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1982

A Visit to William Blake's Inn by Nancy Willard (Harcourt Brace, $12.80, sixth-grade level). ISBN: 015293822.	The Medalist A series of poems, based on William Blake's works, about a oddball inn. Another incomprehensible selection by the Newbery committee. I suppose you could have the kids, ah, nevermind ... Willard is not one to shy away from literary challenges; in 2004 she rewrote the narrative of Milton's Paradise Lost.
Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary (William Morrow, $12.76, fourth-grade level). ISBN: 0088004776.	Honor Book The escapades in and out of school of a rambunctious 8-year-old girl. Cleary certainly provides a realistic glimpse of family life. Ramona is a hoot. Cleary certainly has an ear for the dialogue of children. For kids, the novel contains a good lesson on how to get along with teachers. And yes, some kids need to be taught this.
Upon the Head of a Goat by Aranka Siegal (Farrar Straus & Giroux, $16, fifth-grade level). ISBN: 0374380597.	Honor Book A historical account of the trials and tribulations suffered by Hungarian Jews during World War II. This is an interesting look at the Holocaust from a spot away from the epicenter. It certainly would work well in conjunction with other Newbery books, including Number the Stars.

Copyright David Ross 2003