Our new hot picks for March include the 2007 winner of the Newbery prize for grades 5 and up, “The Higher Power of Lucky,” by Susan Patron. How will Lucky, whose mom is deceased and father unknown, come to win the heart of her French Guardian? A different approach to the “lost child” theme, with Lucky living within the limits of the low income desert.
Told in part through the uncanny point of view of a German shepherd, Cracker! is an action-packed glimpse into the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a dog and her handler. Grades 5 and up.
The photos are amazing: a windup fish, with intricate gears and screwed-on panels, appears in a school with its living counterparts; a fully inflated puffer, outfitted as a hot-air balloon, sails above the water; miniature green aliens keep company with sea horses; and more. For ages 3 through 9. Winner : 2007 Caldecott Award.
Hautman takes a look at how sterile and monotonous our society could become, if things slip too far. He does this while simultaneously giving us a fast-moving plot with teen-friendly trappings (hand-held computers, artificial intelligence, pizza, football, and teen male protagonist). All in all, a masterful accomplishment from this National Book Award winning author (for “Godless,” which is one of Mrs. McNulty’s all-time favorites for teens). Ages 12 and up.
All suggestions by Karen McNulty, Children’s Librarian
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