Award Winning Graphic Novel

With the big Newbery announcements this week, I am still a little amazed.  The Crossover wining the Newbery is wonderful.  I thought Brown Girl Dreaming would edge it out, but no!  However, Brown Girl Dreaming got a well deserved Honor and that felt right too.

The biggest shift for me however, was that a graphic novel, El Deafo, won a Newbery Honor.  Yes, you read right ... a graphic novel.  I have been telling parents that these books are rich genres for storytelling.  The narratives have depth, significant story arcs and can touch readers in a way that conventional stories sometimes can't.  It is so nice to see the committee acknowledge that these type of stories can be distinguished, and my hope is that parents and librarians will promote this genre as a wonderful reading experience for kids.

So enough pontificating and on to today's review.  I read this Newbery Honor book several months ago and loved it.  I hesitated to post the review, not because the story wasn't wonderful, but because all the characters are bunnies.  No that is not a typo.  Read the review to find out why.  This is one your chid wouldn't pick up off the shelf on their own because of yes, the bunnies, and I am hoping the shiny sticker will give this book the boost it needs.

I have included a video of the author discussing her book at the end of the blog.  Don't miss it.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Email for all the books where bunnies are funny and kind and scared and self conscious - just like us with bigger ears.

Title:El Deafo

Author: Cece Bell

Target: Grades 3-7

Series: No

Newbery Honor Boook

What this book is about: 
This is an autobiographical graphic novel about growing up hard of hearing.  The author’s hearing was damaged as a child and she has to navigate school and friends with a hearing aid.  While her worries and joys are those of any kid, her challenges with people’s reactions and behavior regarding her hearing are the most difficult for her.  The heart of the story is about a girl who wants to have friends and fit in, and her daily challenges provide a lovely backdrop for a story about growing up.

Why I love this book: 
This book feels absolutely authentic.  Cece’s reaction to her deafness, the loneliness and embarrassment she feels, the reaction of other kids, it all feels absolutely true.  Kids will certainly walk away from this book with a new feeling of empathy for others, but they will also love Cece and be rooting for her the whole way.  She has a sensibility and a sense of humor that is irresistible!

The characters in this book are drawn as bunnies which is an interesting play.  Obviously bunnies have big ears, and this accentuates the issues of hearing and makes the hearing aids a more prominent feature.  This analogy will probably be lost on most kids, but it was a compelling way to visually interpret the issue of deafness.

Who this book is for: 
The comparisons to Raina Telgemeir’s Smile are inevitable and kids who enjoyed that book will certainly be the right audience for this one.  The bunnies may make the book feel young at first, but the issues are sophisticated so don’t let the rabbits fool you.

Final thoughts: 
There are lots of graphic novel memoirs out this year.  Check out Sisters and The Dumbest Idea Ever for more great stuff in this genre.  I keep telling you graphic novels are getting better and better!  Has the Newbery Honor convinced you yet?

Fun fact: The author is married to Tom Angleberger, the writer of Origami Yoda.  

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: El Deafo  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

2015 Newbery and Caldecott Contenders

Well the New Year brings with it the announcement of the Newbery and Caldecott award winners.  Bloggers from around the country love to discuss, analyze, debate and create their lists of who they think the winners will be.  You didn't expect me to be different did you?

What follows are my predictions.  Feel free to follow along when the awards are announced on February 2nd.  You may mock, debate, or generally applaud my guesses, but whether they bring home the shining sticker or not, these choices represent some of the best writing for children out there.  They may not appeal to all (or many) of your kids, but they maintain a high bar for what children's writing can be.

Newbery Winners

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacquiline Woodson
If this book doesn't win the big prize you will be able to knock me over with a feather.  It has already claimed victory at the National Book Awards.  Written in verse and detailing the author's life as a young black girl in the 70s, this book is a gem.  I still don't have a good read on how kids are embracing the story, but as an adult, I found it beautifully written and poignant.   With the current emphasis on diverse books, which has become the hot topic of late, this book is a perfect example of how a story written about a girl of color can deeply touch us to the core.

The Night Gardner by Jonathan Auxier
If you had asked me at the beginning of the summer which book I thought would bring home the Newbery, this book would have been at the top of my list.   It is spooky, full of wonderful imagery and life lessons wrapped up in a bone tingling narrative.  In fact, if diversity weren't such an important topic for kids books at this point in time, I think this book would have had a chance to win it all.   This is the Graveyard Book, but with a bit more whimsey and old fashion fun.  However, at this point I don't think it has enough gravitas to bring home the shiny sticker, but I am hoping for an Honor!

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
I rarely get overly excited by a book written in verse and this year I have two, count them two books with the poet's touch.  Where Brown Girl Dreaming paints a vivid picture in words of moments in the author's history, The Crossover is bolder and stronger in the language it uses, evoking the feelings of a brother who is figuring out how he fits into his family.  They couldn't be more different, but they each remain incredibly powerful stories.  The Crossover is exciting with action packed basketball games, but it still touches us with it's honest portrayal of a middle school boy and his struggles of growing up.  I think more kids will respond to this story because it will feel more relevant for them.  This one is my favorite of the two, but I still think that Brown Girl Dreaming may have the emotional edge over The Crossover.

Caldecott Winners

This one is hard for me because I rarely enjoy the books selected.  The prize actually goes only to the illustrator, so while the words play a role, it is the drawings that actually must stand on their own and convey a significant part of the story. Every once in a while a book such as This Is Not My Hat wins, but in general I am left feeling a little disappointed with the winner.  However, that will not dissuade me from my task of giving you my picks!

Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman
This book is my number one pick for the shiny sticker.  The illustrations are drop dead gorgeous, awe inspiring and fit perfectly with the story.  Of course any pick of mine must have a sense of humor about itself, and while this book won't have you rolling in the aisles, it has a subtle humor that is not lost on the reader.  It even has some odes to adults who will enjoy the references to other great works of literature.  Three bears break their mother's shell and go in search of a replacement, rather than fess up to their crime.  Their quest leads them on quite an adventure, only to find that doing the right thing was probably the best course of action to begin with.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Ok, this one is a hail mary.  I haven't seen it discussed often in the panels, but I am putting it out there none the less.  I love that in this new era with an emphasis on STEM, there is a charming, female centric book that focuses on creating things.  But not only creating things, the creative process.  What we see in our heads is never what ends up being built, and Spires doesn't cheat in this book by making everything happy and easy.  It is difficult, frustrating and painful to create and we don't always get it perfect.  Oh, and the book is funny too, with charming illustrations.  Bravo!

Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio, Illustrations by Christian Robinson
Gaston is the story of a little dog who doesn't look like anyone else in his canine family.  A trip to the dog park quickly uncovers that two little pooches were switched at birth, but when Gaston is reunited with the family that looks like him it just doesn't feel right.  His first family is where he belongs.  This one is a long shot, but I put it in because I wanted three books (see the high criteria to which I hold myself.)  There are other books being talked about more strongly for the Caldecott, but I just don't feel they speak to children in a compelling way, no matter how gorgeous or touching they may be.  So Gaston it is!  I absolutely love the illustrations in the this book.  They feel European in the best, most innovative way.

Let me know what you think and let's see how I did on February 2nd.  Who knew a book competition could be so much fun?

Great Historical Fiction for Kids

For retro Friday I am sharing a book that won a Newbery Honor in 2011.  It isn't one I hear about that often, and that is a shame.  Margi Preus is a brilliant author and the way she makes history personal for kids will draw them into her stories immediately.

My middle son, who is somewhat of a particular reader (ok ... picky, I was trying to be nice) was hooked on this story by the second chapter and didn't put it down until he was done.  Do you really need more convincing than that?

Don't forget to Like One Great Book on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on all the books that will get your kids hooked on historical fiction ... no really!

Title:       Heart of a Samurai

Author:   Margi Preus

Target:    Grades 4-8

Series:     No

Newbery Honor Book

What this book is about:
Inspired by a true story, this book is about Manjiro, a fourteen year old fisherman from Japan.  He and his compatriots are stranded on a desert island after a storm.  The problem is that the year is 1841 and Japan is closed off from all contact with the rest of the world.  When an American whaling ship saves them, they are confronted with people and customs of which they have no knowledge.  Manjiro eagerly tries to learn this new culture, but even with all the new opportunities, he longs for his home.

Why I love this book:
Margi Preus writes wonderful historical fiction.  She manages to take a place and time which captures our attention and craft a story that is compelling in it’s setting.  By bringing this story to America she is able to show kids that even during the gold rush, Japan was a country completely isolated.  She even teaches kids about whaling!

I also love that her stories, while fiction, are based on real people and events.  The idea that most of what is shared in the story actually happened makes it even more compelling.  In the back of the book she shares information on the actual Manjiro and lets the reader know where she took liberties.  This story had both myself and my sons hooked from the very start.

Who this book is for:
Kids who like adventure stories will love this.  I also have to recommend her other book,  Shadow on the Mountain which my family devoured.

Final thoughts:
I really can’t wait for her next book.  Once again it is set in Norway - but I'm not biased, oh no.  I mean a book about the land of my forefathers is no reason for me to jump for joy - no not me.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Heart of a Samurai  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.

Kid's Summer Reading List: Part 1/4

Summer is just around the corner, so I thought it was time for my summer reading recommendations.  This will be a four part post to give you enough books for those plane rides, car trips and lazy summer days.  That, and I realized that many of you might see summer reading from different perspectives.  I thought I would start with the most serious summer readers first:

Tiger Mom List

This list is for mom's who want to keep the academics going over the summer.  No rest for the weary!  Summer is an opportunity to get ahead of those other pesky kids in the class and show them who's boss.

For this list I a have selected only Newbery winners or honor books because aren't they the best of the best?  But do not fear, while these are award winning and librarian approved, they are also the books that fit best with summer days and heightened imaginations!  The Newbery is filled with books kids should like but really don't, and I hope this list pulls out the gems that are both innovative and exciting to children.

So get out there and read a book.  And make it a Newbery, because don't you want your kids to get smarter over the summer?  Oh come on, you know you do!

Title:          Holes

Author:      Louis Sachar

Target:       Grades 4-6

Series:        No

Newbery Medal Book

What this book is about:
Stanley’s family is cursed.  It started with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing great-great grandfather and it haunts him to this day.  When Stanley gets wrongly sent to the juvenile detention center, Camp Green Lake, he quickly discovers this is not camp and  there is no lake.  Instead the boys must go out everyday and dig a hole, 5’ by 5’ in the blazing hot sun.  But this punishment is not as random as it seems.  Apparently the Warden is trying to find something and Stanley may hold the key to its discovery.

Why I love this book:
This is just a great, well written story.  Throughout the book Stanley’s situation is intertwined with stories from the past that all tie back to his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing great-great grandfather.

It is wonderful to see Stanley evolve and navigate the other kids at “camp.”  There is a real happiness in the book as Stanley discovers he likes himself and who he has become.  And of course there is plenty of suspense as the boys fight against the Warden, and Stanley discovers the purpose of their digging!

Who this book is for:
Great for all kids.  

Final thoughts:
Sacher takes a difficult situation and adds history, humor and suspense to create a wonderful novel.

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here to connect to Amazon: Holes  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog.

Title:          Turtle in Paradise

Author:      Jennifer L. Holm

Target:       Grades 3-6

Series:        No

Newbery Honor Book

What this book is about:
It’s 1935 and times are tough.  When Turtle’s mother gets a housekeeping job and Turtle is not allowed to live with her, she is shipped off to her aunt in Florida (who, by the way, is not expecting her!)  She is confronted with a set of young cousins and relatives who initially give her the stink eye, and won’t let her into their “business.”  That business would be the Diaper Gang,  a group of boys who take care of unruly babies and have invented a diaper creme that mothers think is miraculous (weren’t expecting that one were you!)  Turtle struggles to fit in and open herself up to family.

Why I love this book:
Oh, come on, a group of hoodlum boys who run a Diaper Gang, what is not to love about that!  Turtle is one tough cookie, and she is so realistic about life at such a young age that you can’t help but root for her.  This is a wonderful period piece and the author has taken facts about her own relatives to write the book.  Kids will get a nice overview of what is was like to live during the depression.

Who this book is for:
Kid’s who enjoy historical fiction, but there is also some good action in the book when they go in search of pirate treasure.  The main character is a girl, but she is not particularly girly so boys may warm to the book as well.  However the cover is so feminine it may take some work to get boys to open it up!

Final thoughts:
The feelings of Key West in the summer, ice cream trucks and buried treasure make this a nice summer read for kids.

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here to connect to Amazon: Turtle in Paradise  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog.

Title:          Savvy

Author:      Ingrid Law

Target:       Grades 4-7

Series:        No, but there is a sequel, Scumble

Newbery Honor Book

What this book is about:
Mib has a distinctive family.  When a family member turns thirteen, they discover their savvy, or their unique magical talent.   Mib’s mother does everything perfectly, one brother can control electricity with his body, the other brother can create weather storms with his moods.  Sadly, Mib’s father is in a serious car accident the night before her thirteenth birthday, so Mib is left to find her savvy with none of her support system around her.  In an attempt to get to her parents, Mib finds her way onto a bible selling bus with her remaining siblings, the preacher’s children and a sweet but meek salesman.  Her journey will forever change her life, and theirs.

What I love about this book:
I just loved the idea of savvy. - magic that brings out one unique ability in a person that makes them distinctive or special.  I think that every person has a savvy and that is what makes the story magical and accessible.

The cast of characters is wonderful, and every child will realize that all families have a little crazy in them.  As Mibs discovers her savvy, I felt the heartbreak as she hoped it would be able to help her father, and then the understanding it gave her.

Who this book is for:
Both boys and girls should enjoy this book.  My older son read it and said he couldn’t get it out of his head.

Final thoughts:
Wonderful book that shows what people are on the outside is not necessarily what they are on the inside.

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here to connect to Amazon: Savvy  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog.

When Did Princess Become a Dirty Word?

Ok, I admit it.  I was thrilled when I had a daughter that I could revisit all the princess stories I loved so much as a child.  What's more, she loved the princesses as much as I had at her age.  But all the messaging I was getting as a parent now was that girls shouldn't be victims to the princess mindset.  "It limits their imagination,"  "they will think they need to be rescued," and "we want girls to know they can be anything."

I also fear that Disney has created a princess mentality which caters to a very young audience, and turns girls off to the princess theme as babyish.  Princesses are simply marketing to a preschool set, instead of the complex characters and stories of the original fairytales, which often times did not have a happily ever after!

The authors whose books I have profiled today have created princesses who are intelligent, funny and human.  These princess are limited only by their own aspirations, and if they get to wear a tiara at the same time, more power to them!   I hope some of the magic of the original princess fairytales are not lost in our current environment, and these books are a great start!

Don't forget to "like" one great book on Facebook!

Title:          Falling for Rapunzel

Author:      Leah Wilcox

Target:       Preschool-Grade 2

What this book is about:

Told in rhymes, this book is a funny take on the tale of Rapunzel.  The prince thinks Rapunzel’s bad hair day is a cry for help, and he tries repeatedly to save her by asking her to throw down her hair.  Our hard of hearing Rapunzel throws down just about everything else, in an attempt to understand the fellow.

Why I love this book:

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, throw down your hair!”

“She thought he said “Your underwear.””

Ok, what kids (or frankly kid at heart) wouldn’t laugh at that!  Each attempt to rephrase his request sends something funnier down from the tower.  Since it is rhyming, kids have a wonderful time guessing what is next.  Inspired illustrations just add to the humor.  

Who this is for:

Any kids who love silly stories.  Fun for early readers as they guess the next word in the rhymes.

Final thoughts:

Not everything in life turns out as you expect!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Falling For Rapunzel

Title:          The Ordinary Princess

Author:     M.M. Kaye

Target:      Grades 3-5

Series:        No

What the story is about:
What would happen to a princess, if on her christening day, she was given the gift of  being “ordinary.”  Well, unlike her six gorgeous and princess like sisters, she is not confined to the palace and is able to develop all her own interests.  When her parents try unsuccessfully to marry her off, she goes out on her own and finds hard work and adventures she never imagined.

Why I love this book:
This book is absolutely charming and funny!  It’s one of those books that I pick up and wonder why I have never heard of it before.  Despite the fact that it was written 30 years ago, the story is so heartwarming that it never feels dated.  There is also intelligent humor sprinkled throughout so the story never feels too sappy.

Who this book is for:
Any girl who loves a good fairytale and needs to be reminded how special she is!

Final thoughts:
This book is the opposite of ordinary, it is a precocious little gem!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: The Ordinary Princess

Book:          Princess Academy

Author:     Shannon Hale

Target:      Grades 5-8

Series:       No 

Newbery Honor Book

What this book is about:

The story is set in the fictional territory of Mount Eskel, a mountain village that revolves around a quarry.  When the prince of the land declares he will chose a bride from their village, all the eligible girls are sent to attend a special academy to learn the customs of the “lowlanders.”  It is here they discover the freedom that education can provide for them.   They also confront what it means to be selected by the prince, the effects of friendship, the power of competition and the ability to lead

Why I love it:

Don’t let the title of this book put you off, because it is the only flaw in this story.  It is not a fluffy book about girls becoming stereotypical princesses.   It is a complex story about girls discovering their values, defining home, their relationships and the value of education.  

It took a few chapters for me to get into the story.  The main character, Miri, didn’t appeal to me at first, but  stick with it, as my appreciation of her grew tremendously throughout the book.  The book has enough action and suspense to keep the reader engaged through the larger life lessons.  

Who this book is for:

Girls will appreciate the characters in this book and also enjoy the fact that it has plenty of action!

Final thoughts:

A true surprise of a book!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Princess Academy

Does the gender of the main character matter?

Does it matter if the main character is a girl or a boy?  All too often we say that "boy" books can be read by girls and boys alike, but "girl" books are only for a female audience.  I understand this on some level.  There aren't too many boys who are drawn into a book called "Puppy Place,"  it just doesn't interest them.  However, a great story is a great story and the books I have chosen this week are just that.  The main characters may be girls, but the stories are adventurous, the heroines are strong and skillful, and they are supported by a cast of interesting characters.

Although I didn't realize it until I had compiled the books, they are all historical novels and this may be why, despite female leads, they work so well for either sex.  Their challenges and adventures mirror the struggles of the time and not the gender of the character.  Whether you have a boy or a girl, I hope they have the chance to enjoy these thoroughly engaging books, although I understand if it is a stretch for your sons!

Don't forget to like me on Facebook or follow me on twitter!

Title:          Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

Author:     R. L. LaFevers

Target:      Grades 3-6

Series:        Yes

What this book is about:

Theodosia lives at her parent’s workplace, the London’s Museum of Antiquities.  She has the unique ability to sense the curses that are tied to specific Egyptian artifacts.  Her parents are quite unaware of her gift, and so she is constantly “saving” them without their becoming the wiser.

In this story a particular amulet is brought to the museum that could destroy the British Empire, and Theodosia’s unique skills take her on quite an adventure as she attempts to neutralize the curse.  The story takes place at the beginning of the 20th century so it is a fun period piece with some historical references brought in.

Why I love it:

The cover of this book sucked me in right away.  I am at the mercy of great illustrations!  Thankfully the story was just as fun.  I really enjoy a great girl character, who is clever, independent and self sufficient.  The School Library Journal described her as a combination of Nancy Drew and Indiana Jones, which truly hits the nail on the head! 

I must say that I found this book didn’t engage me until about three chapters in, so please stick with it.  Once the story gets going it is hard to put down. 

Who this book is for:

Kids who love a good adventure story.  In this story, Theodosia is taken into a secret society, and they treat her as a serious partner in solving the mystery.  I know kids will enjoy a bright child outwitting adults who appear utterly clueless to what is going on.

Final thoughts:

Having trouble with ancient curses, Theodosia to the rescue!

To purchase this book, visit your local bookstore or click here: Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

Title:          The Diamond of Drury Lane

Author:     Julia Golding

Target:       Grades 4-7

Series:         Yes

What this book is about:

This is a period book, set in the 1790’s.  It tells the tale of “Cat” Royal, an orphan who is raised in a London theater.  A diamond is hidden in the theater which Cat takes the responsibility of protecting.  It is her interactions with street gangs, performers and high society, as she protects the diamond, that lead to an action packed adventure!

Why I love it:

I read this book a few years ago and loved it.  I picked it up again a few weeks ago, and was thrilled to find I enjoyed it just as much the second time around.  The author really gives you sense of London life in the 1790’s with enough action and suspense that makes the book hard to put down.  

I have the version with the original cover.  I was very disheartened to learn that they changed the cover to show a girl representing Cat on the front.  The new cover really makes this look like a girls book, which it is NOT!  The main character is a girl, yes, but there are some terrific male supporting characters and the story is not gender specific in the slightest.  My 12 year old son got so caught up in the story he started taking the book in the car with him.

This book  did win the Gold Nestle Children’s Book Prize in the UK. 

Who this book is for:

Anyone interested in historical fiction with a huge dose of action and adventure.

Final thoughts: 

The secondary characters are what make this book a gem.  From street thugs and aristocrats who sneak off to box, a political cartoonist named Captain Sparkle, to a former African slave who is a violin prodigy, they elevate the story to a delightful level.

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: The Diamond of Drury Lane (Cat Royal Adventure)

Title:          Hattie Big Sky

Author:     kirby larson

Target:      Grade 4-8

Series:        No

Newbery Honor Book

What this story is about:

Hattie is a sixteen year old girl, whose parents died when she was young.  She moves around from relative to relative, no one really wanting her.  Finally a long lost uncle leaves her an unproven claim to property in Montana.   She makes the move and begins her life as a homesteader.  Along the way she learns about herself and what home really means.

Why I love this book:

Ok, I admit it.  I loved Willa Cather in high school, so a story about a girl conquering the flat land of Montana is right up my alley.  Bring in my Norwegian heritage and my family who raised cattle in Nebraska and I was going to love this story from the start.  Thank goodness it didn’t disappoint me!

This book was so well written, and I loved that Hattie was such a strong female character.  She is quite mature for her age, and Larson has surrounded her with a wonderful host of characters.  Even the villain in the story is not all bad, and we are able to see him as a fully developed individual.  

Larson’s grandmother was a homesteader, so the book is filled with authentic references and the story moves at  an engaging pace! 

Who this book is for:

Anyone who wants to learn about homesteading during World War I.  It is a wonderful book for children to see what life was like for these individuals, not that long ago.

Final thoughts:

This is wonderfully written book which will give children perspective.

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Hattie Big Sky