Criss Cross

Lynne Rae Perkins was the 2005 Newberry Award recipient for her book Criss Cross. This is a becoming of age story that takes place during the summer months. Each chapter reveals the thoughts and youthful actions of three main boys and two main girls. They live in a small town named Seldem. Many of the five are bored with their small town and all the plain people. As the summer months pass, they begin to discover new things about the town, the people and each other. In the end, they begin to discover that the happiness many of us are searching for is right in front of you.

MY TWO CENTS:
Cute book about discovering and noticing new things about old things. I enjoyed how Lynne Rae Perkins introduced the main characters and intertwinded their lifes throughout the chapters of the book. This was a pleasant read, especially after recently finising The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe.

The title Criss Cross came from the radio show the five characters listened to in Leon's truck while parked in the driveway. The radio show was one of the many times these five characters paths criss crossed throughout their life.

I received 100% on my AR quiz.

The Dark Frigate

If you liked Treasure Island, you will like The Dark Frigate written by Charles B. Hawes. The Dark Frigate was first published in 1923 and was awarded the Newbery Medal. This twenty-four chapter book takes you through the young life of Philip Marsham.

Philip was a boy who always knew he would be a man of the sea. Early in his life, his mother died and his father was out on the sea for long periods of time. During his time away, Philip stayed at a local inn. His father, Tom Marsham, did not come back it was believed he was lost at sea.

Phil's stay at the inn was no boy's camp. It was hard and filled with little love. He left the inn and struckout on his own. Instead of going out to sea, eventhough he was street smart (or I should say sea smart) Phil headed inland. He came upon several land travelors and journeyed with some. At times these journeys lead to mishaps with the law and he would have to leave in haste. During one of these excursions, Phil met a young girl who caught his fancy. They kissed and he made a solom promise to return for her.

Phil and one of his companions on the journey attempted to run from the law by signing onto a ship. Phil clearly had the necessary sea knowledge eventhough he had never been on the sea. He was smart and knowledgable when it came to things of the sea. The captain took a liking to Phil and signed him on. The ship was called The Rose of Devon.

On their voyage, The Rose of Devon encountered a crippled ship. Captain Candle gave out the order to recover the men on the broken ship. This good will was repaid by their taking over the ship and killing all who would not follow their new captain, The Old One. The Old One was none other than Tom Jordan one of the unstable crooked men Phil met on his journeys inland.

Tom Jordan used greed and fear to intice (sp) the men to follow his way. They were pirates insearch of wealth. Time passed, ships overtaken, and life's ended. Phil could take this life no more. He left the ship without permission and sought out a new life. He came across another ship in a hidden cove. It happened to be a war ship, stationed their to protect the small village from pirates. Phil tried to warn the captain but he took him as a lookout for the oncoming pirate ship, The Rose of Devon. Tom Jordan was not ready for the fire power nor the shear strength of the war ship. They were quickly taken over and placed in irons in the bowels of the ship.

They all went to court and everyone was sentenced to death except.......

MY TWO CENTS WORTH

Once I got past all the "pirate" and "old" ways of talking, I was able to get into the story. The language was a barrior but I managed to muddle through it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed "Treasure Island" or books of that nature. Philip Marshall was a character you can easily identify with and understand why he makes the decisions he makes. He was a boy who was experienced well beyond his years, yet he was young and did what our young do. I admired his committment, his dinasity (sp), his fire, and his determination. I was crushed when the girled he promised to return to had already committed herself to someone else. My heart sank even deeper when she laughed in his face and wrote it off as something foolish. On the flipside, she wasn't as pretty as he remembered, she was heavier, and it appeared that she enjoyed the company of men, many men. In the long run, I think Phil got the better deal.

The Higher Power of Lucky

The Higher Power of Lucky was written by Susan Patron and earned the John Newberry Medal in 2007. The setting takes place out in the desert in the small town named Hard Pan with the population of 43. The main character, Lucky, is a young girl around the age of 10 and cleans up after many of the town "AA" meetings. Lucky's mother died two years earlier, she never met her biological father, and now is in the care of a guardian named Bridgitt. She desperately wants to belong, belong to someone. Lucky's mother died, her biolgical father does not want her, and her guardian has a heart for France. The people who attend the "AA" meetings all talk about finding their Higher Power and springing out from rock bottom. Lucky hits rock bottom and then finds her higher power. Lucky's journey from rock bottom upward is worth the read. You meet many characters that warm your heart and bring you into their world of a town of 43 people.

MY TWO CENTS:
My journey over the last six months to read all of the John Newberry Medal winners before June 2008 has been intersting. I have enjoyed each book for different reasons. Each book has a moving story-line that brings the reader into their literature world. This story about a young girl whose mother died, father does not want her, and a guardian who misses France makes the reader have a tender place in their heart for her. You admire Lucky because she sees what others have and strives to attain it. She has no idea what the "higher power" is but through deduction she figures out that she must hit rock bottom before the "higher power" is discovered. Lucky's view of the world is so innocent and pure. You find yourself rooting for her after each page you turn. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to others. There are a few sections within the story that didn't really add anything to it and would not have harmed the overall storyline if it was ommitted. As a parent, after your child reads this book at the tender age of 9-12 you might have a discussion about some body parts.

AR Quiz: 100%
AR Literature Assessment: 100%

The Door In The Wall

The Door In The Wall is the 1949 Newberrry award winning book. Marguerite DeAngeli is the writer of this fictional story about a young boy who lives in the times of knights, friars, kings, queens, and people with names like Alan-at-Gate or John-go-in-the-Wynd. The majority of the story takes place on the grounds of the St. Mark parish outside of London. Robin is the son of a knight who has gone off to fight in the Scottish wars and his mother has been called to serve the Queen during her time of extreme illness. The plague has settled in the city of London and people are either fleeing or have perished. Brother Luke, a member of the St. Mark parish has heard that Robin was abandoned by his caregivers. Due to Robin's illness and/or disability, he is immobile. Brother Luke carries him from Robin's house in London to the parish. At the parish, Brother Luke and many of the other menof God teach Robin about the many doors of opportunity that lay before every one. Robin learned that through patience and persistance doors will be opened and he can walk through them. Although Robin was clearly physically handicaped, he was the only one who could save the castle. Robin could swim, he has built up physical endurance, he could easily pass as a peasant, and he knew where to go so Sir Peter would receive the necessary assistance to overcome the Welch. In the end, Robin is given a color of jewels for his bravery and for saving the castle. His dad is one of the men who returned to the castle to fight off the Welch and his mother has completed her service to the Queen. In the end, they all are reunited and return to London. Brother Luke comes to live with the family and becomes Robin's tutor.

TWO CENTS WORTH:
Once I got past all the old English-type language I began to enjoy this story. I have to admit that the language style in which this story was written hindered my reading fluency throughout the story. Other than that, I enjoyed the perspective the author took when facing barriers, both physical and emotional, in one's life. Marguerite DeAngeli used Robin's physical barriers and emotional barriers as "doors of opportunity". As in the alleys of London or in the walls of a castle, there are many doors that lead to somewhere. One must simply find or create the key to unlock the door, push the door open, and then boldly walk through the door. Of all the characters in this story, Brother Luke is the one who sticks out the most. Brother Luke is devoted to God, his church, and his calling in life. He does not skirt his religious responsibilities nor his committment to God dispite the realities of the world that surrounds him. Brother Luke looks at every situation as a door that may or may not be opened. He is patient and kind like that of the stereotypical saint. I was touched by his mentoring of this young helpless boy named Robin. During this time of the plague and of war, Brother Luke was a major influence in Robin's life. Robin grew from a young helpless boy into a strong, determined, and talented young man.

AR QUIZ: 90%

King of the Wind

King of the Wind was a 1948 Newberry Award winning book and was written by Marguerite Henery. The book is about a horseboy and the horse he was assigned to. The king of the land wanted to give a gift of several nobel horses along with their horseboys as a gift of friendship. The horses and the boys were shipped across the sea. When they arrived to the intended recipient, the horses were no longer in the stellar shape they were in when they left their native land. The recieving king was not impressed and ordered them to be sold. The story follows one horse and its journey through the land. The horse was sold to many people in the land. Some were nice, some where simple, and some where out right foul. Through it all, the horseboy stayed with his horse. His king sent him with the horse and charged him to stay with the horse until the horse died. In the end, the horse did mate with a nobel horse of the new land and began a lineage of fast, healthy, and strong horses in the new country. The lineage of horses were fast runners. They often won their races and brought pride to the new country. However, this story is about the first horse that began the lineage, the horse called, "The King of the Wind".

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
First of all, I have to admit publically that I earned a 70% on the AR quiz. I'm not sure why I didn't ace this quiz. I enjoyed this Newberry book tremendously, stories about horses bring back pleasant childhood memories, and the dumb (unable to speak) character entreaged me right from the begining. If I could blame anything, I guess I'd blame it on three things: 1) I'm a slow reader and forget just about everything I read...immediately, 2) there were a lot of teir three vocabulary words, and 3) my new job has me mentally preoccupied.

I am really getting a kick out of reading the Newberry award winning books from 1922 to present. Thus far 95% of the books have been an enjoyable read. As I read these books, I have found myself recommending them to friends, colleagues, and students. I have discovered that the titles of many of these books spring from my mouth throughout our conversations. If you are a person who enjoys horses, particularly race horses, this book may give you a beautiful story behind the lineage of an excellent line of race horses. I have been lead to believe that this story was, in part, based upon a real event. In fact, the King of the Wind has its own grave site that people can still visit today. If I'm in the area, I just might visit it and place the picture on my blog. :)

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham was the Newbery Medal award winner in 1956. The book is a biography about the man who uncovered and made available the secrets of sea navigation to the common man. Without Mr. Bowditch's efforts and determination, the mysteries of navigation would have remained mysterious and elusive to the common man. Knowledge is power and strength. Thanks to Mr. Bowditch many sailors were given practical knowledge about navigation (and mathematics) and with that knowledge they attained power and strength to become what they dreamed....Captain's of their future.

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a detailed biography of the life of Nathaniel Bowditch (a.k.a. Nat). The authors takes you through his childhood well into his adulthood. At an early age, Nat's family realized he would not follow the footsteps of his father and grandfather. A sailor needed to be big, strong, and healthy. Nat was none of those. He was good with numbers but his parents could not afford to have him go to school. His family was poor and struggled to put food on the table and cloth the family members. At the age of twelve, Nathaniel was indentured to two men with a shop in town. He was to be their book keeper as well as work the store for a total of nine years.

During his time as an indentured servant, Nat learned how to use his talent with numbers. His love to learn and discover was the fuel that taught him to read, learn Latin, learn French, learn astronomy, and learn everything there was to learn about ships at sea.

Soon the shop was sold and with it his indenturedship. The new owner kept him through the end of his term. When his service was served, Nat was becalmed. He didn't know what to do. As time passed, he found himself on a ship as the ship's navigator. Soon Mr. Bowditch learned to take lunar readings on the sea. As problems with taking lunar readings presented themselves, he began to resort to the logic's and consistencies math provides. He discovered a new way to take a lunar without occulting the moon. This new discovery continued to fuel the fire of learning new ways to keep sea-traveling men safe.

As Nathaniel travels on the ships, he utilizes the sextant to take readings but during the remaining hours he would study the "Moore" charts as well as teach the deck hands how to take readings. Nat was consumed with numbers and verifying that the charts were accurate. During his voyages he discovered many errors and these discovers bothered him to the core. When Nat was not studying the charts or taking a reading, he was graciously spending his time with those deckhands who "wanted" to learn how to take readings. These men took to learning as a thirsty traveler takes to water. They were thirsty for practical knowledge.

Eventually, Mr. Bowditch gained enough experience to command his own ship. He traveled to ports on the other side of the world to buy and sell cargo. His knowledge of sea routes, navigation, mathematics, French, astronomy, Latin, and deep understanding of human behavior were valuable assets in his travels.

Mr. Bowditch traveled around the Cape and into the eye of a hurricane at sea. He navigated his ship up stream with head winds. He even traveled home in fog thicker than pea soup through areas that have been littered with ships at the bottom of the sea. These feats were all done because of his extreme faith, his extreme belief in the benefit of math. He was a man who saw the power of mathematics. It is consistent, dependable, and reliable. One does not need to see if he/she knows his math. One can simply get from point A to point B if he/she simply follows the mathematical path and does not resort to his/her vision or feelings. Mathematics and the love of learning filled the sails of Nathaniel Bowditch.

TWO CENTS WORTH:

It's no secret, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was a biography of a man who faced a wide variety of obstacles, yet he overcame them humbly and purposefully. Here was a man who could have gave up early in life and many would have justified his actions. At an early age it was already determined he would not follow in the family footsteps of becoming a sailor. His mother passed away and he was indentured at the young age of 12. Nat's talent with numbers was noticed by many influential people but he was never able to attend a prestigious school (i.e. Harvard). His first love married another man, his first wife passed away, his brother's died at sea, and many of the sailors did not like him. All of these things he overcame, he kept pushing forward.

Mr. Bowditch was a master teacher. He took difficult concepts and made them simple and easy to understand. The common sailors, whom were viewed as unable to learn, were his students. many of them learned to navigate and soon became valuable members of other ships. He was a man who knew if he could teach these sailors to understand navigation, he could teach anyone. Soon he wrote down what he taught so that anyone could navigate a ship utilizing the reliability of math. The book is still used today and can be found in many captain's personal as well as professional libraries. The American Practical Navigator or the Sailor's Bible is the name of the book Mr. Nathaniel Bowditch wrote.

This is a book that can be used in the classroom of any math teacher as well as any teacher trying to communicate to their students (especially those who are faced with multiple economic and social barriers) that with dedication, determination, tenacity, and a love of learning will have a positive impact on your personal, professional, and social life.

I highly recommend this book. It is a journey well worth the time and effort to take. May the wind always come from behind and fill your sails. However, if the wind stops and the fog sets in, the laws of mathematics may be your path to safety.

P.S. There were a ton of tier 2 and tier 3 words. As I read through this book, I kept a dictionary close to my side. The tier 2 words were easy to identify and the context in which they were embedded assisted me with their definition. However, the context that surrounded the tier 3 words did not help much. Although the dictionary was opened frequently with some of the tier 3 words, I still had to consult a few sea-worthy individuals to bring those words to life.

AR QUIZ: 100%

The Midwife's Apprentice

The Midwife's Apprentice was written by Karen Cushman and was awarded the Newberry Medal in 1996.

The story takes place well before doctors were common place and women had rights. These were the days women bore children, cared for the sick, prepared meals, and did jobs men typically did not do.

The story begins with a young orphaned girl, around 10-12 years of age, sleeping in a dung hill just to stay warm. She is a witty girl, smart, and filled with determination. Other children make fun of her and call her names. She is referred to as "Beetle".

A midwife sees Beetle and takes her in as the midwife's apprentice in exchange for food and a cleaner place to sleep. As time passes, Beetle listens, watches, and learns the trait of a midwife. Her belief in herself and ability to help others has never been nurtured but constantly challenged. Beetle realizes she needs a name and calls herself Alice.

Alice meets an even younger orphan who was destined to thievery and/or death if he was not taken care of. She sends him to the royal courtiers to work in the fields for food and shelter. Alice then takes off to live elsewhere. Beetle gets a job at an inn.

At the inn, Alice begins to see herself as others see her: confident, knowledgeable, smart, and caring. Many people visit the inn on their travels throughout the area. She sees a few familiar faces. The midwife meets up with a man who is writing a book. They talk about Alice, also known as Beetle.

Alice returns to the town to work as the midwife's apprentice. At first the midwife slams the door in her face and tells her she was not needed. Alice remained at the door, gained her confidence and demanded that the midwife open the door (it was more dramatic in the book). The midwife opened the door, Alice walked in, and Alice was once again an apprentice.

MY TWO CENTS:

I enjoyed this story at many levels. First it is a Newberry Medal award book and I am on my way of reading all Newberry Medal award books by June of 2008. Second, I knew little of or about midwife's especially back in the days when doctors were not common place. This story opened up the door to a new world, a new perspective of the days when women had to bring children into the world all on their own. I can imagine the pain, the anxiety, the fear of the unknown, and the helplessness men and women went through when baring children in a barn, out in a field, or on a dirt floor. Lastly, it was absolute joy to follow a character who literally had nothing yet gained everything. Alice was introduced to the reader as she slept in a dung hill. We depart from Alice as she walks into the midwife's house as an apprentice. In the beginning she has no name but the name others have given her, Beetle. As we leave her, she has called herself Alice. In the beginning of our journey with Alice, she is dirty and her hair is not combed. At the end of our journey with Alice, she has cleaned up and combs her hair. Best of all, when we first meet Alice she has no self-confidence and no self-worth. At the end of this story, she has gained confidence and self-worth.

I loved this story. This young lady has more character, heart, and determination than I ever did. I cheered for her throughout the whole book. These are the children you want to win, you hope will win.

AR QUIZ: 90%

... And Now Miguel

…And Now Miguel was written by Joseph Krumgold and illustrated by Jean Charlot. In 1954 …And Now Miguel was awarded the Newberry Award Medal. Joseph Krumgold is the first author to be awarded the Newberry Award Medal twice. His second Newberry Award Medal was earned in 1959 for the book Onion John.

Miguel Chavez is a twelve year old boy who has dreams of joining the men in his family on their annual trip with the sheep to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This has been the job of the Chavez family for many, many years.

It started when Miguel’s grandfather worked for another sheep farmer. Instead of getting paid money, Miguel’s grandfather asked to be paid in sheep. Grandfather Chavez was a man who saw into the future and sought out a way to raise a family and secure their future in New Mexico. Over the years, the Chavez sheep farm expanded to well over twelve hundred sheep. Instead of working for other farmers, the Chavez family now needed to hire people to work for them. Many of the farm hands on the Chavez farm were family members: Uncle Bonifacio, Uncle Eli, Old Blas (father), Young Blas (oldest brother), and Gabriel (second oldest brother). Miguel also has two older sisters, a younger brother, Pedro, and a younger sister, Faustina.

It was a yearly cycle. Every year the lambs would be born, the sheep needed to be sheared, and the flock driven up to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to feed off of the luscious green grass. Every year when the sheep began to produce lambs, Miguel would prepare his bag to go with the men up to the Sangre de Cristo. In his twelfth year, his actions were no different…except one.

On May fifteenth, the whole town of Los Cordovas celebrated San Ysidro Day. San Ysidro was the saint who was designated to watch over and answer the many prayers of people all over the world but especially those who lived in Los Cordovas. On this special day, Miguel asked San Ysidro to make it happen so that he could go with the men of his family to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

This simple prayer and immense belief that it will happen became a reality. Soon other men who have worked with the Chavez family began to notice Miguel’s focus and determination to work harder than ever before. In fact, he earned the name twister because he swept so fast and furious that a dust cloud followed him around like that Charlie Brown character who always had the dust cloud following him everywhere.

A letter came in the mail for Gabriel, his most admired brother. The letter simply told him that he service to his country would begin in two weeks. This meant that Gabriel could not go with the men up into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to help with the sheep. Miguel’s father then told Miguel that it was “time” for him to come. Simple, sweet, and to the point. Just the words, “it is time”.

MY THREE CENTS: Miguel was a lucky boy. In fact, Miguel was a fortunate young man who had a grandfather to converse with, a father to watch, and an older brother in whom he watch and talk with. He was a young man who thought deeply about many things in life. Miguel dreamed about the future but not an impossible future. He studied every aspect of sheep farming and mastered every part of it in his heart and mind.

I really liked the simplicity of the story as well as the Chavez family. They were a family that deeply cared about one another and were devoted to keeping the family alive. Life was hard but they found joy and happiness in one another. Life is a journey, like the ones the sheep take up and down the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and they travel it together. Everyone in the family plays an important part in this journey, even Miguel.

Although he got in trouble, my favorite part in the book was the time when Miguel scrapped school to look for the lost sheep and lambs. He walked for miles and miles until he found them. He gathered information (data), used his eyesight, used his ears, and used his understanding of sheep to locate them. Miguel, at twelve years old, was able to do what grown men were unable to. It was gratifying to me to read of a young man achieving a goal he set out to do. Best of all, this goal was to bring back home safely the number of sheep and lambs that were lost. Like a true pastor, he was going to find, retrieve, and bring home safely the lost sheep of his family’s fold. In a way, it reminds me of the Great pastor who ceaselessly searches for His lost sheep. When he finds them, He brings them home to experience the safety, security, and peace only he can provide.

AR QUIZ: 100%

The Summer of the Swans

The Summer of the Swans was written by Betsy Byars, illustrated by Ted CoCenu(sp) and received the Newberry Award Medal in 1971.

The main character in this story is Sara, a fourteen year old girl who has a younger brother (Charlie) and an older sister (Wanda). The three children live with Aunt Willie and have done so for a number of years. Aunt Willie promised the children’s mother that she would take care of them. Sara’s mother had passed away. Sara’s father did not live with them but lived a days’ drive away. Wanda was the pretty and smart child, Sara was quick tempered and awkward, and Charlie did not speak and had a disability.

Every summer the swans flew into their area and spent some time in the lake near their home. Charlie loved feeding and watching the swans. This summer was no different. Sara was told by Aunt Willie to take Charlie to the lake to feed and watch the swans. Reluctantly, Sara took her brother to the lake. They feed the swans and watched them for some time. When Sara was ready to go back home, Charlie was not. He but up a fuss and went home kicking a screaming.

Charlie always had a tough time sleeping and this night was no different. He was startled by a sound and looked out his window. Was it one of the swans? Was the swan calling him to come out to it? Charlie left his room, went down the stairs, opened the screen door, walked out onto the yard, walked passed the gate, and walked into the forest. The void of loud cars, bright lights, and busy people gave him a sense of peace. The night sky was calming and not alarming. He walked on. It wasn't until he heard the dogs barking when he became frightened and began to panic. Lost and lonely. He began to cry.

In the morning, the family (Sara, Wanda, and Aunt Willie) realized Charlie was missing. He never has left their yard, thus he was never lost. Sara knew he went out to see the swans and began to feel guilty because she did not stay longer at the lake with Charlie the day before. An unlikely individual offered to help Sara look for Charlie. The boy’s name was Joey. Joey assisted Sara in her search for her brother. Joey found Charlie’s slipper and gave it to Sara. He lead her up on top of a hill that over looked the ravine. Sara called out several times before she heard his unmistakable whimper. Once located, Sara ran down the hill straight for his voice. When she got to him, she held him, kissed him and hugged him.

Charlie was found and Sara had a new friend (Joey).

MY TWO CENTS: I enjoyed this Newberry Award Medal book. The Summer of the Swans is a beautiful story of a young girl coming of age. Since the three children began their stay with Aunt Willie, Sara has taken care of Charlie. The relationship that Sara and Willie have is priceless. I love how she protects him, cares for him, and loves him. Wouldn’t it be touching if more siblings would give this type of attention to their younger siblings with or without a disability? I was also touched by Joey’s reaction toward Charlie as well as toward Sara. Here is a boy that was misunderstood, much like Charlie himself. Joey took it upon himself to retrieve Charlie’s watch as well as to help Sara find Charlie when he was lost. Throughout the second half of the book I was rooting for Joey and a little miffed with Sara. However, like Sara, I have prejudged others without all of the facts. This story is worth reading both for 12-16 year olds of both genders.


AR QUIZ: 100%

It's like this, cat

It's like this, cat was written by Emily Neville and illustrated by Emil Weiss. This book was awarded the John Newbery Medal in 1964.

This is a warm story about a boy in his early to mid-teens who lives in New York City. Dave Mitchell is fourteen years old. He befriends a stray cat whom he met at the crazy cat lady's house. The crazy cat lady lives down the way from Dave and her name is Kate. Kate keeps to herself and loves her cats. One day Dave visits her and was given the opportunity to take a stray cat home. He names the cat Cat.

Dave has a friend named Nick whom he spends time with. The boys decide to go to Coney Island to spend the day at the beach. Dave convinces Nick that Cat should come along. Cat goes to the beach with the boys. Nick and Dave meet three girls at the beach. Two of the girls are more adventurous and struck up a flirtatious conversation with Nick. The other one notices Cat. Dave and the other girl, Mary, have personalities that hit it off. Although they enjoy each other's company, neither exchange phone numbers.

Tom, a burglar Dave met in the cellar when he was looking for Cat, befriended Dave. Dave learned that Tom dropped out of college and didn't have a relationship with his father. In fact, Tom really appreciated how much Dave's father budded into his son's business. Dave didn't quite appreciate what Tom saying. Tom sought Dave's father's advise on many occasions.

Mary and Dave meet again on a predetermined date and place. They spend time together and discover they both have similar tastes (i.e. movies, animals, etc...).

In the end, Tom asks his girlfriend to marry him, Dave sees his dad in a different light, Cat becomes a fixture of the Mitchell family, and Mary and Dave become an item. The one thing Dave, Mary, Tom, and Mr. Mitchell have in common was Cat.

MY TWO AND A HALF CENTS:
I enjoyed this John Newbery Medal book. I was gripped by the story of a young man, his relationship with his father, and the animal relationship. Dave has your typical adolescence relationship with his father, an intense yet they both care about each other. Cat, the animal, is Dave's confidant and security. Cat was his friend and his way of connecting with others. As I read this Newbery book I thought of my son and his pesky cat named Roxy. Like Dave's father, I can not stand cats. To my horror, we now have three: Max who adopted us 17 years ago, Roxy who we got 10ish years ago to keep Max company, and Tea Cup who adopted us last year. Max and Roxy live in the house (yuck) and Tea Cup is an outdoor cat. Dustin, my son, claims Roxy and Tea-Cup as his own personal animals/friends. Animals are an important part of a child's life. Although I literally have a cow regarding the triad of cats in my home, I realize the value of an animal in the life of a child (irregardless of his age). Like Dave's dad, the cat(s) grew on me and have become a meaningful part of our life. I recommend this book.

AR QUIZ: 90%

The Cat Who Went to Heaven

The Cat Who Went to Heaven was written by Elizabeth Coatsworth and illustrated by Lynd Ward. This book was awarded the Newberry Medal in 1931.

This is a story about an elephant....NOT. It is a story about a cat who was brought to the home of a poor Japanese artist by his old housekeeper. The housekeeper brought home the cat instead of food. The Japanese artist was upset, yet over time, the cat endeared itself to the artist. They named the cat Good Fortune.

The artist was poor. He had not sold any paintings or drawings in quite some time. Then one day there was a knock on the door. A priest from the village temple had commissioned the poor artist to draw the death of Buddha so it can be displayed in the temple.

The artist wanted to draw Buddha on his death bed as he blessed the animals who came to receive his blessing. As the artist drew each animal (e.g. snail, elephant, horse, swan, buffalo, deer, monkey, dog, and tiger) he reflected on the reasons Buddha gave each animal a blessing. The cat would sit and longingly look at the drawings and give its approval in a subtle way. However, of all the animals who sought to be blessed by the Buddha, the cat was the only animal who turned away. As time passed, the artist grew fond of the multicolored cat.

Upon finishing the artwork that was commissioned by the village temple, the artist sent the cat out of the room. Knowing that the cat was not a welcomed animal in the village temple, the artist drew a beautiful cat in the animal procession receiving a blessing from Buddha. In fact, the cat looked exactly like Good Fortune. As soon as the cat walked into the room, he looked at the pictures and then gazed upon the drawing of the cat. The cat's heart jumped with excitement and joy. Almost immediately the cat died. The cat died of pure happiness. Buddha had blessed him.

When the priest arrived he was not pleased and the artist feared his career and life was ruined. The temple priest was to burn the artwork and take someone else's to be displayed. On the morning of the next day, people throughout the village were rushing to the temple to see the commissioned drawing. A miracle had occurred: the Buddha was reaching down giving a blessing to a small multicolored kitten. The cat did not turn away the blessing of the Buddha.

MY THREE CENTS:
Although I know little of Buddha other than what I read in college and have heard during conversations, this story has the element of forgiveness. We can make up for our mistakes. It also implies that blessings have many different faces. This Japanese artist was a bitter man who did not like cats but in the end it was the cat who brought luck, happiness, and purpose in his life. As children and/or adults read this book it will most likely open up the discussion of who is Buddha, what is Buddhism, death, and Japanese art. This book definitely exposes the reader to a world beyond America.

AR QUIZ: 60% - Ok, don't laugh. I don't know what happened and I even attempted to "cheat". As I took the quiz, I had the book open next to me on the chair. One of my sixth grade students observed and asked the following question, "Mr. Gerstner, isn't that cheating?" The only thing I could honestly say was "yes". I think I deserve the poor percentage. I need to be a better example to my students. :/

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan was given the Newberry Award in 1986 (the year my beautiful bride and I were married, thus a great, great year). Sarah, Plain and Tall was a delightful read. It brought me back to the times that appeared to be simpler, in terms of hustle and bushel as well as the lightening speed of technology). I am deeply appreciative of the teachers who put forth their hard earned money to purchase this newberry award winning book. This book, along with the many others purchased as a gift, will be cherished for years to come. They will sit on the shelves of honor for years to come.

Sarah, Plain and Tall is about a family who lost their mother in childbirth. The father, who is very sad and doesn't sing songs any more, puts an add in the paper for a bride. Anna, the older sister, and Caleb, the younger brother, were excited that dad put an add in the paper for a wife. Caleb, Anna, and dad wrote to Sarah (the lady who responded to the add) to find out more about her. Sarah wrote back and answered every question the children and dad asked. Sarah's favorite colors were of the sea, could make an excellent stew, and she enjoys making bookshelves and painting (wow).

Sarah and Caleb were worried that Sarah may not come or if she came she would not like to stay because it was not like the sea. It was evident through her letters that she loved the ocean near the coasts of Main. Would she love the grass and sky without the ocean so near?

Jacob, the father, Anna, and Caleb wrote to Sarah and Sarah wrote back. There letters we,re a delightful read. All written from the heart and innocent. Sarah agrees to leave state of Main and visit the family, a sort of trial run. She will be wearing a yellow bonnet and come by train to the farm that Anna, Caleb and Jacob, the father, lives.

Anna's family enjoyed the stew and the pleasant songs that came from the lips of Sarah. The first to love her was Caleb and the rest began to do so too. Sarah loves animals. When a little lamb died she shooed the buzzard-like birds away, cried by their side, and had Jacob bury it late that evening.

Sarah began to ask questions that linked her to her home in Main. "Is there wind?" "Would you like to swim?" Sarah began to see things that reminded her of her previous home. Things are looking good.

Sarah meets a neighbor who's name is Maggie. They have a great conversation about gardens as well as driving a wagon. The kids as well as Maggie offer to teach Sarah to drive a wagon. In Main, Sarah walked everywhere, however, in their neck of the woods it is better to drive.

A huge storm was coming to the plains. Sarah and Jacob went to the roof to secure it and make it stronger. Sarah knew about roofs and how to make the stronger. The storm passed over and the roof survived, especially after the work Sarah and Jacob put into it.

Papa, Jacob, trained Sarah how to ride a horse as well as drive a wagon. After Sarah learns how to ride the horse and drive the wagon she goes off to town. The kids, Anna and Caleb, are worried that Sarah will not come back. To their delight Sarah returns with gifts of the sea.

This was a delightful story from the eyes of a child who lived in the "little house in the prairie" days. As I read the story of Sarah, Plain and Tall I couldn't help but notice the tie to the newberry award winning book, "Out of the Dust". Sarah, Plain and Tall is a story that read like a diary written by a young child in the 1800 or 1900's.

AR QUIZ: 100%

A Wrinkle In Time

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle was given the Newberry Award in 1963 (a great year).

For those of you who enjoy the type of stories that stretch your mind beyond every day reality, this is one of those books. Here we have a scientist who has learned how to travel through time, distance, and dimensions. Although he has not mastered this type of travel, he has discovered how to open the door. The story begins with Mr. Murry already gone for sometime and his family faithfully awaits his arrival home.

The Murry family consists of four children and a beautiful mother. Mr. and Mrs. Murry are both scientist, however, Mr. Murry is a scientist who works for the government. The Murry children are Margaret (a.k.a. Meg), Charles Wallace, Dennys and Sandy (the twins). Charles Wallace and Margaret meet up with an older boy named Calvin O'Keeffe. Calvin is popular, strong, and smart.

Charles Wallace is a young prodigy. The town kids and adults all think he is a little off. He doesn't talk in the presence of others except with his family. Meg is a whizz with math, yet, she becomes too board at school and continually gets in trouble. She is impatient. Charles Wallace and Meg are inseparable. They spend a lot of time together.

One day Charles Wallace asks Meg to go for a walk in the woods. They walk to an old house and stumble across Calvin O'Keeffe. Meg and Calvin don't know the exact reasons why they came to the house but Charles Wallace seems to know. There they meet Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Whatsit. These three characters tell them about the tesseract, traveling great distances of space in a short period of time.

Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace realized that Mr. Murry has traveled through the tessaract and has been unable to return. Their mission, with the help of the three W's, is to find Mr. Murry and bring him home. They travel great distances past several galaxy's. They landed on the planet called Camazotz. This planet was like no other. The people were like robots yet they weren't robots. They lived as if their life was a scheduled performance. An act that was to be played exactly with every move. It was weird and erry. The kids discovered that the planet was controlled by a bodiless brain called IT. This IT controlled every one's thinking, actions, and emotions. Basically, this brain was like a central computer that operated all of the machines connected to it.

The kids discovered where Mr. Murry was being held prisoner. IT was unable to get inside Mr. Murry's head and take control of him. IT was trying to break him down and take control of his mind. In their attempts to save him, Charles Wallace was taken over by IT. IT was unable to take over Mr. Murry's mind, Meg's mind, nor Calvin's mind. In the end, Meg saves her brother from the strong grip of IT by giving him what IT did not have...LOVE. She told Charles Wallace that she loved him. As tense moments passed, the hold that IT had on Charles Wallace was broken.

The children, with the help of the three W's, used the tessaract to travel back to earth. There they found themselves in the twin's vegetable garden around 4:00 pm. It was as if Charles Wallace, Calvin and Meg were gone but only a day. There in the garden the family reunited.

I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with mystery, time travel, space travel, and concepts that have validity. Although I am not a mathematician, I have heard of the mathematical possibility of time and space travel. Is it true? Don't know nor do I have the time or energy to explore the possibility. However, the concept is intriguing and fun to think about from time to time. Although I am not sure but I believe that A Wrinkle in Time is one book of many. As if it is a part of a larger story. As time permits, I'll pick up one or two of the other books (if they exist) and learn a little more about the Murry family and Calvin O'Keeffe.

AR QUIZ: 100%

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting was given the Newberry Award in 1923. In fact, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle was the second book to receive this prestigious award.

This story is told through the eyes and experiences of a young boy. This young boy, Tommy Stubbins, sought out Dr. Dolittle because of a squirrel who was dropped by a hawk. Tommy found the wounded squirrel and wanted to mend him back to health but didn't know how. Through word of mouth, Tommy discovered that Dr. Dolittle knew how to communicate with the animals and if anyone could help the squirrel, it would be him.

Through time, Tommy endeared himself to Dr. Dolittle and became his assistant. Tommy spent so much time over at Doctor Dolittle's house that his mother became concerned that he was a nuisance to the Doctor. Tommy has become a valuable member of the doctor's office and has begun to understand the languages of the animals. His tutor, Polynesia the parrot, was patient and kind as Tommy began to learn to understand and communicate to the animals. Tommy was worried that his mother would stop him from seeing the doctor and all of the animals because of the amount of time and food he was eating. Fearing he would be unable to see the doctor nor the animals any more, Tommy devised a plan. He proposed to become the doctor's assistant and instead of pay would take room, board, and meals as payment. Reluctantly, Tommy's mother and father agreed to this arrangement. They saw it as an opportunity that could not be passed up. It would ensure a future for their son.

Soon the doctor decided he needed to go on another adventure. He purchased a sailboat, had it filled with food and supplies, and collected his needed crew. As they took off, the doctor as well as the members of his crew (i.e. Tommy, Bumpo, Polynesia, and various other animals) discovered several stowaways. Shortly after the discovery, the stowaways were dropped off at the nearest port and provided provisions (i.e. lodging, food, and simple directions for their return to Puddelby, their home town. The Doctor, Bumpo, and Tommy stayed in the town for a few days and enjoyed the hospitality of the town's people. In this town, the people enjoyed to watch and participate in bull fights. Dr. Dolittle did not share their love and enjoyment of bull fighting so he challenged the best matador to a competition. The one who tames the bulls wins. To my delight, Dr. Dolittle won and bull fighting was to stop forever in the small town and in surrounding areas. The town's people were not happy and became angry. They chased them all the way back to their boat. Fortunately, no one got them and they continued on their adventure. As they sail on the sea an enormous storm comes about. The ship is destroyed and he crew floats on top of pieces of the ship out in the middle of the sea. Doctor Dolittle talks with the porpoises and they push them to an island. This happens to be the island where Long Arrow, the son of Golden Arrow, lives. The doctor and his crew meet the native Indians who are not friendly. The search begins for Long Arrow. After Doctor Dolittle and his crew save Long Arrow and his companions from a cave they quickly begin communicating with one another through the language of eagles.

With the help of the animals (air, land and water), Doctor Dolittle unites the two tribes on the island as well as saves the lives of all living things on the island. The tribes unite and request that the Doctor become their king. Reluctantly, he becomes their king and lives on the island for two whole years teaching them all he knows. Then one day Doctor Dolittle finally meets the Great Snail. After some time together, the Great Snail agrees to take Doctor Dolittle and his crew back to England along the ocean floor. The trip takes 5-5 1/2 days. The whole trip back, the Doctor did what naturalists naturally do, they took copious notes on all they saw. The Great Snail dropped them off at the mouth of the Puddleby River in England. Once they were out, it was four in the afternoon, foggy, and time for tea.

There is something about reading a story that was written years ago. It is even more special to read the story from a book that was published from that time. As my eyes raced across each page as I journeyed with Doctor Dolittle and his apprentice, Tommy, I couldn't help but think about the many other sets of eyes that read those same pages. The book is old and frail, yet, the story was rich and alive. It is a shame that my image of Doctor Dolittle was tainted by the movies that share his name. This book is 10x's better than any movie Hollywood could produce. As I read the pages I could actually see Doctor Dolittle talking to the animals, not in English (or Spanish, or French, or Vietnamese), but in the animals language. Can people really talk to the animals? I know many people have claimed to do such a thing but wouldn't it be a different world if we could talk with the animals. What would come from their lips? On second thought, I'm glad animals can't talk, too many skeletons in my closet.

AR Quiz: 90%

Julie of the Wolves

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George was awarded the Newberry Award in the year 1973. The story begins with an introduction to the main character Julie also known as Miyax. Miyax is Julie's name within her Eskimo culture. The author brings you into her life during her 13th year of life. At this time she is traveling the Alaskan terrain seeking her way to the coast so she can catch a ship to San Fransisco. San Fransisco is the place where her pen pal friend lives.

As Miyax travels across the cold Alaskan terrain she discovers that her food supply is nearly depleted, she has lost her baring, and must locate food before starvation sets in. Miyax befriends a family of wolves whose leader has been named Aarmorq (spelling). Miyax learns the ways of the wolves and becomes apart of the wolf family through her ability to observe, mimic, and communicate to the wolves. Eventually, Aarmorq (spelling) adopts Julie (Miyax) and extends his protection and devotion to her.

Miyax finally makes across the Alaskan terrain and discovers civilization. In her travels she becomes closer to her Eskimo culture and ways of her people. As she enters as small town where she heard her father lives. Julie's father left her when she was around age five. The government came in and told him that Julie must go to school. Before he left, he sent Miyax to her aunt's house. Before her father left, he said if she was not happy she could go to his good friend when she turned 13 and wed his son.

Miyax's journey helped her find what she was running from. Her culture, the traditions, and the ways of her people.

Julie and the Wolves was a remarkable adventure of a young adult traveling alone in the Alaskan wilderness. She cooked her own food, learned to communicate to the animals, learned to read the weather, and conquered her fears. This is an adventure many of us have dreamt about from time to time. The big open land, clean fresh air, befriending wild animals, the deafining sound of silence, and the beautiful night sky. No people or evidence of people, just pure land, air and sky.


AR Score: 100%

Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices

Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices was written by Paul Fleischman and was a Newberry Award Medal book in 1989. This is a book of poetry and consists of fourteen poems about insects. The author intended the poems read aloud by two readers. One of the readers reads the left side aloud, the other reader reads the right side aloud, and they read each line simultaniously.

Although I am not a fan of poetry, this book intregred me. Two readers, same topic. I actually pictured this as I read through the poems in the book. I hope it is not the novelty about how the poems should be read is the reason I am interested in them. I plan to have my Ambassador Club students perform one or two of these poems either at a parent meeting and/or Open House. Either the novelty will wear out or I will, as well as the audiences, see the power in poetry (especially when read by two readers).

AR SCORE:

The Whipping Boy

The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman was a delightful story about a prince and his appointed whipping boy. The story begins in the castle where the prince lives with his father, the king. The prince plays a practical joke, which is common place, and the king becomes infuriated. The king demands several lashings and the whipping boy is summoned. The whipping boy takes the lashings as the prince looks on. Not a peep comes from the lips of the Whipping Boy.

The prince is a spoiled child who gets everything he wants and does what ever he wants. It is all about him. The prince doesn't write, read, or do anything physical because all is done for him. Then one day, the prince decides to "run away" but he runs away with his whipping boy.

Two thugs, Hold-Your-Nose-Billy and Cutwater, find the two boys. These men believe that the whipping boy, Jeremy, is the prince and that the prince, Prince Brat, is the whipping boy. The thugs end up whipping the prince, run from a scary dancing bear, chase the boys into the sewers, and end up getting bit by sewer rats.

In the end the two boys become friends and live happily-ever-after. strive to do what is right.

This is a delightful story that teaches us that our perceptions of the world are largely formulated through out experiences. Thus, as we experience new things and new adventures, our perception of the world around us will change.


AR SCORE: 90%

The Grey Fox

This mysterious story is the fourth in a series of five books written by Susan Cooper. The series is called "The Dark is Rising". The two main characters in this book are Will Stanton and Bran Davies. Will Stanton happens to be the youngest of the Old Ones and Bran Davies a boy of the same age with little skin color and white hair. The story takes place in farm country where they commonly speak Welsh. Will has become quite ill and has been sent to the county on a convalescent in hopes he will recover. At the Clwyd Farm his health returns, he meets the Raven Boy (Bran Davies), and Will remembers fragments of his destiny. As time passes, his destiny becomes clearer as one vision does when the morning fog begins to lift. Will must use the harp to awaken the Sleepers so that the Dark does not overtake the Light or the Light's influence on mankind. Although Will has won the battle in the hills, the stage has been set for a much larger battle between the Dark and Light in book five.

This was a difficult book for me to get into. I am not sure if it had to do with coming into the latter part of the series (e.g. book 4 of 5 books within the series) and not starting at the beginning or if it was the constant use of "Welsh" terminology. Throughout the book, it seemed as if I was a fourth party because I felt as if I missed out on the history or the build up of the current story. There were characters who had depth due to previous introductions but since I have not read the three previous books, I was not privy to that history. Also, it was difficult to read in Welsh. My brain had difficulty switching the w sound to an oo sound (as in pool) or the y sound to an u sound (as in run). Most likely I would have enjoyed the book more if I did not have to switch to reading in Welsh or at least trying to read a word as a Welshman would pronounce it. The thing is I don't even know what these words even sound like. I don't know anyone who speaks Welsh, thus I have no real way of knowing how to properly pronounce some or all of the Welsh words in the text.

When time permits (my goal is to read all of the Newbery Award winning books before June of 2008) I will consider reading the remaining books within the Dark Is Rising series. However, when I do, I will read them in order.

AR SCORE: 90%

Ginger Pye

Ginger Pye written by Eleanor Estes is a delightful story about the Pye family. The family consists of father Pye who is a famous "bird" man, mother Pye who is the youngest mother in town, Jerry Pye who will grow up to be a "rock" man, Rachel Pye who will grow up to be like her father, Uncle Bennie who is only three years old, and an old cat named Gracie.

Jerry wants a dog really bad. He is determined to get one even if he has to earn the money for it. He discovers a pup over at the Speedy farm and gets permission from his parents to buy it. Jerry does not have the dollar to purchase it so Jerry, Rachel, and Uncle Bennie set out to earn the money.

Thanks to Sam, the kids dust the church, get their dollar, travel to the Speedy farm and purchase their pup. At the farm, on their way home, and at the lake the kids discover a mysterious person with a yellow hat following them. They never really see the person just the big yellow hat.

They named the pup "Ginger" because of the ginger-like color. Just think if the dog looked like an apple. It's name would be Apple Pye. Anyway, I thought that was funny.

On Thanksgiving Day, Ginger Pye showed up missing. Months went by as Rachel, Jerry, and literally the whole town looked for Ginger Pye.

The mystery was solved and Ginger Pye was found on Jerry's birthday. It wasn't until Rachel and Jerry got home from their excursion that they realized that Uncle Bennie was their hero. Although Ginger Pye was no longer a young pup, Ginger played with endless energy and enthusiasm.

AR SCORE: 100%

Bud, Not Buddy

Has there ever been a time when you picked up a book and within the first few pages began rooting (sp) for the main character? For me this is rare. It usually takes a while for me to "warm-up" to the main character or even a secondary character. However, in "Bud, Not Buddy" written by Christopher Paul Curtis, I found myself in his corner immediately.

When you first meet Bud, you discover he is a young boy around the age of 10. He has already lived four years in an orphanage and all Bud has to his name is an old warn out suitcase and the contents inside. The suitcase is so old it is held together by twine. His mother died when he was six, thus, the has lived the last four years in the "Home".

Bud Caldwell has been in several foster homes for short periods of time. On his last visit, a switch or something inside him turned on and he decided to go on the lam. He simply took off and decided to seek out his birth father. As every boy dreams, his daddy will want him and welcome him with open arms.

The setting is the depression, money, jobs, and food are hard to come by. Although these barriers do not stop Bud we travel with him on his journey to find his father who lives in Grand Rapids, only 20 or so miles away from the "Home". Bud is positive that his father, Herman E. Calloway, lives in Grand Rapids because of the 3-4 flyers he has in his suitcase.

As you read Bud, Not Buddy, you can help but cheer for him. It seems as if every corner Bud turns down there is someone or something there to dismantle his dream. This boy is polite, determined, persistant, and always looking at the cup of life as half-full.

In the end, Bud does find his family. Although the reader knows that life is life and that a Disneyland ending of happy-ever-after will not happen, you realize that happy-ever-after is just knowing that you are home with people who love you.

AR SCORE: 100%