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[CCBC-Net] Literary Merit, Book Gifts, Apples & Oranges
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From: Robin Smith <smithr>
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 13:03:09 -0600
Ginny asks:
Which new books for children and teenagers who can read independently have grabbed your heart? Why? Are they in the category of book gifts, or books you'll recommend or teach? Have any new books also grabbed your head? Which ones are worthy of serious literary awards? Which fit into both categories? Why? Which are your favorites?
****************
The book I really loved was Ann Martin's new title, A Corner of the Universe. I did not expect to like it when I was asked to review it (biased by the Babysitters' Club, I was) but I loved it. I think it works as a gift book for someone in the 11 age group and as an award-winner as well. I read it in one gulp and have been haunted by the characters ever since. It is 1960 and twelve-year-old Hattie finds out her family has been keeping a secret. Turns out she has an Uncle Adam who suffers from mental illness and has been living in a special school for many years. The arrival of Adam throws her family for a loop. But, Hattie loves him at once, and is swept up into his cycle of energy, enthusiasm for the "I Love Lucy" show, and eventual tragedy. I am not ashamed to say I wept at the ending.
I was overjoyed to see Keoko on the list. It's been a long time since I read the galley, but I found it honest, gripping and a slice of history most readers know little about.
Received on Wed 18 Dec 2002 01:03:09 PM CST
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 13:03:09 -0600
Ginny asks:
Which new books for children and teenagers who can read independently have grabbed your heart? Why? Are they in the category of book gifts, or books you'll recommend or teach? Have any new books also grabbed your head? Which ones are worthy of serious literary awards? Which fit into both categories? Why? Which are your favorites?
****************
The book I really loved was Ann Martin's new title, A Corner of the Universe. I did not expect to like it when I was asked to review it (biased by the Babysitters' Club, I was) but I loved it. I think it works as a gift book for someone in the 11 age group and as an award-winner as well. I read it in one gulp and have been haunted by the characters ever since. It is 1960 and twelve-year-old Hattie finds out her family has been keeping a secret. Turns out she has an Uncle Adam who suffers from mental illness and has been living in a special school for many years. The arrival of Adam throws her family for a loop. But, Hattie loves him at once, and is swept up into his cycle of energy, enthusiasm for the "I Love Lucy" show, and eventual tragedy. I am not ashamed to say I wept at the ending.
I was overjoyed to see Keoko on the list. It's been a long time since I read the galley, but I found it honest, gripping and a slice of history most readers know little about.
Received on Wed 18 Dec 2002 01:03:09 PM CST
