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Award Winners
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From: JoAnn Portalupi <jport>
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 15:49:12 -0500
I was thrilled to see "Out of the Dust" win the Newbery. It was my choice. I have to admit I had picked it up at least twice in a book store and flipped through it before I actually bought and committed to read it. I think the poetic format originally turned me away, which is odd since I like poetry and have enjoyed other adult books written in this format. Still, I think when one is looking for a good "story", this book might not jump out at younger readers for that reason. The medal on its cover might help. The book is absolutely compelling as story,the language is to be savored, and Hesse's ability to create a sense place is wonderful. I swear her writing had me tasting the dust. My copy is on loan to students, but I can't wait to get a second read to linger more deeply.
I was also happy to see Wringer on the honor list. My reading group had mixed feelings about the book, but I personally felt Spinelli was masterful at capturing and remaining true to the child's perspective. And the book invites readers to consider the important issue of thinking for oneself. What do we do when we find we no longer can accept the established order? I've found it hard to give a summary of this book when recommending it. It's the strangest thing: as I start to define what a wringer is, the book sounds like something most people would choose to avoid. Has anyone else experienced that as they've tried to interest others in reading it?
JoAnn Portalupi
JoAnn Portalupi, Ph.D. UAB School of Education Department of Curriculum & Instruction 901 South 13th St. Birmngham, AL 35294 - 1250
phone (205) 934T19
fax (205) 934G92
Received on Fri 16 Jan 1998 02:49:12 PM CST
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 15:49:12 -0500
I was thrilled to see "Out of the Dust" win the Newbery. It was my choice. I have to admit I had picked it up at least twice in a book store and flipped through it before I actually bought and committed to read it. I think the poetic format originally turned me away, which is odd since I like poetry and have enjoyed other adult books written in this format. Still, I think when one is looking for a good "story", this book might not jump out at younger readers for that reason. The medal on its cover might help. The book is absolutely compelling as story,the language is to be savored, and Hesse's ability to create a sense place is wonderful. I swear her writing had me tasting the dust. My copy is on loan to students, but I can't wait to get a second read to linger more deeply.
I was also happy to see Wringer on the honor list. My reading group had mixed feelings about the book, but I personally felt Spinelli was masterful at capturing and remaining true to the child's perspective. And the book invites readers to consider the important issue of thinking for oneself. What do we do when we find we no longer can accept the established order? I've found it hard to give a summary of this book when recommending it. It's the strangest thing: as I start to define what a wringer is, the book sounds like something most people would choose to avoid. Has anyone else experienced that as they've tried to interest others in reading it?
JoAnn Portalupi
JoAnn Portalupi, Ph.D. UAB School of Education Department of Curriculum & Instruction 901 South 13th St. Birmngham, AL 35294 - 1250
phone (205) 934T19
fax (205) 934G92
Received on Fri 16 Jan 1998 02:49:12 PM CST