Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Now that more books are published would everyone be willing to start a book of the month? I liked The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg and I liked The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (although it might be harder to get at the libraries because it was just published). Does anyone else want to suggest one they really liked for us all to read?

I liked Masterpiece by Elise Broach. Great little story.

Hi! I would recommend The Year the Swallows Came Early by: Kathryn Fitzmaurice.

Kathleen wrote: "I liked Masterpiece by Elise Broach. Great little story."

Thanks for the suggestion. Masterpiece has gotten a lot of good reviews. I just added it to my to-read list. Although it looks like it was published in 2008 and I was hoping we could stick to books that will be up for the Newbery in 2010. I’m looking forward to reading it though, when I’m done I will let you know what I think. Have you read anything super terrific that was published this year?

I didn't realize it had been published in 2008. So far I haven't seen anything on my "wow, can't wait to read it" list. I'll have more this summer.

Kathleen wrote: "I didn't realize it had been published in 2008. So far I haven't seen anything on my "wow, can't wait to read it" list. I'll have more this summer. "

Great! Yeah it's a little harder at the beginning of the year. One of the reasons I wanted to wait until June, at the earliest, to start a book of the month. When you get a wow book be sure to let us know.

Well let's start with Katie's book and see how we like it.

So for June lets read

The Year the Swallows Came Early by Kathryn Fitzmaurice

If anyone has suggestions for July, let me know and we can read 'em.

I am so excited to read When You Reach Me I have heard so much about it! I envy everyone that got early copies. Thank you for your comments and welcome!

I am reading Charles and Emma The Darwins' Leap of Faithnow and I'm loving it. It might be more in the Printz category than in the Newbery. I can't imagine elementary school kids reading it. Anyone have any thoughts about this one?

Bookwink wrote: "I am reading Charles and Emma The Darwins' Leap of Faithnow and I'm loving it. It might be more in the Printz category than in the Newbery. I can't imagine elementary school kids re..."

I have it but I haven't started it yet. I will let you know what I think.

Has anyone read SLOB by Ellen Potter? I just finished and was wondering what others thought. I am on my way to the library to pick up Charles and Emma now.

Melsmith wrote: "Has anyone read SLOB by Ellen Potter? I just finished and was wondering what others thought. I am on my way to the library to pick up Charles and Emma now."

You mentioned Umbrella Summer and Slob so I am going to try and get them at the library the next time I go. I will let you know what I think of them. I sure do envy all you librarians sometimes.

I'm particularly interested in Umbrella summer, I have heard of slob but only in passing.

Kristen wrote: "Melsmith wrote: "Has anyone read SLOB by Ellen Potter? I just finished and was wondering what others thought. I am on my way to the library to pick up Charles and Emma now."

You mentioned [book..."

I'll add both to the bookshelf. Please, everyone, feel free to add books to the bookshelf. My only request is that they be books up for the Newbery in 2010. I'm always excited to see the bookshelf grow.

I just read All the Broken Pieces; Peace, Locomotion; and Anything but Typical. I highly recommend them and could see any of these on a potential Newbery list. They are all self-realization stories with interesting, unusual and very likable main characters. All important, accessible and valuable to 4th-6th graders, and all well-written.

I just read Escape Under the Forever Sky by Eve Yohalem. This is an excellent blend of adventure, coming of age, African life, and an insightful look at what makes us different and how we are all the same. I loved this book.