From: Hope Baugh <hbaugh>
Date: Tue, 28 Feb 2006 17:36:35 -0500

I really appreciate getting to read everyone's comments about all of the award winners so far.

I wanted to add a quick word about Printz Honor book BLACK JUICE, by Margo Lanagan. Like Steven Engelfried, I probably would never have made time to read this if it hadn't received Printz recognition, so I am so glad it did receive it. I think I will find myself telling teens: "Even if you usually find short story collections to be annoying and too much work, you might like this one. It is very accessible. Each story pulls you in quickly and easily, but also leaves you chewing."

Here is what I wrote in my reading log:

"This collection of ten wonderfully mesmerizing stories from an Australian author was named a 2006 Printz Honor Book. These are edgy and sometimes dark fantasy stories, not "clean," exactly, but moving rather than depressing, and powerful rather than sensational. Also, these stories feel multicultural and folksy rather than magical or supernatural. The story about the elephants triggered a good cry in me, but all of the stories surprised and impressed me in some way. Suggest to fans of Charles de Lint, Ray Bradbury, Neil Gaiman, Ursula LeGuin, and to people interested in how authors get their ideas. Lanagan includes a list of 'thank you's' at the back of the book in which she thanks various people for specific things that triggered the individual stories. It's a fascinating list to look at after having read the stories. Age: HS (but probably okay for some gifted middle schoolers, if non-cursing references to death and violence are okay.)"

Best wishes,

Hope

Young Adult Services Manager Carmel Clay Public Library 55 4th Ave. SE Carmel, IN 46032 Tel: 317-814-3979 Email: hbaugh at carmel.lib.in.us Website: www.carmel.lib.in.us Also check out: www.reads4teens.org



 
                   
Received on Tue 28 Feb 2006 04:36:35 PM CST