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Post by Mary on Feb 22, 2008 21:25:19 GMT -5
After several years of fun online discussion through the Mock Newbery ProBoards, we have decided to migrate to a new format and use a blog. We hope that this will encourage even more online discussion of new, quality children's books. Please visit (and bookmark) the ACPL Mock Newbery Blog at acplmocknewbery.blogspot.com/ Visit often and let us know how you are feeling about the children's books you are reading. Your opinion is important and we want to hear it!
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Post by Mary on Jan 13, 2008 15:05:01 GMT -5
There is a post on this discussion board in the Recommended Titles of 2007 for the 2008 ACPL Mock Newbery folder entitled "The Invention of Hugo Cabret -- AUDIO!" that was started on Dec 27, 2007, 10:58pm which addresses this question. Here's what jlb had to say:
I considered adding my comments to the Hugo thread that is already going, but I then I thought that maybe the audio version of Hugo Cabret is a whole new animal to consider.
Unlike the rest of you, I have NOT read the book version of this. I have seen it enough to know that it includes movie stills and other great illustrations, but I was also aware of the controversey that was creating. So I deliberately shielded myself from the book and its storyline until I could get a hold of the audio version.
What did I think of the story? I loved it. It was great. Yes, I cared deeply for Hugo and the struggles he was in. I was hoping the automaton would give him that message from dad. On and on, I can say that I thought the story was gripping and echo all of the positive comments others have already posted about the book.
I really did not feel that I missed out on anything by not having pictures. The story felt very complete in its text.
Is there anything special to note about the audio version? There is some use of sound effects, though not a lot. The sound of the train and the clicking of heels stands out. The author states in his interview that he used sound effects similarly to the way they were used in silent films. He says he used the sound effects to move the story along in the same way he used the illustrations in the print version. However, in the book there are A LOT of illustrations, while I don't feel the audio used a great deal of sound effects.
The audio version comes with a DVD. "AHA!", you say, "that is where the illustrations are!" Not so. The DVD is an author interview. A few illustrations are shown as he is discussing creating the artwork for the book. But there is not a display of the book's illustrations to "fill in" for what you may have missed by listening to the audio rather than reading the print version.
So I say -- Consider it! I think this story stands firmly on its text.
Now, maybe I'll look at the print version.
It will be fun to see what the "real" Newbery committee selects!
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Post by Mary on Jan 5, 2008 19:29:38 GMT -5
This morning, children's librarians and others interested in reading excellent books for children gathered for a Mock Newbery Election and discussion at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We selected one title as our 2008 Mock Newbery Winner and three titles as Honor books. The Mock Newbery winner we selected for 2008 was FEATHERS by Jacqueline Woodson. Our group selected three Mock Honor books. They are: BONE BY BONE BY BONE by Tony Johnston CRACKER by Cynthia Kadohata THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET by Brian Selznick We'd love to hear your comments about our selections! Feel free to post your comments on the ACPL KIDS blog at: acplkids.blogspot.com/2008/01/acpl-mock-newbery-results-2008.html Now we just need to wait (patiently) for the real announcement!
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Post by Mary on Jul 15, 2007 11:08:06 GMT -5
Each year, a group of librarians, teachers, and interested readers of children’s books gather for a potluck dinner and a discussion of the newest REAL Newbery winner. We also discuss how we think the newest winner fits in with previous winners. How much did our group “enjoy” this book compared with other winners? The result is a completely biased, ranked list of all the Newbery winners. You can see our results to date at www.acpl.lib.in.us/children/newberyranking.html This year’s discussion will be held on Sunday, August 19th. If you are going to be in the Fort Wayne area, are interested in participating in this year’s discussion, enjoy good food & good discussion, and want to help us place Susan Patron’s The Higher Power of Lucky in the list, contact Teresa Walls at tess_true@hotmail.com for directions. It’s a great time! Hope you can join us!
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Post by Mary on Feb 14, 2007 22:49:26 GMT -5
Hello!
If you are new to this discussion board, welcome. I hope that you will join as a member or, at least, add to the discussion.
If you are already a member, thanks! I hope you will participate even more in the 2008 Allen County Public Library's (ACPL) Mock Newbery Online Discussion and possibly join us in January 2008 in Fort Wayne, IN, to discuss and vote in our Mock Newbery.
The children's librarians at ACPL have already started a database of children's books published in 2007 which have received starred reviews in professional journals. From this list, we will create a suggested reading list for our Mock Newbery. Typically, we add titles that have received at least two starred reviews, but that isn't always the case. Sometimes we add titles by well-known authors. We also add titles that are recommended by our participants.
There are four editions of the list. The first list will be available in May 2007, the second list will be available in August/September, the third in October and the fourth in November.
This discussion board was started in order to narrow the focus of the ACPL Mock Newbery participants prior to our meeting in January to select our mock award winners. This has aided participants with limited time (basically, everyone) to share the books which they feel are truly contenders or which they simply want to discuss with others.
We appreciate the input of all members of the discussion board, whether or not you can join us in January at our library for our Mock Newbery Election.
Whenever you have a title you want to discuss, please add a thread for it in the folder called Recommended Titles of 2007 for the 2008 ACPL Mock Newbery. It is useful it you include the author's last name as well as a portion of the title in the subject line.
The home page of this discussion board has links to the library as well as to the official Newbery Medal page. Please check out the criteria for the Newbery Medal if you aren't familiar with it.
If you have trouble with any aspect of the page, please feel free to send me a personal message through this page. If you are having trouble joining, please email me at mvoors@acpl.info
I think that about covers it. I look forward to our 2007 discussion of books for the 2008 award.
Sincerely,
Mary
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Post by Mary on Jan 14, 2007 21:39:07 GMT -5
Sixteen participants had a lively and spirited discussion of the books Saturday afternoon (January 13) and selected (through several series of balloting) Clementine by Sara Pennypacker as our 2007 ACPL Mock Newbery Award winner. Strong characterization, laugh-out-loud humor, and appropriateness of style are just a few of the elements that were mentioned during our discussion. Three Mock Honor Books were selected: - Firegirl by Tony Abbott
- Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy
- Vive La Paris! by Esme Raji Codell
We would love to read any comments you would like to add about these books.
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Post by Mary on Dec 4, 2006 14:34:44 GMT -5
Here is the 4th and final ACPL Mock Newbery reading list for this year. The complete list is available at www.acpl.lib.in.us/children/newbery_current.html Vive La Paris! by Esme Raji Codell Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman The Braid by Helen Frost Samurai Shortstop by Alan Grantz Dark Water Rising by Marian Hale River Secrets by Shannon Hale Shug by Jenny Han Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic by Emily Jenkins Fairest by Gail Carson Levine Black Duck by Janet Taylor Lisle Rules by Cynthia Lord Sold by Patricia McCormick Desperate Journey by Jim Murphy Small White Scar by K.A. Nuzum Clementine by Sara Pennypacker True and Faithful Narrative by Katherine Sturtevant Listen by Stephanie Tolan We all look forward to reading your comments! If you will be able to attend our Mock Newbery Election program on January 13th, don’t forget to register by calling us at 260-421-1220 or emailing me at mvoors@acpl.info Happy Reading!
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Post by Mary on Sept 18, 2006 14:00:23 GMT -5
Here is the 3rd reading list for the Allen County Public Library’s Mock Newbery Election. This list was compiled through the use of starred reviews, lots of reading and discussion of new book titles, and comments/recommendations on this Discussion Board.
Avi. Crispin At the Edge of the World Bausum, Ann. Freedom Riders Budhos, Marina. Ask Me No Questions Bunting, Eve. One Green Apple Cooper, Susan. Victory DiCamillo, Kate. Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride Dowell, Frances O'Roark. Phineas L. MacGuire… Erupts! Engle, Margarita. The Poet Slave of Cuba Freedman, Russell. Freedom Walkers - The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott Lubar, David. Punished! McKissack, Patricia C. Porch Lies - Tales of Slicksters, Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters Paterson, Katherine. Bread and Roses, Too Paulsen, Gary. The Legend of Bass Reeves Schade, Susan and Jon Buller. Travels of Thelonious Williams, Maiya. The Hour of the Cobra
As you explore these titles, please keep in mind the Newbery criteria which we are trying to emulate: “In identifying distinguished writing in a book for children, committee members need to consider:
• Interpretation of the theme or concept. • Presentation of information including accuracy, clarity and organization. • Development of plot. • Delineation of characters. • Delineation of setting. • Appropriateness of style.
It is equally important to remember that the award is for literary quality and quality of presentation for children. The award is not for didactic intent or for popularity. (The preceding is adapted from the official Newbery terms and criteria from ALSC.)
We will plan to post our 4th and final list for this year in November, 2006. The Allen County Public Library’s Mock Newbery discussion will be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana on January 13, 2007.
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Post by Mary on Jul 5, 2006 15:02:33 GMT -5
We plan to have 4 reading lists for our Mock Newbery Election which will be held in January 2007. Here is the second list: Abbott, Tony. FiregirlAcampora, Paul. Defining DulcieCushman, Karen. The Loud Silence of Francine GreenHenderson, Kathy. Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a WarHolm, Jennifer L. Penny from HeavenKidd, Ronald. Monkey TownLowry, Lois. GossamerNaylor, Phyllis Reynolds. Roxie and the HooligansPeck, Richard. Here Lies the LibrarianRoy, Jennifer. Yellow StarStanley, Diane. Bella at Midnight: The Thimble, the Ring and the Slippers of GlassTurner, Megan Whalen. King of AttoliaThe next list will be posted in September 2006. As always, your comments & suggestions about titles are ENCOURAGED! Please continue to add comments about individual titles in the Recommended Titles of 2006 for the 2007 Mock Newbery section. The complete list to date can be found at: www.acpl.lib.in.us/children/newbery_current.htmlHappy Reading!!!
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Post by Mary on May 2, 2006 13:39:47 GMT -5
We plan to have 4 reading lists for our Mock Newbery Election which will be held in January 2007. Here is the first list:
Balliett, Blue. The Wright 3
DiCamillo, Kate. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Dunrea, Olivier. Hanne's Quest
Gutman, Dan. The Homework Machine
Kadohata, Cynthia. Weedflower
Lin, Grace. Year of the Dog: A Novel
Lombard, Jenny. Drita, My Homegirl
Napoli, Donna Jo Ugly
Reinhardt, Dana. A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life
Sachar, Louis Small Steps
Springer, Nancy. Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery
Winthrop, Elizabeth. Counting on Grace
You will notice (I'm sure!) that a few of the books which we have discussed on the Boards are not included on this list... Yes, we will have the Cushman novel and the Lowry novel on a future list, but because we have not yet received them in our Library, we decided not to include them on this initial list.
The next list will be posted in July 2006. As always, your comments & suggestions about titles are ENCOURAGED! Please continue to add comments about individual titles in the Recommended Titles of 2006 for the 2007 Mock Newbery section.
Happy Reading!!!
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Post by Mary on Nov 11, 2006 9:05:44 GMT -5
I am so glad this book was suggested; it's very different from other titles on our list and one I probably would not have picked up without a recommendation.
Set in Colorado in the 1940's, I loved the descriptions of working on the ranch, of participating in the big rodeo, and of horseback riding on the range. This is certainly a good book for discussion on a wide variety of topics. This would also be a great book to recommend to middle school kids who have always longed to be wranglers.
One question I hope someone can answer for me... can you really smell a rattlesnake as you approach one?
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Post by Mary on Nov 9, 2006 14:16:46 GMT -5
Other than checking to see that this was a 2006 copyright date, I know nothing about this book except that I received an email request to consider it for our Mock Newbery discussion. I am going to try to get my hands on a copy to read; I'd love to hear what others think of it!
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Post by Mary on Nov 14, 2006 13:59:36 GMT -5
This is certainly a very unique story. I have some concerns about how the story is presented and whether the writing is consistently intended for the same audience throughout the book, but Heather is right... these characters have fun! (My favorite character was Frank, the Washing Machine. Who was yours?)
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Post by Mary on Oct 26, 2006 20:06:28 GMT -5
I received this suggestion via email:
Just thought about the title Samurai Shortstop by Alan Gratz for inclusion on the discussion list. Unique plotline; would be great "guy" booktalk!!
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Post by Mary on Oct 26, 2006 7:31:14 GMT -5
Here is a suggestion I received via email:
Listen by Stephanie S. Tolan is a wonderful book. A young girl is recovering from a car accident one summer. There are many growing up issues handled compassionately but my favorite theme is appreciation of the natural world. I have never read a young people's book that makes such an impact about the interconnectivity of our world.
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Post by Mary on Oct 16, 2006 7:30:07 GMT -5
Has anyone read Grandfather's Dance? This is the fifth book in the series that began with the Newbery Award winning Sarah Plain and Tall. The reviews about it look interesting.
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Post by Mary on Sept 29, 2006 7:09:26 GMT -5
I have not read this book, but was asked to post this note about it from Sue B. who's not able to post to the boards.
************************************************ French Toast, a White Cane and Memories by Laura Fay Robbie
Great book- target for grades 3 and up. Well written- inspirational nonfiction based on the life of a real little boy losing his eyesight to a rare and degenerative illness. One of the BEST children's books I've ever read (though I don't recognize the author at all)
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Post by Mary on Oct 1, 2006 10:27:41 GMT -5
I love this book! Clementine is a wonderful character with an incredibly clear and defined voice. The story itself is laugh-out-loud funny and would be great as a classroom read-aloud. Sometimes it is difficult for me to separate "liking" or "enjoying" a book or a character in a book and examining -- for the purposes of the Mock Newbery discussion -- whether the writing is truly "distinguished." I think this can be made even more difficult when the book in question is at a lower reading level. So I turned to the actual criteria of the Newbery committee: In identifying "Distinguished Writing" in a book for children, Committee members need to consider the following:
(adapted from the official Newbery Terms & Criteria found at www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/newberymedal/newberyterms/newberyterms.htm) Looking at these criteria, Clementine has moved into the handful of books which I think are strong contenders this year. I recommend all of you read it! I'd love to know what you think!
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Post by Mary on Sept 30, 2006 15:50:07 GMT -5
Thanks for suggesting this book, Tess. The author lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the book has a copyright date of 2006, so I think it is eligible. I have not yet read it, but I've moved it to the top of my "to be read" pile. (The illustrations by Marla Frazee look like great fun, too.)
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Post by Mary on Aug 28, 2006 8:56:46 GMT -5
Thanks for suggesting this title, Diane. I have not yet read it, but the format looks very interesting. I've enjoyed other books by Susan Schade & Jon Buller, so I'm looking forward to reading this one.
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Post by Mary on Sept 5, 2006 7:29:54 GMT -5
We can certainly add The Poet Slave of Cuba to our list, thanks for suggesting it. I most likely would not have picked it up without your recommendation. It will be good to have a title in verse as we discuss what is the "most distinguished writing for children" in the past year. This book certainly made me want to learn more about Cuba in the early 1800's generally and the poet Juan Francisco Manzano in particular. Though I know they would not be considered in the context of this award, I felt the illustrations by Sean Qualls significantly added to the text.
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Post by Mary on Aug 7, 2006 8:43:44 GMT -5
Thanks for suggesting this book; it's a quick, fun read. It certainly doesn't have the depth of Sleeping Freshman..., but I loved the wordplay quests that the main character had to complete as part of his PUNishment for running in the library. I think this book would work best as a read-aloud to a classroom of kids learning about oxymorons, puns, anagrams, and palindromes.
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Post by Mary on Aug 10, 2006 11:41:49 GMT -5
Turkey? Togo? Tunisia? Thailand? Tanzania? Have a safe and enjoyable trip. We'll all look forward to more comments from you when you return.
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Post by Mary on Jul 29, 2006 9:26:50 GMT -5
Thanks for suggesting this book. I found it on the shelf in our Young Adults' department and will check it out. The jacket flap makes it sound quite interesting.
As far as eligibility of the author, the official terms of the Newbery Award state "The Award is restricted to authors who are citizens or residents of the United States." Since Glass lives in Los Angeles, it sounds like the book would be eligible for consideration.
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Post by Mary on Jul 28, 2006 13:49:38 GMT -5
The medieval time period is not my favorite time period to read about, and I'm often underwhelmed by sequels to award-winning books , but this book is an exception.
Set in the late 1300's, Crispin at the Edge of the World stands alone as a very well-written piece which I found to be even more compelling and powerful than its predecessor, CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD. (This is the 2nd in a series projected to be a trilogy.)
I'd love to hear what other people think of this title.
Warning: Not many books make me cry. The ending of this one did.
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