Newbery Books discussion

if you think about it, this is a depressing book -- orphaned boy in a horrible foster home who decides to run away, etc. But the humor in it is golden -- I love how the author recreates this funny situations and the kid is hilarious how he explains his point of view of everything. The humor in this one is what makes it a gem, I think. Keeps you laughing and it's a good book about family ties and attachments. I like how the author can write about racism without writing about racism.

This is definitely one of my favorite Newberies and it is (like Kristine said) because of the humor. I've listened to it on cd with my kids and there were times that we had to hit pause because we were laughing so hard. We love the part where he talks about the red dye in the swimming pool and his list of lies and when he felt like the pencil had poked the back of his eye. It's been a long time since we listened to it, but we still remember and talk about it because it is so well written that it becomes kind of engrained in your brain. My kids will still break out and sing "Mama Says No" on occassion.
There are also some very touching moments that will cause you to feel a little tug on your heartstrings. It seems to be the perfect blend of humor and warmth.
I give it two thumbs up!

This is my favorite Newbery so far. It is the story of a 10 year old black boy during the depression. After his mother dies he spends 4 years in an orphanage, then escapes from a foster home where he is treated badly. He begins a search for a man in a photograph whom he believes is his father. Warm-hearted, humorous, and adventure are good words to describe this book. I especially enjoyed reading how the author used what he knew about his grandparents to create characters in the book, and advised readers to talk to the older generation now before it's too late.
Has anyone else noticed that there is now a Newbery Award Book Club Group?