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The Newbery Medal is an honor bestowed by the American Library Association to "the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." Along with the medal winner, honor books are chosen. If you are looking for something new in children's literature, the Newbery list is always a great place to start.
The 2009 Newbery Medal winner is The
Graveyard Book
by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean.
This dark tale is not for the youngest readers, but those looking for spooky fun will be enrapt from the start. The book opens with a toddler escaping a murder, only to be rescued by spirits in a nearby graveyard. The story is quirky and mysterious, perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy.
The four Honor Books chosen by the Newbery Committee are :
The Underneath
by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by David Small.
Animal storied can tug at our hearts, and this one is no exception. Beautifully written and emotionally charged, this book touches readers on many levels. Readers will be touched by the tale of a hound dog's relationship with an orphaned cat and her kittens. Good an evil are evident in intersecting stories and the result is a satisfying ending. Parents may want to read this one with their kids. The sense of sadness and loss is an essential element in the story.
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom
by Margarita Engle
The Surrender Tree tells the story of Cuba's history is eloquently told in free verse. Readers will follow the healer Rosa La Bayamesa through three wars battled by Cuba to gain independence from Spain. Rosa was a hero who risked her life to save others. A compelling story that will be give children a sense of history in a likely unfamiliar time and place.
Savvy
by Ingrid Law
Mibs Beaumont comes from a magical family. At the age of thirteen, a special power called "savvy" is revealed. Mibs can't wait to discover her special gift, but when her father is in an accident on her birthday, nothing turns out like she had planned. Along with an assortment of characters, she hitches a ride on a bus hoping to get to her father in the hospital. But the bus is going in the wrong direction. The result is a fun-filled adventure filled with warmth and tenderness.
After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson
When "D" the new girl comes to Queens everything changes. She befriends two other girls and the three friends play double-dutch and love the music of Tupac. His words speak to them directly, and capture the experiences of their lives. A truly touching and unique work, this story touches on many important issues of our time.
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Anthony G. Alessi, MD
Charles Glassman, MD
Dale Peterson, MD
Mache Seibel, MD
Peter Weiss, MD
Mitchell Yass, DPT
Dr. Howard Peiper
Dr. Mary Riggin
