Ran across this over at Pixie Stix Kids Pix and it gave me a much-needed giggle.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Skulduggery Pleasant - the Movie!
According to the Movie Insider and Wikipedia, the rights to
Skulduggery Pleasant have been acquired by Warner Bros and a film is slated for 2010.
Are you serious? A movie?
Yep.
With the--?
Yes.
And--?
Yes.
Cooooool.
I know.
Will it really happen? Many a slip 'twixt the cup and lip, as my old granny never said in her freakin' life. But if this does happen, I think it would be a real blast.
Skulduggery Pleasant have been acquired by Warner Bros and a film is slated for 2010.
Are you serious? A movie?
Yep.
With the--?
Yes.
And--?
Yes.
Cooooool.
I know.
Will it really happen? Many a slip 'twixt the cup and lip, as my old granny never said in her freakin' life. But if this does happen, I think it would be a real blast.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Anne-Girl Turns 100
Really? Has it been that long?
Check out this article over at TheStar.com, web presence of the Toronto Star.
I liked the part where Toronto Public Library's Leslie McGrath compares Anne to one of her predecessors, Elsie Dinsmore.
Also check out the sidebar for notable smart and spirited girls since Anne, including Pippi Longstocking, Harriet the Spy, and Hermione Granger.
Check out this article over at TheStar.com, web presence of the Toronto Star.
I liked the part where Toronto Public Library's Leslie McGrath compares Anne to one of her predecessors, Elsie Dinsmore.
"Elsie was famous for her pietistic priggishness. She was born good, lives a good life and never changes ... She had conventional good looks, an angelic face.
[Anne is] quite a departure. She's a skinny, angular child. She was freckled at a time when ladies tried to keep a porcelain complexion and red hair wasn't admired. It was seen as a mark of a flaring temper."
Also check out the sidebar for notable smart and spirited girls since Anne, including Pippi Longstocking, Harriet the Spy, and Hermione Granger.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Nestle Prize Melts Away
Okay, it wasn't that great of a pun. But check out this article on the demise of the Nestle Prize anyway.
For those who are puzzled right now, the Nestle Smarties Book Prize was a British literary prize, sponsored by the Nestle Corporation (yeah, the chocolate guys) and recognizing a range of children's literature. The shortlists were selected by adult judges, but the final winners were selected by UK schoolchildren. They had good taste, too; in addition to the first Harry Potter, other kidlitosphere faves like Polly Dunbar's Penguin and Emily Gravett's Wolves have been honored. Both Booktrust and Nestle assert that it was a mutual decision, made without hostility.
The author reflects on the checkered past of such an important children's literary prize being sponsored by a corporation, especially this corporation. She also mentions the value that the prize held for children's authors and kidlit in the UK.
What do you think?
For those who are puzzled right now, the Nestle Smarties Book Prize was a British literary prize, sponsored by the Nestle Corporation (yeah, the chocolate guys) and recognizing a range of children's literature. The shortlists were selected by adult judges, but the final winners were selected by UK schoolchildren. They had good taste, too; in addition to the first Harry Potter, other kidlitosphere faves like Polly Dunbar's Penguin and Emily Gravett's Wolves have been honored. Both Booktrust and Nestle assert that it was a mutual decision, made without hostility.
The author reflects on the checkered past of such an important children's literary prize being sponsored by a corporation, especially this corporation. She also mentions the value that the prize held for children's authors and kidlit in the UK.
What do you think?
Beverly Cleary Interview
Check out this interview with Beverly Cleary in The Oregonian. You do have to register to read beyond the first page, but it's just zip/age/gender.
Most of it talks about her life and reflects on why Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins beat the tar out of--uh, I mean, were so different from the Dicks and Janes that came before. It does mention that she's retired and doesn't write anymore, which . . . sigh. I've never been quite able to understand how someone can retire from writing, anymore than they can retire from breathing. But considering how hard Cleary worked for so many years (Henry Huggins was written in 1950, Ramona's World in 1999, and she did all sorts of school visits and things during that time) she's entitled to her quiet retirement.
And she was a librarian! Cool!
Most of it talks about her life and reflects on why Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins beat the tar out of--uh, I mean, were so different from the Dicks and Janes that came before. It does mention that she's retired and doesn't write anymore, which . . . sigh. I've never been quite able to understand how someone can retire from writing, anymore than they can retire from breathing. But considering how hard Cleary worked for so many years (Henry Huggins was written in 1950, Ramona's World in 1999, and she did all sorts of school visits and things during that time) she's entitled to her quiet retirement.
And she was a librarian! Cool!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Book Review: Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford
Book: Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little
Author: Peggy Gifford
Published: 2007
It’s the last day of summer vacation, and Moxy Maxwell has about eighteen hours to finish Stuart Little. Not that she hasn’t tried. That book has been her constant companion this summer, traveling with her to the pool, the backyard, and sundry other destinations. The only problem . . . well . . . she hasn’t exactly started reading it.
Not that Moxy hates reading. She loves reading, but only what she wants to read. (Sounds pretty familiar to me.) Given the proximity of the classroom, her mom lays down the law. Stuart Little will get read OR ELSE Moxy won’t be able to perform in the daisy water ballet, or go to the afterparty, or eat the magnificent daisy cake ordered especially for the occasion. Egad. Something must be done. And Moxy does it . . . but not exactly what her mom expects.
While reading, I was constantly tempted to share snippets of dialogue, chapter headings, and the photographic illustrations with anybody in nabbing distance. Gifford makes full use of the chapter headings, using vaguely 19th-century encapsulations of the action. (My favorite: Chapter 7, In Which Moxy Maxwell’s Mother Says “No”. Chapter text, in full, “No.”)
Valorie Fisher’s photographs add to the madcap fun. Purporting to be the work of Moxy’s twin brother Mark, they show such diverse subjects as the state of Stuart Little after getting lemonade dumped on it and the state of Moxy’s mother after seeing what happened to her dahlias.
However, that stuff's all cream. The real joy of this book is the aptly-named Moxy herself. She is strong-minded, quick-witted, and an individual in the best tradition of Ramona, Junie B. Jones, Fancy Nancy, and Clementine. This fast-moving, delightful read took me about 45 minutes, making it perfect for early readers or readalouds.
Author: Peggy Gifford
Published: 2007
It’s the last day of summer vacation, and Moxy Maxwell has about eighteen hours to finish Stuart Little. Not that she hasn’t tried. That book has been her constant companion this summer, traveling with her to the pool, the backyard, and sundry other destinations. The only problem . . . well . . . she hasn’t exactly started reading it.
Not that Moxy hates reading. She loves reading, but only what she wants to read. (Sounds pretty familiar to me.) Given the proximity of the classroom, her mom lays down the law. Stuart Little will get read OR ELSE Moxy won’t be able to perform in the daisy water ballet, or go to the afterparty, or eat the magnificent daisy cake ordered especially for the occasion. Egad. Something must be done. And Moxy does it . . . but not exactly what her mom expects.
While reading, I was constantly tempted to share snippets of dialogue, chapter headings, and the photographic illustrations with anybody in nabbing distance. Gifford makes full use of the chapter headings, using vaguely 19th-century encapsulations of the action. (My favorite: Chapter 7, In Which Moxy Maxwell’s Mother Says “No”. Chapter text, in full, “No.”)
Valorie Fisher’s photographs add to the madcap fun. Purporting to be the work of Moxy’s twin brother Mark, they show such diverse subjects as the state of Stuart Little after getting lemonade dumped on it and the state of Moxy’s mother after seeing what happened to her dahlias.
However, that stuff's all cream. The real joy of this book is the aptly-named Moxy herself. She is strong-minded, quick-witted, and an individual in the best tradition of Ramona, Junie B. Jones, Fancy Nancy, and Clementine. This fast-moving, delightful read took me about 45 minutes, making it perfect for early readers or readalouds.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Book Review: Freak Show by James St. James
Book: Freak Show
Author: James St. James
Published: 2007
Billy Bloom is starting his senior year at a new school, and he wants to make a good impression. So he dresses in tight satin pants, a ruffled shirt, and just a teensy bit of makeup . . . just the basics, really. It’s a pirate look, and what’s more manly than a pirate?
He quickly discovers that a out-and-proud drag queen isn’t exactly going to have the easiest time in a conservative Florida high school. But there’s no way he’s going to be anything but himself, no matter who has a problem with it. Through loneliness, constant torment, and even a gay-bashing that puts him in the hospital, Billy holds onto his sense of self. There might even be unexpected rewards in store.
I have to say, this is one of the most difficult books I’ve ever read, and yet one of the most compelling. Alternately hilarious and hideous (and sometimes both at the same time), Billy’s story is like bubblegum encasing a razor blade. In some parts, I got a little queasy at the ugliness that he faced every day with a smile. It’s the kind of treatment that should have detentions and even expulsions passed out like confetti, but the teachers turn a blind eye and even blame Billy for bringing it on himself, highlighting the way that homophobia needs to be addressed on every level if we’re ever going to cleanse ourselves of it.
If you have a hard time with deliriously over-the-top dramatic narration (it's exactly like listening to him talk--I'd love to hear the audiobook on this one) or bullying of the darkest kind, approach this book with caution. Otherwise, grab it up and don't let it go until you've read the last page.
P.S. Check out this interview on YouTube, with James St. James himself. He talks a little bit about the autobiographical elements in the book, and how the world has changed. I’d fast forward to about 2:00 to get to the meat right away, but he’s pretty fun to watch.
Author: James St. James
Published: 2007
Billy Bloom is starting his senior year at a new school, and he wants to make a good impression. So he dresses in tight satin pants, a ruffled shirt, and just a teensy bit of makeup . . . just the basics, really. It’s a pirate look, and what’s more manly than a pirate?
He quickly discovers that a out-and-proud drag queen isn’t exactly going to have the easiest time in a conservative Florida high school. But there’s no way he’s going to be anything but himself, no matter who has a problem with it. Through loneliness, constant torment, and even a gay-bashing that puts him in the hospital, Billy holds onto his sense of self. There might even be unexpected rewards in store.
I have to say, this is one of the most difficult books I’ve ever read, and yet one of the most compelling. Alternately hilarious and hideous (and sometimes both at the same time), Billy’s story is like bubblegum encasing a razor blade. In some parts, I got a little queasy at the ugliness that he faced every day with a smile. It’s the kind of treatment that should have detentions and even expulsions passed out like confetti, but the teachers turn a blind eye and even blame Billy for bringing it on himself, highlighting the way that homophobia needs to be addressed on every level if we’re ever going to cleanse ourselves of it.
If you have a hard time with deliriously over-the-top dramatic narration (it's exactly like listening to him talk--I'd love to hear the audiobook on this one) or bullying of the darkest kind, approach this book with caution. Otherwise, grab it up and don't let it go until you've read the last page.
P.S. Check out this interview on YouTube, with James St. James himself. He talks a little bit about the autobiographical elements in the book, and how the world has changed. I’d fast forward to about 2:00 to get to the meat right away, but he’s pretty fun to watch.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
New for '08
This semi-meme-ish thingy has been going around the kidlitosphere, started by Colleen of Chasing Ray. What are you looking forward to most in 2008?
I've got a few.
Let’s just go on record as saying that I would give up my left leg for an ARC from any title on this list, shall we? It’ll save all that embarrassing begging later on. Oh, who am I kidding? I’ll embarrass myself even without the begging.
The Opposite of Invisible by Liz Gallagher
Such a neat title. Such a marvy cover. Yeah, I'm that shallow. (January 8, one of the first of the Class of 2K8!)
Kamikaze Girls by Novala Takemoto
The title intrigued me, and the reviews over at Amazon intrigued me more. Hmmm. (January 15)
Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
What's the premise of Sara "Story of a Girl, National Book Award Finalist" Zarr's sophomore novel? Not a clue. But I am so there. (February 1)
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls by Meg Cabot
The queen of fun teen reads branches into the tween set. Yay! Now I have something to throw at the parents who think the Mediator series is right for their ten-year-old. (March 1)
A Curse as Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce
This is another I want purely for the title. It’s so evocative and mysterious. Also, quite a faboo cover you got there, Elizabeth C. Another Class of 2K8 graduate. (March 1)
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Remember this one? The guppy abduction? The canned beet rebellion? Yeah. Gotta read it. (March 25)
The Pigeon Wants a . . . ? by Mo Willems
Seriously, you guys, does there need to be an explanation of my slavering desire for this book? (April 1)
Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker
More Clementine! (April 15)
Playing With Fire by Derek Landy
Yes! Skulduggery Pleasant is back! Yes! So is Stephanie! Yes! And there's fire! (April 22)
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
MJ does NYC hotel life, large families, acting, and sundry other nuttinesses! Joy! Also included: shiny things. (May 1)
Twice Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
Once Upon a Marigold had a kooky, sweet-but-not-sappy, gentle charm all its own. Can Jean do it again? I think she can. (May 1)
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
I had no idea this was coming up until I got the news from Leila. I love how the chick on the cover still looks like she can kick your tail halfway to China, even in that gorgeous dress and all the sparklies. (May 5)
Kitty Kitty by Michele Jaffe
A Bad Kitty sequel? Yeah, baby. Bring it. (July 1)
Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thank You Notes by Peggy Gifford
I just read the first Moxy Maxwell (Does Not Love Stuart Little) and was completely delighted. Review to come. Can't wait to spend another few hours with Moxy. (August 8)
A Wizard of Mars by Diane Duane
It's now been 25 years since the first Young Wizards book (So You Want to Be a Wizard, 1983) and the series is still growing and evolving. Kudos to Duane for that, and for integrating the changes in technology and the world as seamlessly as possible, considering that the kids in the book have aged about two years, max, since '83. (Hopefully autumn)
Pagan’s Daughter by Catherine Jinks
Given that we left Pagan as a monk, I’m very interested to see how he got a daughter. Jinks’ website describes her as “funny [and] feisty,” so I have high hopes for Babylonne. (Also, CJ? Love the name!) And if she’s truly his daughter, there’ll be more of that sweet, sweet snark that Pagan Kidrouk does so well. (Sometime in 2008)
Mothstorm by Philip Reeve
Holy Hannah, it’s number 3 in the Larklight series. My cup, she do runneth over. (Sometime in 2008, per Philip’s Wikipedia page, so that might not be accurate)
Gallagher Girls 3 by Ally Carter
I adored the first one, and if someone had told me about the twist in GG2, I never would have read it. But I’m glad I did, because it made me even more of an addict. I’m hoping and praying that 3 comes out sometime in 2008. Ally? Please? Whimper?
Thanks to Fuse #8, Bookshelves of Doom, Jen Robinson, and Bildungsroman for cluing me in about titles I didn't even know were coming up.
I've got a few.
Let’s just go on record as saying that I would give up my left leg for an ARC from any title on this list, shall we? It’ll save all that embarrassing begging later on. Oh, who am I kidding? I’ll embarrass myself even without the begging.
The Opposite of Invisible
by Liz GallagherSuch a neat title. Such a marvy cover. Yeah, I'm that shallow. (January 8, one of the first of the Class of 2K8!)
Kamikaze Girls
by Novala TakemotoThe title intrigued me, and the reviews over at Amazon intrigued me more. Hmmm. (January 15)
Sweethearts
by Sara ZarrWhat's the premise of Sara "Story of a Girl, National Book Award Finalist" Zarr's sophomore novel? Not a clue. But I am so there. (February 1)
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls
by Meg CabotThe queen of fun teen reads branches into the tween set. Yay! Now I have something to throw at the parents who think the Mediator series is right for their ten-year-old. (March 1)
A Curse as Dark as Gold
by Elizabeth C. BunceThis is another I want purely for the title. It’s so evocative and mysterious. Also, quite a faboo cover you got there, Elizabeth C. Another Class of 2K8 graduate. (March 1)
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
by E. LockhartRemember this one? The guppy abduction? The canned beet rebellion? Yeah. Gotta read it. (March 25)
The Pigeon Wants a . . . ?
by Mo WillemsSeriously, you guys, does there need to be an explanation of my slavering desire for this book? (April 1)
Clementine's Letter
by Sara PennypackerMore Clementine! (April 15)
Playing With Fire
by Derek LandyYes! Skulduggery Pleasant is back! Yes! So is Stephanie! Yes! And there's fire! (April 22)
Suite Scarlett
by Maureen JohnsonMJ does NYC hotel life, large families, acting, and sundry other nuttinesses! Joy! Also included: shiny things. (May 1)
Twice Upon a Marigold
by Jean FerrisOnce Upon a Marigold had a kooky, sweet-but-not-sappy, gentle charm all its own. Can Jean do it again? I think she can. (May 1)
Princess Ben
by Catherine Gilbert MurdockI had no idea this was coming up until I got the news from Leila. I love how the chick on the cover still looks like she can kick your tail halfway to China, even in that gorgeous dress and all the sparklies. (May 5)
Kitty Kitty
by Michele JaffeA Bad Kitty sequel? Yeah, baby. Bring it. (July 1)
Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thank You Notes
by Peggy GiffordI just read the first Moxy Maxwell (Does Not Love Stuart Little) and was completely delighted. Review to come. Can't wait to spend another few hours with Moxy. (August 8)
A Wizard of Mars by Diane Duane
It's now been 25 years since the first Young Wizards book (So You Want to Be a Wizard, 1983) and the series is still growing and evolving. Kudos to Duane for that, and for integrating the changes in technology and the world as seamlessly as possible, considering that the kids in the book have aged about two years, max, since '83. (Hopefully autumn)
Pagan’s Daughter by Catherine Jinks
Given that we left Pagan as a monk, I’m very interested to see how he got a daughter. Jinks’ website describes her as “funny [and] feisty,” so I have high hopes for Babylonne. (Also, CJ? Love the name!) And if she’s truly his daughter, there’ll be more of that sweet, sweet snark that Pagan Kidrouk does so well. (Sometime in 2008)
Mothstorm by Philip Reeve
Holy Hannah, it’s number 3 in the Larklight series. My cup, she do runneth over. (Sometime in 2008, per Philip’s Wikipedia page, so that might not be accurate)
Gallagher Girls 3 by Ally Carter
I adored the first one, and if someone had told me about the twist in GG2, I never would have read it. But I’m glad I did, because it made me even more of an addict. I’m hoping and praying that 3 comes out sometime in 2008. Ally? Please? Whimper?
Thanks to Fuse #8, Bookshelves of Doom, Jen Robinson, and Bildungsroman for cluing me in about titles I didn't even know were coming up.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Can Anybody Read Italian?
Catholic News Service posted a short article today about a written debate over the morality of Harry Potter. Christians and Catholics are often portrayed as beating their Bibles and proclaiming that HP is Teh Ebil, but here's what one Catholic had to say:
Of course, the other side talked about the way JKR glorified manipulation, trickery, and gnostic principles. Still, it was nice to see some of my favorite things (speaking as a Catholic) about HP laid out like that.
For more fairly awesome Christian themes in HP, check out The Secrets of Harry Potter podcast, which was started by a Catholic priest from the Netherlands.
The stories, he said, teach young people "without moralizing" that material riches, immortality and anything obtained without effort "are illusions and that what truly counts is commitment, friendship and love."
"It is not power, not success, not an easy life that lead to the truest and deepest joy, but friendship, self-giving and adhering to the truth," he said.
Of course, the other side talked about the way JKR glorified manipulation, trickery, and gnostic principles. Still, it was nice to see some of my favorite things (speaking as a Catholic) about HP laid out like that.
For more fairly awesome Christian themes in HP, check out The Secrets of Harry Potter podcast, which was started by a Catholic priest from the Netherlands.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Native Book Awards
Just as I was really getting up to speed grumbling about the overlooked-ness of Native American children's lit, along comes this post at Debbie Reese's blog.
Presented by AILA (the American Indian Library Association), these awards single out great children's and YA literature about Native Americans.
Picture book: Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw tale of Friendship by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridge
MG/Tween: Counting Coup: Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond by Joseph Medicine Crow
YA: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney
Congrats to the writers and illustrators!
Presented by AILA (the American Indian Library Association), these awards single out great children's and YA literature about Native Americans.
Picture book: Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw tale of Friendship by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridge
MG/Tween: Counting Coup: Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond by Joseph Medicine Crow
YA: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney
Congrats to the writers and illustrators!
Don't See This One Alone
Apparently they're making a movie out of Darren Shan's Cirque du Freak. Egad. I don't do horror movies, so I'll say this: if they do this one right, it's the kind of movie that I'd watch with both eyes shut. If, y'know, I went to it. Which I won't.
Thanks to Bookshelves of Doom for the link.
Thanks to Bookshelves of Doom for the link.
They're Here! They're Here!
These awards were announced this morning at the American Library Association's Midwinter Conference in Philadelphia, PA. (Aside: why are Midwinters always in places that are so cold? Loriene Roy, can you comment?)
Codes:
* - read it
# - already in my Blue Journal of Stuff I Gotta Read Before I Die.
John Newbery Medal (children's literature)
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz #
(H) Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis #
(H) The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt *
(H) Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson #
Randolph Caldecott Medal (children's picture-book illustrator)
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (WHOA!!) *
(H) Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, written by Ellen Levine
(H) First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger #
(H) The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtin by Peter SÃs *
(H) Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems *
Coretta Scott King Award
Authors
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis #
(H) November Blues by Sharon M. Draper
(H) Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali by Charles R. Smith Jr., illustrated by Bryan Collier
Illustrators
Let It Shine by Ashley Bryan *
(H) The Secret Olivia Told Me by N. Joy, illustrated by Nancy Devard
(H) Jazz On A Saturday Night by Leo and Diane Dillon
Theodore Seuss Geisel Medal (for beginning readers' books)
There Is a Bird on Your Head! by Mo Willems * (Good year for Mo Willems, no?)
(H) First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger #
(H) Hello, Bumblebee Bat, written by Darrin Lunde, illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne
(H) Jazz Baby, written by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
(H) Vulture View, written by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Margaret A. Edwards Award (for lasting contribution to YA lit)
Orson Scott Card
The Alex Awards (Adult books with YA appeal. This is awarded to 10 in all)
American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China by Matthew Polly
Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff
Essex County Volume 1: Tales from the Farm by Jeff Lemire
Genghis: Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Night Birds by Thomas Maltman
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
Michael L. Printz Award (for best YA lit)
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
(H) Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
(H) One Whole & Perfect Day by Judith Clarke
(H) Repossessed by A. M. Jenkins
(H) Your Own, Sylvia by Stephanie Hemphill
John Steptoe Award (for new talent in African-American children's lit)
Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything In It by Sundee Frazier#
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (for nonfiction)
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtin by Peter SÃs *
(H) Lightship by Brian Floca
(H) Nic Bishop Spiders by Nic Bishop
Mildred L. Batchelder Award (best translated work; award to the publisher):
VIZ Media, publisher of Brave Story, by Miyuki Miyabe, translated from the Japanese by Alexander O. Smith
(H) Milkweed Editions, publisher of The Cat: Or, How I Lost Eternity, by Jutta Richter, illustrated by Rotraut Susanne Berner, and translated from the German by Anna Brailovsky
(H) Phaidon Press, publisher of Nicholas and the Gang, written by René Goscinny, illustrated by Jacques Sempé, and translated from the French by Anthea Bell
Odyssey Award (best audiobook, award to the producers) (in this case, the markings mean I've read the book, not listened to the audio)
Jazz by William Dean Myers and Christopher Myers, Live Oak Media*
(H) Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy by R.A. Meyer, Listen & Live Audio (Cool! I love Bloody Jack.) *
(H) Dooby Dooby Moo by Doreen Cronin, Weston Woods/Scholastic *
(H) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, Listening Library *
(H) Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy, HarperCollins Audio *
(H) Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, Listening Library
Schneider Family Book Award (best book about a disability experience)
Children's - Kami and the Yaks by Andrea Stenn Stryer, illustrated by Bert Dodson (deafness)
Middle Grade/Tween - Reaching for Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer (cerebral palsy) *
Teen - Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby (deafness)
Pura Belpré Medal(for excellence in literature celebrating the Latino culture; awarded biannully)
Authors
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Sean Qualls
(H) Frida: ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
(H) Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale, retold by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael Austin
(H) Los Gatos Black on Halloween, written by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
Illustrators
Los Gatos Black on Halloween, illustrated by Yuyi Morales, written by Marisa Montes
My Name Is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez/Me llamo Gabito: la vida de Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez, illustrated by Raúl Colón, written by Monica Brown
My Colors, My World/Mis colores, mi mundo, written and illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez
May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture (a lecture about children's literature, to be presented at ALA Annual)
Walter Dean Myers
Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video
Kevin Lafferty, producer, John Davis, executive producer, and Amy Palmer Robertson and Danielle Sterling, co-producers, of Jump In: Freestyle Edition
Well, that's the list. What do you think? Who got shafted? Who was a dark horse? Who was like, "Well, duh"? Opinions in the comments!
Congrats to all the winners, and thanks to Child_Lit for the hot-off-the-webcast news, because I might wake up at 6 am to cut-and-paste for you guys, but I ain't watching and transcribing no webcast at 4:45 am. Not on a storytime day.
ETA: Printz Awards, thanks to the YAYAYAs.
ETA again: to add the Coretta Scott King Honors books and the Alex Awards.
Codes:
* - read it
# - already in my Blue Journal of Stuff I Gotta Read Before I Die.
John Newbery Medal (children's literature)
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz #
(H) Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis #
(H) The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt *
(H) Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson #
Randolph Caldecott Medal (children's picture-book illustrator)
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (WHOA!!) *
(H) Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, written by Ellen Levine
(H) First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger #
(H) The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtin by Peter SÃs *
(H) Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems *
Coretta Scott King Award
Authors
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis #
(H) November Blues by Sharon M. Draper
(H) Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali by Charles R. Smith Jr., illustrated by Bryan Collier
Illustrators
Let It Shine by Ashley Bryan *
(H) The Secret Olivia Told Me by N. Joy, illustrated by Nancy Devard
(H) Jazz On A Saturday Night by Leo and Diane Dillon
Theodore Seuss Geisel Medal (for beginning readers' books)
There Is a Bird on Your Head! by Mo Willems * (Good year for Mo Willems, no?)
(H) First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger #
(H) Hello, Bumblebee Bat, written by Darrin Lunde, illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne
(H) Jazz Baby, written by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
(H) Vulture View, written by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Margaret A. Edwards Award (for lasting contribution to YA lit)
Orson Scott Card
The Alex Awards (Adult books with YA appeal. This is awarded to 10 in all)
American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China by Matthew Polly
Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff
Essex County Volume 1: Tales from the Farm by Jeff Lemire
Genghis: Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Night Birds by Thomas Maltman
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
Michael L. Printz Award (for best YA lit)
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
(H) Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
(H) One Whole & Perfect Day by Judith Clarke
(H) Repossessed by A. M. Jenkins
(H) Your Own, Sylvia by Stephanie Hemphill
John Steptoe Award (for new talent in African-American children's lit)
Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything In It by Sundee Frazier#
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (for nonfiction)
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtin by Peter SÃs *
(H) Lightship by Brian Floca
(H) Nic Bishop Spiders by Nic Bishop
Mildred L. Batchelder Award (best translated work; award to the publisher):
VIZ Media, publisher of Brave Story, by Miyuki Miyabe, translated from the Japanese by Alexander O. Smith
(H) Milkweed Editions, publisher of The Cat: Or, How I Lost Eternity, by Jutta Richter, illustrated by Rotraut Susanne Berner, and translated from the German by Anna Brailovsky
(H) Phaidon Press, publisher of Nicholas and the Gang, written by René Goscinny, illustrated by Jacques Sempé, and translated from the French by Anthea Bell
Odyssey Award (best audiobook, award to the producers) (in this case, the markings mean I've read the book, not listened to the audio)
Jazz by William Dean Myers and Christopher Myers, Live Oak Media*
(H) Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy by R.A. Meyer, Listen & Live Audio (Cool! I love Bloody Jack.) *
(H) Dooby Dooby Moo by Doreen Cronin, Weston Woods/Scholastic *
(H) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, Listening Library *
(H) Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy, HarperCollins Audio *
(H) Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, Listening Library
Schneider Family Book Award (best book about a disability experience)
Children's - Kami and the Yaks by Andrea Stenn Stryer, illustrated by Bert Dodson (deafness)
Middle Grade/Tween - Reaching for Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer (cerebral palsy) *
Teen - Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby (deafness)
Pura Belpré Medal(for excellence in literature celebrating the Latino culture; awarded biannully)
Authors
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Sean Qualls
(H) Frida: ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
(H) Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale, retold by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael Austin
(H) Los Gatos Black on Halloween, written by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
Illustrators
Los Gatos Black on Halloween, illustrated by Yuyi Morales, written by Marisa Montes
My Name Is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez/Me llamo Gabito: la vida de Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez, illustrated by Raúl Colón, written by Monica Brown
My Colors, My World/Mis colores, mi mundo, written and illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez
May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture (a lecture about children's literature, to be presented at ALA Annual)
Walter Dean Myers
Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video
Kevin Lafferty, producer, John Davis, executive producer, and Amy Palmer Robertson and Danielle Sterling, co-producers, of Jump In: Freestyle Edition
Well, that's the list. What do you think? Who got shafted? Who was a dark horse? Who was like, "Well, duh"? Opinions in the comments!
Congrats to all the winners, and thanks to Child_Lit for the hot-off-the-webcast news, because I might wake up at 6 am to cut-and-paste for you guys, but I ain't watching and transcribing no webcast at 4:45 am. Not on a storytime day.
ETA: Printz Awards, thanks to the YAYAYAs.
ETA again: to add the Coretta Scott King Honors books and the Alex Awards.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
It's Awards Season 'Round Here!
No, I'm not talking about the Golden Globes, the Emmys, or the Oscars. Feh on those. Feh, I say.
The big awards in the kidlit world will be announced tomorrow morning by the ALA at their Midwinter Conference. I plan on setting my alarm for about 5 am in order to write these up for y'all.
Speaking of entertainment awards, can't we have red-carpet photos of our authors in June at ALA Annual? That would be fun. What the heck, it's in Anaheim anyway.
The big awards in the kidlit world will be announced tomorrow morning by the ALA at their Midwinter Conference. I plan on setting my alarm for about 5 am in order to write these up for y'all.
Speaking of entertainment awards, can't we have red-carpet photos of our authors in June at ALA Annual? That would be fun. What the heck, it's in Anaheim anyway.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Spit or Swallow?
So apparently striking TV writers are penning kidlit on the side, to keep themselves busy.
Now, upon first reading this, I shrieked, "Oh fer chrissakes!" all ready to spit fire and bile. Then I stopped and thought.
Granted, the breezy little article does take an "oh-how-cute-writing-for-the-kiddies" tone. However, is this really in the same league as Madonna thinking she can write? After all, unlike her, these folks make a living (or did, until the strike) at writing, so clearly they know what they're doing with words on a page. At least one person quoted writes TV for kids. He's a "Rugrats" writer, a show that's pretty good at capturing the secret world of kids and the glorious cluelessness of adults.
Then, on the other side, books are a different medium from TV, and other writers mentioned write for "The Simpsons" and "Malcolm in the Middle," which are good shows but definitely take a cynical, sophisticated view of the world. I've read "kids books" like that. I didn't like them. They always seemed to be winking at the audience and saying, "Those crazy kiddies! They'll believe anything!"
On the other other side (are we back at the first side?) writers are no more one-note Johnnys than any of the rest of us. Just because they write in one style or tone most of the time, it shouldn't mean they can't switch.
On the other other other side (oo . . . dizzy), kids on TV shows are so often no more than wacky miniature adults who say the darnedest things. This demonstrates a lack of understanding about kids that worries me when it comes to making that little munchkin the main character of a whole book.
So I put it to you: spit fire and bile? Or swallow it (for now) and see what kind of books are produced?
Thanks to Bookshelves of Doom for the link.
Now, upon first reading this, I shrieked, "Oh fer chrissakes!" all ready to spit fire and bile. Then I stopped and thought.
Granted, the breezy little article does take an "oh-how-cute-writing-for-the-kiddies" tone. However, is this really in the same league as Madonna thinking she can write? After all, unlike her, these folks make a living (or did, until the strike) at writing, so clearly they know what they're doing with words on a page. At least one person quoted writes TV for kids. He's a "Rugrats" writer, a show that's pretty good at capturing the secret world of kids and the glorious cluelessness of adults.
Then, on the other side, books are a different medium from TV, and other writers mentioned write for "The Simpsons" and "Malcolm in the Middle," which are good shows but definitely take a cynical, sophisticated view of the world. I've read "kids books" like that. I didn't like them. They always seemed to be winking at the audience and saying, "Those crazy kiddies! They'll believe anything!"
On the other other side (are we back at the first side?) writers are no more one-note Johnnys than any of the rest of us. Just because they write in one style or tone most of the time, it shouldn't mean they can't switch.
On the other other other side (oo . . . dizzy), kids on TV shows are so often no more than wacky miniature adults who say the darnedest things. This demonstrates a lack of understanding about kids that worries me when it comes to making that little munchkin the main character of a whole book.
So I put it to you: spit fire and bile? Or swallow it (for now) and see what kind of books are produced?
Thanks to Bookshelves of Doom for the link.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Jen Robinson at PBS!
Fellow blogger Jen Robinson got a sweet gig with PBSParents, talking about kids' books, reading, and her passion for same. Check out her intro and don't stop at the end.
There's a couple of questions in the comments from parents of reluctant and struggling readers (not necessarily the same thing) and Jen's reply is basically an article all by itself. In fact, she cross-posted it to her blog.
Congrats and keep up the good work, Jen!
There's a couple of questions in the comments from parents of reluctant and struggling readers (not necessarily the same thing) and Jen's reply is basically an article all by itself. In fact, she cross-posted it to her blog.
Congrats and keep up the good work, Jen!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Maureen Johnson and Libba Bray and Videonic Shenanigans
Check out the video below from Maureen Johnson and Libba Bray, where they talk about writing, and Libba's new A Sweet Far Thing. Mostly about writing though.
Maureen: "The book actually getting written is not pretty."
Maybe not, but it's damn funny, because after all, it is Maureen Johnson and Libba Bray. I snorted ice cream out my nose when watching the impression of adults vs. teens reacting to a book.
That wasn't pretty either.
Maureen: "The book actually getting written is not pretty."
Maybe not, but it's damn funny, because after all, it is Maureen Johnson and Libba Bray. I snorted ice cream out my nose when watching the impression of adults vs. teens reacting to a book.
That wasn't pretty either.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Interview with Sherman Alexie
And if I have to tell you who that is, you need to read more Wikipedia.
It's over at USA Today's Pop Candy.
It's over at USA Today's Pop Candy.
All the Shortlists Are Out!
Okay, people, click on through! The Cybils Shortlists are out! Here's the YA one:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie
Billie Standish Was Here - Nancy Crocker
Boy Toy - Barry Lyga
The Off Season - Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Red Glass - Laura Resau
Tips on Having a Gay (Ex) Boyfriend - Carrie Jones
The Wednesday Wars - Gary D. Schmidt
You will be happy to know that not one prompted me to go, "Euwwwwwwww, they picked that??" Congrats to the nominating committee for a great job!
The other shortlists are at the link.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie
Billie Standish Was Here - Nancy Crocker
Boy Toy - Barry Lyga
The Off Season - Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Red Glass - Laura Resau
Tips on Having a Gay (Ex) Boyfriend - Carrie Jones
The Wednesday Wars - Gary D. Schmidt
You will be happy to know that not one prompted me to go, "Euwwwwwwww, they picked that??" Congrats to the nominating committee for a great job!
The other shortlists are at the link.
Fuse #8 Weighs In
Hehehe.
Fuse #8 has posted her predictions for the winners, possible honorees, should-win-but-probably-won'ts, and dark horses for the Newbery and Caldecotts. I giggle not because I think she's laughable, but because she's so funny about it.
Sadly, I do have to agree about the in-between status of poor Hugo Cabret. It should take home awards by the wheelbarrowload, but nobody knows where to put it.
On a side note, they're that close? Ack!
Fuse #8 has posted her predictions for the winners, possible honorees, should-win-but-probably-won'ts, and dark horses for the Newbery and Caldecotts. I giggle not because I think she's laughable, but because she's so funny about it.
Sadly, I do have to agree about the in-between status of poor Hugo Cabret. It should take home awards by the wheelbarrowload, but nobody knows where to put it.
On a side note, they're that close? Ack!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Book Review: Hero by Perry Moore
Book: Hero
Author: Perry Moore
Published: 2007
Thom’s not your average teenage boy. For one thing, he’s gay. For another, he’s got a superpower (healing). For yet another, he’s trying out for the prestigious League of Superheroes, without his father’s knowledge. And finally, that same father is the most reviled ex-superhero there ever was.
None of this is making his life very easy at the moment. But then superheroes start turning up dead, and the wrong supervillain gets blamed. Before he knows it, Thom is in it up to his neck, standing up to the entire League of Superheroes. All he’s got on his side is his team--a hot-tempered pyromaniac, a precognitive octegenarian, a walking disease factory, and a disgraced sidekick. Of course, there’s always the sexy and intriguing Dark Hero. Still, the odds aren’t so good. In order for Thom to save the world, he’s got to answer a very important question: Is it all chiseled jaws and superstrength, or is heroism something that you actually do?
I heard a lot about this book, as the “gay superhero” novel. Now you have to admit, that’s one helluva hook, and Moore has a blast with it, making sly, sideways references to classic superheroes. But there’s so much more going on, from Thom’s troubled relationship with his dad and the blossoming one with tight-lipped Goran to his mother’s mysterious disappearance several years before. This is not just a gay superhero book--it’s a story of identity, secret and otherwise. Thom is a young man who has neither a mask or a nom de cape. All he can be is himself, but that’s so hard it’s going to take a superhero to pull it off.
One last note--reading the climax, I thought, “Oh, god, this would make such an amazing graphic novel!” Moore’s descriptions, always visual, ratchet it up so it’s like reading a description of a comic book. Perry Moore, are you listening?
Author: Perry Moore
Published: 2007
Thom’s not your average teenage boy. For one thing, he’s gay. For another, he’s got a superpower (healing). For yet another, he’s trying out for the prestigious League of Superheroes, without his father’s knowledge. And finally, that same father is the most reviled ex-superhero there ever was.
None of this is making his life very easy at the moment. But then superheroes start turning up dead, and the wrong supervillain gets blamed. Before he knows it, Thom is in it up to his neck, standing up to the entire League of Superheroes. All he’s got on his side is his team--a hot-tempered pyromaniac, a precognitive octegenarian, a walking disease factory, and a disgraced sidekick. Of course, there’s always the sexy and intriguing Dark Hero. Still, the odds aren’t so good. In order for Thom to save the world, he’s got to answer a very important question: Is it all chiseled jaws and superstrength, or is heroism something that you actually do?
I heard a lot about this book, as the “gay superhero” novel. Now you have to admit, that’s one helluva hook, and Moore has a blast with it, making sly, sideways references to classic superheroes. But there’s so much more going on, from Thom’s troubled relationship with his dad and the blossoming one with tight-lipped Goran to his mother’s mysterious disappearance several years before. This is not just a gay superhero book--it’s a story of identity, secret and otherwise. Thom is a young man who has neither a mask or a nom de cape. All he can be is himself, but that’s so hard it’s going to take a superhero to pull it off.
One last note--reading the climax, I thought, “Oh, god, this would make such an amazing graphic novel!” Moore’s descriptions, always visual, ratchet it up so it’s like reading a description of a comic book. Perry Moore, are you listening?
Thursday, January 03, 2008
I Thought He Already Was a Reading Ambassador
Popular Children's Author Named Reading Ambassador
Jon Scieszka was named the first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. ("Young People" again. I need my bobby sox and my McCarthyism now.) This is an effort by the Library of Congress and the Children's Book Association to bring attention to children's literature and the state of literacy these days. (These kids with their iPods and their Harry Potter and their PSPs. In my day, we stared at the wall and we liked it. *thumps cane*)
I'm not sure Scieszka needed a formal title, since he's basically been evangelizing for literacy for years with his website Guys Read and the crazyfun anthology of the same name that he edited. However, monster kudos to Scieszka, the LoC, and the CBA for calling attention to the issue, and I hope this program continues.
Thanks to Susan of Wizard's Wireless for passing it on via the Kidlitosphere Yahoogroup.
Jon Scieszka was named the first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. ("Young People" again. I need my bobby sox and my McCarthyism now.) This is an effort by the Library of Congress and the Children's Book Association to bring attention to children's literature and the state of literacy these days. (These kids with their iPods and their Harry Potter and their PSPs. In my day, we stared at the wall and we liked it. *thumps cane*)
I'm not sure Scieszka needed a formal title, since he's basically been evangelizing for literacy for years with his website Guys Read and the crazyfun anthology of the same name that he edited. However, monster kudos to Scieszka, the LoC, and the CBA for calling attention to the issue, and I hope this program continues.
Thanks to Susan of Wizard's Wireless for passing it on via the Kidlitosphere Yahoogroup.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
As If You Needed Another Resolution
January is BAFAB month! What is BAFAB? Well might you ask.
Buy a Friend a Book is a website that urges people to buy other people books, four weeks out of the year. This is a celebration I can get behind.
Since it's Cybils time here in Casa de Bibliovore, why don't you take a look at the Cybils nominees and select one of those to send to a friend?
Buy a Friend a Book is a website that urges people to buy other people books, four weeks out of the year. This is a celebration I can get behind.
Since it's Cybils time here in Casa de Bibliovore, why don't you take a look at the Cybils nominees and select one of those to send to a friend?
Reading Roundup: December 2007
It's time for another roundup! Here's what I read and liked (and in one case, loathed with the white-hot fury of a supernova) in the last month of 2007.
By the Numbers
Total Number Read: 57
Teen: 14
Tween: 8
Children: 19
Preschool: 23
Standouts
Teen: Beastly by Alex Flinn
Tween: Donuthead by Sue Stauffacher
Children: Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex
Preschool: TIE Big Smelly Bear by Britta Teckentrup / Penguin by Polly Dunbar
Because I Want To Awards
Longest Subtitle, Like, Damn: Flora Segunda, Being the Magickal Mishaps of a Girl of Spirit, Her Glass-Gazing Sidekick, Two Ominous Butlers (One Blue), a House With Eleven Thousand Rooms, and a Red Dog by Ysabeau S. Wilce
I Want My Frickin' Fifteen Minutes Back: Mars Needs Moms by Berkeley Breathed
God, I Wish I Could Have Finished This One But I Was Stupid and Read the End First: The Princetta by Anne-Laure Bondoux
Should Totally Be a Graphic Novel: Hero by Perry Moore (review forthcoming!)
Should Totally Be a Movie Except Those Twerps in Hollywood Would Screw it Up Because That's What They Do: The Extraordinary & Unusual Adventures of Horatio Lyle by Catherine Webb
Well, that's that for December. On to January!
My New Year's resolution is to post more, and write the reviews as soon as I'm done with the book and it's all fresh in my mind 'n' stuff. I also resolve to do more picture book reviews.
What's your New Year's resolution?
By the Numbers
Total Number Read: 57
Teen: 14
Tween: 8
Children: 19
Preschool: 23
Standouts
Teen: Beastly by Alex Flinn
Tween: Donuthead by Sue Stauffacher
Children: Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex
Preschool: TIE Big Smelly Bear by Britta Teckentrup / Penguin by Polly Dunbar
Because I Want To Awards
Longest Subtitle, Like, Damn: Flora Segunda, Being the Magickal Mishaps of a Girl of Spirit, Her Glass-Gazing Sidekick, Two Ominous Butlers (One Blue), a House With Eleven Thousand Rooms, and a Red Dog by Ysabeau S. Wilce
I Want My Frickin' Fifteen Minutes Back: Mars Needs Moms by Berkeley Breathed
God, I Wish I Could Have Finished This One But I Was Stupid and Read the End First: The Princetta by Anne-Laure Bondoux
Should Totally Be a Graphic Novel: Hero by Perry Moore (review forthcoming!)
Should Totally Be a Movie Except Those Twerps in Hollywood Would Screw it Up Because That's What They Do: The Extraordinary & Unusual Adventures of Horatio Lyle by Catherine Webb
Well, that's that for December. On to January!
My New Year's resolution is to post more, and write the reviews as soon as I'm done with the book and it's all fresh in my mind 'n' stuff. I also resolve to do more picture book reviews.
What's your New Year's resolution?
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