Over the last couple weeks, I read the first three of my Newbery Challenge books (as well as several non-challenge books). The first of these was The Tale of Despereaux...
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo is the story of a mouse with remarkably big ears named Despereaux. Despereaux does something that sends him deep into the dungeons of his home castle: he lets a human touch him! It's true that Despereaux has fallen in love with the human princess and he will do anything for her. So when she disappears, what will Despereaux do?
This was a heartwarming story that would be a wonderful book for families to read together. Despereaux is an unlikely, but courageous hero. This book will be sure to leave you with a smile on your face.
I give this book 8.5 out of 10 stars.
The next book from this challenge that I read was Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes...
Jerry Pye has always wanted a dog, so when he saves up enough for Ginger Pye, he is so excited. Ginger knows all sorts of tricks and he can track Jerry down wherever he is. Ginger is soon the talk of the town. Ginger lives a pretty good life...until he is stolen!
Ginger Pye is a funny, yet sad animal story with another unlikely hero. I thought this book was very enjoyable and I want to read the other books by this author as well.
I give this book 8.5 out of 10 stars.
The next book in the challenge I read was Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech...
Salamanca Tree Hiddle is excited when she gets a chance to see her mom again. Sal hasn't seen her since she moved away. On the trip, Sal's grandparents are entertained by Sal's story about her friend Phoebe, Phoebe's disappearing mother, and a lunatic. Although they enjoy their trip, nothing can prepare Sal for the tragedy that awaits them at the end of their journey.
This story was actually two separate stories interconnected: Pheobe's which is funny, and Sal's which is tragic. This is a good family story and one that adults and kids would enjoy.
I give this book 9 out of 10 stars, my favorite of the Newbery Challenge books so far.
Other books read in the last couple weeks include:
*Warriors: The Sight by Erin Hunter (my favorite series) -10 stars-
*The Horse Charmers by Terri Farley -8 stars-
*Letters from Wolfie by Patti Sherlock -7 stars-
*The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein -9 stars-
*Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin -9 stars-
*MayBird: Among the Stars by Jodi Lynn Anderson -9 stars-
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5 comments:
At an earlier point in my life I once fantasized about reading every Newbery winner just for fun. I wonder how hard it would be to find copies of the early ones. My next book to read will be Shiva's Fire, thanks to you. I'm really looking forward to it. I've also been invited to a Hindu dance performance that one of my son's friends is performing in. The only problem is that it's the same night as the Barnes & Noble Harry Potter party that ends at midnight with copies of the book. My sons will then stay up all night reading it, and there will be a copy ready for me to start first thing in the morning.
Jeanne--
It sounds fun to read every Newbery winner! I can't wait for the next Harry Potter book, too!
--Annie
Jean-
Sorry I spelled your name wrong! Oops!
--Annie
My boss spells my name wrong all the time, so I'm used to it. His wife is "Jeanne," and I'm "Jean," though the two are pronounced exactly the same. Another one of those things that makes me glad I learned English as my first language.
I have "Tale" listed on my Newbery challenge. I'm looking forward to it. I loved "Walk Two Moons". It wasn't at all what I expected but a great read.
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