2008 Schneider Family Award

2008 Schneider Family Award
Reaching for the Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Josie Wyatt and her family live in a small farmhouse where she lives with her career-obsessed mother and her grandmother. Josie suffers from Cerebral Palsy a disability her mom can not seem to accept. Having no friends, Josie meets a young boy by the name of Jordan. He does not seem to notice Josie’s disability which makes it easier for Josie to befriend him. Josie faces many challenges with her family but at the end her relationship with her mom flourishes.

2008-2009 2X2 List

The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend
2008-2009 2x2 list

Jack the cat builds a perfect nest to lure in a chicken that will hatch an egg. Jack wants to turn that egg into a delicious omelet. The nest ends up attracting a Spanish chicken (Caramba) a French speaking duck (Sacre bleu) and an all American goose (Great balls of fire). Each bird lays an egg which makes Jack happy but after making themselves comfortable the three birds refuse to leave the nest. Jack in desperation tricks the birds by lying to them by telling them there is a empty nest at a farm down the road. The birds excitedly leave the nest and move to the next. Jack is ready to eat the eggs when suddenly the eggs hatch. The babies confuse Jack for their mommies. Jack is taken by the cute babies and ends up snuggling with them and caring for them. Jack soon realizes that the nest he built is comfortable and decides to stay and care for the babies.

2008-2009 2X2 List

Kid Tea by Elizabeth Ficocelli
2008-2009 2x2 List

Each day a young boy and girl engage in different activities such as; playing football, eating popsicles, eating muffins, etc. When it is time to bathe, they dip themselves in the water and the water changes different colors. Similar to the change of color in water as a tea bag is dipped in the mug. The kids enjoy playing in the tub as they see the water change colors. The book follows a weeks worth of the children engaging in different activities.

The book is filled with colorful pictures that add enjoyment to the tale. This tale teaches children the days of the week as well as identifying the color palette.

2008-2009 2X2 List

Bob and Otto by Robert O. Bruel
2008-2009 2x2 List

Bob, a caterpillar and Otto, an earthworm are good friends that spend a lot of time together. One day Bob climbs up a tree to transform into a cocoon. Meanwhile, Otto digs a hole in the soil to feed. Bob changes into a beautiful butterfly and Otto turns into a fat earthworm. Otto is upset and wishing he could of climbed the tree to turn into a butterfly. Bob cheers him up by explaining the importance of his role as an earthworm.

2008-2009 2X2 List

Up, Down and Around by Katherine Ayres
2008-2009 2X2 List

Two children help plant a garden. The children learn that there are certain vegetables that grow underground, some shoot up, and some grow on vines. The children learn that the process begins from seed to plant to lunch. A great book for explaining to children how plants grow and how fruits and vegetables are produced.

2008-2009 2X2 List

2008-2009 2X2 List
Babies in the Bayou by Jim Arnosky

Baby alligators, baby raccoons, baby turtles, and baby ducks are some of the babies in the bayou. The author does not name the animals at first, having the child using clues from the illustrations and text to figure out what animal the author is describing. The author explains the dangers the animals may face and describe how their mothers protect them.

A fun book to read and interact with young children and the colorful illustrations will keep children entertained.

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Grace After Midnight: A Memoir by Felicia “Snoop” Pearson and David Ritz

Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, a brilliant actor was once a convicted felon put away in Jessup State Penitentiary for killing a woman in self-defense. With the intervention of her mentor she was able to change her life around. Soon after, Snoop was spotted at a night club by one of the actors from the series, “The Wire”. She was asked by the producers to go in for an audition. Two weeks later she received a call letting her know she had been given the part playing a gangster.

Pearson’s life story is inspiring and motivating. This book will help teens become aware that negativity can turn positive if you have faith in yourself.

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles

Lainey is a seventeen year old girl who is not part of the social scene at school. Leah Greene a popular girl at school and has been Lainey’s best friend since fifth grade. Their friendship becomes troubled when Leah convinces Lainey to perform sexual behaviors as “practice” which makes Lainey uncomfortable. S they get older Leah blackmails Lainey about their sexual encounters. Lainey reveals that Leah has been molested by a friend of the family. By the time she gets to high school, Leah’s behavior worsens and culminates into a tragic accident. Lainey feels guilty about her feelings toward her best friends death. (Wishing her dead) At the end Lainey confronts the painful events that led Leah to ensnare her in a cycle of abuse.

This book may be difficult for some to read, but it will help others understand the behavior and emotions of victims of abuse may encounter.

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Twisted by Laura Anderson
Top Ten

Tyler Miller is an average high school student with an average dysfunctional family. Tyler gets busted for writing graffiti on school property and spends the rest of his summer doing outdoor work in order to pay for the damages. Because of his rebellions actions, Bethany Milbury is now interested in Tyler. Dating Bethany opens up a whole new can of worms and causes many problems. Tyler now has a different perspective with school, his family, and the world in general.

Anderson captures a lot of the essence of a teenage boy in this book. This book is excellent for teen boys who are reluctant readers.

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Tupac Shakur Legacy by Jamal Joseph
Top Ten

Tupac Shakur Legacy introduces the story of a rap artist, political spokesman, poet, actor, and writer. This book tells a story from his early childhood in Harlem to his fame as a talented rap artist. His life has been recounted by a friend who knew him well as well as Tupac’s family members. A scrapbook filled with unseen family photographs, intimate stories, and hand written song lyrics, shows the reader a deeper side of Tupac Shakur.

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Glass by Ellen Hopkins
Top Ten

Glass, a form of Mexican Meth has Kristina addicted and will do anything to get high on drugs. The sequel picks up where Crank left off and Kristina is living at home with her mother in Reno. She has a baby but she continues to think about getting high. Since she has a baby to care for she decides she will control the drug and not vice versa. However, the drug is too strong and has once again taken control of her. Kristina is kicked out of her house and her baby gets hurt while she is caring for her. Her problem worsens as she begins to deal for the Mexican Mafia.

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Quaking by Kathryn Erskine
Top Ten

Fourteen year old Matilda is a foster child placed in a new home with foster parents. Her new foster parents are a Quaker family with a severely disabled foster son. Matt has a rough time at school as she is bullied by a classmate and not well liked by her civics teacher. After all the issues that Matt faces, in the end she faces a transformation from being shy to an empowered hero.

2008 Notable Children Book List

2008 Notable Books for Children
Good Enough to Eat by Brock Cole

There was a girl with no mother and father. When suddenly an ogre came knocking at the town gate threatens to destroy the town. The ogre tells the people if they give him a fair maiden he will not destroy their town. The people all agree to give the poorest girl in town. They dress the girl in a gown and put a paper crown on her head and leave her for the ogre. However, the girl outsmarts the Ogre and the townspeople. She earns herself a purse full of gold, a sharp sword, and a name for herself; Good-Enough-To-Eat.

2008 Notable Children Book List

2008 Notable Books for Children
When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach

A little boy is out running errands with his mom and is extremely bored. His day ends up turning around when he finds out that this day and this day only every store is giving away a special treat. Not your typical treats are being given away. They are giving away dinosaurs! The little boy’s mother is worried about where the dinosaurs will fit in their home. With the dinosaur give away, his mom avoids stopping at any more stores making her things to do list shortened. At the end his mom comes up with a brilliant solution.

2008 Notable Children Book List

Ballerina Dreams: A True Story by Laura Thompson
2008 Notable Books for Children

Five little girls shared a dream of becoming beautiful and graceful ballerinas. These girls also shared something else; they have cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities. Their muscles do not move like everyone else and making it difficult to move like a ballerina. Some wear leg braces and some use wheelchairs and walkers to get around. With the help of a dedicated teacher and their determination and hard practice, these girls’ dreams come true.

2008 Notable Childrens Book List

2008 Notable Books for Children
Little Rat Makes Music by Monika Bang-Campbell

Little Rat is excited about making music like the violinist she sees at concerts in the city. However, her biggest challenge is practicing. Her challenge is that practice is boring, hard, and her violin makes a squeaky sound. Luckily, her teacher and her new tutor agree she has a lot of talent. With their encouragement and some practice, Little Rat is able to play all kinds of high notes. Most importantly, Little Rat discovers where beautiful music come from.

2008 Notable Children Book List

2008 Notable Books for Children
Fred Stays with Me by Nancy Caffelt

A small girl bonds with her dog during her parents divorce. She sleeps in two different beds in two different homes. No matter where she is sleeping, her dog, Fred, goes along with her. He causes some trouble as he barks at the neighbors’ dog, makes a mess in the car, and eats her dad’s socks. Her parents are upset about the trouble Fred is causing and want to get rid of him. The little girl refuses to let him go. The parents figure out a way to keep Fred and to keep him out of trouble.

2008 Best Books for Young Adult

Boy Toy by Barry Lyga
2008 Best Books for Young Adult

Joshua Mendel was thirteen years old when he was molested by his seventh grade history teacher. Joshua is now eighteen years old and a star baseball player trying to deal with his inner feelings. When his former teacher is released from prison he realizes he needs to ask her questions that have haunted him for years. Joshua carries a lot of anger in him and reveals his rage on others. Throughout his rages and “flickers” he still able to find a relationship with a former crush which helps him deal with his anger and mixed emotions.

2008 Best Books for Young Adult

Looking for JJ by Anne Cassidy
2008 Best Books for Young Adult

Seventeen year old Alice Tully has just been let out of prison. Six years ago her name was Jennifer Jones and lived with her mother who emotionally abused her and even abandoned her. She had so much anger in her that she ends up killing her best friend and she is sentenced to six years in prison. As she is released she changes her name and identity and is determined to live a normal life. However, it is difficult for her to start her new life because of the constant reminders of the past and the constant media attention reflecting on the incident.
This is a page turning thriller that will keep you reading for more!

2008 Best Books for Young Adults

2008 Best Books for Young Adults
Derby Girl by Shauna Cross

Bliss Cavender is a sixteen year old rebel who lives in a small town in Bodeen, TX. Her mother is obsessed with beauty pageants and is persistent in trying to get her daughter to enter. Bliss is into punk music and has blue hair. One day she sneaks out and ends up in Austin only to join a roller derby league. There she finds interest in the sport as well as a boyfriend. She lies to her parents about going to practice and ends up competing. In the end, her rebellion does get the attention of her mother and their relationship evolves.

This novel will appeal to teens because of all the character's antics some may relate to. However, this is not a novel I encourage to read with a group of students because of some of the rough content involved.

2008 Best Book for Young Adult

A Long Way Gone: Memories of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
2008 Best Book for Young Adult
Top Ten List

Ishmael Beah retells his story as a young boy living a normal childhood until one day his innocence is taken away. In his home Sierra Leone in Africa during the 1990’s Ishmael was captured by the rebels. Ishmael and some of his friends were able to escape but are later captured. Beah is later recruited by the national army where he is taught to handle a AK-47 and is also taught to kill anyone who goes against the rebels. To be able to numb his feelings, Beah turns to drugs. He is eventually captured by the United Nations where they have him enter a rehabilitation center. Ishmael Beah now is a Children’s-Rights Advocate.

2008 Best Book for Young Adult

Before I Die by Jenny Downham
2008 Best Book for Young Adult

Top Ten List

Tessa a sixteen year old girl dying from Leukemia creates a list of things she wants to do before she dies. Her best friend Zoey helps her fulfill her list because she realizes that Tessa does not have to worry about consequences. The first thing on Tessa’s list is to have sex. She ends up having sex with a stranger only to find that she did not enjoy that experience. She then falls in love with Adam. She has sex with him and finds love and warmth from him. With many mixed emotions, Tessa feels angry at the fact that Zoey and Adam will live a life that she will never get to live. Tessa’s body detoriates with her family by her side and was not given the chance to accomplish all her goals written in her list.

These pages are filled with love as well as sympathy. After reading this incredible novel you will realize to live your life to the fullest and not take anything or anyone for granted.

2008 Best Books for Young Adult

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Top Ten List

Arnold Spirt also known as Junior is a 14 year old Spokone Indian from Wellpinit, WA. He was born with water in his brain and has to now deal with several health problems. Because of his health problems he does not look like your average teen and is constantly being made fun of. In addition to dealing with his own inner struggles he also deals with the struggles of living in a reservation as well as the loss of his grandmother, older sister, and his dog. Junior decides he needs a better education and attends an all white school outside his reservation. His people have a hard time accepting that he has left them for white people. Regardless of what his community feels about him, he ends up liking his new school where he has found confidence as well as happiness.

2008 Batchelder Award or Honor Book

Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe
2008 Batchelder Award or Honor Book

Wataru is a young boy who is facing many different types of struggles. Watanu deals with his dad leaving and his mother’s suicide attempt. He then goes into this fantasy world where he combats magical statues and demons. He visits a goddess who is able to grant him one wish. At the end
Wataru is able to get his mom back.

This book transforms from real world to a fantasy world. Eventhough this is a lengthy story, I do feel most teens will enjoy reading this dark yet inspiring novel.

2008 Coretta Scott King Award (Illustration)

Let It Shine by Ashley Bryan
2008 Coretta Scott King Award (Illustration)

Ashley Bryan has selected three songs to celebrate African American spirituals. The songs included are “This Light of Mine”, “Oh When the Saints Go March In”, and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Bryan uses collages to accompany the lines fo the text which is at the bottom of the pages. The illustrations in this book are dynamic and the story line is inspirational.
This book is pure inspiration. It is nice to read something that did not involve negativity in any way. This is a book to read to all age groups of students and even your own family.

2008 Coretta Scott King Award (Text)

Elijah of Baxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
2008 Coretta Scott King Award (Text)

Eleven year old Elijah Freeman was the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada. Buxton was a refugee camp for slaves fleeing America during the 1800’s. Eventhough Elijah was never part of the slavery movement; he did see what slavery was all about. After a fugitive stole some money from his friend Mr. Leroy, Elijah traveled to America. In Michigan while hiding out in a barn, Elijah see first hand the mistreatment of the slaves. Although, wanting to help free the slaves, he was only able to save a baby girl.

2008 Belpre Award for Illustration

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marissa Montes
2008 Belpre Award for Illustration

In this eerie Halloween poetry book, the black cats and creatures of the night are having a party at the Haunted Hall. All sorts of creatures are welcomed to this spooky party. As children begin to arrive for some tricks or treats, the creatures become frightened.

This is a great bilingual book for all ages. I personally enjoyed this book because of the beautiful illustrations and the Spanish text mixed with English text. I like to share these creepy tales with my own child since we are both fans of Halloween.

2008 Belpre Award for Text

The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzana by Margarita Engle
2008 Belpre Award for Text

This is a book based on a biography of Juan Francisco Manzana, a 19th century Cuban Poet. Engle writes about the horrible life of Juan Manzana as a young boy. He was a slave and had a female master by the name of Beatriz. He is an intelligent young boy who is well liked by his master. Sadly his master dies and is then transferred to another female slave Marquesa de Prado Amens who punishes him with cruelty.

This book reveals factual information about the Cuban slavery. However, I feel it maybe a little intense for some young readers. The cruelty that Juan Francisco endures is written in detail and may affect certain children.

2008 Geisel

There is a Bird on your Head by Mo Williams
2008 Geisel

Piggie is a high spirited pig and her best friend is Gerald, a passionate pig. A bird has landed on Gerald’s head and has decided to make its nest on his head. Poor Gerald has two birds, a nest, and three eggs all on his head. After the eggs have hatched they decide to tell the birds they have to move. Unfortunately, the birds relocate on Piggie’s head.
This book is hilarious! It is easy reading and full of surprises. My son and I are big fans of Mo Williams and we are always excited to read any of his books.

2008 Sibert

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sis
2008 Sibert

An autobiographical picture book about the life of Peter Sis as he retells the story of his life as a child living in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. The illustrations are a major part of the story. The dark colors give the reader a dramatic feel to what the author is feeling. The history and the youthful rebellions against authority will keep older teens interested in reading this story.

2008 Caldecott

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
2008 Caldecott

This fascinating “novel in words and pictures” is a mystery set in 1930’s Paris. Twelve year old Hugo is an orphan and repairs clocks for a living. After being caught steeling from a toy booth, he is forced to work at the toy shop from where he stole. His secret of living alone is unveiled and he is taken in by the toy stand owner and his granddaughter Isabelle.
I enjoyed reading this book because it takes you into a magical place. Also, this book is similar to a graphic novel which will attract young boys to read.

Newbery Honor Book 2008

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Newbery Honor Book 2008

Holling Hoodhood is a seventh grader and the only Presbyterian boy in his class. He does not have a great admiration for teachers, especially his own teacher, Mrs. Baker. He feels that she tortures him by having him read Shakespeare while the other students are in Catechism or Hebrew school. However, at the end he ends up finding comfort in both Mrs. Baker and William Shakespeare. The literature he has read makes him realize that there is more to life than what he expected.


This book deals with real life issues that will definitely attract the young teen reader. The author has created a character that is gentle and caring and will be well liked by the reader. I am just glad to see that this book dealing with the Vietnam War does end happily.

Newbery Honor Book 2008

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Newbery Honor Book 2008

Eleven year old Elijah Freeman was the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada. Buxton was a refugee camp for slaves fleeing America during the 1800’s. Eventhough, Elijah was never part of the slavery movement; he did see what slavery was all about. After a fugitive stole some money from his friend Mr. Leroy, Elijah traveled to America. In Michigan while hiding out in a barn, Elijah see first hand the mistreatment of the slaves. Although, wanting to help free the slaves, he was only able to save a baby girl.

This book will have your emotions run like a rollercoaster ride. At times you will laugh, you will feel nervousness, and you will probably cry. This is an amazing book to share with children to show them the real history of slavery and the Underground Railroad.

Newbery Medal Winner 2008

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village

by Laura Amy Schlitz
Newbery Medal Winner 2008

This novel is a great way to help students understand the times of the European Middle Ages in the year 1255. Schlitz has created a novel with seventeen monologues written through verse and prose. There are twenty three main characters all with very distinct personalities. There are short historical notes that are stated on the margin which are great discussion starters for teacher and students. This book also provides background information on farming, the Crusades, falconry, and more.

This book is fun to read because of the format of the writing. Each story consists of a short one story play that has fun rhythm in its writing style which makes it enjoyable to read. The illustrations are beautiful and really gives the reader insight to life during that era.

2008 Printz Book Award Winner

The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
2008 Printz Book Award Winner

Symone is a troubled fourteen year old girl who has a life long fascination with Antarctica. So when her “uncle” Victor surprises her on a trip to the South Pole, Sym is delighted. But the plot thickens as Victor has a different reason for this trip. He is dangerously obsessed with seeking Symme’s Hole, an opening that supposedly leads into the center of a hollow earth. At the end, Sym escapes both her evil uncle and the hostile Icy and dangerous terrain.

This is definitely a thriller and suspenseful novel that will keep you from putting the book down! However, this page turner in my opinion is best suited for a more advanced reader because it is intellectually demanding.

2008 Printz Honor Award

Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins
2008 Printz Honor Award

Shaun, a seventeen year old boy who is not much into his appearance or his grades, encounters a strange and unusual adventure. A fallen angel named Kiriel, has decided to experience life as a human being by entering Shaun’s body. Kiriel faces typical teenage experiences and dilemmas. After many funny and heartwarming results, the fallen angel is able to help Shaun surround himself with an improved life style.
Although, this book is a little dark for my taste, I did enjoy the comedy throughout the novel. The genre is fantasy combined with realistic fiction which I feel will attract many young adults. I do believe teens will enjoy this particular novel because of its darkness, real life situations, and typical teen experiences.

2008 Printz Honor Award

Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
2008 Printz Honor Award

Laura Hames a Dreamhunter, reenacts a dream for the sleeping patrons at the Rainbow Opera dream palace with a horrible nightmare that exposes a government conspiracy. Now because of Laura everyone knows about an awful and sickening dream used by Cas Doran and his Regulatory Body to control prison convicts. With this information, Laura opens a war for control of the Place, the source of dreams. At the end Laura and her family bring justice by finding a way to reveal the government secret to the public.

What I most liked about this novel is how it seems like one giant puzzle needed to be put together in order to see the whole picture. If you enjoy reading books that are unpredictable then you will truly take pleasure in reading this fantasy novel.