From: Hunt, Jonathan <Hunt.Jo>
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 12:07:31 -0800

Ginny and all,
  I'd have to go back to my notes to check on our working definition of postmodern, but we used the term to refer not just to the structure of the plot, but also the stylistic variations which embellish the novel such as haiku, simultaneous experiences in parallel columns, scripted dialogue, song lyrics, and idiosyncratic spot art.
  Technically speaking, plot merely refers to the arrangement of the events in a story, but here those events are not arranged in a conventional plot with elements we recognize or expect--problem, rising action, complication, climax, falling action, resolution--nor are they necessarily arranged sequentially. Hence, some of us say, in a manner of speaking, the book has no plot. In our annotation, we also describe CRISS CROSS as a book where nothing happens and everything happens. As some have already suggested, the understated external action of the novel is belied by the inner lives of the characters; the real action of the novel is happening within them. Besides, it's not plot that drives us through this novel anyway; rather, it's character, style, and theme. To my mind, it's these areas that elevate CRISS CROSS, not just to the most distingished contribution to children's literature this year, but to the upper realms of the Newbery pantheon.
  Jonathan Hunt 2006 Newbery committee
Received on Fri 17 Feb 2006 02:07:31 PM CST