Award Winning Review by Tammy Gruer https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award Share your favorite book What Makes a good Newbery en-us 2019-02-07 18:52:55 UTC 2023-07-16 23:21:04 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/305270375/85520a48b6bc19e8bab09aee62c4a58a/nba_winner_sticker.png INSTRUCTIONS- OPTION 1 tsgruer https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/367031924 Article Review
Of the book titles listed in the assigned article, which one speaks directly to you?  Highlight in your response why this book sounds interesting.  Are there any books in the article that you would not care to read and why?  Reflect on the article and the books selected and read in your response below.]]> 2019-06-11 20:38:12 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/367031924 INSTRUCTIONS - OPTION 2 tsgruer https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/367032125 NEWBERY Award Book from your birth year
  • Read a Newbery or Honor book from the year of your birth
  • Post the citation with a brief summary with your comments on the book. 
    • Consider if the title has stood the test of time. 
    • Is it dated? 
    • Does the universal author's message still speak to the reader?
  • Click here to find the Newbery Winners from the past 
]]> 2019-06-11 20:39:44 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/367032125 The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman bmorris27 https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/618592047 Cushman, K. (1996). The Midwife’s Apprentice (rpkg). Harper Collins.
A young girl with no family and only the name of Brat struggles to find her way in the world, until she meets a midwife who is willing to train her. 

I read this book over and over when I was a kid. I really loved Brat's/Alyce's spunk and the historical setting. It's been a little while since I've read this title, but I think since it's historical fiction that it will stand the test of time better than some books. The author's message still speaks to me: overcoming the fear of failure and continuing to persevere. These messages are just as important today as they were when the book was published.]]> 2020-06-09 10:56:01 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/618592047 The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate agstone1 https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/619721968 Applegate, K. A., & Castelao, P. (2011). The one and only Ivan. New York: HarperCollins.

Ivan is a gorilla living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall. He doesn't remember much of his life before captivity, and enjoys his days doing art and watching his TV. His friends are Bob the dog and Stella an elderly elephant. But Ivan's world changes when the arrival of a new baby elephant (Ruby) joins their group. She gives him a new perspective on the world he grew so use to.

I read this in undergrad and around the same time, people were questioning the moral value of circus'. This book stood out to me because of the narration between the animals and their point of view was so different from any other story I have read. While delving into deep topics on animal rights, and the ethics of circus' there are sprinkles of humor through out to lighten the mood of the book. 
About three years after reading this book, I remember in the news that the worlds most famous circus,   Ringling Bros. Circus, Barnum & Bailey Circus, would be disbanding due to many animal rights protests. In the future, kids will never know what a real circus was like other than what they see in cartoons and movies.]]> 2020-06-09 23:35:31 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/619721968 Article Review rlcondon https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/621660553 Of the books listed in the article "What Makes a Good Newbery Novel," there were two that really struck me: The Tale of Despereaux and Sounder. It's entirely to do with the snippets Gauch quoted in the article (which I suppose was the point). It's really hard for me not to be drawn to a character that spends his days reading and describes music as something that "sounds like heaven" and "tastes like honey."
While the writing quoted from Sounder is powerful ("same mellow sound that had ridden the November breeze"), it's the fact that the dog is greeting his master who's been gone that gets me. Who doesn't love a homecoming?
I'll admit I don't have much interest in reading Hatchet. I couldn't tell you why; it's just never been a book I've chosen from a reading list since the 4th grade. I might have been persuaded otherwise if a quote had been provided?
I would agree with Gauch's assessment that strong characters, settings, and plot make a good Newbery book. But that's also what makes a good story in general. I may be more of a mind of Gauch's friend who could tell a Newbery book (or a contender for the honor) by reading it, but couldn't articulate what that quality was.]]> 2020-06-11 01:17:15 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/621660553 Article Review and The Great Gilly Hopkins kjgregor https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/622361818 Paterson, K. (1978). The Great Gilly Hopkins. Crowell. 

There were so many great books in this article, most of which I’ve read, and a couple I hadn’t even heard of. The Tale of Desperaux and Holes are two of my favorites, books that I also enjoyed reading aloud to my kids. Though I know that I read and enjoyed The Great Gilly Hopkins as a child, I honestly couldn’t remember much of it so I decided to read it again. Wow, did it deliver- as Gauch states in her article, I definitely found myself thinking “What a character!” She definitely made me “more than a little uneasy” within the first few pages. Gilly comes around in the end, but in the beginning I found myself wondering what kind of trouble she was going to get into. This story isn’t carried by Gilly alone, as the article mentioned- the setting is also key. I can just picture Trotter’s messy home, in need of a good dusting but full of love. The story arc takes you through a great transformation in Gilly. Throughout you realize that all Gilly wants is a little love and acceptance, though she may not understand respectable ways to get it. The ending left me wanting more, the final moments were heart-wrenching to be sure, but as Trotter points out “Life ain’t supposed to be nothing, ‘cept maybe tough.”

I can honestly say there aren’t any books in the article that I wouldn’t read, especially after meeting Gilly again and reflecting on the books I’ve already read. If the winners reflect all of the qualities mentioned in the article, what’s not to love? I think I’d start by revisiting favorites from my own childhood- Sarah, Plain and Tall, Bridge to Terabithia, Island of the Blue Dolphins, to name a few. 



]]> 2020-06-11 12:32:13 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/622361818 Option 2: The Giver dntaulma https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/623103275 Lowry, L. (1993). "The Giver." Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: The Learning Company.

This story tells of a young teenage boy named Jonas who lives in a society where a people group known as The Elders rule their world. There is a time where kids get chosen to be the next big thing in their society such as a teacher, an elder, or anything that is important. Jonas, with his gift of wisdom, receives the title "Receiver of Memory." This job gives him later on the authority and puts him off from the rest of his community. 
I have not read this book before but I saw the movie and it was actually very good. I could relate to Jonas because he was given a gift that is different (jn a good way) that puts him off from the rest: memory. I was always told that I had a great memory and I still do. I think this book was dated to be in a science-fiction setting and it stood the test of time. If I had an idea of what the author's message was, I would think that the author is trying to tell her audience that gifts are precious and your gifts are given to you for a reason. Use the gift for good, not overdoing it. It definitely speaks to me and I hope it speaks out to everyone.]]> 2020-06-11 20:21:16 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/623103275 Article Review alanning2 https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/623315233 The book that spoke to me from the assigned article, What Makes a Good Newbery Novel? by Patricia Lee Gauch is Louis Sachar’s Holes.  I found it humorous that the main character, Stanley Yelnats, blames anything bad that happens in his life on his "no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather" even though his family doesn’t “believe in curses”.  It also makes me think of my family.  Even though they said they didn’t believe in curses or superstition, that’s what was blamed if anything went wrong.  In general though, what speaks to me in Newbery books is the way the character moves through the story to overcome whatever obstacles are placed in their way.  There’s not really any books in the article I wouldn’t read.  I have found some of my favorite books by making myself read books I wouldn’t typically read.    

]]> 2020-06-12 00:31:41 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/623315233 Bridge to Terabithia tdmoore5 https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/623944484 by Katherine Paterson (1977)  HarperCollins; Newbery medal, 1978

In this novel a boy Jesse befriends the new girl in town, Leslie.  They make up their own secret land, Terabithia and pretend to be the rulers.  When Leslie dies tragically in an accident, Jesse has to figure out how to continue without her.

I had read this book when I was a child, but I didn't remember it well, so I reread it.  I was struck by how much of the book still translated.  It still is a great read with strong, interesting characters and a great plot. I enjoy the character of Leslie who loves being the fastest runner in her grade and doesn't mind being eccentric. 

The only thing that seemed a little dated was that Leslie didn't have a TV at home.   But I remember having some friends when I was younger who didn't have a TV, or didn't watch tv, so I know it was definitely a cultural phenomenon.  Right now though, with screens being so ubiquitous, that's a little hard to imagine.  And seems like a quaint goal.  But I think the author's message that it's ok to be different and using your imagination is important,  definitely stands the test of time.]]> 2020-06-12 12:40:57 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/623944484 A Wrinkle in Time tchicks https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/624243098 By Madeleine L'Engle
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1962

This is a story about a girl named Meg that isn’t the most popular of girls. She goes on a journey through time and space led by celestial beings. Meg is on a search for her father that has gone missing. Her younger brother Charles Wallace and a friend, Calvin O’Keefe go with her on this adventure. Traveling to different places in the universe, the three encounter all sorts of problems.

This book has been around for years and still seems to be a favorite with children. Some adults may not enjoy it since they might not have the same imagination as a child. Saying that this book is dated would not be fair because in some ways, this book was ahead of its time with the adventures the trio face. The author shows good versus evil in this book, which is always a topic faced by everyone at some point. It also show that love can make people do things that they thought they couldn’t so the message is still valuable today.  
]]> 2020-06-12 15:40:20 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/624243098 Article Review klwoodru https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/625079226 Of the titles that the article highlighted that I haven't read yet, the book that most spoke to me was Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool. The single sentence the article allots to the book ("Abilene Tucker in Clare Vanderpool's Moon Over Manifest desperately trying to understand why her rail-riding father left her alone in Manifest, Kansas.") alludes to many of the key Newbery components the article explores - a driving need, a dynamic setting in what is presumably Depression-era Midwest, a vibrant character. As for the "final scene" component, I guess I'll find out when I read the book! As for books I wouldn't read, I don't think there are any!]]> 2020-06-13 14:09:00 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/625079226 Article Review khcollins92 https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/625263226 The books Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH and Holes both stood out to me in the Horn Book novel. Both are stories that I have read multiple times (though it has been years). Stanley Yelnats really is a remarkable character and the 
setting of the story is such that we meet a series of great character. In the movie Holes there is a rap about the characters that I still remember. They struggle and grow and get out together. The story arc of Holes is unique in that there is both the present moment at Camp Green Lake and also the historic look about what happened at Green Lake in the past that led to the current search for the treasure. The story is written beautifully constantly referencing these lyrics "If only if only the woodpecker sighed..." Holes is one of my favorites, and I am pleased to appreciate it as an award winner, which was news to me upon reading the article.

]]> 2020-06-13 18:51:47 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/625263226 Number the Stars by Lois Lowery https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/626130199 Lowry, L. (1989). Number the stars. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Newberry Award Winner 1990

Number the Stars tells the story of a family in occupied Denmark during World War II that helps the resistance to move Jewish families to safety in Sweden.

This is a powerful story about having courage and doing what is good and right even in the face of danger.  This story does stand up to the test of time as these are themes that are relevant even today.  I feel like the author's message is important today as it tells of a horrible event in our world history that we should never forget.  

I have wanted to read this book for a long time and am so glad that I finally did. I could not put it down and it quickly became a favorite that I will recommend to my students.]]> 2020-06-14 17:15:43 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/626130199 Holes by Louis Sachar rjgeorge05 https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/626211682 published by Random House Childrens Books, 1999

Newberry Award Winner 1999

This book is for ages 10 + and tells the story of Stanley Yelnats, a young boy sent to a detention center for youth.  Stanley not only has to learn how to survive the harsh conditions and cruel warden but also learn who he can trust.  There is also the mystery of why they are digging holes.   Stanley is a strong central character and the intense story line and plot twists make it worthy of the Newberry Award.
Like so many Newberry Award winners, it does have dark moments and violence, leading me to recommend it be read with an adult so they can discuss the darker parts of the plot.  



]]> 2020-06-14 18:36:46 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/626211682 Cindy Perrotta https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/626294165 A Wrinkle in Time 
1963 Newbery Award-winning novel by Madeleine L'Engle
 
awards: Sequoyah Book Award, the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award, and was runner-up for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
Published by  Ariel Books 1962 

This  story about Meg, a girl who is not popular at school who gets ridiculed a lot chronicles  Meg's search for her father.  Meg is on a search for her father, a very gifted scientist, who has gone missing. Her younger brother Charles Wallace and her friend, Calvin O’Keefe go with her in search of her dad.  As the three of them travel through space and time and the universe   the three W's ( celestial beings) help them.  

This book has been around since the year of my birth, 1963, and I only read it a few years ago. I think that children who have great imagination would enjoy this book. I also think that I would have loved it more as a child when I believed anything was possible before the "real world" set in on me.  

The message of the book still holds true today and I actually think that the book was quite unique and forward thinking for 1963 due to the "celestial beings" and the storyline of love transcending time and space.  Additionally,  the read is exciting, a little mysterious, and a wonderful trip that doesn't really need geographic location to create a wonderful and interesting setting. ]]> 2020-06-14 19:55:42 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/626294165 Article review mbgoetzl https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/626339199 I'm going to be the one who goes against the grain here and say that the Newbery Award. does not sway me much, kind of like the Pulitzer. The award seems rather random and more about the committee's opinion, which also has a great deal to do with the marketing plan attached to a given book (sorry, grew up in Hollywood). That isn't to say that the award isn't important, but "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children" leaves a lot of room for personal opinion.

I understand Gauch's points about what she sees as key points to a Newbery winner, I guess it is just that a number of books have not spoken to me and I would really love to hear the opinions of children rather than adults. That isn't to say that I have not adored books that have won or been given honorable mentions. I also question how we can judge a picture book and full novel in the same category as in 2016. Loved Last Stop on Market Street, but The War that Saved My Life stuck with me a lot longer.

Speaking of books from the article that I really liked, I enjoyed From the Mixed-Up Files and The Tale of Desperaux. I have enjoyed The Giver, though it also highly disturbs me now in a way it didn't as a child. I'm even listening to one of the 2019 honor books right now and it is amazing. 

I realize that this rambled a bunch. What it comes down to is that there are a lot of great books out there and that is in part because of this award. I appreciate that role and if I can use the award as a way to curate books for a group of kids, great.]]> 2020-06-14 20:38:56 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/626339199 The Midwife's Apprentice By, Karen Cushman maherron https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/627677757 Cushman, K. (1991). The midwife's apprentice. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

For this assignment, I decided to read the Newbery winner from the year I was born, The Midwife's Apprentice. Before I started reading the book, I will admit I had some assumptions about the book. Growing up, I loved various Newbery winners from the 90s such as Shiloh and Walk Two Moons. The Midwife's Apprentice was not a book I had heard of until this class so I assumed that it wasn't an award winner that stood the test of time. When I read the summary, I further assumed the book did not age well, I even wondered why it won a Newbery Medal in the first place. What does the life of a girl in 14th century England have to do with American storytelling?

The Midwife's Apprentice follows a young, girl that is orphaned and homeless in 14th century England. She's found sleeping in a dung heap by the village midwife who offers her food and housing if she works as her apprentice. While the midwife is not the most affectionate or likable person, the girl begins to learn from her and develops her own personal identity. She even names herself Alyce. Conflict ensues between Alyce and the midwife as Alyce becomes more knowledgable and threatens the midwife's role in the village. 

After reading the novel, I found that my initial assumptions about the book had changed. While life in 14th century England may not be the most enticing subject to read about, the lessons the book teaches are still timeless. I love that the book teaches young readers to persist and keep trying to achieve our dreams, even when we fail. I think many readers can still connect to Alyce as she tries to find her purpose in life. ]]> 2020-06-15 16:52:10 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/627677757 Stephanie Merritt https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/627847361 Article Winning Review
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (Atheneum, 1971) 
by Robert C. O'Brien; illus. by Zena Bernstein

Mrs. Frisby is a mouse and mother who seeks the help of the rats of NIMH to help her family move their home to a new location. Mrs. Frisby’s youngest son Timothy is sick and he is not able to because he might die. The rats were once apart of a secret mental health experiment and as a result, the rats know how to read and work with electricity. This book has a lot of action and suspenseful moments. I absolutely loved reading it as a child. Some of the other books that I have read are Holes, Sounder, Bridge to Terabithia, and The Giver. I enjoyed reading books that fall into the science fiction/fantasy genre. 

]]> 2020-06-15 19:02:15 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/627847361 Article Review kmgeorg3 https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/627856073 2020-06-15 19:09:14 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/627856073 kmgeorg3 https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/627856217 A book title listed in the article, What Makes a Good Newberry Novel, by Patricia Lee Gauch, that speaks to me is The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. The book sounds interesting because of how Gauch describes how the author did not neglect the story to create an original setting, “Did Kate DiCamillo leave her hero behind in order to describe so authentically the parts and contents of her wonderfully wacky castle? Not at all. She wove her hero into the place; both hero and castle rising before us, as the brave little mouse discovers "that gilded thing": music. You get to know both hero and place at the same time” (p.4). There are books where the description of the setting overtakes the plot and the reverse where it is difficult to imagine the setting. There are not any books listed that I would not want to try and read. In elementary school, two out of the twenty books were used in a class reading. It makes me wonder how books are chosen to be read and discussed in classrooms. Specifically, I wonder how much influence children’s literature awards have in schools. This article would be helpful in making an argument as to why the books should be used in an elementary school curriculum. ]]> 2020-06-15 19:09:21 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/627856217 JPW18 https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/627977659 Several of the books mentioned in the article are ones that I know I've read in the past. The one that I haven't read that sounded most interesting to me was The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman. For me, the main character's resourcefulness & motivation to better herself & her station is interesting. I think I would enjoy following her story. I also especially enjoy historical fiction, so that appeals to me as well. 
The only one that I can say does not appeal to me is The Giver. I remember it being required reading for a class in late elementary school & that I had to force myself to finish it because I just didn't enjoy the story. Maybe I need to give it another look, though. ]]> 2020-06-15 21:01:40 UTC https://padlet.com/tsgruer/award/wish/627977659