Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Dead End in Norvelt is the 2012 Newbery Medal Winner.

I liked the book--in fact I liked it a lot. It is the story of one summer in Jack's life (1962). There are fun characters, and the story is well crafted. There is one page with some potty humor that I thought was unnecessary, but it wasn't really offensive, just not realistic.

If you are looking for a book for a boy--this is a great one, although I think girls would like it just as much.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

A lovely book, well deserving of the Newbery Medal (winner for 2013).

Ivan is a gorilla housed in a cage in a shopping mall. A few other animals are caged there also. It is their story, and how Ivan saves the day.

You'll appreciate a good zoo after you read this book. Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is known for its excellent habitat for their animals. I was glad I knew about it while I was reading this book.

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

 I read this again, this time for my book group. It is a sequel to A Long Way from Chicago. It is just as wonderful as A Long Way from Chicago.

It may be juvenile fiction, but it is delightfully entertaining for adults. It is well deserving of the Newbery Medal.








Newbery Medal Winner, 2001