Yet another selection in which I had a book I wanted to use, but it was bumped out by another. I thought about posting two books, because I really wanted to pick them both. Instead, I picked the more upbeat book. Maybe I’ll keep the other until next month.
This month’s pick has already gained much attention in the past year. I just read the Newbery Award book for the year. I sometimes avoid these books. They tend to be on the depressing side. I find that I normally like the Honor books better. Curiously, two of the children’s librarians in Bangor told me it seems to them that there has to be a death in the book for it to be picked. Odd, and sad if it’s true. Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me is a fairly lighthearted story, though. Yes, there’s a death, but it’s at the end and balanced by something positive.
I wouldn’t say that it would be in a must read list for me, but it is a light and enjoyable read. A good book for children who have already read extensively and are looking for something fresh. It has unexpected depth.
