Posts tagged Gary D. Schmidt

ALA Mock Youth Media Awards – Kristin’s Picks

January 12, 2012 · Filed under Biography, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, High School, Historical, History, Horror, Humor, Intermediate (3-5), Language Arts, Magic, Middle School (6-8), Multicultural, Nonfiction, Novel in Verse, Novels, Paranormal, Picture Books, Primary (K-2), Realistic, Romance, Social Studies, Sports · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

If you are anything like us, you are eagerly anticipating the ALA Youth Media Awards on January 23rd. It’s like the Oscars for librarians, and the Collection Development department at Mackin has definitely been buzzing about their favorite books of the year! I chose to highlight the Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production, Coretta Scott King Book Awards, and—my favorite—the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. Be sure to tune in next week when Mindy and Lindsey highlight their predictions for the Caldecott, Newbery, and many more! Also, feel free to share with us what you think of our choices as well as what your favorites are!

Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production

Beauty Queens written and narrated by Libba Bray. 2011.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a plane full of Beauty Queens crashed onto an (almost) deserted island? You’re in luck! Prepare yourself for a clever tale of girl power and sarcastic spoofs on pop culture. As I said in a previous post, I really enjoyed how Libba Bray used theatricality by changing accents and pitch with such ease between characters. Listeners will definitely forget there is only one narrator. My favorite character of all (because of how she was portrayed) was Taylor Rene Krystal Hawkins (yes, that’s all one name). Bray gives this gun-carrying homecoming queen a fantastic drawl that will leave you in stitches! Don’t miss this one, you won’t regret it!

Liesl & Po written by Lauren Oliver, narrated by Jim Dale. 2011.
Children and adults will love this fairy-tale-esque story that centers around three characters. First we have Liesl, a lonely girl who is mourning the death of her father while she is trapped in an attic. Her loneliness is eased when a ghost named Po shows up with his pet, Bundle. Then there is Will, a boy that runs errands for his boss, the Alchemist. How will these three character’s lives collide? You will have to read (or listen) to find out. Once again, Jim Dale does an amazing job of narrating, and he pulls it off as if he is reading a dark bedtime story to the listener. Watch for Dale’s terrific old-lady sneezes and adorable animal noises! They are quite the treat! Lovers of Roald Dahl will especially enjoy this savvy cracked fairy-tale.

Goliath written by Scott Westerfeld, narrated by Alan Cumming. 2011.
Fans of the Leviathan series will enjoy this third and epic final chapter. Alex and Deryn are still aboard Leviathan struggling with their problems. Alex’s parents are dead, he’s the heir to Austria’s throne, and he’s struggling to make sense of things. Deryn has a huge crush on Alex, and she’s a girl disguised as a boy (if found out, she would be guilty of treason and kicked off Leviathan). If Alex and Deryn don’t have enough troubles already, they reach a new level when a new passenger comes aboard—Mr. Nikola Tesla.  Alan Cumming is a remarkable talent and has done a wonderful job narrating the whole Leviathan series. He is quite proficient at alternating between Alek’s German accent and Deryn’s Scottish brogue. Listeners will especially enjoy the Transylvanian sing-song voice for Mr. Nikola Tesla. Cumming provides a witty reminder that the adventures in the Leviathan series are extraordinary, and that the listener should just hang on for the ride!

*Honorable Mentions*:
Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos. 2011.
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater. 2011.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards

Underground by Shane W. Evans
Shane Evans presents a powerful look at the Underground Railroad – The road to freedom. With its few words, “The darkness. / The escape. / We are quiet. / The fear . . . / We run. / We crawl”, this picture book relies more on commanding images to acquaint young readers with the risks that families took to escape slavery. It also captures the pride they experienced upon first reaching freedom. You will be entranced by the author’s night-time collages as they highlight the fearful eyes of the fugitives and the bright stars above on every page. A brief author’s note provides more information about the Underground Railroad, which parents and teachers can use to teach about the history of slavery.

A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 2011.
This impressive retelling of the 1938 boxing rematch between America’s Joe Louis and Germany’s Max Schmeling will leave readers wanting more picture books from the talented team of de la Peña and Nelson. Kids will appreciate the directness of de la Peña’s free-verse as well as the insistence of Nelson’s paintings. A Nation’s Hope is the sort of book that will have readers wanting more information about historical events and figures. This interest can lead to discussions about racism, tolerance, and good sportsmanship. An amazing story you do not want to miss!

These Hands by Margaret H. Mason, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 2011.
You will not want to miss this moving picture book that combines the poignant story of a grandfather’s relationship with his grandson, and an unknown piece of the civil rights movement. Mason explains in an author’s note that during the 1950′s and 1960′s, African American workers at bakery factories were allowed to do all sorts of maintenance type work—but they were not allowed to work as bread dough mixers or handlers. This was “because the bosses said/white people would not want to eat bread/touched by these hands.” It is so sad to think that these events actually happened, but they did. This inspirational story will be enjoyed by readers, along with the touching photo-quality illustrations.

*Honorable Mentions*:
Bird in a Box by Andrea Pinkney, illustrated by Sean Qualls. 2011.
Heart and Soul : The Story of America and African Americans, written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 2011.

Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol. 2011.
I have mentioned this title in a previous post, but I just had to include it in this category. I really enjoyed this tale of an angst-ridden, curvy teenage girl who desperately tries to abandon her Russian heritage in order to become accepted at school. Just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, she falls down a well. This is where she meets a ghost named Emily. Will Emily be the answer to all of her problems? Don’t miss this amazing graphic novel, which has hints of Coraline, Persepolis, and American Born Chinese.

Chime by Franny Billingsley. 2011.
This is one title that has been buzzed about ever since it was published (so of course I had to include it). After the death of her stepmother, Briony develops a repulsion for herself, a strong need to protect her mentally disabled sister, and a fear of the secret she knows she can never reveal. What is Briony’s secret? She’s a witch in a Victorian-era society that believes witches are guilty of all wrongs, and therefore should be hanged. When she meets a boy named Eldric, she learns that she’s not the only one keeping secrets. The haunting and unforgettable tone that Billingsley weaves into lyrical prose is amazing. Paranormal fans will love this wonderfully written tale of growth, loss, and romance.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. 2011.
Tracey already mentioned this one in a previous post, but I had to include it!

*Honorable Mentions*:
Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt. 2011.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. 2011.
A Monster Calls: Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay. 2011.

Blogger:  Kristin J.

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Tracey’s Top 10 (or so) Books of 2011

December 26, 2011 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Intermediate (3-5), Middle School (6-8), Nonfiction, Novel in Verse, Novels · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

One of my nieces not only loves to read, but she loves to TALK about reading. (Hi Stephanie!  I hope you like the books I sent!)  I visited my sister and her family in Michigan a few years ago when Stephanie was ten, and we talked books all the time.  On one of my last nights there, I was reading on the couch when Stephanie plopped herself down by me and said, “So, Aunt Tracey, what’s your FAVORITE book ever?”

Now I don’t know about all you readers out there, but, to me, that is the most difficult question ever.  Maybe when I was ten, like Stephanie, I might have had one favorite.  But after a few more decades of reading, there is no way I can choose just one. When Stephanie lobbed that question at me, I think I compromised by telling her my favorite genre.

So when one of my fellow bloggers came up with this great idea to post our ten favorite books of 2011, I was a bit worried—but then I figured that we could pick TEN books from just ONE year, so that should be easy, right?  And I would schedule my list for last, so I would have plenty of time to whittle my list down.  But now it’s midnight on Christmas night, and I still have to cut six titles…and my list posts in the morning!

So I’m going to cheat at bit.

  • Since several of the titles on my list are also on my fellow bloggers’ lists, I won’t talk about them, but just list them at the end.
  • And I’m ignoring picture books entirely…until tomorrow, which is when I will post a list of my favorite picture books.

So here are my top 10 (or so) books from 2011 (alphabetically by author):

How They Croaked : The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg (ill. Kevin O’Malley).  While most books about famous people give plenty of information about their lives, they do not give much detail about their deaths.  This book changes all that, highlighting the interesting and often disgusting ways in which 19 famous historical people, from King Tut to Albert Einstein, spent their final days.  (Gr 5-8)

The Trouble with Chickens : A J.J. Tully Mystery by Doreen Cronin.  J.J. Tully has just retired from seven years as a search and rescue dog, and wants only to have a quiet life in the country…until a mother hen shows up, begging for his help in finding her two lost chicks.  Retirement is neither relaxing or simple as J.J. Tully realizes that there is fowl play involved.  (Gr 3-5)

Requiem : Poems of the Terezin Ghetto by Paul B. Janeczko.  The Nazis promoted Terezin as a haven for artistic Jews, but in reality it was merely a lay-over for those headed to the extermination camps.  In this free verse novel, Janeczko gives voice to all the players—the imprisoned Jews, the commandant and his soldiers, and the townspeople.  The poems are illustrated with artwork by the Jewish artists, found after the war. Both words and pictures are stunning and chilling.  (Gr  7-12)

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy.   This exciting historical fantasy fiction adventure follows a young American girl whose family has fled the U.S. during the McCarthy era, and the son of a London apothecary who wants to become a spy.  These two end up in grave danger when they discover that the apothecary is much more than he seems, and they must help to save the world from destruction. (Gr 5-8)

Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck.  When the upstairs Cranston family travels across the ocean to try to find a husband in Europe for their older daughter, the downstairs Cranston family (four mice siblings) stow away to help. This story is complete with adventure, perils, romance, surprises, and lots of humor. (Gr 3-5)

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt.  OK, Schmidt’s latest book is also on Kristin’s list, but I just couldn’t leave it off mine.  Okay for Now is my most favorite book of 2011, and several mock Newbery groups have given high praise to it as well.  Click here to read my full review. (Gr 5-9)

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.  This is a great horse race story and a wonderful romance combined with folk tale creatures that I had never heard about before.  Click here to read my full review.  (Gr 9-12)

Hound Dog True by Linda Urban.  Mattie and her mother have just moved—again!—and she must start a new school.  But this time they have moved in with Uncle Potluck, who is the school custodian.  Mattie hopes that if she helps him out, he will let her be his apprentice during lunch hours and recesses…because those are the hardest times during the school day for a painfully shy new girl.  (Gr 3-6)

The Watch That Ends the Night : Voices from the Titanic by Allan Wolf.  The 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic is coming up in April, and this novel in poems tells the story of the Titanic, giving voice to 24 people and objects that were affected by this terrible tragedy. Click here to read my full review. (Gr 9-12)

Science Ink : Tattoos of the Scientifically Obsessed by Carl Zimmer.  Many people are passionate about tattoos, but when I think tattoos, I don’t necessarily think of scientists.  (In fact, I shocked nearly all of my friends when I got my first tattoo.)  Science Ink shows how scientists from all areas have creatively used tattoos to express their passion and dedication.  The tats are beautiful (and totally appropriate), and Zimmer’s essays are fascinating.  (Gr 10-Adult)

And, as promised, here is the list of my favorites that were duplicates:

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. (read full review) (Gr 7-12)

Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin. (Gr 5-7)

The Cheshire Cheese Cat : A Dickens of a Tale by Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright. (Gr 5-8)

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. (read full review) (Gr 7-12)

Sparrow Road by Sheila O’Connor. (read full review) (Gr 5-8)

Blogger:  Tracey L.

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Book Review: Okay For Now

April 4, 2011 · Filed under Fiction, Historical, Mackin Picks, Middle School (6-8), Novels, Reviews · Tagged , , , , ,

Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt. 2011.

Gary Schmidt’s newest stand-alone novel, Okay For Now, is a companion to his Newbery Honor winner, The Wednesday Wars, and the protagonist in the new book was one of the secondary characters in the former.

So before I get to Okay For Now, I would just like to say:  If you haven’t yet read The Wednesday Wars, go out and do it right now.  If you start reading it now, skip dinner, and stay up really late, you might be able to get it done by the time Okay For Now comes out on April 5 (yes, I know that’s tomorrow).  I love Holling in The Wednesday Wars, a bright seventh-grader with a wry sense of humor and a teacher that hates him “with heat whiter than the sun,” because he is the only student in her class that does not leave Wednesday afternoons for religion class. So she makes him study Shakespeare. The book is funny and touching, and I challenge you—even if you hate (or think you hate) Shakespeare—to keep from laughing when Holling tries out some of the curses from The Tempest.

So when I received my advance reader’s copy of Okay For Now, I was excited to see which of Holling’s friends would be the star. This excitement lasted until the fourth sentence.

Doug Swietek.  The class bully—and the youngest of three brothers in a family of bullies.  An unlikeable character if you ever saw one, Doug is obnoxious and belligerent, with a chip on his shoulder the size of Quasimodo’s hump.  The only brother still at home regularly beats him up, and his sarcastic comments often get him in trouble with his father’s “quick hands.” As the book opens, he tells us that his father, no slouch in the belligerent department himself, has just picked a fight with his boss and been fired.  His dad’s old drinking buddy has found him a new job in the small town of Marysville, and three days later, the family moves.  Doug hates their new house and the small town.

On his first day in town, he wanders through the town library.  Upstairs is a large room, empty except for a large table covered with a glass case.  And under the glass is the most amazing thing he has ever seen.  An open book, a huge book with pages longer than a baseball bat, and the page is open to a painting of a bird: a lonely bird with one terrified eye, falling out of the sky toward the ocean, trying in vain to break its fall, a falling bird all alone…”and there wasn’t a single thing in the world that cared at all.”

I didn’t realize then that Doug was describing himself.

The book under glass is one of the volumes drawn by Audubon himself.  Mr. Powell, a librarian, notices Doug’s interest, recognizing a passionate, budding artist under the surly exterior.  He brings art supplies and starts to explain the principles of art in Audubon’s Arctic Tern.  And as Doug learns more about drawing and perspective and proportion and composition, he begins to understand his feelings and the people he meets.

Okay For Now is every bit as funny as its companion, but it is also darker and sadder.  Both Doug and I were appalled to find out that some of the plates from Audubon’s book were disappearing because the town fathers were selling them off to collectors.   I almost cried when, after Doug refused to be on the Skins’ team in basketball, his “So-Called Gym Teacher” grabbed his shirt and tore it off—revealing to everyone what Doug’s father had done to him under that shirt.  I was disgusted when, after picking up Doug’s oldest brother who was returning from Vietnam a bit “dinged up,” Doug and his family ended up in the middle of a Stop the War protest.  And I was furious when the school principal told Doug something that no school principal should ever tell a student.

But Okay For Now, taking place as it does in the year before man’s first moon landing, is ultimately a hopeful book.  It ends with hope for Audubon’s book, hope for Doug’s brother, hope even for that So-Called Gym Teacher.  But most of all, there is hope for Doug.  About six pages from the end, Doug describes the Arctic Tern one more time.  Make sure you compare it with his first description of the bird, and then give a cheer and/or wipe a tear.

Give this book to kids who like historical fiction, art, and a good story.  Give this book to teachers who need a good read-aloud, and to English teachers who need a book to teach good metaphors, strong characterization, and higher level thinking skills.  Actually, just give this book to everybody.

Blogger: Tracey L

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