The Cybils Roundup

I was honored to be chosen as a second round judge for this year's Cybil's Easy Reader and Early Chapter Book categories.  "Second round" means that we get the whittled down list of nominees---the first round judges read ALL the books nominated in the categories and gave us a list of 4-5 in each as their top picks.

I was excited to work with Terry Doherty (our moderator, founder of The Reading Tub), Zoe Toft (#1 UK parent blogger at Playing By the Book), Ashley Barrineau (librarian and blogger at The YA Librarian), Stacey Loscalzo (Children's Literacy Consultant @ http://staceyloscalzo.com/) and Katie Davis (author/illustrator/podcaster @ katiedavis.com).  These gals know their stuff and really love children's books!

How it worked was:  we all read each book; then we got on google docs and email and discussed and ranked each one.  And discussed.  And discussed.  :)  Then, Terry wrote a wonderful blurb for each winner and we edited.  So, below you will find the winners and the blurb that was written about each.  

I'm happy to announce that the winner in the Easy Reader's category was I Broke My Trunk (an Elephant and Piggie book) by Mo Willems.
Piggie is surprised to see Gerald's trunk wrapped in a bandage. When she asks how it happened, Gerald starts a v-e-r-y detailed, humorous explanation. It's wonderful how much suspense can be packed into so few words, leaving readers eager to turn the page.  Willems effectively blends illustration and early-reader vocabulary in a way that allows new readers not only to decode what's happening, but to add emotion to their reading aloud. With wonderful facial expressions and expressive body language, Gerald and Piggie invite the reader into their friendship circle. Elephant and Piggie is an entry-level Easy Reader that works very well for that very first-time, read-by-yourself story, and hits kids in one of their favorite spots: their funny bone!  

And the winner in the Early Chapter book category was Have Fun, Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke.
"Readers of all ages will fall in love with Anna Hibiscus. With beautiful writing and great illustrations, Anna invites us into her world as a young girl from Africa visiting family in Canadaduring the winter.  Have Fun, Anna Hibiscus has a lot of heart and humor. The story not only makes the reader reflect on his/her world, but shows them constructive ways of handling different situations. This is not a "girl book," but a story that celebrates cultural differences and at the same time highlights how childhood cares and concerns are similar around the world. The illustrations - particularly how they are used - add to the story's effectiveness as an early chapter book, making Anna a true friend for developing readers."

I really enjoyed all the books we read, the discussions we had and the people I've met and become friends with because of this panel.  I hope that I'm able to work on it next year, too. 

In My Mailbox: Jan 22

 In My Mailbox is a weekly posting hosted by Kristi, The Story Siren.  It highlights the books (and bookish things) we got that week.

This week I got:
-Aggie Gets Lost by Lori Ries (Cybils nominee, from publisher)
-Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg (Cybils nominee, from publisher)
-Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter (via Netgalley)
-Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown (via Netgalley)
-New Girl by Paige Harbison (via Netgalley)
-Hades by George O'Connor (via Netgalley)
-Giants Beware! by Jorge Aguirre (via Netgalley)
-Slide by Jill Hathaway (via Netgalley)
-I got this GIANT box of books that our Title 3 (ELL) coordinator (and administrative assistant) ordered for my classroom from Scholastic---there must be 30 books in that box!

What was in your mailbox?

Review: A Green, Green Garden

Mercer Mayer is probably best known for his "Little Critter" series of books, but he also does wonderful wordless books that I love to use to get kids writing (but thats neither here nor there).  A Green, Green Garden is another in the Little Critter series, but this time, its an I Can Read book.

Here is the summary from Goodreads:
Little Critter and his family plant some vegetables. After lots of watering, weeding, and waiting, they enjoy a delicious meal—all from their green, green garden.

Written in a similar pattern to the other Little Critter books, A Green Green Garden is a great choice for a student wanting the next step up.  Its a procedural book, telling all the steps involved in creating a green garden (including picking rocks and getting so hot you need a drink of water), without being boring.  I like that it includes all the steps, as most planting books say something like, "First we planted.  Then we watered, then we waited."  with nothing in between.

I enjoyed the book, I thought it was cute.  Little Critter isn't my favorite character, but students enjoy his antics and attitude.

This is a Cybils nominated book by Kristen Harvey of The Bookmonsters. 

All opinions expressed in this review are mine, and not that of the committee.

Review: Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell

Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell by Cynthia Rylant is the latest addition to the ever-popular Mr. Putter and Tabby series.  Many of my students over the years have loved this series, and this book is another that they will love.

Here is the summary from Goodreads:

Dong! Dong! Dong!
The school bell is ringing. The crispy fall wind is blowing. Mr. Putter wishes he could go back to school—even for just one day. Then he has an idea: How about a visit during show-and-tell with Mrs. Teaberry, Tabby, and Zeke?
The teacher agrees, but there’s one problem. She and the students expect pet tricks. Will Tabby and Zeke be able to deliver?

What a cute book!  While the series is popular with my students, I haven't read any of them myself.  I think what I liked best about this series is that each book is a stand alone series, only the characters are reoccuring, you don't have to read all the others to understand and enjoy this one.

I loved that the book is a chapter book, but has wonderful illustrations and only (at most) 50 words a page.  Its a chapter book, but it isn't!  Its wonderful for readers of all ages---for younger students, it looks like a big bad chapter book; for older students, it doesn't look like a "baby picture book" (as I've been told by some students).

I would definitely recommend this book to my students.

This book was a Cybils nominated book in the Easy Readers category by Maria Ciccone of The Serpentine Library.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not that of the committee.

Review: Three Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems

 I must admit, I have never read any of the Elephant and Piggie books (horrible, I know!).  I enjoyed Knuffle Bunny and the Pigeon books (also by Mo Willems), and figured that the E & P books would have a similar humor and similar storytelling style.

Rather than writing three separate reviews, I figured I could group all the Cybils nominated Elephant and Piggie books (Happy Pig Day, I Broke My Trunk and Should I Share My Ice Cream) together and write one BIG review.

Happy Pig Day's summary from Goodreads:
Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In Happy Pig Day! Piggie celebrates her favorite day of the year! But will Gerald the Elephant be included in the festivities?
Using vocabulary that is perfect for beginning readers (and vetted by an early-learning specialist), Mo Willems has crafted a heartfelt story about celebrating the special occasions in life. Fans of the Geisel Award-winning duo will want to join the party!

Piggie is excited, its her favorite day of the year---a day to sing, dance, and be with her friends.  Gerald is happy for Piggie, but is sad because since he is not a pig, he thinks he cannot celebrate Happy Pig Day with her.  Happy Pig Day is a super cute book that teaches kids to include others.


I Broke My Trunk's summary from Goodreads:

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In I Broke My Trunk! Gerald tells Piggie the long, crazy story about breaking his trunk. Will Piggie end up with a long, crazy story of her own?

I really like that this story builds on itself---introducing first Hippo; then Hippo and Rhino; then Hippo, Rhino and Hippo's (BIG) sister; then finally Hippo, Rhino, Hippo's sister and a piano.  However, thats not how Gerald broke his trunk, in a cute twist, we learn how excited Gerald was to tell his friend Piggie about his exploits and trips, falls and breaks his trunk.  Of course Piggie LOVES this crazy story and rushes off to tell others, with a pretty humorous ending.


Should I Share My Ice Cream? summary from Goodreads:

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In Should I Share My Ice Cream? Gerald has a big decision to make. But will he make it in time?

Of the three books I just read, I think this one was my favorite.  Gerald is so happy to have his ice cream (and aren't we all?), but then can't decide if he wants to be nice and share his ice cream with Piggie or eat it all himself.  I KNOW this crisis of conscience is one that kids everywhere has (because I have them myself---should I share my candy with my husband?  He'll never know.  Well, he does really like this kind of candy.  But he's at work.  AH!...and now I want candy)  In the end, Gerald spends too much time deciding and all his ice cream melts.  But Piggie shows up.

I can see myself using this book as a kind of mentor text in my classroom to help teach adjectives.  Gerald goes to great lengths to describe how great his ice cream is, and uses some great synonyms and adjectives.

Overall, what a cute series of books!  I can't believe I waited this long to read them!  I know kids like them as I always see students reading them.  And, not just young beginning readers, I see older readers with these books as well.  The words are easy and somewhat repetitive and the pictures stark.  But man, Mo Willems can do a lot with so little! 

 

I Broke My Trunk was nominated by Becky of Becky's Book Blog

Should I Share My Ice Cream? was nominated by Sarah Wendorf of Page In Training

Happy Pig Day! was nominated by Danielle Smith of There's A Book

*The above opinions expressed are mine alone and not that of the Cybils judging panel.*

Review: Katie Woo Has the Flu by Fran Manushkin

Having the flu stinks.  You're hot, you're cold.  Your stomach hurts, your body aches.  All you want to do is sleep.  In her book, Katie Woo Has the Flu, author Fran Manushkin explored this and helped kids understand having the flu a little better.

Here is the summary from Goodreads:

It all starts with a sneeze! Katie Woo catches the flu. She feels yucky and has to miss a few days of school. Will she ever feel like herself again?

Poor Katie Woo has the flu.  She's achy.  She's hot, she's cold.  She's grumpy and she doesn't want to eat.  I hate to spoil the ending, but she does eventually get better and makes it back to school!

Kids get sick, but do people take the time to explain that the symptoms are normal, and that they will get better?  Unfortunately, not always.  This book does a great job explaining that its ok to feel sick, that these symptoms are normal for the flu and that it will eventually go away. 

I liked that this book was an easy reader (easy words), but was divided into chapters.  This makes the book immediately more appealing to older readers.  The illustrations were somewhat cartoonish, but cute.   

Nominated in the Easy Readers Category by Jennifer Glidden of Capstone Connect

*Opinions expressed in this review are mine, and not that of the Cybils judging panel.* 

Review: Fly Guy vs. The Flyswatter! by Tedd Arnold

"A boy had a pet fly.  He named him Fly Guy.  And the Fly Guy could say the boy's name---"BUZZ!"" pg 1.

The 10th book in the Fly Guy series, Fly Guy vs. The Flyswatter offers the same humor, short chapters, easy words and fun illustrations as the other nine Fly Guy books.

Here is the summary from Goodreads:

A hilarious new Fly Guy adventure — when Fly Guy joins Buzz's class on a trip to a flyswatter factory, it's the "best field trip ever!"
When Fly Guy goes to school with Buzz, they learn that his class is taking a field trip to a flyswatter factory! BAD NEWZZ! Fly Guy tries to hide in Buzz's pocket, but when the tour guide starts insulting flies, Buzz cannot help but stick his head out. A robotic flyswatter named the Super Swatter detects Fly Guy, and Fly Guy causes a hilarious ruckus in his efforts to escape.
At the end of this zany adventure, the flyswatter factory announces an end to its factory tours and the students use their free flyswatters as art to celebrate the "best field trip ever!"

I'm a huge fan of the Fly Guy series.  The books are cute and funny, Buzz and Fly Guy are great friends and nice to people, the words are easy AND there are chapters!  This installment teaches us to be brave and help those who might not be able to help themselves.

These books are perpetually popular in my classroom---I always have at least one checked out.  For those wondering, Fly Guy's are usually a late first grade/early second grade reading level, but I have 5th graders checking these books out.  I can't wait to get my own copy for my classroom. 

Nominated in the Easy Reader Category by Laura Wadley  

*The opinions expressed in this review are mine and not that of the judging panel.*

Review: Invisible Inkling by Emily Jenkins

Who hasn't had an invisible friend?  Oh sure, when we're about 6 (ok, maybe 12 for some of us), everyone has that "friend" that we can share with, blame our mistakes on, etc.  But for Hank (or Wolowitz as he likes to be called), his invisible friend actually exists...you just can't see him.

Here is the summary from Goodreads:
The thing about Hank's new friend Inkling is, he's invisible.
No, not imaginary. Inkling is an invisible bandapat, a creature native only to the Peruvian Woods of Mystery. (Or maybe it is the Ukrainian glaciers. Inkling hardly ever gets his stories straight.)
Now Inkling has found his way to Brooklyn and into Hank's laundry basket on his quest for squash—bandapats' favorite food. But Hank has bigger problems than helping Inkling fend off maniac doggies and search for yummy pumpkins: Bruno Gillicut is a lunch-stealing dirtbug caveperson and he's got to be stopped. And who better to help stand up to a bully than an invisible friend?

I must admit, when I first read that summary, I was like..."WHAT in the WHAT?!?!"  Bandapats?  Peruvian Woods of Mystery?  I KNOW there aren't any glaciers in the Ukraine.  But, once I actually started reading, not only did everything make sense, but I really enjoyed it.

Hank has a great personality, all boy and pure fun.  I loved that his parents were caring and involved.  Inkling is that imaginary friend that we all had---the one who we can blame all our bad ideas on; but in this situation, he actually cares for Hank and genuinely wants to help him. 

I guess what I like best about the book is it shows us that we can make mistakes (in dealing with people, or make poor decisions) and its ok!  But also that friends come in all shapes and sizes.

Amazon suggests that the reading level for Invisible Inkling be grade 2+.  While the chapters are shorter and the words somewhat easier, I would suggest that its actually for older children.  Not only is Hank older (going into 4th grade), but the ideas of an invisible friend who is actually real and how to deal with a bully might be better suited for older elementary students.  Now, use your discretion---if your child (or students) would be interested in this and can understand those ideas in a more concrete way, then by all means, let them read it.  I just think its better suited to older students.

 

*I read and reviewed this book as is was a Cybils nominee.  All opinions expressed above are mine and not that of the committee.*

This book was nominated by Katie Ahern of Secrets and Sharing Soda. 

Review: EllRay Jakes is NOT a Chicken! by Sally Warner

EllRay Jakes is NOT a Chicken! by Sally Warner was an interesting book for me to read.  The idea that EllRay, the smallest boy in his class, is bullied by his much larger classmate is one that many kids can relate to.  It is also a easy beginning chapter book.  However, I had a really hard time getting in to (into?) it and didn't really like it.

Here is the summary from Goodreads:

"Buk, buk, book," Jared whispers, but loud enough for everyone to hear. Eight-year-old EllRay Jakes is sick of getting picked on. But every time he tries to defend himself against class bully Jared Matthews, EllRay is the one who winds up in trouble. It's just not fair! Then his dad offers him a deal: If EllRay can stay out of trouble for a week, they'll go to Disneyland! So now EllRay has a lot to prove - he's not a troublemaker, and he's not a chicken.
This humorous and true-to-life story kicks off the EllRay Jakes series, which is just right for boys (and girls!) who are beginning to read chapter books.

Like I said, the idea of the book was one that many kids can relate to, getting bullied for something that is out of your control (in EllRay's case, his size), but the way that the bullying was resolved just didn't seem "real" to  me; I don't see many kids ultimately solving the problem like EllRay (and his parents) did.  It seemed like the author, while well intended, was trying to think like a child to solve the problem, but really just gave a nice, adult solution.


That being said, I can see children enjoying the book.  It will probably appeal more to children in urban or suburban settings, rather than my rural kids as they would have more connections to the book---a major part of the book is the family going to Disneyland (world?)----many of the students in my school haven't been to the next biggest town, let alone a theme park the scope and size of Disney.


The words in the book were easy to read, but when I did a quick search for the reading level, I couldn't find it.  The closest I could find was Ms. Warner's other series about EllRay's classmate Emma, and those ranged from upper 3rd grade level to mid-4th.  So, kind of easy, but not as easy as I would have hoped.


All in all, it was just an ok book.  

*This book was nominated for a Cybils Award in the early chapter books category.  All opinions contained in this review are mine and not of the committee.  This book was nominated by Deb Nance at Readerbuzz*

In My Mailbox: 2ish weeks until Thanksgiving

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi, The Story Siren, in which you post about the books (and bookish things) you were sent, given, bought, borrowed or somehow winded up with for that week.

This week, I got a couple of books from the local library:
*Should I Share My Ice Cream?
*I Broke My Trunk! (both by Mo Willems)
*Ponies by Laura Marsh
*Sea Turtles by Laura Marsh
(all those books were Cybils nominated books and I will be reading and reviewing them shortly as part of my judging responsibilities).
 *Gregor and The Code of the Claw by Suzanne Collins
*The Luxe
*Beautiful Days (both by Anna Godberson)

What was in your mailbox?

Review: Bad Kitty Meets The Baby by Nick Bruel

Poor Kitty.  He had a great life of sleeping, eating and being an "only child".  Then Puppy came and ruined everything.  To make matters worse, his people went somewhere and left him with the dreaded Uncle Murray.  And then, to add insult to injury, his people returned with a strange looking kitty (baby).

Here is the summary from Goodreads:

Kitty's owners are home with a big surprise for Kitty. But what is it? Kitty, reeling in horror, thinks it’s a . . . dog. The neighbor cats are convinced it’s a cat.  But we all know that it’s really a BABY! 
With Nick Bruel’s trademark mix of antic humor (this time involving a Kitty game show and the Kitty Olympics—which the baby wins hands down), riotous illustrations, total mayhem, and Uncle Murray Fun Facts, this may be the funniest Kitty book yet, and the one that hits closest to home.

This is the first Bad Kitty book I've ever read.  I've seen my students checking them out from the library, but had never had an opportunity to pick one up for myself.  I'm really glad I did!

I don't know if I would qualify Bad Kitty as a graphic novel, but if you consider the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books (by Jeff Kinney) a graphic novel, then yes, so is Bad Kitty.  And by that I mean, its not set up like a traditional graphic novel (almost like a comic book), but there are words and graphics (not in panels).  Its hard to explain past that (sorry)

The story itself was hilarious.  Its told by an all-seeing narrator (who in my head, had a British accent).  After Kitty suffers the injustices of having his people bring home Puppy and then leave him with Uncle Murray, they decide to bring home this thing.  His people keep saying its a baby, but all the neighborhood kitties think its a kitty.  To determine what this thing is, they decide to hold a Kitty Olympics, to hilarious results.  

I couldn't find Bad Kitty Meets the Baby's exact reading level, but other Bad Kitty books range from suggested for grades K-2, and 3-5.  I also found one that was a guided reading level I (which is late first grade).  To me, this means that if you have a first grader who is starting to take off with their reading, let them try.  It also means, to me, that if you have an older student (like 5th grade), who isn't quite as accomplished with their reading but don't want to be seen with a "little kid book", then this is perfect.  

I have no problem recommending this book to my students.  In fact, I'm sure it will be one of the more popular on my shelf.  

I featured this book in a recent Friday Night Mental Movie post.  Click here to see who I would cast in my Bad Kitty Meets the Baby movie!  

Please note:  I read this book as it was a Cybils nominated short chapter book.  This review is my opinion only, and by no means reflects the opinion of the committee/judging panel.  This book was nominated by Alyce @ At Home With Books. 

Review: Marty McGuire by Kate Messner

 

Marty McGuire is not your typical girly girl.  She likes frogs and hates pink fluffy dresses.  But, what's a tomboy to do when she's cast as the princess in the class play?  

Here is the summary from Goodreads:

Marty McGuire would rather spend recess catching frogs in the pond than playing dress-up with the other girls in third grade. So when her teacher casts Marty as the princess in the class play, Marty's absolutely, positively sure that there's been a huge mistake. But after a special lesson in the art of improvisation, Marty comes up with her OWN plan to IMPROVE the play: Why use stuffed-animal frog onstage when a live one would be so much better? In the end, Marty's one-of-a-kind performance makes for an unforgettable show. Maybe Marty CAN live happily ever after, after all!

I loved Marty's spunk and personality.  She's a spitfire, and possibly a bit of a handful, but she has a good heart.  She's the kid in your class that might drive you nuts, but you can't help but love.  She also goes through typical girl situations, such as losing a best friend to the popular girl and trying to deal with the popular girly-girl in general.  Marty does all that, and learns to combine her tomboy sensibility with that of a princess. 

The story itself was pretty easy to follow, and when I did a quick Fry Readability assessment, it came out about a 2nd grade level.  Scholastic.com book wizard has it listed at grades 3-5 (please note that these are just estimates.  If you have a first or second grader who is a reader and would enjoy this, by all means, let them read it.  And on the flip side, if you have a 5th grader who is just starting to get into chapter books, then let them read it too!) 

It didn't seem like a "baby" book.  It was a chapter book, but had some pictures.  The type was also larger than higher grades chapter books.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that its a easier read disguised as a big bad chapter book. 

I have some 4th and 5th grade girls that this story would be perfect for.  I can't wait to share this book with my class.

 

Note:  I read this book as it was on the early chapter book list for the Cybils.  This review reflects my opinions only, and not that of the committee/judging panel. 

Cybils: Its nominating time!

(in my head, I said that title like The Thing from Fantastic Four, when he says, "Its clobberin' time!"  I know, I know...)

From now until October 15th, use this form to nominate your favorite books that were published this year (or rather, from October 16th of last year to October 15th of this year).  For more eligibility requirements, click here.

The categories include:  book app, easy reader/early chapter books, fantasy and science fiction, fiction picture books, graphic novels, middle grade fiction, non-fiction picture books, non-fiction: middle grade and young adult, poetry, and young adult fiction.  

And (here's my favorite part of this post), here are the list of Easy-Readers / Early Chapter Books that have already been nominated:

Easy Readers:

Dixie (I can read book 1) by Grace Gilman
Dodsworth in Rome by Tim Egan
Fly Guy #10:  Fly Guy vs. the Flyswatter!  by Tedd Arnold
I Broke My Trunk! (an Elephant and Piggie book) by Mo Willems
Max Spaniel: Best in Show by David Catrow
Pony Scouts: Back in the Saddle (I can read 2) by Catherine Hapka
Should I Share My Ice Cream? (an Elephant and Piggie book) by Mo Willems

Early Chapter Books:

Frankie Pickle and the Mathematical Menace by Eric Wight
Invisible Inkling by Emily Jenkins
Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg
Marty McGuire by Kate Messner
Marvin Monster's Monsterific Adventures by Tabatha Jean d'Agata
No Room for Dessert by Hallie Durand
No. 1 Car Spotter by Atinuke Atinuke
Sally's Bones by MacKenzie Cadenhead
The One and Only Stuey Lewis: Stories from the Second Grade by Jane Schoenberg

So how this works (to my understanding) is:  people have until October 15th to nominate books.  A book can only be nominated once (so check to make sure before you nominate).  After October 15th, the first round judges take over (and I sit back).  The first-rounders read all the books that were nominated and make a short list of like 5-10 books they want to nominate (all this by January 1st).  Once January 1st rolls around, I shake off the cobwebs and read all the books that the first-round judges nominate by mid-February.  During that time, my fellow second round judges and I will discuss and determine which one we think is the best book of the year.  Sounds good, right?

Announcement

I have been waiting for over a week to make this announcement....so here goes.....I've been chosen to be on the Cybils (Childrens and Young adult Bloggers' Literacy Awards) 2011 Easy Reader / Early Chapter Books Panel as a Round 2 judge! 

What does this mean? 
Easy Readers / Early Chapter Books are the books that help foster the transition from "Mommy read to me" to "I can read it on my own".  The font is typically bigger, there are less words on the page, the pages are closer to the size of a big-kid book, and there are tons of pictures!  But, they aren't picture books, nor are they middle-grade chapter books.  These books also might have on the cover somewhere the words "easy reader" or "I can read". 

A round 2 judge doesn't really have much to do until January when the Round 1 judges determine the "short list" of books they would like to nominate to be the best of the year.  Round 2 judges then read all the books on the list and decide which book is the best. 

You can read more about it here

2010 Cybils

The 2010 Cybils (The Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literacy Awards) winners were announced this morning. 
Click here for a synopsis of each book (and the official list)

 Winners, elementary & middle grade

Fiction Picture Books

Interrupting Chicken
by David Ezra Stein
Candlewick



Nonfiction Picture Books
The Extraordinary Life of Mark Twain (According to Susy)
by Barbara Kerley
Scholastic






Easy Readers
We Are in a Book!
by Mo Willems
Hyperion






Short Chapter Books
Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Takes Off
by Jacqueline Jules; illustrated by Miguel Benitez
Albert Whitman & Co.






Poetry
Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Josée Masse
Penguin Young Readers




Graphic Novels
Meanwhile: Pick Any Path. 3856 Story Possibilities.
by Jason Shiga
Abrams Books





Fantasy & Science Fiction

The Shadows
The Books of Elsewhere, Vol. 1
by Jacqueline West
Dial





Middle Grade Fiction
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
By Tom Angleberger
Amulet

Winners, young adult

Non-fiction
The Secret of the Yellow Death: A True Story of Medical Sleuthing
by Suzanne Jurmain
Houghton Mifflin





Graphic Novels
Yummy; The Last Days of a Southside Shorty
by G. Neri, illustrated by Randy duBurke
Lee & Low Books






Fantasy & Science Fiction

Rot & Ruin
by Jonathan Maberry
Simon & Schuster






Young Adult Fiction
Split
by Swati Avasthi
Knopf






Well, I see I have a lot of reading to do.....