Abe Lincoln Crosses A Creek: A Tall Thin Tale (Introducing His Forgotten Frontier Friend) written by Deborah Hopkinson illustrated by John Hendrix Schwartz and Wade Books In a year abundant in releases about our 16th president, this picture book title stands out for its originality, vibrant illustrations, and interactive flair. While the setting is historical, the mood is thoroughly modern …
2008 Easy Reader Finalists
Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time written by James Howe Candlewick Press Houndsley and Catina in the Quiet Time tells of best friends that find themselves snowed in on the day of the big concert they’ve been preparing for over the last month. Catina is frantic with anxiety about the shopping and prepping they won’t be able to do, …
2008 Graphic Novels Finalists
Elementary/Middle Grade: Chiggers written and illustrated by Hope Larson Aladdin The mysteries and discoveries of adolescence are given a fresh-air, summer camp setting in this skillfully-drawn, sweetly-written graphic novel that always rings true. Into the Volcano written and illustrated by Don Wood Blue Sky Press Two brothers’ trip to Hawaii takes them into the heart of a real volcano hiding …
2008 Young Adult Fiction Finalists
Audrey, Wait! written by Robin Benway Penguin USA Audrey started it by breaking up with Evan, but when he releases a hit song about her things quickly spiral out of control in this fresh, funny novel by Robin Benway. Audrey’s distinct, snarky voice and her passion for music immediately sucked me in to the story. Lots of musical details and …
2008 Non-Fiction Picture Book Finalists
A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams written by Jen Bryant illustrated by Melissa Sweet Eerdmans Books for Young ReadersThis biography follows “Willie Williams” from his days as a smart, athletic youngster to his later years as a physician. As readers see him aging, they also see the inexplicable pull of poetry in his life and the …
REVIEW
The Mystery of the Fool and the Vanisher
Betsy Bird, a children's librarian at the New York Public Library, has been posting in-depth book reviews on her blog since way back in the old Blogspot days–lately, though, she's been representing for the Kidlitosphere over on School Library Journal as A Fuse #8 Production. As a panelist for the Graphic Novels category, she recently reviewed a title for teens …
2008 Middle Grade Fiction Finalists
Alvin Howritten by Lenore LookSchwartz and Wade Books Alvin Ho is brave (as long as he has his Personal Disaster Kit), a gentleman (in training), a good friend (but NOT to girls), and an interesting kid (who doesn’t talk in public). It’s just that he’s allergic to everything: girls, substitute teachers, airplanes, escalators … and anything else that’s even remotely …
2008 Poetry Finalists
America at War illustrated by Stephen Alcorn edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins Simon & Schuster The poems in the anthology are not about war itself, but about the emotions related to warfare. The anthology is focused on the poetry of war, and the 54 poems inside the book are separated into eight sections, beginning with poems related to the Revolutionary …
REVIEW
The Monarch’s Progress: Poems with Wings
Elaine Magliaro, a former elementary school teacher and school librarian, is one of the Cybils Poetry panelists this year. She herself writes poetry for children–as well as blogging about children's books and poetry at Wild Rose Reader. You might also know her as one of the fabulous and inspiring Blue Rose Girls. Elaine is also a regular contributor to Nonfiction …
REVIEW
You Know Where to Find Me
If you're looking for reviews of teen books and teen books only; if you're looking for news about the YA lit world, links to other kids' book sites, or guest posts from YA authors like Paula Yoo, Melissa Walker, and more–well, look no further than Teen Book Review, the blog of YA Fiction panelist Jocelyn Pearce. Earlier this year, Jocelyn …