Top Ten Newberry Books of All Time

I have always been an avid reader. I went to my public library two times a week to check out the newest kids books. Today, I am in a book club and I still go to my public library two times a week to check out books. I still read children's books from time to time because there are some great children's books. In fact, the Newberry award honors the best children's book each year. Moreover, there is a list that has every Newberry winner since 1922. I would love to discuss the entire list. However, insted, I will recommend my top ten Newberry Award winners of all time.

1. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead: This book is the current Newberry winner. The plot invovles Miranda and her best friend Sam. Miranda finds four mysterious letters that will change her life forever. The letters cause strange things to happen to Miranda, her friends, and her family. she must figure out what's wrong before its too late. I picked this book because is is about a strong girl who tries to solve a mystery. The moral of this story is that children can make a difference.

2. Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski: This book was written in 1946 and tells the story of a family in Florida who grow strawberries for a living. The main character is a girl named Birdie. she learns that growing strawberries is hard and rewarding work. In addition, she also learns that being a strawberry girl doesn't mean that she can't dream of playing the organ one day. I picked this book because I love strawberries. The moral of this story is that people can be passionate about many things. In addition, it also tells kids that they should believe in their dreams.

3. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle: This Newberry winner was written in 1963. This story centers on Meg trying to locate her dad with the help of her brother and his friend. Meg's dad is a scientist who has disappeared while working for the govenment. This book is special because I read it when I was a graduate student. This book got me interested in reading science fiction. The message of this book is that children can make a difference. In other words, children are powerful too.

4. Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary: This best book was written in 1984 and tells the story of Leigh Botts. Leigh is is 6th grade and he is having family and school problems. Therefore, when his teacher gives the class a writing assignment, Leigh writes to Boyd Henshaw, his favorite author. It turns out that both Mr. Henshaw and Leigh change their lives in ways that they couldn't imagine. I picked this book because it teaches us that kids and adults can work together to make a difference.

5. Holes by Louis Sachar: This Newberry winner was written in 1999. this is the story of Stanley Yelnats who is sentenced to dig holes at Camp Greenlake. He uncovers quite a history and a mystery while doing community service. Stanley also learns about friendship and himself. I oicked this book because I liked that the main character changed his ways throughout the story. This message of Holes is that something good can come out of a bad experience.

6. Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: This book was written in 1978. It focuses on two kids named Jess and Leslie. They have magical adventures in the make believe world of Terabithia. This book is special because it's about the power of children's imaginations. The moral of this story is that both creativity and imagination is a must. I also loved this book because my best friend is named Leslie.

7. Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck: This book was written in 2001. It is about Mary Alice who goes to live with her grandmother for a year. I picked this Newberry winner because it is about two generations of a family living together. This book is special to me because I spent much time with my grandparents and I still treasure it. The mesage of the book is that children can learn many things from their elders. It also teaches that elders can learn from children.

8. The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman: This Newberry winner was writeen in 1987 and was illustrated by Peter Sis. This story is about a bratty prince and his whipping boy, named Jemmy, have many adventures when they inadvertenly trade places after becoming involved with dangerous outlaws. I picked this book because I like books about people switching places. The moral of this books is that you should never judge a book by its cover.

9. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell: This book was written in 1961. It is about Karana, an Indian girl who lived for years alone on an island. I read this story when I was in seventh grade. I was touched by Karana's will to survive. I was also amazed at the beauty of the story. I picked this book because it is about a strong girl. In addition, I love dolphins and sea otters. The message of this book is that we can find happiness in the bleakest circumstances.

10. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan: This book was written in 1986. It tells the story of a widowed father's search for a mail-order bride. I picked this Newberry winner because it is a story about trying to rebulid a family. The moral of this story is that family can come from anywhere.

I have always been an avid reader. In fact, I read both adult and children's books. Therefore, I have picked the top ten Newberry winners of all time. I hope you will read them at some point. Source: www.barnesandnoble.com, list of Newberry winners.