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The day-after Today Show interview has become a tradition for the winners of the Newbery and Caldecott medals. After last year’s debacle, I was wondering how this year would go. It turned out to be pretty good. I was happy to see that they’ve got Al Roker running the show this time around. The wonderful blog Educating Alice made mention yesterday of how Neil Gaiman is bringing some celebrity power to the Newbery. I have to agree. The moment that seals the deal for me is when Gaiman takes a moment to announce who will direct The Graveyard Book film. That’s gotta be a first on the day after winning the award.
Click below to watch the interview:
The 2009 ALA Youth Media Awards were announced yesterday morning, and I was camped out in front of my computer watching the webcast. At the conclusion, I played the “how many of the award-winning books do we already have in our library?” game. Turns out we had 10 of the 14 Caldecott, Newbery, and Geisel winners – not too bad. Here’s how things shook out among those categories:
Caldecott Medal
“The House in the Night,” illustrated by Beth Krommes and written by Susan Marie Swanson, Houghton Mifflin Co.
Caldecott Honor Books
“A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever” by Marla Frazee, Harcourt, Inc.
“How I Learned Geography” by Uri Shulevitz, Farrar Straus Giroux
“A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams,” illustrated by Melissa Sweet and written by Jen Bryant, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
I would like to take this time to not mention my predictions in this category. I enjoyed all of the winners, but I just didn’t pick ‘em.
Newbery Medal
“The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman, HarperCollins Children’s Books
Newbery Honor Books
“The Underneath” by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by David Small, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
“The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom” by Margarita Engle, Henry Holt and Company, LLC
“Savvy” by Ingrid Law, Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group in partnership with Walden Media, LLC
“After Tupac and D Foster” by Jacqueline Woodson, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, a division of Penguin Books for Young Readers
A couple that many were expecting, a couple surprises. The Underneath, Savvy, and The Graveyard Book were getting lots of attention in the lead-up. Slightly (but not much) less fanfare for Tupac, and The Surrender Tree probably took many by surprise. I was a little sad that Shooting the Moon missed the cut, but ah well.
Geisel Award
“Are You Ready to Play Outside?” written and illustrated by Mo Willems, Hyperion Books for Children, an imprint of Disney Book Group
Geisel Honor Books
“Chicken Said, ‘Cluck!’” written by Judyann Ackerman Grant, illustrated by Sue Truesdell, HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers
“One Boy” written and illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, a Neal Porter Book published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership
“Stinky” written and illustrated by Eleanor Davis, The Little Lit Library, a division of RAW Junior, LLC
“Wolfsnail: A Backyard Predator” written by Sarah C. Campbell, photographs by Sarah C. Campbell and Richard P. Campbell, Boyds Mills Press
No surprises that Mo Willems takes the top spot for Are You Ready to Play Outside?, but I was really pumped to see Stinky make the honor list (100 Scope Notes Review). A deserving book, to be sure.
Did you miss the 2009 Media Awards Webcast? Watch this video of the event:
The Ranger’s Apprentice series is a big hit at the 5th/6th grade library where I work. With book 5 currently in stores and the series still chugging along, Penguin is doing something special to draw some new fans. It’s free ebook time. Similar to what they did with Savvy back in the golden days of July, The Ruins of Gorlan (Rangers Apprentice, Book 1) will be available to read for free until February 15th. Click the image below to get to readin’.
The following is a work of fiction.
The Children’s Literature Commissioner announced today that by the year 2012, all books released for children will be videos.
Before a packed audience of assembled press, the Commissioner came across as a defeated man. Appearing 45 minutes late, and foregoing his usual suit and tie for sweatpants, he had this to say:
“Hey, we’re living in the 21st century, are we not? In case you haven’t noticed, the “Information Superhighway” has won. As of 2012, all newly published children’s “books” will actually just be videos.”
In an attempt to calm the stunned reaction of those in attendance, the Commissioner added,
“Don’t worry, there will still be books. Yes, I am one of the few who still hold onto the opinion that books will never die. It’s just that those books will be videos, or “books on screen” as I now demand they be called.”
Citing the popularity of “that one video where the diet coke sprays everywhere”, the Commissioner encouraged the public to see this as a positive step.
“Look, it’s for the best. Would you rather have your children read an adventure story, or watch an adventure story starring an awesome actor? Oh yeah, and P.S.? The actor’s name rhymes with Shteven Shegal.”
100 Scope Notes, your source for all Abe Lincoln children’s lit-related news items just received the following telegram:
Attention all children’s lit lovers [stop]
Attention all Abraham Lincoln-o-philes [stop]
These two subjects were combined in a book for children-folk [stop]
Stand Tall, Abe Lincoln is written by Judith St. George and illustrated by Matt Faulkner [stop]
National Public Radio recently did a piece on the book, which they think is a good one [stop]
Contact NPR to order a wax cylinder of the segment [stop]
Or, click the play button below to listen [stop]
Read a review of the book at A Fuse #8 Production.
(Top Image: ‘Abe‘
www.flickr.com/photos/25965014@N00/2831933814)
For me, interrupting my to-be-read pile to peruse the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid installment is like stopping off for a sausage McMuffin on my way to a Monkey Ball tournament (current world ranking: #22) – the trip is fun, but the McMuffin is a rare treat.
It’s January and Frank Heffley is not pleased with his son, Greg. The middle child of the Heffley clan, Greg’s self-centered (and often odd) behavior is beginning to make his dad wonder if drastic action needs to be taken. Namely, a summer at Spag Military Union. At school, Greg is busy building up his courage to talk to his crush Holly Hills. Along the way, he tries out for the soccer team, attends his first real school dance, and solves the mystery of the missing lunch snacks. As is the norm, nothing goes as planned and Greg usually ends up in the most embarrassing light possible (see cover).
The overarching storyline often takes a back seat to the day-to-day situations that Greg finds himself in. One involving the author photo of Shel Silverstein struck me as hilarious (although this might not be the case for young readers). Two of Greg’s writing projects, a “children’s story” and a school report on chimps also had me laughing out loud. But really, just about every page contains a punchline or two that are almost always successful.
Much has been made of the popularity of this series. Working in a school library, I can attest to that. The first two installments (Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules) simply do not appear on my shelves. Checked out, checked in, placed on the “hold” cart for the next person on the waiting list, repeat. Young readers have been anxiously awaiting The Last Straw. There are reasons for this:
1. The character of Greg Heffley is imperfect in ways that speak to youngsters.
2. The friendships and family dynamics are presented with a skewed realism that is close to real life, but taken to extremes.
3. Presented as Greg’s journal, the strong voice and liberal use of illustrations are hard to put down.
4. The results are laugh out loud funny.
A pleasure through and through, The Last Straw will not let down the Wimpy Kid faithful.
Visit the Diary of a Wimpy Kid website.
Also reviewed by BooksForKidsBlog.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Biographies can have a tough life. Their charms are often lost on young readers who are more focused on the latest hyped-up fiction or eye-catching nonfiction titles. I can see why this is the case – biographies can come across as being more utilitarian than entertaining. Duke Ellington: His Life in Jazz tries its best to provide the facts in ways that will appeal to young readers. Duke Ellington… is an unquestionably well crafted title. Text that is detailed and accessible, images that are large and crystal clear, and an interactive twist make this title stand out.
With over 2,000 compositions and numerous musical achievements, Ellington’s body of work was immense. Author Stephanie Stein Crease treats the musician’s life and career with obvious admiration. From his early days of playing piano at parties to the formation and growth of his renowned jazz orchestra, Ellington’s story is presented in a clear, conversational tone that adds to the overall readability. A time line and a multitude of sidebars help to add context.
When I first saw this book, the thing that stuck with me was the “with 21 activities” in the title. I wondered how well this would work. The verdict? Not too shabby. The various, step-by-step Ellington-related activities range from the just for fun (make a concert poster) to more in depth (writing your own blues melody). This mix was a good choice – it allows a wide variety of readers to take part if they like. Musical talent is not required.
While it’s likely that only the most interested of young readers will read this title cover to cover, Duke Ellington… will also ably serve students who are looking for facts or working on a biography of the man. If you’re looking for an update in your Ellington bio section, this will make an excellent choice.
Check out the Nonfiction Monday roundup at SimplyScience Blog.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Pulling from King Arthur and Shakespeare, Knights of the Lunch Table is reference-heavy in title, plot, and dialog. The best part? Almost all of it simply serves to make a great story, no previous knowledge required. Although most of my King Arthur and Shakespeare expertise comes from episodes of Ducktales (this is a joke)(sort of), what I do know is that Knights of the Lunch Table is a well-executed, entertaining graphic novel for the upper-elementary/middle school crowd. It will find its way into the hands of students quickly and stay there.
Arthur (Artie) is a new student at Camelot Middle School. He’s a pretty average kid, especially at sports. Camelot is mad about dodgeball – it’s practically the official school game. Artie quickly makes a name for himself by opening the mysteriously unopenable locker 001XL. This catches the attention of the school bullies, a.k.a. the Horde, who are eager to keep their place as rulers of the school. To settle matters, Artie’s friend Percy challenges the Horde to a winner take all dodgeball game. Only one problem remains: beating an undefeated team with a group of mediocre players.
The well-paced story and illustrations combine to give the book a nice flow that is easy to get into. The tension builds up to the climactic dodgeball showdown that will leave readers nothing less than pleased.
A graphic novel based on classic tales, yet is as hip and modern as you could ask for. Knights of the Lunch Table will be a quality addition to your graphic novel shelf and a series to keep your eye on.
Also reviewed by Literate Lives, Bookends.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
If you work in a library, then you know that things get left behind in books. Used to mark the page, these items are routinely forgotten. My strangest experience with this phenomena happened way back in Aught 6, when a student unexpectedly came up to me with a photo they found. Of me:
Student: Hey, Mr. J, here’s a picture of you.
Me: (Confused look plastered on face) Huh?
Student: I just found it in this book. Look.
Me: (Embarrassment slowly dawning on my face) Oh. Heh, yep, that’s me. I can take that from you.
It turns out I had taken that book home over the summer, used a photo (probably the closest flat thing to me when I decided to stop reading) as a bookmark, and forgot all about it.
One thing I have never heard of being left in a book is bacon. Yet it appears that The Bacon Bookmark is an urban legend of sorts. The pop culture website BuzzFeed posted a link to the recent New York Times essay “You Never Know What You’ll Find in a Book” by Henry Alford. Interesting (and sometimes gross) reading. Click the image below to read more.
(Top Image: ‘bad bumble‘
www.flickr.com/photos/55569773@N00/2147727210)
