From: Willingboro Public Library <wipl>
Date: Mon, 09 Feb 1998 18:31:38 -0800

I couldn't disagree more over the contrast between MANIAC MAGEE and WRINGER. I thought MANIAC was silly and didactic, but WRINGER! This portrait of the regimentation undergone by gentle boys to make them conform to the group is honest to God true. Okay, there were some flaws. The harrassment of Dorothy ends all too easily and the ending is too predictable but most of it is absolutely gripping. And what a treasure for teachers: a finely written book accessible to the average reader.

I would also like to share a Caldecott related story. I felt THE GARDENER would be too subtle and literary for the average kid, however I have been proved wrong. A group of second graders I planned to read it to asked, during the preceding library services talk, which relative could sign the library card application, in the absence of the parents. I used this to introduce the book, by saying it was about a little girl who was going to live with a relative while her family was having problems. The class was instantly attentive. They were particularly entranced by the wordless spreads and were visibly moved by the ending. Other classes have appreciated it equally.

Christine Hill Willingboro Public Library One Salem Road Willingboro NJ 08046
Received on Mon 09 Feb 1998 08:31:38 PM CST