Every year, three prominent education
and library associations sponsor this young readers' contest named for
Rebecca Caudill, an Illinois author who wrote novels for young people about
the lives of settlers who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many schools
involve their students in grades 4 through 8 in this award program by having
them nominate, read, and vote for their favorite novels. The PF Library
showcases each year's nominated books at the entrance to the Youth Services
Department. These novels are a great source of good reading material for
young people but not exclusively for the young! Good authors of novels
for young readers are finally receiving wider recognition. In fact, the
Chicago Tribune has expanded their annual Heartland Prize to include
the category of authors of young adult books in their competition. Thus
far, Richard Peck and Lois Lowry have received this coveted prize. You
will not be disappointed in recommending or in reading any of these books.
Golam Kibreah, Youth Services Director, will be happy to assist you in
finding out more about the books listed below. For more information
on the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, go to: http://www.rebeccacaudill.org/award/
-- Susan McGoldrick, Friends' Newsletter Editor
2004 Rebecca Caudill Master List
Belle Teal by Ann M. Martin
Dovey Coe by Frances O'Roark
Dowell
Fair Weather by Richard Peck
Fosters War by Carolyn Reeder
Ghost Soldier by Elaine Marie-Alphin
Legend of Lady Ilena by Patricia
Malone
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz
Ryan
Flipped by Wendlin Van Draanen
Ghost in the Tokaido Inn by
Dorothy & Thomas Hoobler
Hidden Talents by David Lubar
Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah
Wiles
No Mare Dead Dogs by Gordon
Korman
Storm Warriors by Elisa Carbone
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben
Mikaelson
Wild Man Island by Will Hobbs
Zach's Lie by Roland Smith