From: Lindsay <linds_na>
Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 09:26:11 -0800 (PST)

I've just finished rereading Anita Lobel's "No Pretty Pictures," and am still digesting how truly remarkable a story it is. She was able to relate her childhood experiences in WWII Poland and post-war Sweden without her adult knowledge/understanding intruding. The child-voice she creates is direct, unadorned, involved in the sensuousness of the moment. At the same time, the very necessary prologue and epilogue set her experiences in the context of a whole person's life, and a world's history.

Somehow this year I managed to read, nearly in succession, several outstanding "Holocaust" stories -- but Lobel's stands out as being first and foremost the story of a childhood, and one that stands out as such among the literature at large.

Since this was a National Book Award finalist, I'd bet it's already being seriously considered by the Newbery committee. But, as I know there are a few committee members listening right now, and since 'tis the season for "favorites", thought I'd throw my two cents in....

Nina



Nina Lindsay, Children's Librarian Melrose Branch, Oakland Public Library 4805 Foothill Boulevard Oakland, CA 94601
(510)535V23 linds_na at oak2.ci.oakland.ca.us
Received on Thu 03 Dec 1998 11:26:11 AM CST