The 2012 Early Reader and Chapter Book Winners are...
Discovering the perfect early reader or early chapter book can be difficult. Sure there are wonderfully illustrated books, but to find one that has just the right illustrations and is engaging; yet written in a way that allows developing young readers to have success is much more challenging.
BINK & GOLLIE: TWO FOR ONE by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee; Illustrated by Tony Fucile (Candlewick, 2012)
In this follow-up to the first Bink & Gollie (September 2010), readers find our two friends at the state fair. DiCamillo & McGhee provide fans with three vignettes comprised of a blend of humor, a touch of compassion, and a sense that things will continue to move forward for the pair. Each story stands alone, yet also flows together and builds upon one another. When Bink tries her hand at Whack-a-duck, I couldn’t help but laugh. When Gollie steps on stage for the talent show, I felt her nervousness. And when the fortune-teller confirms what we know about Bink & Gollie and their friendship, I cheered. Fucile’s illustrations provide just the right level of visuals to enhance the text and provide another level of complexity to each chapter. I am so glad this book made it to the Top 5.
Mo Willem’s makes the Top 5 twice with LISTEN TO MY TRUMPET and LET’S GO FOR A DRIVE (Hyperion Books for Children, 2012)
There is a reason that Mo Willems has won four (4) Geisel Awards or Honors. Willems is a master at simplicity, humor, and a well thought out story line that just works. In both Listen to My Trumpet! And Let’s Go for a Drive!, beginning readers will revel in the friendship and the hilarity of the antics between Elephant and Piggie. When I scanned the reviews of both books on GoodReads, I noticed that everyone finds their own way of relating to Elephant and Piggie. Additionally, everyone agrees that these two friends crack them up. Do you think Willems has award number 5 on his hands with one of these?
MARTY MCGUIRE DIGS WORMS by Kate Messner; Illustrated by Brian Floca (Scholastic, 2012)
Yes, Marty McGuire made the top 5!!! Can you tell that I am a super big fan of Marty’s? Kate Messner perfectly captures the voice of a 3rd grader. Marty is likeable without being annoying. Annie, and Veronica Grace and the others from the first book are back. In Marty McGuire Digs Worms, she and her classmates have 5 weeks to create “How to Save the Earth” Projects. Marty’s project (with some help from Annie) is to start a worm-composting project. Of course there has to be some mishaps or this wouldn’t be Marty.
Here some Nerdy Book Club members tell why they love Marty:
"Characters like Marty McGuire are why fiction matters." – Colby Sharp
"Marty McGuire is one of my favorite protagonists ever. I don’t know if it is because she reminds me a bit of myself or because I wish I knew her, but either way, she is wonderful." – Kellee
"Seriously, I love anything Kate Messner writes! She has a unique talent for creating characters whose voices ring true." – Susan
Bad Kitty for President by Nick Bruel (Roaring Brook Press, 2012)
In 2012, there was Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Babymouse and…Bad Kitty all running for president. Throughout it all, Bad Kitty taught us a thing or two about presidential elections.
I can’t say it any better than our Nerdy Book Club Friend Paul W. Hankins:
“I just love these BAD KITTY books, God help me; I do. I want that cat to throw the two page hissy-fit and I look forward to it. But more than the fun is a super introduction to the primary system, how a campaign works, and the importance of making sure one is registered to vote. I love how the BAD KITTY franchise has grown to become a non-fiction kind of ladder to items our younger readers may find confusing or ones our young people may not even have looked at yet. I won’t give away the election results here. . .that just wouldn’t be right, would it?”
And now in the next category, the 2012 PICTURE BOOK NERDIES go to…
Boy + Bot. Written by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. Knopf, 2012.
Boy + Bot and Ame Dyckman (@AmeDyckman) dominated Twitter in 2012. Fine folks expressed their love for this hilarious and sweet friendship story using the hashtags #Bookaday , #Kidlit, #SharpSchu, #tlchat, #nerdybookclub, #titletalk, #Bookaday , and once a hardcore hashtagger used #AmeDyckmanDeservesAnAwardForBeingTheMostPostivePersonOnTwitterAndAnAwardForWritinganEndearingFriendshipStoryThatKidsBegtoHearAgainandAgain.
This Is Not My Hat. Written and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick Press, 2012.
This Is Not My Hat introduces young readers to one of the most honest fish in the history of children’s books. On the first page, he declares, “This hat is not mine. I just stole it.” Uh-oh! We know all too well what happened to that sticky-pawed rabbit. What’s going to happen to the little fish when the BIG FISH discovers his bowler hat is missing? Will he find the little fish hiding where the plants grow big and tall and close together? Will the crab tell which way he went?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you better run to your local independent bookshop to find out.
Extra Yarn. Written by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Jon Klassen. Brazer + Bray, 2012.
It’s funny, it’s touching, it’s weird. And there’s magic. And an archduke from distant lands. And a pickup truck wearing a sweater. But once the story starts, you don’t think about any of those seemingly incongruous things. Barnett and Klassen use everything but the kitchen sink, but it doesn’t feel gaudy – it feels classic. -Travis Jonker
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Written and illustrated by William Joyce. Atheneum Bks for Young Readers, 2012. Quite a year for Mr. Morris Lessmore! First an Academy Award, now a Nerdy Award. I cannot think of a more deserving bibliophile. Congratulations!
Each Kindness. Written by Jacqueline Woodson; illustrated by E. B. Lewis. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012.
Are you looking for a thought-provoking picture book to pair with R.J. Palacio’s Wonder? If yes, Each Kindness is the perfect book for you.
Read what six Nerdy Book Club members posted on Goodreads:
*”A beautifully-rendered story that explores the little ways we exclude people and the regret that comes when we can’t apologize.” -Donalyn
*”I had a lump in my throat towards the end of this book. You truly feel the emotion of this book as you read it and the regret that the main character feels for not having reached out in kindness and friendship.” -Alyson
*”A book that goes straight to your heart. Must-read. Gorgeous illustrations.” -Mary Lee
*”Don’t miss this one during October and Bullying Awareness Month.” -Paul
*”This is a book that will speak to a wide range of students. No easy answers, but questions to raise.” -Mary Ann
*”Read it, discuss it, and recommend it to every teacher in your building.” -Me
And now the winners of the second annual Nerdy Book Club award in the graphic novel category:
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Our our next category features Nerdy Book Club winners in the graphic novel genre.
Babymouse #16: Babymouse for President written by Jennifer Holm and illustrated by Matt Holm
websites:
Jennifer: http://www.jenniferholm.com/
◦Matt: http://www.matthewholm.net/
Follow on Twitter: @jenniholm @mattholm
In this installment, Babymouse decides to run for student council president hoping to improve school lunches. Competition for the office will be fierce. Babymouse will be running against: Santiago, Georgie, the evil Felicia Furrypaws and even her locker! But with a campaign slogan like, “Babymouse for president, a cupcake in every locker” how can she lose?
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A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel
Illustrations and adaptation by Hope Larson, written by Madeleine L’Engle
Author’s website: http://hopelarson.com/
Follow on Twitter: @hopelarson
For fans of the novel, be assured that Larson stays true to the original story, practically word for word. For those who haven’t read the original book yet, this is a fabulous graphic novel on its own. Follow Meg as she, Charles Wallace, and Calvin fight to save our universe against a dark force that is taking over.
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Cardboard
by Doug TenNapelAuthor’s website: http://tennapel.com/
Follow on Twitter: @TenNapel
The book begins with Cam’s dad searching for a birthday gift for his son. He doesn’t have much money but finds a mysterious man who offers to sell him a special cardboard box for the change in his pocket, 78 cents. The box comes with special rules that Cam’s dad promises to follows, and then, of course, forgets.
Cam and his dad create a boxer out of the cardboard and it comes to life. But a mean kid next door, Marcus, gets his hands on the cardboard and quickly loses control as more and more cardboard items come to life. This is one action packed book as Cam, his dad, Bill (the boxer made of cardboard), and Marcus try and figure out how they can once again gain control of this magical cardboard.
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Legends of Zita the Spacegirl
by Ben Hatke
Author’s website: http://www.househatke.com/
Zita is back! This time Zita is dealing with a public that is clamoring for her – she has become a hero since the ending of the first book and sometimes that attention becomes too much. When a robot comes up and looks just like her, she let’s the robot take some of the spotlight so she can have a moments peace. Things don’t go as planned and Zita and company end up on another romp across the galaxy. A fabulous graphic novel that will have you anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
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Drama
by Raina Telgemeier
Author’s website: http://goraina.com/
Follow on Twitter: @goraina
In this popular series, Raina does not disappoint her many fans who have been patiently waiting the sequel to Smile! Callie is in 7th grade and part of the backstage crew of her middle school’s theater department. The story follows the “drama” of folks trying out for the leads, crushes, relationships, dances, friendships, and more. I loved the character of Callie. She knows who she is and isn’t trying to be someone she’s not. A perfect book that shows how to stand by your friends.
With the new emphasis on non-fiction that’s come about with the Common Core State Standards. Luckily for us, some amazing non-fiction books were released in 2012, and here are five of the best, as voted by Nerdy Book Club Readers.
Here Come the Girl Scouts: The Amazing All-true Story of Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low and Her Great Adventure
Written by Shana Corey and illustrated by Hadley Hooper
Scholastic Press, 2012
http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2012/04/here-come-girl-scouts-by-shana-corey.html
The Beetle Book
Written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Houghton Mifflin Books, 2012
Steve Jenkins is an incredibly prolific writer and I’ve come to look forward to each of his new publications. The Beetle Book doesn’t disappoint. Who knew there were so many species of beetles? The text is incredibly informative, and the pictures of each different beetle just pop right off the page. Jenkins continues to write wonderfully scientific books that interest even the youngest readers.
Looking at Lincoln
Written and illustrated by Maira Kalman
Penguin Group, 2012
Looking at Lincoln is a book that has been on many different lists as a possible award winner. The story gives the reader, especially a young reader, a wonderful look at the ordinary life of Abraham Lincoln as well as some of his historic milestones.
As an additional resource, listen to Maira herself share how she created the backstory for Looking at Lincoln : http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=7234&a=1
Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team
Written by Audrey Vernick and illustrated by Steven Salerno
Clarion Books, 2012
Brothers at Bat continues the fine tradition of excellent baseball history stories. This time, the story focuses, just as the title suggests, on a baseball team made up entirely of brothers. We get to know the brothers both as a team and also individually as both world events and personal events happen to them all.
I found a great blog where the teacher shared this book with her students and then posted their responses to the story. This class is the next generation of Nerdy Book Club members!
http://www.foodiebibliophile.com/2012/05/brothers-at-bat-by-audrey-vernick.html
Helen’s Big World
Written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Matt Tavares
Hyperion Books, 2012
What is not to love when this pair teams up?!! A great biography writer with a wonderful illustrator – we hit the jackpot with this one! There are several links that really struck my fancy when poking around today. The first is when Doreen Rappaport and Matt Tavares visited Books of Wonder, an independent bookstore in NYC. The pictures of them with some of the artifacts from the book and from Helen’s life are great to see! - http://matttavaresbooks.blogspot.com/2012/10/books-of-wonder.html
Another link that really touched me was one where Matt Tavares shared some of his thinking about illustrating such a powerful story about a person who could not see or hear – http://matttavaresbooks.blogspot.com/2012/10/helens-big-world-publication-day.html
And finally, a review that nicely sums up this incredible story.
http://wakingbraincells.com/2012/10/09/review-helens-big-world-by-doreen-rappaport/
I Have a Dream
Words by Martin Luther King, Jr. and illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Schwartz and Wade Books, 2012
Though only published in October, I Have a Dream has made many “Best of…” lists already. And now, we can add a Nerdy Award as well! Kadir Nelson’s illustrations beautifully capture the moments of the day of this incredible speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. It gives me hope that a book like this will give new life to this amazing man’s legacy to an entire new generation of readers.
And because I am drawn to anything Kadir Nelson illustrates, I had to add this link to an interview with him where he talks about illustrating this book with TFK kid reporters – http://www.timeforkids.com/photos-video/video/i-have-dream-69016
Island
Written and illustrated by Jason Chin
Flash Point Books, 2012
This is an incredible book that shares an island’s life story, divided into time periods, millions of years apart. The concept of survival of the fittest when it comes to what species do in order to survive and adapt is a huge part of what makes this book such a spellbinding read.
The following blog post does an amazing job giving the reader a look inside Island, complete with several of the page layouts that are absolutely gorgeous.
http://gotstorycountdown.wordpress.com/tag/jason-chin/
What a wonderful list of nonfiction picture book Nerdy Award winners!! Congratulations to all seven Nerdies winners!
And our final category, here are the 2012 NON-FICTION FOR TEENS NERDIE WINNERS!
Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery- In this book, Sy Montgomery describes Grandin’s childhood and shows readers how it was because of, not in spite of, Grandin’s autism that she was able to empathize with the livestock she loves and discover new, more humane ways for handling livestock. The book includes blueprints from several of Grandin’s projects as well as great photography. Montgomery is one of my favorite non-fiction authors, and this book did not disappoint.
Bomb: The Race to Build – and Steal – the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
With Bomb, Sheinkin opens the door on a piece of US history often glossed over in textbooks. His fascinating explanation of the development of the first atomic bombs and the spies who were stealing the plans, would be a great addition to any US history course that covers World War II. It’s a book that takes a complex issue and breaks it down so that middle school readers can understand just what was at stake and the lasting effects in our world today.
Titanic: Voices From the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson
2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster, and there was no shortage of books on the topic. Among the best was this one by Deborah Hopkinson. Using the voices of the victims and survivors themselves, Hopkinson brings the reader right onto the ship. I felt as if I were there on that fateful April night, and I couldn’t put the book down, even though I knew how the story would end. This book is a testament to the power of primary sources.
Guy-Write: What Every Guy Writer Needs to Know by Ralph Fletcher
Ralph Fletcher hits another home run with this book targeted at, but not just for, boys. Fletcher emphasizes the power of choice in this guide to writing, encouraging young writers to write about things they are interested in or are important to them, even if the grown-ups in their lives might not agree with the topics. Like Fletcher’s other books for young writers, the voice in this book is approachable and engaging for middle grade readers.
Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: The Story of an American Friendship by Russell Freedman
Russell Freedman is another of my favorite non-fiction authors. His ability to combine photographs and other artwork with words to create a compelling story that draws the reader in is unparallelled. In his latest work, Freedman takes on the friendship between President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass. He shows how similar these two men really were and how their meetings changed the course of United States history. This one, also, has a place in US history classrooms.
And there they are--some amazing books from 2012.
What of fiction books you may ask. Because fiction books for ages 9-12 are my passion, I am currently in the midst of putting together my own list of my favorite reads for 2012. I will say that amongst the characters who have captured my heart this year are a gorilla and elephant, a facially deformed boy, and an orphan who strives to be a prince. Stay tuned!
7:53-8:00 Resources and closing 
