Summer Reading - The Underneath

My plan is to talk about books I am reading or have read recently. If my students want to comment or send me book suggestions, just e-mail me at ddavis@srvusd.net.

I am currently reading The Underneath by Kathi Appelt. The book has a melodic rhythm, like a ballad. In fact it reminds me of Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev, where each character has a definite voice. Gar Face is dark and ominous, while the kittens are light and playful. Given the blatant animal abuse in the story, the format keeps me reading. It is also an interesting juxaposition of the horrors happening to the animals within Gar Face's reach and the well crafted nature of the writing. I am curious to discover exactly where the enchantment ends the the realism begins. For example: what exactly is living in the old pottery jar tucked into the roots of the old tree struck by lighting?

This book received a Newbery honor for this year. I do try to read most of the Newbery books each year. This year's winner is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illus. by Dave McKean (HarperCollins).

The honor books for this year are:

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt, illus. by David Small (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster)

The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle (Henry Holt)

Savvy by Ingrid Law (Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group in partnership with Walden Media)

After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson (G.P. Putnam's Sons, a division of Penguin Books for Young Readers)

So far I have read the the Graveyard Book and Savvy. I will post something about those another time, as well as, reviews for some the California Young Reader Medal Nominees for 2009-2010. KEEP READING - also don't forget to join the summer reading program at the Contra Costa County Library.