An action-filled page-turner about a 13-year-old boy in
14th-century England and a lighthearted celebration of friendship
were the big winners of this year’s
“Academy Awards” of children’s literature, the Newbery and
Caldecott Medals.
An action-filled page-turner about a 13-year-old boy in 14th-century England and a lighthearted celebration of friendship were the big winners of this year’s “Academy Awards” of children’s literature, the Newbery and Caldecott Medals. A number of award winners were announced in January during the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.
The Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children went to Avi for his novel “Crispin: The Cross of Lead.” The orphaned Crispin is accused of murder, flees his village and falls in with a juggler, Bear, who becomes his protector and teacher. Together they try to solve the mystery of his identity and fight the injustices of feudalism.
The Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children went to Eric Rohmann for “My Friend Rabbit.” In the book, Mouse shares his brand-new toy airplane with his friend Rabbit, with disastrous and hilarious results.
Five Newbery Honor books were named as well.
“The House of the Scorpion,” by Nancy Farmer, tackles the provocative topics of cloning, the value of life, illegal immigration and the drug trade in a coming-of-age novel set in a desolate futuristic desert.
“Pictures of Hollis Woods,” by Patricia Reilly Giff, is the story of a 12-year-old whose story of foster care and a search for family unfolds in images from her sketchbook, which reveal both her memories and her artistic soul.
“Hoot,” by Carl Hiaasen is a wildly funny satire that features the new kid, Roy, joining forces with tough Beatrice and the elusive Mullet Fingers to defeat a bully, thwart an avaricious corporation and save a colony of burrowing owls.
Ann M. Martin’s “The Corner of the Universe” tells the story of how 12-year-old Hattie Owen’s world is turned upside down with the surprising arrival of a mentally disabled uncle.
“Surviving the Applewhites,” by Stephanie Tolan is the story of pierced and spike-haired Jake, who has been expelled from every possible public school before his unwilling arrival at Wit’s End, N.C., and the homeschool run by the chaotic and outrageous Applewhite family.
Three Caldecott Honor books were named: “The Spider and the Fly,” illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi, written by Mary Howitt; “Hondo and Fabian,” illustrated and written by Peter McCarty; and “Noah’s Ark,” illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney.
All of these books are available at the Morgan Hill Library. Stop by the library at the corner of Peak and Main, or place a hold from home by logging on to www. santaclaracountylib.org
Questions and suggested topics for At The Library, which appears in Tuesday editions, should be directed to Community Librarian Sarah Flowers at sf******@**********************ca.us or by calling 779-3196.
