From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler – E. L. Konigsburg

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is the story of two suburban children, Claudia and James, run away from home. Claudia is almost twelve, she feels unappreciated and bored with her life. Jamie, her younger brother runs away because Claudia invited him. Claudia likes elegant things, so they run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They hide out in the bathrooms, sleep in antique beds, turn all their clothing gray at the Laundromat, learn about history as they explore the museum, have macaroni and cheese and coffee for breakfast, and take baths in the fountain. There … Continue reading →

A Ring of Endless Light – Madeleine L’Engle

A Ring of Endless Light is one of my favorite Madeline L’Engle books. In this middle grade and young adult Newbery Honor book, the Austin family has returned to Seven Bay Island. Their grandfather is dying, and they’ve come to help. Vicky Austin is almost sixteen and is facing confusion over boys, her own role and purpose in the world, her artistic personality in a family of scientists, and questions about death and what it means to live. Her grandfather is a minister, but also a lover of poetry. The Austin’s are a intelligent, loving family, and how they deal … Continue reading →

Pictures of Hollis Woods – Patricia Reilly Giff

The Newbery Honor book Pictures of Hollis Woods, by Patricia Reilly Giff, is about twelve year old girl named Hollis Woods. She is a foster child who was abandoned at birth in the woods she is named for. Hollis is a talented artist who makes a habit of running away from her foster homes. She is considered “a mountain of trouble”. At the start of the book we learn that Hollis came close to having a family, but that something happened. That event and the reasons behind it are gradually divulged as flashbacks throughout the book. Hollis hears the family’s … Continue reading →

Hatchet – Gary Paulsen

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a story of survival. Brian begins the book as a fairly average kid. His parents have recently divorced and he is feeling betrayed, and mad, and uncertain. On the way to the airport his mother gives him a hatchet. He’s embarrassed, but attaches it to his belt. The small plane pilot has a heart attack and dies mid-flight. Brian steers the plane away from the treetops and manages to land in a lake. The plane has veered so far off course that the rescue planes can’t find him. Brian finds himself alone in the wilderness … Continue reading →

2008 Newbery Award Winners

While the Caldecott is awarded based on illustration, the Newbery is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The 2008 winner is Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz. In this story, thirteenth-century England is brought to life using 21 individual narratives that introduce the young people of the village and manor. This book is recommended for ages ten and up. One of the Newbery Honor Books for 2008 is Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis. Elijah is the first free-born child in his Canadian community … Continue reading →

The Giver – Lois Lowry

“The Giver” is an absolutely fascinating science fiction novel written for the young adult market. I spent last night glued to it. Jonas lives in a community where everything is run and regulated by the Elders. Imagine for a moment that there is no freedom of choice – your mate, your occupation, your food is all chosen for you. You don’t have your own children – they are provided by birth mothers, and are assigned to you. You never have to feel pain – as soon as you begin to ache, you are injected with a strong drug that takes … Continue reading →

Newbery Medal Winners: 2001-2006

In 2001, special effects really rocked the movies in films such as “Shrek” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Amazon.com became a popular place to purchase movies and such in 2002, and continues its popularity today. 2003 was a big year for literature as the “Harry Potter” series was accused of being satanic, yet defended by its fans. Also, it was estimated that approximately one-third of all books purchased in the U.S. was romance novels. Interesting, I think. In 2004, it was estimated that 95% of U.S. public libraries offered Internet access. I wonder where that number is today. … Continue reading →

Newbery Medal Winners: 1991-2000

1991 brought on the start of the grunge music scene, as well as Oscars for Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster for “The Silence of the Lambs.” EuroDisney opened in Paris in 1992, bringing the fun of a Disney park to Europe. And lucky for those of us with Families.com, the first blogs were created in 1997. 1991 Medal Winner: “Maniac Magee” by Jerry Spinelli Honor Book “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” by Avi 1992 Medal Winner: “Shiloh” by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Honor Books “Nothing But The Truth: a Documentary Novel” by Avi “The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the … Continue reading →

Newbery Medal Winners: 1981-1990

The 1980’s had a huge boom of video games. Just with the releases of Donkey Kong and Pac Man in 1981 and 1982, respectively, the video game came alive. However, did you also know that Centipede, released in 1981, was the first arcade video game designed by a woman? Cool, right? In 1982, Thomas Keneally’s novel, “Schindler’s List” has its beginning as “Schindler’s Ark.” The term cyberspace was coined in William Gibon’s novel “Neuromancer” in 1984. In 1990, Michael Chrichton’s gargantuan novel “Jurassic Park” was released. 1981 Medal Winner: “Jacob Have I Loved” by Katherine Paterson Honor Books “The Fledgling” … Continue reading →

Newbery Medal Winners: 1971-1980

You might be amazed to discover that e-mail first appeared in the 1970’s. That’s “write!” Electronic mail made its debut in 1971 — the same year that the cell phone was invented. In 1973, my dad’s favorite movie “The Sting” — starring a dashing Robert Redford and handsome Paul Newman — won the Oscar for Best Picture. A literature leap comes about in 1974, with Stephen King’s “Carrie” becoming a thrilling hit. The movie was released in 1976 and starred Sissy Spacek as the title character. 1971 Medal Winner: “Summer of the Swans” by Betsy Byars Honor Books “Knee Knock … Continue reading →