This view shows all of the books in this age group that have been selected in years past and nominated for the current year (but not yet selected). The nominations are marked by a "Nomination(not yet selected):" label.
Holm returns to life on a hardscrabble farm in 1900 Washington state in this sequel to the 1999 Newbery Honor title, Our Only May Amelia. The facts of life are not easy, one brother is deaf from a childhood illness, another loses the use of his hand in a logging accident. Holm does not shy away from the reality of the times, but the book is infused with humor and love. Gustavson's drawings at the start of each chapter help bring the time and place to today's young readers. This title stands alone; I have not read the first book but reading these new episodes in the life of the Jackson family has put the 1999 title at the top of my “catch-up” reading list. Ten to Fourteen. Debra Nelson
Molly and her sister Hannah are reluctantly living with their Grandparents after the sudden death of their mother because their father is unable to care for them. Molly encounters the Green man, the god of spring, who becomes her object of care and concern and as she deals with her loneliness, her sister’s anger and her father’s “inability to cope”.
Ella and Zachary have always been friends and always been outsiders at school, Ella for her blotchy skin and Z for just being strange. Now they are sixth-graders and Ella longs for more friends and a more normal middle school experience. When a new student arrives, another African American like Ella, she wonders if he will join the others in avoiding them. Instead, Bailey, with his easy way of fitting in, reaches out to Ella, causing Zach to feel betrayed and to sink deeper into depression.
This is a beautifully written, if quiet story of fragile kids in fragile families, finding ways to navigate those issues as well as the normal growing pains. Strong follow-up to Magoon's first novel, a CSK/Steptoe winner.
