Newbery Medal Winners: 2001-2006

In 2001, special effects really rocked the movies in films such as “Shrek” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Amazon.com became a popular place to purchase movies and such in 2002, and continues its popularity today. 2003 was a big year for literature as the “Harry Potter” series was accused of being satanic, yet defended by its fans. Also, it was estimated that approximately one-third of all books purchased in the U.S. was romance novels. Interesting, I think. In 2004, it was estimated that 95% of U.S. public libraries offered Internet access. I wonder where that number is today. … Continue reading

Newbery Medal Winners: 1991-2000

1991 brought on the start of the grunge music scene, as well as Oscars for Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster for “The Silence of the Lambs.” EuroDisney opened in Paris in 1992, bringing the fun of a Disney park to Europe. And lucky for those of us with Families.com, the first blogs were created in 1997. 1991 Medal Winner: “Maniac Magee” by Jerry Spinelli Honor Book “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” by Avi 1992 Medal Winner: “Shiloh” by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Honor Books “Nothing But The Truth: a Documentary Novel” by Avi “The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the … Continue reading

The Giver – Lois Lowry

“The Giver” is an absolutely fascinating science fiction novel written for the young adult market. I spent last night glued to it. Jonas lives in a community where everything is run and regulated by the Elders. Imagine for a moment that there is no freedom of choice – your mate, your occupation, your food is all chosen for you. You don’t have your own children – they are provided by birth mothers, and are assigned to you. You never have to feel pain – as soon as you begin to ache, you are injected with a strong drug that takes … Continue reading

Child of the Owl – Laurence Yep

Laurence Yep is another one of my favorite young adult authors. In “Child of the Owl,” he takes us to a world he knew well – Chinatown in the 1960’s. Our character is Casey, the twelve-year-old daughter of a compulsive gambler named Barney. He’s taken her all over the country, following one hot tip after another, most of the time having to live in run-down hotels and washing dishes in restaurants for their dinner. He keeps telling her that someday, he’ll hit it big and they’ll have a penthouse full of comics and games and clothes, and she pretends to … Continue reading