Students you must read at least four of the selected titles to be eligible to attend the voting party March 30, 2012 in the RMS Library Information Center. Don't forget to post a comment on this page for each selection you read!
The 2011-2012 Virginia Readers' Choice Selections are:
Bystander. James Preller, Feiwel & Friends, 2009.
Eric is the new kid at school, and Griffith is the school bully who welcomes Eric into his circle of friends. Initially Eric does not get involved, thankful that Griffith’s bullying is directed at someone other than himself, but he soon realizes that he must take a stand. Can he make a difference?
For more information check out James Preller's Blog
Chasing Lincoln’s Killer. James Swanson, Scholastic, Inc., 2009.
(Adapted from Swanson's Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer HarperCollins, 2006).
Originally planning to kidnap Abraham Lincoln and hold him hostage, John Wilkes Booth instead assassinated Lincoln. With his co-conspirators, John Wilkes Booth leads investigators on a twelve-day manhunt through Virginia, Maryland, and Washington before he is surrounded by authorities and killed.
For more information click here.
The Leanin’ Dog. K.A. Nuzum, HarperCollins, 2008.
11-year old Dessa Dean watched helplessly as her mother froze to death in a Colorado winter storm. Now grieving, she and her father go through the motions of living in their small, remote cabin. Remembering her mother’s death, Dessa cannot make herself go outside. One day she spots an injured, but untrusting dog wandering near the cabin. Can the pair help each other overcome their fears?
For more information check out K.A. Nuzum's webpage.
Mockingbird. Kathryn Erskine, Penguin Young Readers Group, 2010.
Ten-year old Caitlin and her father are reeling over the sudden death of Caitlin’s brother in a middle school shooting. Her guidance counselor tells her she needs closure, but “closure” does not come easily to Caitlin, who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome.
For more information check out Kathryn Erskine's blog.
Out of My Mind. Sharon Draper, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2010.
Melody is a fifth grader with cerebral palsy. She cannot move her body (except for her thumbs), or communicate in any way, but she remembers every word anyone has ever said. Finally, with the help of technology, Melody is able to communicate with her family and classmates. But are they really interested in what she knows, and what she has to say?
For more information check out Sharon Draper's site.
Pop. Gordon Korman, HarperCollins, 2009.
Marcus, the new kid in the neighborhood and hopeful championship high school team quarterback, practices football alone in the park. One day he is joined by Pop, who turns out to be Charlie Popovich, a famous retired NFL linebacker, who is both carismatic and erratic. What could explain Charlie’s odd behavior? What is his family keeping from the community, and why don’t they want Marcus to help him?
For more information check out the HarperTeen site.
The Rock and the River. Kekla Magoon, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2009.
Chicago, 1968. Thirteen–year old Sam Childs is torn between loyalty to his father, a well-known preacher who supports the non-violent teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his older brother, Stick, who supports the new Black Panther Party.
For more information check out Kekla Magoon's website.
Ways to Live Forever. Sally Nicholls, Scholastic Inc., 2011.
Eleven-year old Sam is in the last months of his life, losing his battle with leukemia. Sam, with the help of his chronically ill friend, Felix, writes a book about his experiences with leukemia including questions to answer, and interesting facts. They also create a “to do” list, making every effort to get each item done before they die.
To find out more check out Sally Nicholls'site.
When the Whistle Blows. Fran Cannon Slayton, Penguin Group (USA),
2009.
Based on the author’s family stories, When the Whistle Blows portrays the life of teenager Jimmy Cannon and his character-filled family through seven consecutive Halloweens from 1943-1949 in their small railroad town in West Virginia.
To learn more check out Fran Cannon Slayton's webpage.
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. Tom Angleberger, Abrams, Harry N.,Inc., 2010.
Dwight a weird 6th-grade kid who makes a Yoda finger puppet out of paper. The kid seems completely clueless, but Origami Yoda is totally Jedi-wise.
Some kids believe in Origami Yoda. Some think he's just a piece of paper. One kid, Tommy, decides to find out the truth...
For more information on Origami Yoda click here.
