As a librarian, I am always on the lookout for new books. I love juvenile fiction and treasure finding books to inspire readers. I have been disappointed lately in the Newbery winners. As you may know, the Newbery Medal Winner is given to an author that has written a distinguished book for children's literature. The most recent book to win is "The Graveyard" by Neil Gaiman. Here is the description (quoted from the ALA website): http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm
A delicious mix of murder, fantasy, humor and human longing, the tale of Nobody Owens is told in magical, haunting prose. A child marked for death by an ancient league of assassins escapes into an abandoned graveyard, where he is reared and protected by its spirit denizens.
"A child named Nobody, an assassin, a graveyard and the dead are the perfect combination in this deliciously creepy tale, which is sometimes humorous, sometimes haunting and sometimes surprising," said Newbery Committee Chair Rose V. Treviño.
What? Does this sound like a book you want your child reading? If you'll check out the previously mentioned link, you will see the "Honor Books" for the Newbery. Most are equally disturbing.
There is a wonderful organization called the "Children's Crown Award". This organization nominates 20 books each year in three different age categories. The books must display wholesome values, positive themes and character development. I have been pleased with the variety of books represented in these awards. The website lists the books which have one (as well as honor books) and books that were nominated all the way back to 2000. I highly recommend downloading these lists. There is a brief description of each book, also. Isn't it nice to see an organization dedicated to helping our children read quality literature?
http://www.childrenscrownaward.org/home.htm
Happy reading,
Susanne
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