Here’s a tiny sampling of the many wonderful books published during 2016 that are in the running for major awards in January.
Wolf Hollow
Told from the point of view of Annabelle, almost twelve, WOLF HOLLOW by Lauren Wolk gives readers a chilling glimpse into that unsettled time when the threat of Hitler hung over the whole world. Although she’s aware of the strength and character of each member of her multi-generational, Pennsylvania farm family, Annabelle senses that it’s up to her to deal with the new girl who says she might “use a rock” on Annabelle’s younger brother. Betty seems as wild and dangerous as the poisonous snake killed by Annabelle’s grandfather. It doesn’t take long for Betty to target Toby, a damaged veteran who wanders the wooded hills and hollows as if seeking peace. This powerful novel can be shared and discussed with mature fourth through eighth graders.
As Brave as You
AS BRAVE AS YOU written by Jason Reynolds is another novel featuring a strong family, but the setting is present-day Virginia and this family is Black. Written in third person, readers see everything (including his cool thirteen-year-old brother, Ernie) from the perspective of eleven-year-old Genie. Their parents’ marriage is on shaky ground, so the two boys are spending part of the summer helping their grandparents on their land. When Genie accidentally kills one of Grandpop’s birds, and when Grandpop (who is blind) insists that Ernie’s going to learn how to shoot a gun on his fourteenth birthday, Genie begins to understand that being brave can be very complicated. Readers as young as eight years old, especially boys, will enjoy these well-defined characters.
Ideas are all Around
IDEAS ARE ALL AROUND is a handsome picture book written and illustrated by Philip Stead. His 2010 picture book, A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE, illustrated by his wife, Erin Stead, was named a Caldecott winner. As the title implies, writers and artists often find inspiration in the world that surrounds us all. The sophisticated illustrations in a limited range of colors combine various media, making this a book well suited for children in grades three and above.
They all Saw a Cat
Brendan Wenzel has created a marvelous book about how things – a striped cat, in this case – are seen differently depending on the viewer’s perspective. The colorful artwork in THEY ALL SAW A CAT is striking and thought-provoking, and while it will fascinate some children as young as five or six, it can also help older ones to comprehend the concept of point-of-view.
Thunder Boy Jr.
In THUNDER BOY JR. written by Sherman Alexie and illustrated by Yuyi Morales, a small boy is unhappy with his given name, which is the same as his father’s. The illustrations make use of various perspectives, bubbles for most of the simple dialogue, and bold colors to create a unique, visual feast. Share this one with all ages!
About Sheila
Sheila Kelly Welch is a mother, grandmother and retired teacher. She counts among her children’s fiction books LITTLE PRINCE KNOW-IT-ALL and A HORSE FOR ALL SEASONS. Sheila's novel, WAITING TO FORGET, has been selected by Bank Street College and Pennsylvania School Library Association for their lists of best-books-of-the-year. Her most recent stories, MESS-UP MOLLY and BIG CAT AND KITTEN, are published on-line by MeeGenius.
