"Johnny Tremain" by Esther Forbes

Title: Johnny Tremain

Author: Esther Forbes

Have I Read it Before: Almost

Many years ago I was supposed to read this book in class. I tried again and again, but no part of it kept my attention. This was a shame, as we were learning about the American Revolution and I found it fascinating. But there was just something about this book that could not keep my attention. I had hopes that reading this as an adult would improve the material, but really, it did not.

Johnny Tremain is an apprentice to a silversmith, and very talented at that. His future in the profession is very bright until an accident that will change his life forever. Suddenly he can no longer stay in the field and must find a new way of life. On top of this, the stirrings of the American Revolution are taking place in Boston. Soon Johhny finds himself caught up in the fight for America's freedom.

I should like this book. It has all of the workings of a good novel. I think I just don't care for Forbes' writing style. It is just too dry for my personal tastes. I won't be reading this book, though I can see why others like it. Honestly, the only way I can really recommend it is if you are also trying to complete a Newbery challenge, otherwise, I'm not sure if it is worth the bother.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

" The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread" by Kate DiCamillo

Title: The Tale of Despereaux

Author: Kate DiCamillo

Have I Read it Before: no

I think I just have to accept that I am not a fan of Kate DiCamillo (and by this, I mean her books. I'm sure she is a lovely person). I didn't care for Fiona & Ulysses, nor did I care for The Tale of Despereaux. I get the appeal of this book, but for me it was a little boring. I liked the overall premise; mouse is born under unusual circumstances, befriends a princess, is banished but comes back to save the day. The only thing that I can figure is I just don't care for DiCamillo's writing style.

I first tried to read this book soon after it was announced that it was the recipient of the 2004 Newbery Medal. I only got a few chapters in because it just didn't keep my interest. I was hopeful that reading it this time around would be a different experience, but sadly that was not the case. Overall I don't have much to say about this book other than I didn't enjoy it. I can see it appealing to those that love fairy tales, but are ready for something that is a bit more challenging to read, but I have a feeling it won't be one that I recommend to readers (instead, I'll probably stick with recommending The Sisters Grimm).




Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse

Title: Out of the Dust

Author: Karen Hesse

Have I Read it Before: No

Since I am doing the Newbery challenge, I don't always read the description of the winners before reading- I'm at the point where I get the book off the shelf and start reading. Because of this, the plot is a surprise. I knew absolutely nothing about Out of the Dust, though a part of me did assume it was about the dust bowl. Billie Jo lives with her mother and father and soon-to-be sibling in the middle of the horrid dust storms that took place during the Great Depression. Her life is extremely difficult, but she finds some solace in her piano playing. Despite trying to find ways to be happy, her life becomes harder and harder (not wanting to spoil with specific details), and though she faces seemingly impossible situations, she will become a stronger person.

I thought this book was a very interesting look at history. I personally know very little about this area of history as the Dust Bowl was not really covered in the history classes I have taken (odd as I live relatively close to the area in which they took place). Seeing it through Billie Jo's eyes was quite an eye opener. I have read a decent amount about the Great Depression but to have go through the Depression and the Dust Bowl is almost impossible for me to comprehend. Hesse's has a created a character with incredible strength and perseverance and I can't help admire Billie Jo. While I'm not sure that verse was the best option for this novel (I think it would have worked a little better as a journal), I do this this work is very strong and is certainly a worthwhile read. As usual, I think it would be excellent paired with some non-fiction books about this era as well. This book has inspired me to seek out more novels about this era and hope to do so in the near future.

Happy Reading!
-Melly 

"A Year Down Yonder" by Richard Peck

Title: A Year Down Yonder
Author: Richard Peck
Have I Read it Before: Yes

I must admit, I remember reading this book the first time around, but I cannot for the life of me remember if I liked it. Reading it for a second time, I wasn't very impressed. Mary Alice has spent summer's visiting her grandmother, but it's never been like this. Before, she and her brother would stay for the summer, but now she is moving to her grandmother's alone. It has become too difficult for her family to afford staying together during the Depression. Mary Alice is about to face many changes and challenges.

I wanted to like this book. I pretty much want to like all of the Newbery winners, but some of them prove to be difficult. It's so strange to me because the Newbery winner is supposed to be the "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." There have been a couple of books I have read during this challenge that make me question if the winner really was the "most distinguished" of that year. It's probably good I get no say in the winners as I would probably be dragging my heels most years. But to get back on track...

I thought that A Year Down Yonder fell a little flat. The premise was good, but the plot didn't really keep me engaged and as I read I found that I wasn't that interested in the characters. Really, the only character that was interesting to me was Grandma. She was the perfect mix of sort of crazy yet often brilliant. Though she intrigued me, the rest of the novel just didn't do it for me. Save for this and A Long Way From Chicago (which I only read once and also don't really remember), I haven't read anything else by Richard Peck so it could be that these characters and this plot just didn't appeal to me. I am going to make it a point to seek out more by him so that I can give his writing a fair chance, but I'm fairly certain I won't be reading this book again.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred D. Taylor

Title: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Author: Mildred D. Taylor
Have I Read it Before: yes

This is hands down one of the best books I have ever read. Cassie and her family know a thing or two about how rough life can be. Her father is off working for the railroad to help make ends meet and her mother is a teacher. She and her three brothers help around the house. The family is determined to keep the land that they own, no matter what troubles they face. This novel is set in the 1930's, a time that was difficult for most Americans, but even more difficult for black Americans. The Logan family faces discrimination at almost every turn but by sticking together, they will overcome all obstacles.

I will never forget the first time I read this book. I was in the fifth grade and specifically picked this book because it was within my Accelerated Reading level. I remember that I struggled with it a little because the dialogue is written in such a way that is very true to how the characters would have spoken, but as this was something new to me, I really had to focus to understand the text. But despite this, I kept reading and absolutely loved the book. I vividly remember the day that I took it back the (school) library and the librarian seemed almost upset by the fact that I had enjoyed this book. I was only ten at the time, and didn't seek out why she was unhappy. To this day I have no idea what her problem was, but that moment has always stuck with me. In a way, I think it made me love the book even more because I sought out other titles by Taylor because the stubborn part of me wanted to annoy her further. While I haven't enjoyed everything I have ready by Taylor, I certainly enjoyed Let the Circle Be Unbroken and The Road to Memphis, which follow Cassie and her family.

At times, this is a difficult book. The subject matter is very serious and may not appeal to younger readers. It is definitely a book that would be well paired with some non-fiction titles covering that time in history. I did not learn about this era in school until several years after I had read the book so I didn't really comprehend the magnitude of the problems the Logans faced until much late, something that as an adult I kind of regret. As a kid, I didn't really seek out the historical elements of the books I read something I really wish I had done now that I am older and see how beneficial this could have been. I very highly recommend this book, but realize that it won't appeal to all readers. At times is is a difficult read,but I think it will a beneficial book to all that finish it.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien

Title: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Author: Robert C. O'Brien
Have I Read it Before: yes

As a child, The Secret of NIMH was one of my favorite movies. As an adult this really surprises me because it is one of the darkest movies I can recall from my childhood. I distinctly remember hiding behind the couch when my dad would watch Star Wars because Darth Vader terrified me and yet the scene with the owl did not send me hiding? Maybe I was only afraid of live action. But all of this is beside the point. I loved this movie (still do) and loved the book the first time I read it. Oddly, as I re-read it now I found the movie to be one of the best adaptations I have ever seen because it does a great job of bringing the movie to the screen without major plot changes but at the same time amping up the tension and conflict (though for some reason they changed her name to Brisby. I am ignoring that fact as it makes no sense to me).

Mrs. Frisby is your ordinary mouse. She and her four children live part of the year on the Fitzgibbon's farm. When the weather turns warm, they will move to their summer home so that they will be safe from when planting season begins, but when her son, Timothy, gets sick, there is no way to move him without risking his life. She begins to seek help, first from Mr. Ages, an old friend of her deceased husband, an owl, and finally the mysterious rats that live in the rosebush. What she doesn't realize is that she is about to learn of a secret that is going to change her life forever.

I know I keep mentioning the film, but upon revisiting these characters, I am just blown away by how strong it is. The book is great, don't get me wrong, but the more I think about it, the more I am realizing that the movie does a better job telling the story. The book's main plot is Mrs. Frisby finding away to keep Timothy's illness from getting worse. There is a lot of moving from plot point to plot point but even when things should be tense, they come across almost casual and everything seems to fall into place easily. The movie, on the other hand, does a great job of showing Mrs. Frisby's fear and worries and scenes such as visiting the owl and other moments can actually cause some anxiety. I also felt that it did a much better job with the minor characters such as Jeremy the crow and Auntie Shrew (who is barely in the book at all, but has some of my favorite moments in the film). Since this is a children's book, I'm not judging it too harshly especially since I don't really want kids all stressed out by the book they are reading, I just found it to be more lighthearted than I remember, especially considered the subject matter.

I feel like this review is coming off a little more negative than I intended. This is a great book and see kids that are a fan of titles such as Charlotte's Web and The Cricket in Times Square enjoying it. I also suggest getting a copy of the movie as well (I have seen it many times in the cheap movie bins, a travesty for such a good film, but great for a family on a budget) and having a family night after kiddos have read the book. I also see that O'Brien's daughter, Jane Leslie Conly has written a few sequels as well and I must say I am intrigued and will probably be keeping an eye out at the used bookstore to see if I can find them. When that happens, I will do my best to read quickly and review.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg

Title: From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Author: E.L. Konigsburg
Have I Read it Before: yes

I had forgotten just how much I love this book! Claudia doesn't really remember why she wants to run away, just that she needs to do it. She chooses her younger brother, Jamie as her running away companion, mostly because he is a cheapskate and has enough money for them to run away in style. Unlike most that runaway, Claudia doesn't want to head for the woods or outdoors. Instead she and Jamie make their way to Manhattan and set-up new lives living in the  Metropolitan Museum of Art. They get away with it too, hiding during closing time, sleeping in the antique beds, and learning about the items in the museum. Things don't get really interesting until the beautiful Angel sculpture arrives at the museum. It is speculated that it was that it was sculpted by Michelangelo, but no one has proof. Claudia makes it her mission to find out the truth about the sculpture, and she will not return home until she knows it's full story. 

This book is so wonderful. I can actually picture Claudia and Jamie as they make their way into the city and as they figure out how they can make their adventure doable. It's easy to imagine Jamie insisting that he and Claudia be as frugal as possible, despite her desire to live with a little more fun.  This book really is the My Side of the Mountain for those that can't stand the outdoors. The only problem I have with this book is how it holds up for today's audiences. As this book was originally published in 1967, there are many things that have changed about the world. The book itself addressed the security of the museum, something that has greatly increased since the 60s. Other things that modern audiences could have difficulties with would be the fact that the two are able to survive in New York City on less than $30 and that they are able to come and go so easily without being recognized (a much tougher feat today as these two missing children would be all over social media today). Don't get me wrong, this book is still excellent, but I predict that kids that are familiar with the ways of the world today may be a little confused (unless this like so many other books has been modernized, but I really hope that is not a thing). 

I just cannot recommend this book highly enough. It has just about everything; adventure, education, a mystery, and most of all, fun.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli

Title: Maniac Magee
Author: Jerry Spinelli
Have I Read it Before: Yes

The first time I read this book was in the sixth grade. We were reading it in class, a chapter each day. However, since I am me, I checked out a copy from the library and proceeded to finish the book over a weekend. As I recall, I did well on all tests related to Maniac Magee as I essentially read it twice in a very short time. Maniac wasn't always Maniac. He was born Jeffrey Lionel and would have had a very normal life if it wasn't for the accident that took his parents. He was sent to live with his dysfunctional aunt and uncle, but when he can't take it anymore, he runs away and eventually finds himself in Two Mills. Most in Two Mills don't know what to think about the newly nicknamed Maniac and he doesn't know how to act in this town. It doesn't matter to him what color a person's skin is. He doesn't succumb to the town bullies  nor does he fear Finsterwald like all of the other neighborhood kids. He isn't like anyone this town has ever seen. 

This book is just great. Though a great deal of it is fairly funny it touches on so many important topics in a way that is easy to relate to.  Re-reading it as an adult makes me realize just how much Spinelli has managed to fit into a relatively short book. Maniac deals with racism, poverty, various kinds of families (from the fantastic to horribly sad) and death. The book is a quick read due to it's size, but there is so much to be learned from it. I suspect that different readers will connect to this book in many ways, but feel that there is something here for everyone. This is a Newbery winner that I 100% understand why it was selected as that year's recipient and is a must read for all young (or not so young) readers.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Flora and Ulysses:The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by K. G. Campbell

Title: Flora and Ulysses:The Illuminated Adventures
Author: Kate DiCamillo (Illustrated by K. G. Campbell)
Have I Read it Before:No

I feel bad in saying that I wasn't over the moon with Flora and Ulysses:The Illuminated Adventures. It was fun, but I felt that it didn't have much purpose. Flora (a human girl) meets Ulysses (a squirrel) quite by accident when Ulysses is attacked by a vacuum cleaner. This ends up being a blessing in disguise as Ulysses then obtains what are essentially super powers. The two end up teaming on a quest to keep Flora's mother from disposing of Ulysses.

Overall, I liked enough of the elements in this book to call it a pleasing read, but it's not a book that I will plan on reading again. The characters were very interesting, but there just wasn't enough going on with the plot to keep me entertained. I feel that overall plot jumped around a little too much and even though we are rooting for Ulysses, it seemed like the story would derail at times before getting back to the original plot.

Though this book clearly wasn't for me, I think it will appeal to many children. Flora is an interesting enough character and I can see kids relating to her as she solves problems based on what she read in the comic Terrible Things Can Happen to You! (see, reading comics isn't necessarily a bad thing). I also think that kids will get a kick out of
William Spiver, a boy who claims to be blind and who shows up at the best and yet worst moments (he was easily my favorite character, so I was very pleased whenever he made an appearance). Though I am a little surprised that this book won this year's Newbery award as I feel that there were some much stronger contenders, I am still planning to read more of DiCallio's work, but probably wouldn't pick up a sequel to this book, if one comes about (but I'm still looking forward to reading The Tale of Despereaux this year).

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"The Story of Doctor Dolittle" and "The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle" by Hugh Lofting

Title: The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle
Author: Hugh Lofting
Have I Read it Before: yes

I am choosing to review both books because I sometimes have a hard time reviewing separate books in the same series when I read them one right after the other. That being said, onto the world of Doctor Dolittle!

John Dolittle is a doctor but spends more of time with the animals, so much so that he can speak to them. He finally accepts that he would do much better as a veterinarian and changes careers.  The Story of Doctor Dolittle tells of him finding his true place in the world and his trip to Africa to help during a monkey epidemic. In The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, we meet Tommy Stubbins (the narrator of the books) who becomes Dolittle's new assistant and accompanies on his trip to find Long Arrow, the world's greatest naturalist.  Both books contain great adventures, new animals, and lots of fun.

I first read The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle when I was in middle school, not realizing it was a series. I later made plans to read more by Lofting, but it wasn't until starting my Newbery challenge that I got around to it. I can so seeing these books appealing to boys around ages 8-10. I would love to see said boys turn these books into games too. I remember playing out Mario Brothers and Star Wars as a kid (yeah, I wasn't much of girly girl) but I think I would have enjoyed searching the islands for Long Arrow and escaping from the king of Jolliginki. My only complaint about these books? The copy I got for my kindle lacked illustrations (as I also own a hard copy, I can't complain to much). And since that is my only complaint, then you know you are in for a good time with these books!

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

Title: Julie of the Wolves
Author: Jean Craighead George
Have I Read it Before:No

I was pretty psyched to read this one. I have read My Side of the Mountain many times and it is one of my (many man many) all time favorites. I couldn't help but assume that Julie of the Wolves would have some similarities in both style and story (after all, they have the same author), but after reading it, I felt let down. However, this could be entirely my fault for assuming. Miyax (Julie being her "white people-name") has runaway from an unhappy marriage in hopes of getting to San Fransisco to live with her pen pal. She is alone in the Alaskan wilderness, running out of food and only has the hope that she can depend on a nearby wolf pack to help her survive.  Life on her own is extremely difficult and more than once it seems like she may not make it, but will the wolves help her pull through?

I felt that this book was lacking my favorite parts of so many other survival stories; how they do it. My Side of the Mountain and other books spend a great deal of time focused on how the character catches food, builds shelter, cooks, etc. I feel that Julie didn't have that same richness and my imagination wasn't nearly as engaged. I also didn't feel as connected to her character from the start and that too much of her character development came later in the story. I think it would have been a good decision to explain fully why she ran away earlier in the book so that I would care about why she was all alone. I'm glad I finally read this book, but doubt that it will be one I read again.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"The Giver" by Lois Lowry

Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Have I Read it Before: Many Times

I had originally planned on saving The Giver for late in the year since it is one of my all time favorite books. However, I just couldn't wait that long. So excuse me while I gush for a bit.

Everything in Jonas' world is perfect. No one has ever known pain, hunger, or suffering. Every single thing from food, to the jobs, to the families is carefully monitored and controlled, but as no one knows anything different, no one questions this. It's not until Jonas is selected as the new Receiver of Memory does he discover that the world was once a very different place and he becomes determined to find a way experience the world for what it could be and not just for what he has always known.

This book is simply brilliant. It is one that I have read many times since I was barely a teen. Each time I read it I get more insight both about Jonas' struggle but about how I see my own world (probably the only time you will see me get even slightly political on this blog, even though I'm not really doing so). This is a book that I strongly encourage everyone read and one people should try to read more than once. As much as the love the Quartet as a whole, I don't feel that the rest of the books are quite as strong as The Giver, but if you read this one, then you must finish the series (please don't be one of those people that argues with other readers because they haven't read Messenger and Son!). If you only read one book this year, make it The Giver (and if you have already read it, read it again!).

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'dell

Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins
Author: Scott O'dell

Have I Read it Before: Yes

Anyone who has not yet read Island of the Blue Dolphins is really missing out. Karana has lived on the Island of the Blue Dolphins her entire life and things have been peaceful until the Aleuts come. At first everything is fine between Karana's people and the Aleuts but when the Aleuts try to leave without fulfilling their promise, a battle breaks out that kills most of the men. When they are given the opportunity to leave their island, the women and men that are left jump at the chance. Once on board, Karana realizes that her brother has been left behind. She leaps from the ship and swims back to her brother. If you have read the synopsis of this book, then you know that Karana ends up all alone on the island. The rest of the book is dedicated to how she survives on the island; finding food, making shelter; taming animals and hiding when the Aleuts once again return. At times she is in grave danger, but often the pages are filled with her day to day activities, but because they are different from anything I have ever experienced, I find them fascinating.

I first read this book when I was in middle school, but it is one that I return to often. In fact, I am fairly certain that my love of historical fiction started the first time I read Scott O'dell's work. It is so interesting to read about how Karana finds and prepares her food, how she uses the bones of a whale to build her fence, how she tames wild dogs and makes them into her pets. Even more extraordinary was finding out that the events of this book are based on a real person. This is one of those books that will stick with you after you read it and one that you will likely want to share with others. If you enjoy it, I recommend many of O'dell's other historical fiction as well as Armstrong Sperry's Call it Courage.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead

Title: When You Reach Me
Author: Rebecca Stead
Have I Read it Before: No

Pretty sure I should have read A Wrinkle in Time before I  read Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me. There were plenty of references to it so I am hopeful nothing major was spoiled for me. Despite this, I loved this book. Miranda has been living a fairly normal life, but things are starting to get a little weird. She spends a lot of her time with her friend Sal, but when another boy punches Sal he stops spending time with Miranda. That's when everything begins to change. She starts receiving strange notes with small clues of future events. At first she finds it odd, but doesn't think to much of it until the events start happening, just as predicted in the notes. What is going on?

I knew absolutely nothing about this book before I read it, just that it was a Newbery book and therefore I was going to read it. It was a nice surprise to find just how much I enjoyed this book. I had no expectations going in (again, as I didn't know anything about the plot the entire book was an adventure) but am happy to say that it kept me engaged and entertained the whole way through. This may be silly, but my favorite parts of the story were when Miranda is helping her mother prepare for the $20,000 Pyramid, as show that I enjoy and miss watching.

I am so glad that this challenge has started off easy and with books that I enjoy. There are a few Newbery winners that I have started in the past and did not enjoy so I didn't finish them and I know I am going to put off reading them as long as possible. Thankfully, I am also discover some new books that I know will be favorites for a very long time.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"Holes" by Louis Sachar

Title: Holes
Author: Louis Sachar
Have I Read it Before: Yes

I decided to start off the year with one of my all time favorite Newbery winners, Holes. This book is absolutely brilliant. The basic premise for the story begins when Stanley Yelnats gets sent to Camp Green Lake all thanks to his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather. The boys at camp Green Lake are required to dig a hole every day, five feet wide and five feet deep. Stanley soon comes to realize that they are not digging to build character like they have been told, but they are digging because the Warden is looking for something. The cast at Camp Green Lake includes Mr. Sir, Mr. Pendanski, and the other boys in D-tent; Armpit, Squid, X-Ray, Zigzag, Magnet, and Zero. The book also has several other plots set outside of Camp Green Lake. They include the stories of Elya Yelnats and Madame Zeroni, Katherine Barlow and Sam. I read this book for the first time soon after it's publication. As soon as I finished reading it, I immediately started it again. This was the first book I had read that dropped so many clues and hints about the final outcome and I just loved how all of the plots tied together so I had to go back and see what things I had missed.

As much as I love books, there aren't that many that I feel every person should read. I know that not every book will appeal to every person so I don't try to push books on people just because I liked them (I think this comes from the fact that I start to get sick of receiving book recommendations from people. So many people assume I like all books so they sometimes take it personally if I'm not fond of their favorite). However, this is one of those books that I can't help but gush about and do think that everyone should try. Though it's target readers are probably late elementary/middle school boys, there really is something in it for everyone. Sachar has done an amazing job creating this world and these characters (and I was very impressed when I saw the movie to discover that it was the first time that I loved every element of the transition from book to film as everything felt true to the book). This is one of the books that I simply must pick up and re-read every few years. If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?

In addition, while the sequel Small Steps isn't good in the same way as Holes, it is also excellent.



Happy Reading!
-Melly

2014 Newbery Medal Reading Challenge

I have been wanting to read all of the Newbery winners for quite some time.  I think the first time I contemplated this was in sixth or seventh grade (meaning more than a decade ago).  I have finally decided that I am going to complete this goal.  I am going to focus on the winners (not the honor books) from 1922-2014.  I am also going to do my best to review each of the winners as well.  My next goal upon completion is to keep up with future winners so as to never be behind again.  Want to join me?  I’d love the company!

Source

2013 Medal Winner: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (HarperCollins Children's Books)

2012 Medal Winner: Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos (Farrar Straus Giroux)

2011 Medal Winner: Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool  (Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books)

2010 Medal Winner:  When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (Wendy Lamb Books, an imprint of Random House Children's Books)

2009 Medal Winner: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illus. by Dave McKean (HarperCollins)

2008 Medal Winner: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz (Candlewick)

2007   The Higher Power of Lucky by  Susan Patron, illus. by Matt Phelan (Simon & Schuster/Richard Jackson)

2006   Criss Cross by  Lynne Rae Perkins (Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins)

2005   Kira-Kira by  Cynthia Kadohata (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster)
2004   The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering, (Candlewick Press)
2003   Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi (Hyperion Books for Children)
2002     A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park (Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin)
2001    A Year Down Yonder by by Richard Peck (Dial)
2000    Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (Delacorte)

1999    Holes by Louis Sachar (Frances Foster)
1998    Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse (Scholastic)
1997  The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg (Jean Karl/Atheneum)

1996    The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman (Clarion)
1995     Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech (HarperCollins)
1994   The Giver by Lois Lowry (Houghton)
1993  Missing May by Cynthia Rylant (Jackson/Orchard)

1992  Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (Atheneum)
1991  Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (Little, Brown)
1990  Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (Houghton)
1989  Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman (Harper)
1988  Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman (Clarion)
1987  The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman (Greenwillow)
1986  Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan (Harper)
1985  The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley (Greenwillow)
1984  Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary (Morrow)
1983  Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt (Atheneum)
1982  A Visit to William Blake's Inn: Poems for Innocent and Experienced Travelers by Nancy Willard (Harcourt)

1981  Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson (Crowell)
1980  A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-1832 by Joan W. Blos (Scribner)   

1979  The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (Dutton)

1978  Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (Crowell)
1977  Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (Dial)

1976  The Grey King by Susan Cooper (McElderry/Atheneum)

1975  M. C. Higgins, the Great by Virginia Hamilton (Macmillan)

1974  The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox (Bradbury)

1973  Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George (Harper)

1972  Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien (Atheneum)

1971  Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars (Viking)

1970  Sounder by William H. Armstrong (Harper)

1969  The High King by Lloyd Alexander (Holt)

1968  From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg (Atheneum)

1967  Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt (Follett)

1966  I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino (Farrar)

1965  Shadow of a Bull by Maia Wojciechowska (Atheneum)

1964  It's Like This, Cat by Emily Neville (Harper)

1963  A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (Farrar)

1962  The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (Houghton)

1961  Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell (Houghton)

1960  Onion John by Joseph Krumgold (Crowell)

1959  The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare (Houghton)

1958  Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith (Crowell)

1957  Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen (Harcourt)

1956  Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham (Houghton)

1955  The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong (Harper)

1954  ...And Now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold (Crowell)

1953  Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark (Viking)

1952  Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes (Harcourt)

1951  Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates (Dutton)

1950  The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli (Doubleday)

1949  King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry (Rand McNally)

1948  The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois (Viking)

1947  Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey (Viking)

1946  Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski (Lippincott)

1945  Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson (Viking)

1944  Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Houghton)

1943  Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray (Viking)

1942  The Matchlock Gun by Walter Edmonds (Dodd)

1941  Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry (Macmillan)

1940  Daniel Boone by James Daugherty (Viking)   

1939  Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright (Rinehart)

1938  The White Stag by Kate Seredy (Viking)

1937  Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer (Viking)

1936  Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink (Macmillan)

1935  Dobry by Monica Shannon (Viking)

1934  Invincible Louisa: The Story of the Author of Little Women by Cornelia Meigs (Little, Brown)

1933  Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Lewis (Winston)

1932  Waterless Mountain by Laura Adams Armer (Longmans)
1931  The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth (Macmillan)
1930  Hitty, Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field (Macmillan)   

1929  The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly (Macmillan)

1928  Gay Neck, the Story of a Pigeon by Dhan Gopal Mukerji (Dutton)

1927  Smoky, the Cowhorse by Will James (Scribner)

1926  Shen of the Sea by Arthur Bowie Chrisman (Dutton)

1925  Tales from Silver Lands by Charles Finger (Doubleday)
1924  The Dark Frigate by Charles Hawes (Little, Brown)
1923  The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting (Stokes)
1922  The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem van Loon (Liveright)