The Newbery award winners for 2014 are announced in January and I have several outstanding candidates that could, or should, be on the short list for the award. All of the books below portray a talent of extraordinary writing that propels and immerses the reader completely into the story. They all teach and inform about history or relationships and are excellent read-out-loud books. All of the books below are geared for ages 9 through adult (except for “Brotherhood” which seems better suited for ages 12 and up). These outstanding books are of mixed genres that include historical fiction, realistic fiction, humor, mystery and fantasy. Enjoy!
North to Nowhere, by Liz Kessler, is a gripping mystery with time-travel intertwined throughout the story. Thirteen-year-old Mia has to leave her friends and travel with her mother to a tiny fishing village where her grandparents live. Her grandfather has suddenly disappeared and they’ve gone to help her grandmother. But what Mia finds is much more than she ever expected. She meets Peter who is also visiting this tiny town and she also discovers a secret diary tucked away in an abandoned fishing boat. Finding that journal begins her time-travel adventures where she travels fifty years back in time. There are many threads that begin to weave together including meeting Peter. This is a wonderfully written story that emphasizes friendship, family and grandparents. It will whisk you away from beginning to end.
Brotherhood, by Anne Westrick, is a powerful historical fiction that is based on the time right after the conclusion of the Civil War. The story portrays how, even though the war has ended, the strong feelings and conflict continues for many. The streets of Richmond, Virginia are being patrolled by Yankees and both black and white citizens are trying to deal with their roles toward each other. Fourteen-year-old Shad apprentices as a tailor during the day but also sneaks away to learn how to read along with Rachel, a freed slave. The story becomes complicated with how Shad should feel, and does feel, toward the freed slaves as he attempts to follow his older brother to KKK meetings. This conflict reflects the tremendous unrest both socially and politically. Because of the subject matter, this book is better suited for ages 12 and older.
The Ugly One, by Leanne Statland Ellis, is an insightful, informative and vastly interesting look into the Inca Empire as twelve-year-old Micay is dealing with her sad life in her community. She has been scorned, ridiculed and taunted by young and old her whole life because of a “deep scar that ran like a river from my right eye down my cheek to my lip and lowered my mouth in a permanent half frown“. Her life changes when a stranger comes to the village and gives her a baby macaw. This beautiful bird plants himself on her shoulder, thus concealing the scar on her lower face. He guides her to the Paqo, who is the village healer. She becomes an apprentice and this leads her to the Sacred Sun City, Machu Picchu and her purpose in life becomes evident. The story weaves together Quechua vocabulary (found in the back of the book) as well as Incan folklore. But what truly makes this book magnificent is the power of self worth and the true meaning of beauty.
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