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[CCBC-Net] Newbery
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From: heather mcneil <heatherm>
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 11:43:47 -0800
I was so delighted to see that Criss Cross was selected for the Newbery. Having served on the 2005 Newbery Committee I am much more aware of the specific criteria that are considered, and I immediately knew this was a contender when I read the book.
The characterizations are rich and full, and yet created with surprisingly sparse descriptions. We aren't told, we are shown through thought and action. I always knew what motivated each of the teens, and I perceived them as real people with real thoughts, fears and hopes. I found it delightful to read a book that was about the day-to-day disconnects, misunderstandings and joyful possibilities we all have felt. The plot and theme are appropriate for the intended audience. And the setting is real, taking me back to those lazy days of suntanning, and looking in the next yard.
Perkins' very sophisticated writing, and the variety of styles, allows for the reader to do a lot of reflection and remembering in order to patch the pieces together and work through Debbie's maze of criss crosses. I found that to be truly distinguished, another reason for this one to be selected.
I know some have commented that this is a book in which nothing happens, but I found that a great deal happens, just not events that are catastrophic or fantastic. Relationships come and go, opportunities are missed and new ones discovered, and the characters have chances for introspection and growth.
I was also delighted with the variety of formats and styles that were awarded this year, from the attention to detail and research in Hitler Youth, to the powerful verse in Show Way. This is exactly what the Newbery is all about, recognizing text in those titles that rise above the others and are distinguished for their unique presentation for children.
Heather McNeil Youth Services Coordinator/Bend Library Co-Manager Deschutes Public Library 601 N. W. Wall St. Bend, OR 97701 541-617-7099 heatherm at dpls.lib.or.us
Received on Wed 15 Feb 2006 01:43:47 PM CST
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 11:43:47 -0800
I was so delighted to see that Criss Cross was selected for the Newbery. Having served on the 2005 Newbery Committee I am much more aware of the specific criteria that are considered, and I immediately knew this was a contender when I read the book.
The characterizations are rich and full, and yet created with surprisingly sparse descriptions. We aren't told, we are shown through thought and action. I always knew what motivated each of the teens, and I perceived them as real people with real thoughts, fears and hopes. I found it delightful to read a book that was about the day-to-day disconnects, misunderstandings and joyful possibilities we all have felt. The plot and theme are appropriate for the intended audience. And the setting is real, taking me back to those lazy days of suntanning, and looking in the next yard.
Perkins' very sophisticated writing, and the variety of styles, allows for the reader to do a lot of reflection and remembering in order to patch the pieces together and work through Debbie's maze of criss crosses. I found that to be truly distinguished, another reason for this one to be selected.
I know some have commented that this is a book in which nothing happens, but I found that a great deal happens, just not events that are catastrophic or fantastic. Relationships come and go, opportunities are missed and new ones discovered, and the characters have chances for introspection and growth.
I was also delighted with the variety of formats and styles that were awarded this year, from the attention to detail and research in Hitler Youth, to the powerful verse in Show Way. This is exactly what the Newbery is all about, recognizing text in those titles that rise above the others and are distinguished for their unique presentation for children.
Heather McNeil Youth Services Coordinator/Bend Library Co-Manager Deschutes Public Library 601 N. W. Wall St. Bend, OR 97701 541-617-7099 heatherm at dpls.lib.or.us
Received on Wed 15 Feb 2006 01:43:47 PM CST
