Archer's Quest
by Linda Sue Park

Club members continue to discuss this book and many consider this book their favorite of the year. Most children enjoyed the combination of fantasy, legend and contemporary fiction, although some thought that there was not enough explanation about how Chu-mong, legendary hero from Ancient Korea, could have suddenly appeared in Kevin Kim’s bedroom. All agreed that this fast-paced, action packed story should be on our Mock Newbery election ballot.



Clementine
by Sara Pennypacker

Most everyone enjoyed reading this funny, transitional reader. They liked the fresh, quirky, first person voice of Clementine. Be sure to read all the reviews submitted by club members on our middle reader page.

Crispin: at the Edge of the World
by Avi

The general consensus of the group was that this book was confusing if you had not read Crispin the Cross of Lead. They thought the terminology difficult to follow without a better understanding of the time. Many were not interested in finishing this book and decided it should not be on our Mock Newbery Election



Escape! : the Story of the Great Houdini
by Sid Fleischman.

Eleven club members discussed this book in great detail, reading aloud passages, metaphors, and turns of phrase. Some said that they thought Sid Fleischman’s background in fiction writing got in the way of this biography and they thought the narrative asides made the reading “choppy.” Some thought the pictures and captions interrupted the pace. Most enjoyed the flowery language, rich vocabulary and lively storytelling. All thought it should be on our Mock Newbery Election ballot. 

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate Dicamillo

Newbery Club members were enthusiastic in their support of this adventure story. Children spoke about the characters that the proud rabbit Edward met on his journey and the ways they influenced him. They thought the drama of plot was interesting, and they liked the old-fashioned style of the writing. Everyone present agreed this book should be on the Mock Newbery Election list and that all club members should read this book.



The Sea of Monsters
by Rick Riordan

Club members have been eagerly awaiting the release of Sea of Monsters. Twenty five holds were filled in less than three weeks as advance copies sent by Hyperion’s Marketing Department were passed around. Many club members thought this action-packed sequel to The Lightning Thief was a better novel with a tighter plot and better developed characters. Others thought the sequel did not stand alone. Be sure to read this book as it will appear on the Mock Newbery reading list.




Ugly
by Donna Jo Napoli

Newbery Club members held a lively discussion of this book at the September meeting. Children enjoyed the natural history setting of Tasmania and the characterizations of the wildlife. Most members enjoyed the blending of the Hans Christian Andersen plot with the more realistic representation of the wildlife. Some thought the portrayal of the animals was too violent, but others thought that was realistic. Read the individual reviews posted in the middle reader review section. This book will be included on the Mock Newbery ballot.

Weedflower
by Cynthia Kadahota

Club members were enthusiastic in their praise of this book and most thought the plot interesting, the themes of prejudice and friendship compelling, the characters believable and the setting described in a realistic and authentic way. At the end of the discussion all present felt that this was a book that should be considered for a Newbery Award and decided it should be on the ballot.