Avi. (2002). Crispin: The cross of lead. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. Crispin is a 13-year-old peasant in 14th century England, whose mother has just died. He finds himself blamed for a theft he didn't commit and is labeled a "wolf's head" allowing anyone to kill him on sight. This entertaining novel has twists and turns and a thrilling plot that will keep the upper level readers enthralled. Great for a novel study.
Curtis, C. (1999). Bud, not Buddy. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. Ten-year-old Buddy Caldwell is an orphan and runaway from foster homes and Hoovervilles of the Great Depression. He's on a quest to find his real father, who he believes is a bass player for the Dusky Devastators of the Depression. The novel addresses poverty, racism and cruelty and, therefore, is for upper level readers. Great for upper grades to study the Depression.
L'Engle, M. (1962). A wrinkle in time. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. This book literally begins with, "It was a dark and stormy night." Meg is a girl whose father disappeared over a year ago. She and her brother embark on an adventure to rescue him. They are transported to the planet Camazotz, where they must defeat the evil power IT to save the universe. Great to read when studying fantasy genre.
Lowry, L. (1989). Number the stars. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin. The story of the evacuation of Jews from Denmark is told through the eyes of 10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen. Her best friend, Ellen Rosen, is in danger, and this story highlights the untold story of the rescue of 7,000 Jews in a flotilla to Sweden in 1943. Its emotional story of courage and loyalty should not be missed by middle to upper level readers. Can be used in upper grades to study the Holocaust.
Peck, R. (2000). A year down yonder. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. It's 1937 and poor Mary Alice has to go and spend time with Granny Dowdel out in the country. That means sleeping in the attic and wearing old, worn out clothes, but still being called "the rich girl from Chicago" at school. She soon becomes Granny's sidekick in her crazy schemes as she comes to love her irascible, old granny. For upper elementary students. Just a great, fun read and can be used to study the Depression.
Sachar, L. (1998). Holes. New York, NY: Francis Foster Books. That "no good, dirty rotten, pig-stealing great-great-grandfather" of Stanley Yealnats was to blame for his rotten luck. It was his fault Stanley had to go the Camp Green Lake (no camp, no lake!). And all they do at this juvenile detention facility is dig holes and then fill them in. There's a mystery going on out there, too. This funny and strange story also tells a story of friendship and hope for the underdog. Great for a novel study.To learn more about the Newbery Medal, click here:
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm
