NEBULA AWARD - WINNER / HUGO AWARD - WINNER👍🏿

AUTHOR - ORSON SCOTT CARD

GRADES - 6 AND UP

NEBULA AWARD - WINNER 

HUGO AWARD - WINNER 

MODERN LIBRARY - READERS' 100 BEST NOVELS

MARGARET A. EDWARDS AWARD - WINNER

Honoring books that help adolescents become aware of themselves and address questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and the world

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL -STARRED REVIEW

BARNES AND NOBLE-NEARLY 2000 EXCELLENT REVIEWS

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - 100 BEST BOOKS FOR TEENS 1966-2000

This science fiction classic places a young child named Ender in a position to save the Earth from aliens known as “buggers”. Ender is a genius and a superb military strategist. In the end, he accomplishes his mission. However, he learns along with the reader, that the war was unnecessary and many aliens and humans died for no reason. Ender spends the rest of his life making amends to the civilization he helped destroy. 

1. Do you believe that the government should lie to people like they did to  Ender 

    and the people of Earth?  Explain

2. What did Ender do that impressed you the most?  Answers will vary. 

3. A great deal of pressure was put on Ender. Was it necessary?
 Explain.
     

    Ender is only six years old. The intense pressure resulted in Ender
 killing 

    one of his competitors. He also becomes obsessed with 
beating the 

    Giant’s game. He has to cope with the emotions of a child and the  brain

    power of a genius. 

4. Why does every chapter begin using bold print?     

    The start of each chapter is a conversation between the adults 
involved in

    the battle school. These are secret meetings. Ender has  no idea that 

    these talks are occurring.


AUTHORS - LAURA ATKINS AND STAN YOGI

GRADES - 4-8  

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD -HONOR BOOK- 👍🏿

The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award annually recognizes children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people. 

SOCIAL JUSTICE LITERATURE AWARD - WINNER - 👍🏿

is presented to honor books that address social responsibility towards individuals, communities, societies, and/or the environment as well as invite reflection and socially responsible action by the reader.”  

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED

NEW YORK'S HISTORICAL SOCIETY CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE -WINNER  

CARTER G. WOODSON BOOK AWARD  

KIRKUS REVIEWS  - STARRED

CYBILS AWARD - 👍🏿

 seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens 

This very readable book centers on the life of Fred Korematsu, who was deprived of his civil liberties before and after WW11. Readers will understand how fear and discrimination caused thousands of Japanese-Americans to lose their homes, jobs and their freedom.

1. Japanese-Americans who were sent to prison received $20,000 each in 

    
reparations.What do you think about that? 

2. What do you think was Fred Korematsu’s message to you? 

3. When his third grade teacher couldn’t pronounce his name, she decided to call 

    him Fred. What do you think about that? 

AUTHOR - DAVID LUBAR

GRADES - MATURE 6TH, 7,8

MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD - HONOR- 

The Michael L. Printz Award is an American Library Association literary award that annually recognizes the "best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit".  

MARYLAND BLACK-EYED SUSAN AWARD 

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - QUICK PICK FOR RELUCTANT YOUNG 

     ADULTS

BOOKLIST TOP TEN - FANTASY FOR YOUTH

After being expelled from several schools, Little League, and the Scouts, Martin is placed in an alternative school where his new classmates are quite a challenge. They are collection of arsonists, bullies, and thieves in a school which is basically a dumping ground for kids who have not been able to fit the norm. Martin uses his intellectual ability to bring out the best in everyone he meets and makes a positive difference in his new surroundings. This book is an excellent choice for any kid who marches to his/her own drummer. 

1. You just learned that a student from Edgeview School is moving next door to 

    you. You  hope it will be _________. Why?


    Answers will vary. 

2. Is it a good idea to have a school for kids like those who attend
 Edgeview? 

    Explain.  
Answers will vary. 

3. What hidden talent would you like to have?
    Answers will vary. 

4. You could say that Martin taught his friends more than their teachers.
 Explain.
   

    Martin made them aware of their hidden talents and how to use them

    in a positive way. 

AUTHOR - NANCY FARMER

GRADES - 6 - 8

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE - 

      WINNER 

NEWBERY AWARD - HONOR

The Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children”.


MICHAEL J. PRINTZ AWARD - HONOR  -

American Library Association literary award that annually recognizes the "best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit".  

MYTHOPOEIC FANTASY AWARD

Honoring a fantasy book or books in the traditions of The Hobbit of the Chronicles of Narnia  

CALIFORNIA BOOK AWARD 

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS

INTERNATIONAL READING ASSN. - YOUNG ADULT CHOICES

VOLUNTEER STATE YOUNG ADULT BOOK AWARD 

NEVADA YOUNG READER'S AWARD - IN THE YOUNG ADULT CATEGORY

PACIFIC NORTHWEST LIBRARY ASSN. - SENIOR YOUNG READERS' 

   CHOICE AWARD

This futuristic sci-fi novel features a young boy who is a clone of El Patron, a 144 year old drug lord. While the boy leads a charmed life, he later learns that his purpose for living is to serve as an organ donor for the drug lord. Now his focus is on how to escape this well protected compound. How do you become a life long reader? This author has the recipe. Anguish, joy and many breath-taking situations are bound to grab the interest of young teens. There is a sequel called The Lord of Opium.   

1. Is cloning humans a good idea? Answers will vary. 

2. How would you compare yourself to Matt?


    Matt is a risk taker, rebellious, curious, fearless, loves to explore 

3. Did Eduardo do Matt a favor by not blunting his intelligence?   

    Answers will vary. 

    Matt might have been happier if he didn’t know that he was a clone. A

    However, he might have died. 

AUTHOR - KEKLA MAGOON

GRADES -Mature 6th AND UP

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD - HONOR 👍🏿

The Award is given to an African American author and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions. The Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society. 

WALTER DEAN MYERS AWARD - FINALIST👍🏿

The Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children's Literature recognize diverse authors whose works feature diverse main characters and address diversity in a meaningful way.

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BEST BOOKS 👍🏿

a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books.

MICHAEL J. PRINTZ AWARD - HONOR 

Michael L. Printz Award is an American Library Association literary award that annually recognizes the "best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit". 

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE -

      FINALIST 

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - STARRED REVIEW

HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

During the fifties and sixties I was a follower of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his non-violent approach to civil rights. When the Black Panthers emerged, they were portrayed as a militant group, causing me to be somewhat confused as to how they were trying to accomplish their goals. I never really understood their purpose until I read this book which chronicles their history mainly from 1966-1982. I was astounded to learn how wrong I had been back in the day, as the media failed to give honest coverage to the Panthers. I was not aware of all the social services that they provided for their communities such as health care, food, clothing, shelter, education and more.

The first two chapters provide a history of racism in America which slowly caused the pot to boil over leading to the riots in the years following the King assassination. This crucial information allows readers to understand why the Black Panthers were formed. 

Revolution in our Time is not a casual read, as there are mountains of detailed information to  be digested. However, for the serious reader who wants to learn about the Black Panthers, this is the book as the author left no stone unturned. It is ideal for young adults who will find captivating photos on most pages. The author deserves a ton of credit for doing the research and for allowing people like me to understand the humane side of the Black Panthers. Hopefully, readers will be influenced by this work and become contributing members to society.

1. Are there people in your neighborhood that are not getting the care they need. 

    What can you do about that?

2. If you were in charge of the Black Panthers, what would you have done 

    differently?

AUTHOR - LLOYD ALEXANDER

GRADES - 5 AND UP

NEWBERY AWARD - WINNER -

The Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children”.


SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL -RANKED 16TH AMONG THE ALL TIME   

     CHILDREN'S NOVELS

KIRKUS - STARRED REVIEW

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN.  BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS

AMERICAN BOOKSELLER -  PICK OF THE LISTS

BULLETIN FOR THE CENTER OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS - BLUE RIBBON 

     BOOK LIST

BOOKLIST  - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

This is the first of a series of five fantasy/adventure books, which many reviewers call the best fantasy collection ever written for young adults. The High King, which is the last book, also won the Newbery Award. The story takes place during Medieval times and centers on a boy named Taran who is responsible for taking care of a pig that can predict future events. When the pig escapes, Taran searches for him and gets captured by the Cauldron Born, who are dead bodies that come alive after being placed in a Cauldron. He eventually escapes only to find more obstacles that he has to hurdle as he continues to look for the pig. Along the way, he meets a friendly warrior, a bard named Flam, a princess, and a strange hairy creature. They become friends and experience a series of breathtaking adventures. It is a must read for all Harry Potter fans as the protagonist often finds himself in impossible situations and uses the least violent methods for dealing with these issues.

NOTE: While this series does not exactly fit the theme of this site,  I just couldn't resist passing along these fantastic tales.

1.  Beside Taran, the princess, and the warrior, the author creates several  
other

     interesting characters.. Which two did you like the best? Explain. What made 

     each person unique?

     Fflewddur Flam - He is a traveling musician who plays a harp.
 Whenever he 

     tellS  lie (which he often does) a string breaks. He likes to brag.      

     Gurgi - He is a hairy creature who is always hungry. Although he is 
basically 

     harmless, he can hurt people with his long, hairy arms. For the
 most part, he is

     a silly, funny character. He fights valiantly and helps Taran defeat the Horned

     King. 

     Doll - He is a dwarf who lives in an underground city. He cannot make
 himself 

     invisible like the other dwarves, so the king gives him all the dirty jobs. He is a 

     grumpy individual.      

     Cauldron Born - They are dead bodies who come alive when placed in
 a 

     cauldron.They are fighters who cannot be killed with a sword. 
However, they 

     often have to return home because they lose their strength and need to be 

     recharged. They are the enemy. 

2.  Taran faced many problems in this story. Which one do you think was 
 the 

     most dangerous? Explain.
     

     Possible answers      Meeting the Horned King      Getting captured by the

     Cauldron Born      Entering the city of the Dwarves  

3.  Hen Wen can predict future events. Is it a good idea to know what will 
 happen

     in the future? Explain. 

AUTHOR - ELLEN LEVINE

GRADES - 5 AND UP

SEQUOYAH BOOK AWARD -YOUNG ADULT - WINNER

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - QUICK PICK FOR RELUCTANT YOUNG 

      ADULT READERS

CALIFORNIA YOUNG READER MEDAL - WINNER

MARYLAND BLACK-EYED SUSAN AWARD 

TEXAS LONE STAR MASTER READING LIST  

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST OF THE BEST 2000

MISSOURI LIBRARY ASSN. -BEST OF THE BEST

IOWA TEEN AWARD -FINALIST

MICHIGAN LIBRARY ASSN.  THUMBS UP AWARD FINALIST

Two middle school girls with different lifestyles become friends after they are assigned to work with each other in peer counseling sessions. Antonia belongs to the math club and gets straight A’s, while Jasmine has a reputation as a punker and a druggie. Both girls have serious family issues and they decide to support each other. Along the way they learn that judging people by their outward appearances can be misleading. This fast paced, easy to read novel is just perfect for middle school girls who wonder about students who are not part of the mainstream crowd.             

1. Would these girls have become friends if they didn’t meet in peer 
counseling?
  

    Answers will vary.  

2. In chapter 2, Antonia tells Dr. DiLeo that Jazz was not her peer and that 
she

    wanted to leave the program. Dr. DiLeo tells Antonia, “Let’s just say 
that with  

    Jazz, there’s more than meets the eye.” What did he mean by 
that?
      

    Answers will vary. Once you get to know Jazz, you will find out who

    she really is.Young teens often do not reveal their true 
character 

    until you see them outside the school setting. 

3. Why do you think Antonia has no real friends?
        

    Her family responsibilities prevent her from having a normal 
social life.
 

4. Which girl benefited more from peer counseling? Explain.
      

   Although answers may vary, a better case can be made for 
Antonia.
 

AUTHOR - REBECCA L. JOHNSON

GRADES - 5 AND UP

VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) A PERFECT TEN -

This magazine is the leading library journal dedicated to the needs of young adult librarians, the advocacy of young adults, and the promotion of young adult literature and reading. Its most prestigious award is a Perfect Ten. This is given to a book that gets a five star rating for quality and a five star rating for popularity.  

JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION 

KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW

How did the Chernobyl explosion occur? What happened to the people and who lived in the area? What happened to the plants and animals? Although the explosion released four hundred times more radioactivity than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, animal life flourished in the area. How was this possible? These answers and many more are found in this short, informative, highly interesting, easy to read book.

1. At the beginning of chapter 3, one of the scientists was talking about the 

    
amount of  radiation going through him. Why did he allow that to happen?   

2. 
If you were a scientist, would you go into a poisonous area? Explain. 

3. Some reviewers call this book amazing. What do you think? Explain. 

4. Some people went back to their homes in the Exclusion Zone. If you lived 

    there, would you go back? Explain.

AUTHOR - ELLEN LEVINE

GRADES - 5 AND UP

JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD - HONOR - 👍🏿

The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award annually recognizes children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people.

VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES  (VOYA) - 

“hard to imagine it being any better written”  This magazine is the leading library journal dedicated to the needs of young adult librarians, the advocacy of young adults, and the promotion of young adult literature and reading. Its most prestigious award is a Perfect Ten. This is given to a book that gets a five star rating for quality and a five star rating for popularity. 

PARENTS' CHOICE - WINNER 

GOLDEN KITE AWARD

This informative, highly interesting, well- researched work describes the efforts of the Danish people during World War ll as they smuggled most of their Jewish citizens to safety in Sweden. The exciting narrative action focuses on individuals who risked their lives to save their neighbors and friends. The book also contains dozens of photographs which enhances the impact on readers.               

1. If other countries acted like Denmark, many more Jewish lives would 
have

    been saved.  Why do you think this did not happen?
   Answers will vary.
 

2. During an escape from Denmark, a little boy was given medicine so he 
would 

    sleep. When he  awoke, he started to cry. This would alert the Germans. One 

    man wanted to throw the boy overboard. Fortunately, his 
mother had more

    medicine. Suppose she didn’t have anything to keep him quiet?  Should she 

    have allowed her son to put everyone in danger?
  What would you have 

    done?
   Answers will vary.
 

3. In chapter 2, you see a picture of King Christian X riding his horse through 

    Copenhagen. Why did he do that? Why didn’t the king need bodyguards? How 

    do you think the people of Denmark felt about 
their king?
        

    The king rode his horse to show that he was not afraid of the 
Germans. 

    He didn’t need bodyguards because he was so popular 
that no one would

    think of hurting him.  

AUTHOR - IRENE HUNT

GRADES - 5 AND UP

NEWBERY AWARD - HONOR - 

The Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children”.


CHARLES W. FOLLETT AWARD

LEWIS CARROLL SHELF AWARD

CLARA INGRAM JUDSON MEMORIAL AWARD

This is a must read for any student who has an interest in the Civil War. The story is told through the eyes and ears of a Southern Illinois farm boy who has two brothers fighting on opposite sides. It begins in April of 1861, the first April, and concludes in April of 1965, the last April. The author received much of her information from her grandfather who was nine years old when the war began. This book is often considered to be the first of the young adult genre.                         

1. Jethro’s dad tells him that he must support his brothers no matter what 
side 

    they are on. How do you feel about that? 

2. Jethro worried about many things during the war. What do you think was  his 

    biggest concern?
   

    Possible answers     His brothers getting killed     People hurting him or 

    his family   Getting caught for hiding Eb 

3. Would you rather be living in the 1860’s or today? Explain. 

AUTHOR - AVI

GRADES - 5-8

NEWBERY AWARD - HONOR BOOK -

The Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, to the author of "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children”.


GOLDEN KITE AWARD - FICTION WINNER

given annually by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, an international children's writing organization, to recognize excellence in children’s literature. 


NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST BOOK FOR TEENS

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW

HORN BOOK - BOSTON GLOBE AWARD 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS - 100 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

ENGLISH JOURNAL - HONOR LIST

KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW

NCTE NOTABLE CHILDREN'S TRADE BOOK IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS  

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK

FLORIDA'S YOUNG READERS' AWARD 

MASSACHUSETTS CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD

The year is 1832. Charlotte Doyle, a thirteen-year-old, plans to sail across the Atlantic Ocean from England to the United States. As she boards the ship, she learns that her traveling companions will not be making the trip, leaving Charlotte the only female on board. She writes a journal describing what was to become quite an ordeal as the crew mutinies and she gets caught in the middle. Upon arriving in America, she must deal with her authoritarian father which leaves the reader with a totally unexpected ending. The author is a superstar and he delivers big time in this thrilling adventure. 

1. Charlotte had several terrible experiences as she
 traveled across the ocean.

    What do you think was the 
worst thing that happened to her? Explain your 

    answer.
   

    Possible answers
   

    She learns that the crew is preparing a mutiny. 
 She tells the captain 

    and informs the crew. The
 captain asks Charlotte to decide who should 

    take 
the punishment. She can’t decide, so the captain 
chooses Mr. 

    Zachariah. Charlotte grabs the whip  from Mr. Hollybrass and 

    accidentally scratches the
 captain’s face. He becomes angry and gives 

    Mr.
 Zachariah a terrible beating.
 

    Charlotte wants to become part of the crew. The  men refuse to accept 

    her unless she climbs to the 
top of the sails. It is a torturous climb.
  

    The captain charges Charlotte with the murder of
 Mr. Hollybrass. She is 

     put in the brig. She is told that she will be dead by hanging in twenty 

     four hours.
  

     Charlotte sneaks into the captain’s cabin to steal 
a key. He catches her

     and tries to kill her. He fires 
his pistol several times. Fortunately for her, 

     he slips
 and falls overboard. 

2 . Did Charlotte make the right decision by returning to the crew? Explain. 
  

     What would you have done?
    

     Answers will vary.


                                                      PAGE 31