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1971

Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byers ($12.79, Viking, fifth-grade level). ISBN: 0670681930.	The Medalist A 14-year-old girl going through puberty learns what is important in life when her mentally challenged brother gets lost in the woods for two days. There is an "Ugly Duckling" theme running through the novel because the protagonist has an older, prettier sister. Byers also gives the reader insight into a broken family beset by the death of a beloved mother.
Kneeknock Rise by Natalie Babbitt ($12.30, Econo-Clad, fourth-grade level). ISBN: 0613033523.	Honor Book A boy visits his relatives in a crazy village and then climbs to the top of a sacred hill and debunks the myth of the monster living there. Easy to read fairy tale about man's need to believe in something, anything, and his unlimited ability to delude himself when facing evidence that contradicts that belief. Teachers could use this novel to debunk stereotypes, local legends, folk beliefs, etc.
Enchantress from the Stars by Sylvia Louise Engdahl ($15.16, Walker & Co., sixth-grade level). ISBN: 0802787649.	Honor Book Super-advanced humans work on a primitive planet of humans to further their advancement. This is the most poorly written of all the Newbery books I've read. Don't bother.
Sing Down the Moon by Scott Odell ($13.60, Houghton-Mifflin, fifth-grade level). ISBN: 0395109191.	Honor Book A Navajo girl is captured by Spanish slavers but never loses hope and fights her way back to her home in Canyon de Chelly. This is the usual, finely crafted, finely researched work by Odell. Teachers and students will find much information about the Spanish Conquest and its effect on Native Americans. If you're looking for a modern connection, try Indio by Sherry Garland.

Copyright David Ross 2003