Book Review: Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

Hello again, blogging world! Sorry for the radio silence - life gets in a way a lot lately. Plus, I pretty much single handedly planned girls camp (a youth camp for my church for girls aged 12-18). It was crazy times. And blogging is really falling by the wayside. But here! Have a random book review!

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: March 2015
Pages: 368
Source: e-book from library
For: I heard good things and those shiny award stickers didn't hurt

Summary (from goodreads):

Everyone knows Bone Gap is full of gaps—gaps to trip you up, gaps to slide through so you can disappear forever. So when young, beautiful Roza went missing, the people of Bone Gap weren’t surprised. After all, it wasn’t the first time that someone had slipped away and left Finn and Sean O’Sullivan on their own. Just a few years before, their mother had high-tailed it to Oregon for a brand new guy, a brand new life. That’s just how things go, the people said. Who are you going to blame?

Finn knows that’s not what happened with Roza. He knows she was kidnapped, ripped from the cornfields by a dangerous man whose face he cannot remember. But the searches turned up nothing, and no one believes him anymore. Not even Sean, who has more reason to find Roza than anyone, and every reason to blame Finn for letting her go.

My thoughts:
I got really sucked into this story - right from the start. It's amazingly written, with gorgeous lyrical writing and there's some serious suspense going on. It also has a lot of surprising elements, though I did go in knowing there was an element of magical realism/fantasy. I liked figuring things out one little bit at a time and wondering if I'd been imagining it wrong all along. And I liked it. Worth the read, I think, despite some rather disturbing and adult-ish things.

Read-alikes:
Uh, drawing a blank here

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
there is some in there (no f-bombs, that I recall)

mrg-factor: X
some stuff

v-factor: ->->
it's been a while, but I think some intense stuff happens :)

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming
Publisher: Random House Children's
Publication date: July 2014
Pages: 304
Source: Library
For: Award winners :)

Summary (from goodreads):

Here is the tumultuous, heartrending, true story of the Romanovs—at once an intimate portrait of Russia's last royal family and a gripping account of its undoing. Using captivating photos and compelling first person accounts, award-winning author Candace Fleming (Amelia Lost; The Lincolns) deftly maneuvers between the imperial family’s extravagant lives and the plight of Russia's poor masses, making this an utterly mesmerizing read

Things I Liked:
I thought this book was really well written and researched. I was fascinated with the details and especially with the glimpses outside the family. They were so painfully unaware of all that went on in their country, it's hard to believe. It is amazing what lengths people will go to to retain power, even if they "don't want it," as Nicholas said several times. I remember going to an exhibit on Nicholas and Alexandra when I was a teen and being super fascinated by their story. It is just so horrifying and the history of the Russian people at this time (and during a number of other times) is so sad that I can't get it out of my head. I know I read a biography (or two) of the Romanovs, but I still felt like I knew almost nothing about the time period and the lower classes. Great book to introduce this period of time to young people!

Things I Didn't Like:
Nothing I can think of!

Read-alikes:
Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert K. Massie (this is one of the books I read about them quite a while ago)

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
well, maybe one or two incidental ones

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
considering their violent demise, this was expected

Overall rating: *****

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Mini Reviews 19

Here are a couple of mini reviews; I didn't have much to say about these ones (or forgot what I wanted to say).


Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George
This is second in the Castle Glower series, first one was Tuesdays at the Castle, which I really enjoyed.  This one was sweet and rollicky good fun. I like the griffin most of all. The book did, however, seem to kind of lose its way a bit in the middle. I felt like it didn't move us forward a lot in the series until much later and lots of things happen right near the end that aren't entirely clear. But I might read more in the series later.


Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger
This is book 3 of the Finishing School Series by Carriger.  Honestly, I wish it was the last.  I tire of the series. I'm ready for it to be over (and expected it to be the last, what with trilogies being the Thing), but there's another book.  Some stuff actually happened in this one, though I can't seem to remember much of it. It's definitely as quirky and weird as the others, if that's your thing.


Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick
This book is super weird, but in a good way.  It is a crazy interesting story of reincarnation and enduring love. I was very much swept away in its atmospheric feeling and the beautiful writing. I did spend a lot of time wondering what was going on. I think that was on purpose.  I read this for the Printz award, and can see why it was chosen.  Still, very strange.  It reminded me of the strange in Chime by Franny Billingsley, which I also really liked.


Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
I read this because, Neil Gaiman.  Also, I got a review copy in the mail.  Yes!  This is such a fun book.  What a great read-aloud this would be with your kids or in school.  I loved how funny and cheeky and just downright wacky it got.  Will definitely get laughs out of your grade school kids (and older). I only wished there was more when it ended.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero AND Biggie by Derek E. Sullivan

A Karissa Review

Double Feature – A Lamentation upon Swearing

Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
Publisher: Cinco Punto Press
Publication date: October 2014
Pages: 208

Biggie by Derek E. Sullivan
Publisher: AW Teen
Publication date: March 2015
Pages: 272

Summary for Gabi (from goodreads):

Gabi Hernandez chronicles her last year in high school in her diary: college applications, Cindy's pregnancy, Sebastian's coming out, the cute boys, her father's meth habit, and the food she craves. And best of all, the poetry that helps forge her identity. 

Summary for Biggie (from goodreads):

Henry "Biggie" Abbott is the son of one of Finch, Iowa 's most famous athletes. His father was a baseball legend and his step-dad is a close second. At an obese 300+ pounds though, Biggie himself prefers classroom success to sports. As a perfectionist, he doesn't understand why someone would be happy getting two hits in five trips to the plate. "Forty percent, that's an F in any class," he would say. But what happens when a boy who has spent his life since fourth grade trying to remain invisible is suddenly thrust into the harsh glare of the high school spotlight? 

My Thoughts:

First off, I wish, I wish, I would’ve read Gabi before I read Biggie. See, the sad fact is, I got Gabi the week after I read Biggie, and after reading Biggie, I started Gabi, loved the character, loved the writing, but couldn’t stomach the cussing any more. So I only got part way through Gabi, before I had to put it down. See, in Biggie, there’s a lot of cussing, and in Gabi there’s not quite as much, but still some. And after slogging my way through Biggie, my eyeballs were just in pain.

The thing is, the one star I gave Biggie is just for the last 5 pages. Because I really, really didn’t like the book until the last 5 pages. And then I only sorta liked it. It was funny, my daughter saw me reading it at the beginning, and asked if I liked it. I told her I wasn’t sure. Throughout the next few days of me reading it, she’d ask again if I liked it yet, and I still would say, “Not yet.”

Really, I just didn’t like Biggie or any of his friends. They all are really kinda jerks – and not the type that learn from their jerkiness – they still are going to be jerks in their 20s. So, not only was it hard to read a book where you don’t like any of the characters, but the cussing just got in the way.

So I put these together because if you are considering one of them, go for Gabi. If you’re okay with cussing, pick hers because she’s a way more likable character, and I think you’ll have a better experience overall.

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS for Gabi:
s-factor: #@!%

mrg-factor: XX

v-factor: none

Overall rating:  ***

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS for Biggie:
s-factor: #@!%@!#

mrg-factor: XXX

v-factor: ->->

Overall rating: *
 

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Mini Reviews 18

Hey, not only is this the last of the mini reviews (for a while), but it's the last of my 2014 book reviews! I'm only five months behind - yeah?


Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

Summary:
When Elizabeth Darcy's sister Lydia shows up unannounced at Pemberley, the Darcy's quiet world is shattered.  Wickham and their friend Denny got into an argument and Denny is found dead.  Wickham is the chief suspect and that brings even more shame to the Darcy family name, as Mr. Darcy's brother-in-law.  Can Elizabeth and Darcy hold their position and their family together under such pressure?

My Thoughts:
This one suffered in comparison to the mini series.  I watched it first and then read the book and not only was the fun taken out of the mystery, since I knew who had done it, but I found it a lot less exciting and intense than the show.  I admit the mini series took some liberties that I laughed at, particularly with regard to Lizzy's role in the whole thing.  Still, it made the book seem a lot slower and more boring.  Plus, mystery still isn't my favorite genre of choice.  Meh.
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The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary:
Carthya is on the brink of war and Jaron is fighting to keep his throne.  But when an unexpected threat arises, he is about to risk all in order to keep what is his.  He is ready to make a desperate move to save the kingdom, the throne, and those he cares about. Will it be enough?

My Thoughts:
I really liked the start of the series, and I am satisfied by the ending and how everything turned out. I remember enjoying the action and the excitement of watching Jeron do crazy things for his throne and his love.  I love how Nielsen is able to plot twists that are fantastic and that I don't usually see coming, though a few of them I do.  But, to be honest, it's been a few months and I can't remember much of what happened.  So, I guess there's that against it.
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Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger

Summary:
Sophronia continues her training as a spy and this time is caught up in a conspiracy brooding in London.  As their floating school makes its way straight into the heart of the trouble, she and her friends must discover who is behind this plot before it's too late for them all.

My Thoughts:
Well, this series is fun to read when you just want a lark.  There are plenty of politics (of the supernatural variety) and intrigue going on to keep you reading.  Also, I really like Sophronia, despite her doing some really annoying things in the romance department.  I think I do read them for the characters and the silliness.  Definitely a nice break from serious stuff (not that I was reading serious stuff anyway.)
------------------------------------------------------- 


In the Dark Streets Shineth: A 1941 Christmas Eve Story by David McCullough

Summary from goodreads:

Christmas Eve, 1941. Mere days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt met at the White House. As war raged throughout the world, the two leaders delivered a powerful message of hope that still resonates today.

My Thoughts:
This is basically a transcript from a program McCullough did with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for a Christmas program (I did read this around Christmas - I was super proud of myself for doing some thematic reading, since I don't usually - too bad I didn't get a review posted until May).  But it was too short and I really wanted more details about the historical period.  There was an interesting address by PM Churchill that made me want to read a bio of him (now to figure out which of the 3 billion to read).
------------------------------------------------------- 


Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Summary:
An autobiography of the author written in verse, describes her childhood and youth and all that led her to writing stories and becoming the person she is today.

My Thoughts:
Love, love love it!  This was fantastic.  I know why this won the National Book Award (and other delightful shiny stickers). It is written so, so well (and I sometimes have a hard time with verse novels).  The story is amazing and I adored hearing more about the time period and the things Jacqueline dealt with.  Her family were awesome (well, most of them)!
------------------------------------------------------- 


Chime by Franny Billingsley

Summary:
Briony is living with so many secrets and so much guilt, she can hardly breathe some days.  Determined never to let anyone know just what she's done, she leads a painful life of deception.  Until she begins to see that things might not have been as she thought.

My Thoughts:
This book was super weird and interesting and confusing.  I can't believe how long it took me to get to it (I got an ARC way back when).  I was sucked in from the first page!  The story was convoluted and I had no idea what was going on a lot of the time, but I have to admit I was wowed.  I loved how the end came about and how things just sort of clicked.  Intriguing, strange, and very gorgeously written!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: February 2011
Pages: 272
Source: Review copy from Publisher
For: Review (and Newbery)

Summary from goodreads: 

No one would believe me but at times I would choose wartime in Saigon over peacetime in Alabama.

For all the ten years of her life, HÀ has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, the warmth of her friends close by . . . and the beauty of her very own papaya tree.

But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. HÀ and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, HÀ discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food, the strange shape of its landscape . . . and the strength of her very own family.

This is the moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing as she journeys from one country to another, one life to the next.

Things I Liked:
What a wonderful story!  I loved seeing what it must have been like for a young girl growing up in Vietnam during the war.  I know next to nothing about the time period or the war or Vietnam, so this was a true eye opener for me.  It was so interesting to read about the hardships they endured pretty much everywhere they went, but so sad to see how they were received in America.  And I really liked that it was in verse.  I admit to not reading a lot of books in verse, but this was well written and the format only contributed to the story.  Obvious reasons that this was the National Book Award winner and a Newbery Honor book.

Things I Didn't Like:
Hm, not much.  I wish we could have had a few more details about what her family experienced in America, but it was told from her viewpoint and the limited detail was quite accurate.

Read-alikes:
Can't think of anything...

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
well, maybe not violence, but some bad stuff does happen to her

Overall rating: *****

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Bomb by Steve Sheinkin

Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
Publisher: Flash Point
Publication date: September 2012
Pages: 272
Source: Library
For: Fun (and Newbery reading)

Summary from goodreads:

In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned 3 continents. In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world's most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.

Things I Liked:
It's no secret that I don't read a lot of non-fiction.  It's not even that I don't like it, it's more that I have a hard time deciding what will interest me and what won't.  Well, this book had no trouble at all interesting me.  I was fascinated from beginning to end.  It was energetic and it never seemed to drag or get too detailed or boring.  I loved seeing the story from so many different perspectives and it really was interesting to hear about people who wanted to build it, steal it, and find out where their enemies were at in this same process.  Great, great nonfiction.

Things I Didn't Like:
The only thing I wished was that there were more photos/news clippings or something throughout the text.  It definitely could have done with some breaking up of the chapters more with visuals.  There were some at the beginning of each chapter and some at the very end, but seeing them while you're reading about it is my favorite.

Read-alikes:
Not sure if I can think of any...

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few here and there

mrg-factor:none

v-factor:->->
well, the bombs were dropped and it talks about first-hand experiences - not in too much detail though

Overall rating: *****

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication date: February 2012
Pages: 368
Source: Library
For: Fun

Summary from goodreads:

"Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be."

Things I Liked:
I can completely see why this had a huge number of awards at the children's book awards.  It is wonderfully written, in spare prose, but with so much emotion and reality.  I really cared about Ari and Dante.  I wanted to help them face their challenges, put an arm around them, be friends with them.  I really liked how supportive and involved their parents were in their lives.  That's how my parents were and I hate absent parents in literature, even if they happen in real life a lot.  The story was dynamic and interesting and I was figuring things out right along with them.  Really, more of what I'd call an important story.

Things I Didn't Like:
The thing I struggled with, is that I just thought it was ok.  It wasn't the most amazing thing I'd read, which is kind of what I expected with all that hype.  I can understand why people think its important, what with the discovering oneself and accepting yourself.  But, I was not blown away.  Also, it kind of made me want a story about two guys who are just friends.  Not that this should have been that story, since it was exactly what it was meant to be, but I just found myself wanting to read about a strong male friendship, sans romance.  Are there books many books like that?  Raven Boys comes to mind, but has so many other complicated things going on, it's not the main point.  Anyway, good book, important message, not so much for me.  I can see how it will help some struggling gay teens, though.

Read-alikes:
I can't think of any...

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
quite a few, with casual f-bombs here and there

mrg-factor: X
nothing actually happens, but teenage boys will talk

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ***

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication date: July 2012
Pages: 512
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Seraphina, Book 1

Humans and dragons still don't trust one another, despite the centuries of peace that have existed between them. And then it seems that whoever is behind a mysterious murder and conspiracy plot is determined to break that tenuous peace. Seraphina, caught between both worlds, finds herself caught up in this plot and wondering just how she can bring back the peace.

Things I Liked:
This was a fantastic and beautifully written fantasy!  I loved Seraphina (the character) and how complicated and tough and never-give-up she was about her difficult life.  I was swept up in the world and the details - the garden of grotesques was particularly awesome.  The dragons were interesting and unique and a fresh look at an age-old fantasy character.  I was particularly pleased that Princess Glisselda didn't turn out to be a typical princess - bratty, rude, etc, though she was obviously privileged.  I don't know that I can put my finger on what exactly I loved the most, though I was quite pleased with the ending too.  Just a wonderful fantasy for folks looking for something to whet their appetite for the fantastic. 

Things I Didn't Like:
This is entirely the fault of my personal reading circumstances, but I had to rush through parts of it and I think that left me feeling like I wasn't quite sure of what was happening at times.  Also, while I loved the mystery of it and was surprised by several things, I did see much of what Seraphina learned coming.  Still, it did not detract from my enjoyment much.

Read-alikes:
The Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini
Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: X
maybe some implied

v-factor: ->
a bit of fighting, nothing gory

Overall rating: ****

What did you think of this Morris award winner?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Goblin Secrets by William Alexander

Goblin Secrets by William Alexander
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: March 2012
Pages: 240
Source: Library
For: Fun

Rownie has spent his childhood living with the witch Graba, doing chores and jobs for her and hoping that his older brother Rowan will return. But, since Rowan became an actor and acting has been outlawed, Rowan hasn't been seen in ages. Rownie decides to set out in search of him and takes up with a goblin troupe, dangerously toeing the line when it comes to acting. Will he be able to find Rowan in time?

Things I Liked:
This was a strange and fascinating story.  I was truly absorbed into the details and the world and I loved how the author used a few words that almost seemed like real words, but then there would be a letter changed and it would provide just enough of a different feel that you couldn't quite be sure if you were in his fantasy world or the real one.  (That probably made no sense and was a dreadful run-on sentence, but I can't figure out how to say it any differently.)  I was drawn into Rownie's fate and worried for him and wondered about him all the way to the end.  A strange and beautifully written almost-fairy-tale of a story.

Things I Didn't Like:
Looking back at it, the story itself was kind of not much.  It seemed like things were happening, and they were, but I'm not sure what the point was or where it was headed.  At the time, I was completely invested (that writing really draws you in, not to mention the world building), but I think the ending kind of disappointed me as well with its quick wrap-up.  Still, I think it would make a fun read-aloud!

Read-alikes:
Reminded me of Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann
Also, The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby 

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
some danger and fighting, but not really any violence

Overall rating: ****

Have you read this National Book Award winner?  I'm wondering about its appeal to kids, since I haven't heard much about it since it won.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz

Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
Publisher: Candlewick
Publication date: August 2012
Pages: 400
Source: Library
For: Fun (and because of the Newbery awards)

Clara Wintermute is the only child of a wealthy family and she is determined to have the amazing life-like puppets that Master Grisini uses perform at her birthday party. She's especially anxious to have Grisini's two young apprentices at her celebration as well, Lizzie Rose and Parsefall. But, when Clara disappears that same night, all of them fall under suspicion and Lizzie Rose and Parsefall are determined to find out what happened to her.

Things I Liked:
This book had a lovely combination of the creepy and the elegant.  The writing was delicious and just perfect at setting the tone.  It was dark but not too dark - with plenty of light-hearted moments to make the sadness bearable.  I simply adored the gothic, creepy, beautiful writing, setting, and characters.  It almost didn't even matter what actually happened in the story, because I was enthralled in how it happened and when and where.  Very lovely, very atmospheric, very worthy of its award.

Things I Didn't Like:
I did find the plot to be a little bit slow in unraveling.  I didn't mind, as I mentioned, but it seemed to wander around some before it found itself.  Also, the writing style and complexity might be a real deterrent for kids.  It's definitely not the most accessible of MG fantasy reads.  Still, I think it is fabulous, especially for us adults who love MG reads and for kids who love a good, complex, and slightly creepy fantasy story.

Read-alikes:
Goblin Secrets by William Alexander
The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
a little bit of disturbing detail

Overall rating: ****

This one was a Newbery honor book - did you love it or think it was just ok?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Happy Cybils Day!

Today's the day for the happiest announcement! Even though I didn't participate in Cybils judging this year, I still adore anticipating the announcement. And it's finally here! So, without any more babbling or exclamation points from me, here are the winners (well, some of them):

MG fiction: Wonder by R.J. Palacio (so happy about this - was a bit sad it got no mentions in the youth media awards last month)

MG Sci-fi/Fantasy: The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen (love, love, love this one!)

YA fiction: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (and I haven't had any desire to read this before...)

YA Sci-fi/Fantasy: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (at least this is on my TBR pile!)

And you can find the rest of the winners at the Cybils website (sorry too lazy to list any others).

Any surprises?  Comments?  Disappointments?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

ALA Youth Media Awards 2013: Printz, Newbery, and the Like

So, it is an exciting day for folks in the youth and YA book field - we get to hear the ALA Youth Media Award winners announced!  I love to follow the announcements and read people's reactions (on twitter).  I managed to follow along while it happened and had a few reactions of my own.  Here's a list of the ones that I noticed.  For a full list, head to the ALA Youth Media Awards page.


Morris Award (for debut authors): Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
I've got this one checked out and waiting for me.  I've heard many good things, so I'm pretty excited.

Margaret A. Edwards Award (for significant contribution to YA lit): Tamora Pierce
I may have discovered her late (like, last year) but I've enjoyed all I've read of hers (Song of the Lioness and Trickster) and I know she's had a big impact on a lot of people.


Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults: Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
Another I haven't read, but this one popped up on a LOT of lists.  And at least I'd heard of it :)


Printz Award: In Darkness Nick Lake
Honors: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, The White Bicycle by Beverly Brenna, Dodger by Terry Pratchett, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Way to go again, Printz, for picking something I hadn't heard of.  I had high hopes that my beloved Code Name Verity would take the prize, but an honor is ok too.  And it's the only one I've read of the bunch.  Ugh.


Newbery Award: One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Honors: Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steven Sheinkin, Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz, Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
I did a little better with this one than Printz, having actually read the winner.  I also just finished Splendors and Glooms, so that's two from the list!  Not much to brag about, but not too bad.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Award (for substantial contribution to children's lit):  Katherine Paterson
A great choice, I think.  She's got a number of fabulous books, including Bridge to Terabithia, The Great Gilly Hopkins, Jacob Have I Loved, and more recently The Flintheart.


Caldecott Medal: This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
I don't normally pay attention to this one as I've not read many picture books.  However, when this one took the prize, I had to say proudly - I've read it.  Thanks to Danielle, I got a glimpse of it before publication and found it just as lovely as the Caldecott committee did.  

My one notably overlooked book was Wonder by R.J. Palacio.  I couldn't believe it didn't even get a Schneider!  With all the talk (and it wasn't all just talk - this was a seriously good book), I was a bit flabbergasted not to see it show up anywhere.

What are your thoughts on the winners?  What book(s) do you wish had gotten some love?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage