The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Author: Brian Selznick
Illustrator: Brian Selznick


Comments:
What a captivating masterpiece! The Invention of Hugo Cabret is part picturebook, part novel. As the work is inspired by the film maker, Georges Méliès, the illustrations serve as shots, for action or close-up, which usually require pages of words to fully describe. Selznick's sketches can be as closely analyzed as his prose, and the alternating of illustrations and text gives the book its flow.

Copyright: Scholastic Press, 2007
Age level: 9-12
Format: Chapterbook, Picturebook
Genre: Historical Fiction, Wordless
Multicultural/International: French
Award: 2008 Caldecott Award
Location: Personal Collection
Rating: * * * * *

The Phantom Tollbooth

Author: Norton Jester
Illustrator: Jules Feiffer


Comments:
The Phantom Tollbooth is a like a book-length riddle. It's full of word play, puns, and brain teasers. At time, in "The Lands Beyond," things seem so logical that they become ridiculous. The Kings of Dictionopolis and Digitopolis have banished Rhyme and Reason and nothing seem to run smoothly any more. It's up to Milo, who has been mysterious transported to this world by "the phantom tollbooth," Tock the Watchdog and Humbug to rescue the two princesses from the Castle in the Air.

Copyright: Random House, 1961
Age level: 9-12
Format: Chapter book
Genre: Fantasy and Science Fiction
Multicultural/International: No
Award: WINNER 1963 - Kansas William White Master List
Location: Personal Collection
Rating: * * * *

Walk Two Moons

Author: Sharon Creech


Comments:
By telling the story of her friend Phoebe, Sal discovers the mystery behind her mother's disappearance and her father's sudden move. Sal's story is interrupted with details of the trip she is taking with her grandparents to see her mother. Along this journey she not only learns to deal with loss but also that things are not always what they seem.

Copyright: HarperCollins Publishers (September 1996)
Age level: 12 and up
Format: Chapter book
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fictiotn
Multicultural/International: Native American
Award: Newbery Medal, Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts (NCTE), Bulletin Blue Ribbon (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books), School Library Journal Best Book, ALA Notable Children's Book, Sequoyah Young Adult Book Award (Oklahoma)
Location: Personal Collection
Rating: * *

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Author: Gennifer Choldenko


Comments:
It's 1935, and Moose and his family are moving... to Alcatraz. Aside from learning the ropes of his new neighborhood, Moose feels responsible to keep an eye on his sister, who has autism. The move is not the only change the family will experience as each member is challenged and grows throughout the novel. Through the engaging voice of Moose, Choldenko gives us a glimpse into a family dealing with disability, their stresses, joys, hopes, and frustrations.

Copyright: Penguin Group (USA) April 2006
Age level: 10-12
Format: Chapterbook
Genre: Historical Fiction
Multicultural/International: No
Award: Newbery Honor Book, ALA Notable Book, Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, Junior Library Guild Selection, Kirkus Editor's Choice
Location: Personal Collection
Rating: * * * * *

The Tale of Despereaux

Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering


Comments:
DiCamillo weaves a contemporary fairy tale about Despereaux, a very atypical mouse who loves to read and can't learn to cower. Each section of the book is told from a different character's perspective. Despereaux seeks for true love and questions whether he will ever get his "happily ever after." This book is just as much about dark and evil as light and good; they intertwine to create a unique adventure.

Copyright: Candlewick, 2003
Age level: 9-12
Format: Chapterbook
Genre: Fantasy
Multicultural/International: French
Award: Newbery Medal
Location: Personal Collection
Rating: * * * * *

Clementine

Author: Sara Pennypacker
Illustrator: Marla Frazee

Comments:
Clementine reminds me a lot of Anne of Green Gables. She has the best intentions but makes terrible mistakes. The themes of friendship, forgiveness, problem-solving, and perseverance run through this book. Clementine is easy to relate to and a girl you end up cheering for.

Copyright: Random House Children's Books, 2004
Age level: 7-10
Format: Chapter Book
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Multicultural/International: No
Award: Child magazine's Best Children's Book Awards 2006
Location: Personal Collection
Rating: * * * * *

Bud, Not Buddy

Author: Christopher Paul Curtis

Comments:
Despite his terrible circumstances as an orphan, Bud is an engaging character, especially with all his rules. You get a real feel about the impact of the Great Depression, especially on African Americans. The story also include an example of how African American art seems to thrive during times of difficulty.

Copyright: Random House Children's Books, 2004
Age level: 9-12
Format: Chapter Book
Genre: Historical Fiction
Multicultural/International: African American
Award: Coretta Scott King Award
Location: Peabody Library
Rating: * * * * *