Fourth Round-Up

In one of the longest breaks between round-ups so much has happened! I graduated college and got a job! What followed was the long, arduous task of packing for my move to Alaska! Now that I have settled into my job as a preschool teacher/ reading intervention specialist (oooh big title), I have a little time to read again. And so, without further ado, is the fourth round-up, containing both the newest and oldest of my titles reviewed so far.

When You Reach Me - Part of the joy that a reader can glean from this text definitely stems from reading A Wrinkle in Time first. It was a cleverly written book that, while solidly founded in what we know as the 'real world' wasn't afraid to let mysterious fantasy and science fiction ooze in. For kids who might wonder more about physics than dragons this is the perfect book. Realistic, with just a dash of time travel.

The Door in the Wall - A lovely little tale with characters that I truly cared about. It is perhaps not the most accurate of the medieval England books that have been awarded, but it is among the most human. I loved Robin and felt his struggles, a struggle that provided a rich lesson many children will be able to appreciate.

Holes - A reread that held up well over the years. One note is that if you have seen the movie, you are never getting that out of your head because Sachar wrote the screenplay making it one of the most faithful adaptations you can hope to encounter. Probably tops the list of award winners I would recommend to boys that are reluctant readers.

The Giver - I'm generally not into dystopian fiction. But this book turns it around by making it seem utopian at first. You enter the society feeling like it is a model of good community and you grow gradually wary alongside the protagonist. There are sequels, but a part of me likes the maddening ending as it is.

The One and Only Ivan - A book that I expected to be okay and instead turned out to be really good. One of the most unique narrators to be found amongst the award winners, with a unique style to match.

The Midwife's Apprentice - A book that can be appreciated for placing a common occurrence (childbirth) into a historical framework and examining the process around it. Although the story is arguably about Alyce's growth, I think the true gift of this book is in it's honest portrayal of midwifery.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH - Perhaps I was spoiled by the cartoon but this book was nothing like I expected. It is however, a great book that makes you ask big questions about intelligence and compassion.

Tales from Silver Lands - This was a great read due to the location. But it definitely shows its age and not every story was totally readable.  But most of the book was an interesting look into the folk lore of South America.

Strawberry Girl - I liked the fact that this book delved into one of the many cultures found across our large and varied country. I also like pioneer fiction, though this is the one I'd feel least inclined to return to if faced with Little House, Caddie Woodlawn, and Strawberry Girl.

It's Like This, Cat - Hands down the worst of the batch. I simply didn't care for much of the book, and when the author finally mustered up some interest the story was over.

1. Number the Stars
2. Crispin: Cross of Lead
3. Island of the Blue Dolphins
4. Julie of the Wolves
5. Maniac Magee 
6. Bud, Not Buddy
7. King of the Wind
8. Out of the Dust
9. When You Reach Me
10. The Tale of Despereaux
11. The Door in the Wall
12. Holes
13. Caddie Woodlawn
14. Kira-Kira
15. Sounder
16. Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village
17. The Giver
18. The Westing Game
19. Bridge to Terabithia
20. The View from Saturday
21. Sarah, Plain and Tall
22. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices
23. Call It Courage
24. The Cat Who Went to Heaven
25. The One and Only Ivan
26. The Midwife's Apprentice
27. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
28. Onion John
29. Dear Mr. Henshaw
30. Missing May
31. Tales from Silver Lands
32. A Gathering of Days
33. The Whipping Boy
34. Rabbit Hill
35. Strawberry Girl
36. The Matchlock Gun
37. A Visit to William Blake's Inn
38. It's Like This, Cat
39. Johnny Tremain
40. Dobry
41. Daniel Boone