From: Pteet at aol.com <Pteet>
Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2003 22:45:09 EST

I was glad to see so many wonderful books noted in the CCBC Newbery Award discussion, but was very sorry not to find one of my favorite books of the year: GRAPE THIEF, by Kristine L. Franklin (Candlewick Press). I think it is worthy of serious Newbery consideration, but for some reason it seems to be slipping under the critical radar.

Here's my quickie review from our bookstore's newsletter:

Twelve-year-old Cuss--so?lled because he can curse in fourteen languages--is growing up poor in a 1925 mining town. He wants education and a better life, but his family needs his wages. When Cuss's brothers get mixed up with some moonshine gangsters and have to flee town, Cuss and his friends cook up a plan involving the grape trains out of California. A great setting, very real characters, and humor make this novel one of our top Newbery picks. For fans of Bud, Not Buddy, The Land, and Our Only May Amelia.

This book has everything--including, it must be said, a somewhat abrupt ending, which seemed to me a small flaw in an otherwise distinctive, memorable novel which is also a wonderful read.

I love these end-of-year discussions! So much fun to speculate about the awards.

Cheers, Elizabeth Bluemle

************************ Elizabeth Bluemle Flying Pig Bookstore 86 Ferry Rd. Charlotte, VT 05445 802B5&00 www.flyingpigbooks.com
Received on Tue 16 Dec 2003 09:45:09 PM CST