Newbery and other Book awards for 2010
Today American Library Association announced it's literary award winners. We have only read a few of the books awarded and look forward to reading many more.
John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature
When You Reach Me Four Newbery Honor Books also were named:
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice 
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate 
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon 
Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (Newbery Honor Book) Randolph Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children
The Lion & the Mouse Two Caldecott Honor Books also were named:
All the World 
Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults
Going Bovine Four Printz Honor Books also were named:
Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith 
The Monstrumologist 
Punkzilla 
Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance 1973 Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal (Exceptional Social Studies Titles for Intermediate Grades) One King Author Honor Book was selected:
Mare's War Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award
My People One King Illustrator Honor Book was selected:
The Negro Speaks of Rivers Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award
“The Rock and the River,” written by kekla magoon, is the Steptoe winner. The book is published by Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.
The Rock and the River Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement
Walter Dean Myers
Monster Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award honoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience
Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day; Celebremos El dia de los ninos/El dia de los libros Three Belpré Illustrator Honor Books were selected:
Diego: Bigger Than Life 
My Abuelita 
Gracias / Thanks (English and Spanish Edition) Pura Belpré (Author) Award
Return to Sender Two Belpré Author Honor Books were named:
Federico Garcia Lorca (Cuando Los Grandes Eran Pequenos/ When the Grown-Ups Were Children) (Spanish Edition) Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience
young children ages 0 to 10.
Django Schneider Family Book Award for middle grades (ages 11-13).
Anything But Typical Schneider Family Book Award for The teen (ages 13-18)
Marcelo in the Real World William C. Morris Award honors a book written by a first-time author for young adults
Flash Burnout Odyssey Award for excellence in audiobook production
Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken Three Odyssey Honor Audiobooks were named:
In the Belly of the Bloodhound: Being an Account of a Particularly Peculiar Adventure in the Life of Jacky Faber (Bloody Jack Adventures) 
Peace, Locomotion 
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for most distinguished beginning reader book
Benny And Penny in The Big No-No (Toon Books) Four Geisel Honor Books were named:
I Spy Fly Guy 
Little Mouse Gets Ready (Toon Books) 
Mouse & Mole, Fine Feathered Friends (Mouse and Mole) 
Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day (Dial Easy-to-Read) Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults
Jim Murphy
Truce Robert F. Sibert Medal for most distinguished informational book for children
Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream Three Sibert Honor Books were named:
The Day-Glo Brothers 
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 (Richard Jackson Books (Atheneum Hardcover)) YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award
Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children’s video (The video is unavailable so I linked to the book for now.)
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children’s book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States
A Faraway Island Three Batchelder Honor Books also were selected:
Big Wolf and Little Wolf 
Eidi: The Children of Crow Cove (The Children of Crow Cove Series) 
Guardian Of The Darkness (Moribito) Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope 
The Bride's Farewell 
Everything Matters!: A Novel 
The Good Soldiers 
The Kids Are All Right: A Memoir 
The Magicians: A Novel 
My Abandonment 
Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate) 
Stitches: A Memoir 
Tunneling to the Center of the Earth: Stories (P.S.) May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children's literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site
Lois Lowry
The Giver Review: Diamond of Darkhold
Diamond of Darkhold
In this conclusion to the "Ember" saga, Lina and Doon obtain a mysterious book that prompts their return to their old city of Ember. Once into the city, they stumble on some unexpected "hurdles" which include a family of roamers, which of course puts a damper on their plans. Doon gets taken prisoner, and learns about the "Diamond of Darkhold" the roamers have in there possession. Lina manages to escape with plans to bring back help. Both children face more challenges that require some quick thinking.
Having read and reviewed City of Ember, but not the sequels The People of Sparks or The Prophet of Yonwood, I can say put me at a slight disadvantage. There were a few plot lines I was confused by, but only a few. The author tried summarizing most of the main points of the series, so that a new reader could pick up Diamond of Darkhold and enjoy it as a stand-alone story. But, it would be better to read the prequels first. There is a strong focus on character development, and the story flows from several of the character's different points of view. There is some action with the adventure, and the author places an emphasis on teamwork, creative thinking, and the acceptance of each other. Tomorrow I will continue my review with some discussion questions.
Here are the other bloggers participating in this book tour:
01 Charger, the 160acrewoods, A Childhood of Dreams, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, All About Children's Books, And Another Book Read, Becky's Book Reviews, Book Review Maniac, Cafe of Dreams, Comox Valley Kids, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, Homeschool Buzz, Hyperbole, Looking Glass Reviews, Never Jam Today
Labels: Reviews
Our Summer Reading Program
Our Summer Reading Program
Our family loves to read, but one thing that is lacking in our reading repertoire is a good dose of classic literature. I’m busy reviewing popular YA and children’s fiction and curriculum for our website, and my boys tend to gravitate to book series and fantasies So, to stretch our literary experience, I’ve put together a classy list of books for the boys (and me) to read over the summer. As no reading program is complete without an incentive, I am paying them a penny a page. They can’t collect any money until they have written a brief book report and have passed an informal oral quiz on the book’s content. And, they can collect an extra 75 cents if they list and define ten unfamiliar words from the book. I also set up a cute “book nook” area for them with a basket chock full of some of the books on their list. And, they were given a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble to help them kick things off (which they spent within hours of receiving).
If they tackle a good portion of the reading list, they will have accumulated about $100 each, but most importantly, will have gained a priceless addition to their education.
See below for our 2008 Homeschoolbuzz.com summer reading list.
Book report guidelines
Title read:
Author:
Pages read:
Date completed:
Book report: Include basic plot summary, interesting characters, morals or things learned, and overall impressions of the book. Should be between 25-75 words.
Rate book: 0-5 stars (0=bad, 5=outstanding)
Also, list 10 words you read that were new to you, include the definition (brief) worth an extra 75 cents.
You should write daily in your journal, include progress or notes on your reading (or a word definition, or write about ideas, feelings, special events, etc.
Homeschoolbuzz.com Summer reading list for advanced 6th grade readers and up
*
Hamlet By Shakespeare*,
Romeo and Juliet
Count of Monte Cristo*
Poems
Tales of Mystery and Imagination
Across Five Aprils
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
The Story of King Arthur and His Knights
Treasure Island
The Hound of the Baskervilles
A Boy’s War
Calico Captive
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl*
Number the Stars
Good-Bye, Mr. Chips,
The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day
How Green Was My Valley*
In His Steps
The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Part 1)
The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, Book 2)
The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, Book 3)
Rascal
The Miracle Worker
The Moonstone*
An American Plague
Lincoln: A Photo-biography
The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood
Onion John
The Last of the Mohicans*(or other selections)
Gulliver’s Travels* by Swift, Jonathon (314 pages)
And Then There Were None*
Watership Down*
Profiles in Courage*
Hunchback of Notre-Dame* by Hugo, Victor
Les Misérables*
Ivanhoe*
The Once and Future King*
To Kill a Mockingbird*
King Solomon's Mines*
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (The Wolves Chronicles)
Old Yeller
Gentle Ben
Labels: Books, homeschool, Reading, Reviews
New Reviewer!
New Reviewer!
Homeschoolbuzz.com is thrilled to welcome Michelle Kearns to our book review team. Michelle is an enthusiastic Christian Homeschooling mom to 4 children: Audrey, 8; Cecily, 6; Eich, 4; and Sophie, 3. And, one of her passions is books! She says:
"I read as many books as I can possibly manage from every genre; I even listen to audiobooks when I do housework! As a homeschooler, I make it a point to read every book my children read so I can discuss it with them, and since my two oldest are crazed bookworms, we go through a lot of books here."Here’s Michelle’s “debut” review, please take advantage of the comments section to welcome her aboard! Michelle joins our veteran reviewers Kathy Davis, Cynthia Clarke and Wayne S. Walker.
Labels: homeschool, Reviews
The latest attack on Faith, now a major motion picture
The latest attack on Faith, now a major motion picture
A while back, Kathy wrote a review of a popular children's book. We make it a point to let you know what issues of possible concern are in the books your children might read. This is one of the few we wholeheartedly advise against.
His Dark Materials is not simply a work of fiction-it's a mockery of Judeo-Christian beliefs. It's troubling to think the world has embraced this book through various awards and glowing reviews, and even an adaptation of The Golden Compass to the big screen; New Line Cinema plans a projected release date Holiday Season, 2007. Read more...
Labels: homeschool, Reviews
Our Homeschool Reviews Now a Blog
Our Homeschool Reviews Now a Blog
Kathy, Wayne and Cynthia have been contributing reviews to Homeschoolbuzz for a long time. We have nearly 300 homeschool reviews of books websites and media on the blog. Until now, we have been creating static web pages for these reviews. I finally got around to adding comments, trackback and a Homeschool Reviews RSS feed to the pages, making them more blog-like. Search is coming soon. Check it out...
Labels: Blogs, homeschool, Reviews
Novelist creates positive images of homeschoolers
Novelist creates positive images of homeschoolers
Kate Tsubata reviews some books by Rene Gutteridge for the Washington Times. We haven't read these books... yet.
Home-schoolers have become part of the public consciousness as academic champions and sports and cultural achievers.
In fictional works, a home-schooled character may pop up occasionally, usually characterized as superbrainy, socially isolated and an object of derision. I was pleasantly surprised recently to encounter a novel with a family of home-schooled adults as the pivotal figures. Read more...
Labels: homeschool, Reviews
First review: Harry Potter
We are not fans of Harry Potter. (UPDATE: Kathy is now a fan!) The story doesn't interest my boys although they are avid readers. I don't believe as some do that the books are evil nor that they are actually biblical allegories as many believe.
However, this first published review of the latest Harry Potter book in the NY Times, is very interesting. Also interesting: they were able to buy the book a day ahead of the big release. Read more...
Labels: Reviews
Review: Bible for Children, Book One
Another review from Kathy.
Classic Academic Press, (best known for their Latin for Children Primer series) publishes this fantastic Bible text for elementary grade students. Bible for Children, Book One uses selected Old Testament books to show God’s faithfulness to His promises and His people. Those looking for a thorough, engaging, and child/teacher friendly Bible curriculum should be very pleased. Read more...
Labels: Reviews
Review: Williwaw!
A new review by Kathy.
When September and Ivan Crane’s father leaves for a 2 week commercial fishing job, he reluctantly allows the kids (ages 13 and 12) to stay alone in their remote Alaskan cabin. After arranging for a friend to check up on them, he gives two firm rules: don’t hot-wire the video game into their radio’s power source, and don’t use the boat to go to town. They quickly break both rules Read more...
Labels: Reviews
Review: One-Eyed Jack
The latest review by Kathy.
In this story set in late 19th century Montana, we meet a young boy named Nate who longs to keep the sick little dog he found near his ranch. The only problem is Nate�s Pa wants nothing to do with dogs. Read more...
Labels: Reviews
Review: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
The latest review from Wayne S. Walker.
This book suffers from the misconception that it promotes a "happy go lucky, whistling in the dark, rosy tinted glasses" view of life. That is not true. Set in Maine, probably just before the turn of the twentieth century, it chronicles a young woman's coming of age and ultimate triumph in spite of many trials. Read more...
Labels: Reviews
An Evening with Charlie Zahm (DVD)
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
I had the recent pleasure of viewing the Franklin Springs Media production "An Evening with Charlie Zahm", a 90 minute live concert performance featuring the Folk musician Charlie Zham and his band. Read more...
Labels: Reviews
Homeschooling with TLC in the Elementary Grades
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
Here is an excellent book for those needing some practical advice on choosing curriculum and enhancing lesson plans. Tamara Chilver will cheer you with her enthusiasm and inspire you with her useful teaching suggestions. Read more...
Labels: Reviews
More reviews
I don't often enough mention the great book reviews Kathy, Cynthia and others contribute to this website. They can help you decide which books are appropriate for your children and occasionally, for yourself. We have new reviews each week so check back often.
The latest reviews are: The Higher Power of Lucky (2007 Newbery winner) and Kino No Tabi: The Beautiful World (book one).
Labels: Reviews
Calamity Jack
Calamity Jack is the hero of this engaging graphic novel. Born to "scheme", Jack sets his sights on what he wants and will go for it no matter what the consequences. Unfortunately it seems bad luck follows him. Good intentions he may have, but the end result is not always "ideal". Just like another Jack we've heard about, Calamity Jack buys some magic beans that lead him straight to some cranky giants. Read more...
Twinkle: Star of the Week
In this children's picture book, we meet Twinkle and her fellow star classmates. Yes, they are literal hot balls of gas and they have Ms. Sun as their teacher. When Ms. Sun announces to the class each of the stars will have a turn to be Star of the week, Twinkle had planned to share her favorite star song with the class. Wouldn't you know Blink had his turn before Twinkle and shared the exact same song! Now she has to go back to the drawing board and come up with something else to share. Read more...
The Periodic Table: Elements with Style
Do you find chemistry boring? Do you think that the Periodic Table is a strange kind of dining-room furniture, or that Molybdenum is a meaningless word that the smart kids use to confuse you? If so, The Periodic Table: Elements with Style is a perfect book for you. The book features brief descriptions of 54 of the chemical elements. Read more...
The School Story
Dream of writing a novel? 12-year-old Natalie does, and she goes beyond dreaming – she actually writes one. And, it's good. But the problem any new writer has is how to get it published? Her BFF Zoe and her English teacher Ms. Clayton team up with Natalie to help. Still, the biggest hill to cross is how to get the publisher to read it and not file it away in the "slush" pile. Natalie's mom works as an editor, so Natalie knows how the system works. Read more...
The Thing About Georgie
The thing about Georgie is it's a neat book that puts you in the shoes of Georgie, 10- year-old who's facing quite a few challenges at once. First, there are his physical challenges: he's a dwarf. Next, there is personal conflict. His best friend Andy is becoming buddies with another kid named Russ, and Georgie thinks he's sure to lose his friendship. There's also Jeanie Meanie, a girl who torments him with her sharp tongue and bully behaviors. And the biggest problem is his family. Read more...
The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
It's the 1860's and Homer and his older brother Harold are orphans stuck with their mean guardian Squint, who neglects them by locking them in the barn and denying them proper nourishment. Then the old coot goes and illegally sells an underage Harold into the Union army. It's up to 12-year-old Homer to find Harold and rescue him from the war. On his journey many an adventure, some good, and some bad delay Homer. Read more...
Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story about Brain Science
Phineas Gage, a 19th century railroad construction foreman, survived an accident that blew a 13-pound 3 foot 7inch iron rod through his cheek and out the top of his skull. He should have been dead, but rather he was able to walk, talk, and account his accident to others. His recovery was not unremarkable though, after battling infection and suffering from delirious spells, his convalescence would last several months. Yes, he survived a catastrophic injury, but Phineas would never be the same. Read more...
Raising Real Men: Surviving, Teaching, and Appreciating Boys
As a mom to three active boys, I'm always eager to read what others have to say about raising boys to be men. What better people to take advice from than Hal and Melanie Young, parents to 6 boys (and 2 girls). In their book, Raising Real men, they discuss the intricacies of bringing up boys within a biblical worldview. They address numerous issues, such as boys needing heroes to look up to, leadership, competitiveness, stewardship, manners, and much more. Read more...
Blizzard!
Having grown up in Upstate New York and now living in Western New York, I have grown accustomed to snow. Winters last sometimes 6 months here, and you learn to deal with it. But only a handful of times do I remember experiencing a true blizzard, the kind that closes shopping malls, grocery stores, and schools. In his riveting book, Blizzard, Jim Murphy tells of the infamous blizzard of 1888, where not only towns came to a standstill, but also 600+ people lost their lives. Read more...
When You Reach Me
Twelve-year-old Miranda is living in New York City with her mom, who has just learned she will be a contestant on the 20,000 Pyramid game show (book is set in the 70's). Excitement abounds and Miranda helps her mom prepare for the show with timed quizzes. Miranda is a latch key kid, and when she starts receiving some unusual notes from an unknown person she is intrigued, and a little spooked. Read more...
Frankie: The Walk 'n Roll Dog
In this touching story we meet Frankie, an adorable dachshund who suffered rear leg paralysis after a spinal cord injury. You might think her quality of life would be compromised with such a handicap, but shortly after her injury she became fitted with a harness with wheels, and regains her mobility. Her uplifting and true story is told by her human mom Barb, but it is Frankie's voice. Read more...
Pajama School: Stories From the Life of a Homeschool Graduate
As a homeschooling mom to three boys, Pajama School brought me both sighs of relief and smiles. The author's recollection of her homeschooling days gave me much needed encouragement. After all, don't we sometimes wonder if we are doing the right thing, educating our children at home? What about socialization, team sports, band, the "prom" and high school requirements? Are they missing out? Of course my answer to those questions is a big no, but every once in a while I wonder…. Read more...
Camp Club Girls and the Mystery at Discovery Lake
In The Mystery at Discovery lake, summer camp cabin-mates turned friends Elizabeth, Alexis, Sydney, Mackenzie and Kate team up to investigate first some strange howlings, and then some strange diggings at the adjacent golf course. One of the girls brought with her some neat gadgets such as a robot spy-cam, which proves useful to the novice detectives. When they are not sleuthing around, they are doing regular camp activities such as crafts, horseback riding, and learning Bible memory verses. Read more...
The Make Today Matter Makeover
I wish I were thinner. I need to get back to working out. I have a list of books I'd like to read. I want to break a bad habit. I must get more organized. Sound familiar? All of us have things in our life that we'd like to change. But where do we begin? How do we get from here to there? One resource that may help is the Make Today Matter Makeover: The 26 Best Ways to Recapture Daily Magic, Kick-start High-Energy Living, and Get the Most out of Life. Read more...
On the Edge with Coolhead Luke
Do you enjoy poetry? Then you should like this book. Mother and son team, in which author Jennifer White produced the poems and artist Colin White provided the illustrations, came out with Coolhead Luke and Other Stories in 2007. Cynthia Clarke said this about it on Home School Buzz. “In the introduction the author, Jennifer White, explains that her son’s pictures ‘had a story to tell’ so she found the words and the book was born. Read more...