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1979

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (EP Dutton, $12.79, fifth-grade level). ISBN: 0525423206

The Medalist A murder mystery story about a group of people who try to solve the mystery in order to be named the heir to a multimillionaire. Well, not much of a story, but kids may be fascinated trying to figure out who done what. This award adds yet another layer to a mystery that befuddles me to this day: Why was this book and Raskin's other similarly decorated title, Figgs and Phantoms, chosen by the Newbery committee?

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson (Ty Cowell Co., $15.89, sixth-grade level). ISBN: 0690038380

Honor Book A girl, abandoned by her mother and raised by a series of foster parents, learns how to love and makes mild peace with her past. Powerful, painful story about an extremely angry but intelligent and manipulative girl. I can see using this book in conjunction with Dorp Dead, which is not a Newbery book, but surely is one of the most powerful works on orphaned children.

Copyright David Ross 2003