From: msimpsonmls at comcast.net <msimpsonmls>
Date: Sat, 07 Feb 2004 00:17:44 +0000

Like Nina, I was also a member of the 2004 Newbery Committee. Speaking for myself, when I first read Olive's Ocean several months ago, I liked it but didn't consider it special. But the second time I read it, after reading a couple hundred more novels, I began to appreciate how wonderfully well-written the book is. Without going into detail, various people on the committee discussed the many things we liked about the book. I thought we did a good job in uncovering lots of hidden meanings, examples of carefully chosen words, etc., but in reading the comments posted on the listserv, I can see that we only scratched the surface. Everyone seems to find another metaphor, depth of meaning, or bit of truth that speaks to them. I think this is the mark of a truly distinguished book, and I am proud to have been part of the group that has recognized it as such.

Martha Simspon, Head of Children's Services Stratford Library Association, Stratford, CT
Received on Fri 06 Feb 2004 06:17:44 PM CST