 National Book Award- Young People's Literature) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This book has been on my list for a while. Evie must grow up fast when she moves to Florida with her mother and step father and learns that they are not the people she thought they were. This is another one of those books that does not spell everything out for you. It is up to the reader to decide: guilty or not-guilty. -- <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">9. __Born to Fly__- Michael Ferrari (2013 Intermediate Nutmeg Nominee) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Historical fiction at it's best! The action takes place during World War II where fear and suspicion are paramount in the small town of Geneseo, Rhode Island. Outcast, Bird, find herself involved in solving a mystery and even saving the president. Things are not always what they seem; Bird proves that there is a hero in all of us. This is my first choice for 2013 Intermediate Nutmeg winner, so far...

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">10. __What Jamie Saw__- Carolyn Coman (1996 Newbery Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Jamie, his mother, and his baby sister Nin, escape Jamie's abusive step-father to live in an isolated trailor in the woods. With the help of a family friend, Jamie's teacher, and their love for each other, Jamie and his mother are able to survive, and learn to come to terms with their new life. I have to admit, this was not one of my favorites. This third person account did not allow me to warm up to the characters and although this book was only 126 pages, I struggled through. I'm not sure what the Newbery Committee was thinking this time.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">11. __Walk Two Moons__- Sharon Creech (1995 Newbery Winner) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This one is going to be hard to top. I will have to add this to my list of all-time favorites. This book has everything. Great characters, mystery, adventure, romance, and drama. Salamanca, Sal for short, embarks on a road trip with her grandparents to find her absent mother who is now in Idaho. While on the road, Sal tells her grandparents a story about her friend Phoebe, whose mother has also left. As the story progresses, we find out the whereabouts of both mothers, as well as the love story of Sal's grandparents. A caveat- do not finish reading this book in public. Luckily, I was only caught crying by one person.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">12. __The Running Dream__- Wendelin Van Draanen (2013 Teen Nutmeg Nominee) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Jessica is a runner. She is on the track and cross country teams at her high school and has just topped her personal best at a meet when the bus she is riding home is in a horrific accident. The accident claimed the life of one of her teammates. It also left Jessica with an amputated leg. Through hard work, determination, the love and support of her family and friends, and, most importantly, Jessica's love of running, Jessica is able to run again. This is a feel good book with a happy ending.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">13. __Matched__- Ally Condie (2013 Teen Nutmeg Nominee) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Another in a long list of dystopian teen novels. Matched is set in a futuristic society where the citizens have almost no free choice. The Society controls where they live, what they do for a living, who they love, and when they would die. All her life, Cassia has thought that this Society was perfect, neat and tidy and safe. But when she is "Matched" with two boys she knows, Xander, her childhood best friend, and Ky, a boy she barely knows, her life changes and she begins to question the motives of the Society. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">There are a lot of similarities between this society and the one in Lois Lowry's __The Giver__. Of course, there is a love story here that sets __Matched__ apart. The characters are likable and Cassia's transformation from an innocent follower to a rebellious, independent thinker is believable. The sequel, Crossed, is told from both Cassia and Ky's points of view in alternating chapters. The third in the series, Reached, is due out November 13, 2012.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">14. __Number the Stars__- Lois Lowry (Newbery Award Winner 1990) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Set in Denmark during the Holocaust, Number the Stars relates how the citizens of Denmark worked together and risked their lives to protect its Jewish citizens. Young Annemarie learns what it means to be brave when she must help to smuggle her best friend from Denmark to the safety of Sweden. This short, yet powerful novel describes true events in one of the worst times in history with a message of love and hope.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">15. __Ship Breaker__- Paolo Bacigalupi (Printz Award Winner 2011, National Book Award Finalist 2010) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Another dystopian novel. In Ship Breaker, Nailer's loyalty and morality is tested when he and his friend and "crew" Pima discover scavenge in the form of a shipwrecked clipper, once owned by someone extremely wealthy, when they discover the ship's owner is not dead. Nailer is poor, with only a drug addicted father for family. The scavenge from this wreck could change his life forever. However, Nailer is unable to kill the ship's owner, Nita, a girl his own age, in order to rob the ship. In order to protect Nita from his murderous father and from her father's enemies, Nailer must put his own life in danger, and hope for something better. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Strong characters and rich descriptions make this an award winning book.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">16. __The Wonder of Charlie Anne__- Kimberly Newton Fusco (2013 Nutmeg Nominee) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">__The Wonder of Charlie Anne__ takes place during the depression. Not only do the characters have to deal with barely enough food and clothing to live, but they also must deal with the continued prejudices and racism toward African Americans. Charlie Anne faces these problems with spunk and dignity. She doesn't always do the right thing, but she means well and looks inside herself to change if needed. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I loved the characters in this book. Charlie Anne is headstrong, sometimes to a fault, but she is likable and readers will root for her. She is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even though it could endanger her. There are a number of other strong female characters in this book. I would definitely recommend this to young girls looking for a role model.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">17. __Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key__- Jack Gantos (1998 National Book Award Finalist, Young People's Literature) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Joey Pigza is a good kid with a big heart. The problem is, Joey can't control his thoughts and actions. He wants to be good and helpful, but his mind and body have other ideas. When his medication does not help, Joey injures another students and his sent away to a "special" school for six weeks. With caring and informed adults helping him, Joey gets the help he needs and is finally able to return to his regular classroom. Lots of kids will identify with Joey. They will recognize his struggle. Although some of Joey's antics are dangerous and end in injury, some of the things he does and says are just plain funny: a great read-aloud!

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">18. __The Grimm Legacy__- Polly Shulman (2013 Teen Nutmeg Nominee) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a fantasy reader. However, this book intrigued me because of its literary ties to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Surprisingly, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were great characters with an unique premise. Of course, I can't resist a book with strong female characters, and this one has two. Magic, romance, mystery and adventure are all rolled into this entertaining read. Loved it!

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">19. __A Single Shard__- Linda Sue Park (2002 Newbery Award Winner) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Set in medieval Korea, A Single Shard tells the story of Tree-ear, an orphan who lives under a bridge with a homeless man who has taken him in. The story is rich in details of how pottery was made in Korea during this time period. It is also a story about loss, love, and courage. A lot of philosophical questions are pondered by Tree-ear in his journey to adulthood, "Why was it that pride and foolishness were so often close companions?" I love Linda Sue Park's books for her historical accuracy and her wonderful characters. (this one has a great female character, too!)

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">20. __Revolver__- Marcus Sedgwick (2011 Printz Award Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This historical fiction novel is set in the arctic wilderness and centers around 14 year old Sig, whose beloved father has just frozen to death. Told in alternating chapters between the past and present, the two converge at the end of the novel to reveal the truth of who Sig's father really was. <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It took me a little while to get used to how the book was written. At first, I was not sure I would be able to get through it. But once the story started to unfold, I couldn't wait to see what had happened in the past and what was going to happen next. Sig struggles with his morality as he tries to save the lives of his sister and himself, "You know, I understand it now. There's always a third choice in life. Even if you think you're stuck between tow impossible choices, there's always a third way. You just have to look for it."

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">21. __My Life as a Book__- Janet Tashjian (2013 Intermediate Nutmeg Nominee) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Funny book about twelve year old Derek, who struggles in school and does NOT like to read. Except his comic books, of course. He does, however, love to draw. He is encouraged to draw definitions of vocabulary words, which appear in the margins of the book. The title and cover of this book are a bit misleading. I didn't expect the book to have much substance. I was pleasantly proved incorrect. Not only is Derek a well developed, likable character, the other characters are well developed and I loved the mystery surrounding a newspaper article found by Derek in his attic. I liked this book enough to read the sequel, "My Life as a Stuntboy".

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">22. __An Abundance of Katherines__- John Green (2007 Printz Honor Book) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I knew I would like this book before I even started it. First, I have read John Green's Printz Award Winner, __Looking for Alaska__, and loved it. Also, __An Abundance of Katherines__ is the epitome of "my type of book". It is a more mature book; I would recommend it to high school students. Colin, a child prodigy, has dated 19 girls named Katherine. Spelled exactly that way. When Katherine XIX dumps him, he and his best friend, Hassan, decide to go on a road trip, which ends abruptly in Gutshot, Tennessee. While trying to prove his Theorem, Colin learns about real life in the small town. This book is funny. The humor is dry and sarcastic. Perfect for me! This is one is in the top three of this list. (I will list my top picks at the end of the summer)

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">23. __Honey, Baby, Sweetheart__- Deb Caletti (2004 National Book Award Finalist, Young People's Literature) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">If you were to judge a book by its cover, this book would look like your typical teen chick lit. Fortunately, there is a lot more substance to this book. High school junior, Ruby, falls for the wrong guy. Travis Becker is rich, good looking, and dangerous. Bored by his privileged life, Travis steals, drinks, and drives his motorcycle recklessly. Ruby is caught up in the attention and trills, but is devastated when Travis convinces her to help him break into her place of work; a place owned by a very dear friend. In order to forget Travis, Ruby befriends her mother's elderly book group and ends up on an extraordinary adventure with some even more extraordinary people. both Ruby and her mother must try to get over the men they loved who did them wrong, without loosing faith in love, "I don't want you to lose faith in it. Love, I mean."..."Don't lose faith in the pure, sweet kind. It is out there, Ruby. I still believe it is, anyway."

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">24. __The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian__- Alexie Sherman (2007 National Book Award Winner, Young People's Literature) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I can see why the National Book Award is for "Young People's Literature" and not "Children's Literature"; the themes, language, and often humor are for mature young people. I would recommend this book for grades 10+. As a mature adult, I loved this book. The main character, Arnold Spirit, is a Spokane Indian living on a reservation. He is surrounded by Indians who have no aspirations to leave the reservation, and are resigned to a life of poverty and alcoholism. Arnold is smart, hopeful, caring, talented, vulnerable and funny. He leaves his school on the reservation for the white school 25 miles away where he finds friends, a girlfriend, and a spot on the varsity basketball team. Everything in his life should be looking up, except that he still lives on the reservation with his family and a dysfunctional community. Arnold faces heartbreak and nose-break, but through it all keeps his sense of humor and his dreams alive.

<span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">25. __Where Things Come Back__- John Corey Whaley (2012 Printz Award Winner) <span style="color: #a43aa4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Finally, the 25th book! What a way to finish. Where Things Come Back is a strange book. It took me quite a while to figure out where it was going. At first, it just seemed so random. This is a book that really makes you think. It contains humor, but, like most Printz Award winner, deals with some pretty heavy philosophical issues. Where Things Come Back takes place in Lily, Arkansas, where, one summer, Cullen's 15 year old brother, Gabriel, vanishes out of thin air and an extinct woodpecker has allegedly been spotted. Where is Gabriel and does this woodpecker really exist? Before he vanishes, Gabriel points out, "Cullen, people can't give up on other people yet. We all get a second chance, you know? We get to start over like Noah after the flood. No matter how evil man gets, he always gets a second chance one way or another." Intertwining stories connect to reveal the answers in this thoughtful, coming of age story.