Peak Picks & Reviews

 The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. During the 1930s, several books received this prestigious award, each representing the diverse themes and storytelling styles of the decade. 01. 1930: Hitty, Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field  This book tells the tale of a small wooden doll named Hitty, who recounts her adventures over a century. Her travels take her from the United States to India and back, showcasing different cultures and historical events. The narrative style gives life to inanimate objects and explores themes of resilience and adaptability. go to review 02. 1931: The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth  This story, set in Japan, follows a poor artist commissioned to paint the death of Buddha. When his cat dies after being portrayed in the painting, the story inquires into themes of compassion and spirituality, reflecting ...

This is how I feel every single day of my life, like I'm falling without a parachute. Introduction  New Kid, written by Jerry Craft, is a groundbreaking graphic novel that resonates deeply with its audience, particularly young readers navigating the often turbulent waters of adolescence. Released in 2019, New Kid stands out not only for its engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations but also for the critical social themes it explores. The novel has earned widespread acclaim, including the prestigious Newbery Medal, making Craft the first African American author to receive this honor for a graphic novel. New Kid tells the story of Jordan Banks, a 12-year-old African American boy who is trying to find his place in a predominantly white private school. Through Jordan’s eyes, Craft addresses issues of race, identity, and belonging, making the novel a significant contribution to contemporary children's literature. Synopsis  New Kid follows the journey of Jordan Banks, a talented ...

I don’t know what is going to happen next year, no one does. But that’s OK. I can handle it, I decide. It’s just a harder gear, and I am ready. All I have to do is take a deep breath and ride. Introduction  "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina is a poignant and beautifully written middle-grade novel that captures the essence of growing up, family dynamics, and the challenges of adolescence. The book, which won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 2019, tells the story of Merci Suárez, a sixth-grader navigating the complexities of school life, family expectations, and the emotional turmoil that comes with growing up. Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Florida, the novel dives into universal themes of change, identity, and resilience, making it a compelling read for both young readers and adults.  Medina’s storytelling is grounded in a rich cultural context, reflecting the lives of a close-knit Cuban-American family. Through Merci’s eyes, we experience the joys and str...

If you didn’t have bad things, you wouldn’t have good things. They would all just be things. Did you ever think about that? Introduction  Erin Entrada Kelly's Hello, Universe is a middle-grade novel that weaves together the lives of four distinct yet interconnected characters in a story about friendship, bravery, and self-discovery. Winner of the 2018 Newbery Medal, this novel stands out for its diverse cast, rich themes, and the way it handles complex issues with a touch of humor and a deep understanding of the emotional lives of children. Set in a small, unnamed town, the novel is an exploration of how fate, courage, and friendship can intersect in unexpected ways. Kelly’s narrative voice, filled with warmth and empathy, speaks to both young readers and adults, making Hello, Universe a story that resonates across age groups. Synopsis  Hello, Universe is centered around four middle school children: Virgil Salinas, Valencia Somerset, Kaori Tanaka, and Chet Bullens. Each of the...

Knowledge is powerful, but it is a terrible power when it is hoarded and hidden. Introduction  In the realm of contemporary children's literature, where stories often oscillate between light-hearted fantasy and moral allegory, Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon stands as a luminous example of both. Published in 2016, this Newbery Medal-winning novel captures the hearts of readers through its intricate world-building, rich character development, and an emotionally resonant narrative that transcends age categories. Barnhill has crafted a fairy tale that is not only enchanting but also profound, weaving together themes of love, loss, power, and the often misunderstood nature of magic. This review looks into the novel’s plot, thematic depth, and its overall impact, offering a comprehensive analysis of why The Girl Who Drank the Moon deserves its place in the annals of great children's literature. Synopsis  The Girl Who Drank the Moon is set in a world divided by fear ...

Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you’re a better witness for what’s beautiful. Introduction  Last Stop on Market Street is a children's picture book that has captivated readers of all ages with its vibrant illustrations and poignant narrative. Written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson, the book has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Newbery Medal, the Caldecott Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. The story, simple yet profound, follows a young boy named CJ and his grandmother as they travel by bus through an urban landscape, culminating in a heartwarming visit to a soup kitchen. Through its vivid storytelling and stunning artwork, Last Stop on Market Street addresses complex themes of gratitude, social awareness, and the beauty in everyday life. This review will look into the book's narrative structure, thematic depth, and overall impact, providing a comprehensive analysis of why Last Stop on Market Street has bec...

A loss is inevitable, / like snow in winter. // True champions / learn / to dance / through / the storm. Introduction  "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander is a masterful blend of poetry and prose, capturing the hearts of young adult readers and beyond. Published in 2014, this novel-in-verse has been celebrated for its innovative format and deeply resonant themes, winning the prestigious Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Honor. "The Crossover" tells the story of two basketball-loving brothers, Josh and Jordan Bell, as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, family dynamics, and their dreams on the court. With its rhythmic verse, vibrant imagery, and emotionally charged narrative, the book transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling, offering readers an unforgettable experience that is both universally relatable and profoundly moving. Synopsis  "The Crossover" centers around Josh Bell, a 12-year-old basketball prodigy, and his twin brother, ...

However different they are, all superheroes come to us with a purpose, to save those in need. - from the movie 'Flora and Ulysses' (2021) Introduction  "Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures," written by Kate DiCamillo, is a remarkable blend of whimsical storytelling, profound themes, and captivating illustrations that target middle-grade readers yet speaks to audiences of all ages. This 2013 Newbery Medal-winning novel is a heartwarming exploration of life's complexities, wrapped in a story of a cynical young girl, Flora, and an unlikely superhero—a squirrel named Ulysses. The book, enriched with the illustrative art of K.G. Campbell, stands out not only for its humor and creativity but also for its ability to weave significant life lessons into an accessible narrative. DiCamillo's writing, marked by its blend of light-hearted fun and deep emotional resonance, ensures that "Flora and Ulysses" is more than just a children's book—it's ...

I have been in my domain for nine thousand eight hundred and fifty-five days. Alone. For a while, when I was young and foolish, I thought I was the last gorilla on earth. Introduction  Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan is a poignant, beautifully written middle-grade novel that deftly explores themes of friendship, freedom, and the human-animal bond. Published in 2012, the book has garnered widespread acclaim, including winning the prestigious Newbery Medal. The story is inspired by the real-life experiences of a captive gorilla named Ivan, who spent 27 years in a shopping mall cage before being relocated to a zoo. Applegate’s novel, however, transcends its factual origins to deliver a tale that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Through the voice of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has lived for years in captivity, Applegate invites readers to reflect on the complexities of animal captivity and the powerful connections that can form between beings, no matter how different t...

The reason you remind yourself of the stupid stuff you’ve done in the past is so you don’t do it again. Introduction  Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos is a remarkable middle-grade novel that masterfully intertwines historical events, dark humor, and the tumultuous journey of adolescence. The book, which won the Newbery Medal and the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 2012, is a semi-autobiographical account set in the summer of 1962 in the small town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania. Gantos' novel not only captures the essence of growing up in a dying town but also offers a poignant reflection on history, community, and the inevitability of change. Through the eyes of young Jack Gantos, readers are invited to experience the eccentricities of small-town life, the significance of historical memory, and the complexities of moral dilemmas. This review will explore the novel's plot, thematic depth, and overall impact on its intended audience. Synopsis  The story is set in th...

Memories were like sunshine. They warmed you up and left a pleasant glow, but you couldn’t hold them. Introduction  Moon Over Manifest, the debut novel by Clare Vanderpool, is a historical fiction that gracefully intertwines themes of identity, family, and the search for belonging. Published in 2010, the book earned widespread acclaim, winning the prestigious Newbery Medal in 2011. The novel is set in the fictional town of Manifest, Kansas, during the summer of 1936, but it also digs into the town's past, particularly the years of World War I. Vanderpool's writing is rich in detail, evoking a strong sense of place and time, and her storytelling is layered with mystery and warmth. At its heart, Moon Over Manifest is a tale about uncovering hidden histories, both of the town and of the characters themselves, making it a compelling read for both younger audiences and adults. Synopsis  The novel follows 12-year-old Abilene Tucker, who is sent by her father, Gideon, to the town of ...