Continuing our series from last Friday about children’s books seen as contenders for the ALA’s coveted Newbery medal.
The Truth As Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor. HarperCollins, 2018, 342 pages
- Pro: The author introduces some truly memorable characters, including Mason’s Grandma and Shayla, their permanent house guest who just showed up one day. The story is suffused with hope that no matter how grim the circumstances appear, anyone can make a good life if they have love.
- Con: Benny had two dads, now grieving his loss. There are 3-4 misuses of God’s name, but that’s not surprising. Mason Buttle is an example of the “thank the universe” trend in children’s literature, where hope and meaning is found in something other than a transcendent personal God.
- Overall rating: 3.5
The House that Lou Built by Mae Respicio. Wendy Lamb Books, 2018, 231 pages
- Pro: The reader (this reader, anyway) simultaneously cheers for Lou and envies her. Who wouldn’t want a nice little piece of property on the California coast? The story showcases the personal virtues of having goals and following through, while giving the value of family and community at least equal importance. The family’s Catholic faith plays a part as well.
- Con: While checking the boxes of multiculturalism and girl-power, the story also slips in a same sex relationship between Lou’s supportive shop teacher and his husband. Her plans also involve lots of sneaking around and lying to her mother, and there are a couple instances of “omg” profanity. Lou’s mother was also pregnant with her when she married Lou’s father.
- Overall rating: 3.5
Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina. Candlewick, 2018, 355 pages.
- Pro: Character development is outstanding, especially among the Merci’s family—each member with flaws and quirks, but no doubt of their love for each other. I like that Merci doesn’t feel ashamed of their lack of funds . . .
- Con: But she does complain a lot, even about chores that don’t seem so onerous, like being a “Sunshine Buddy” at school for a new student. Granted, the story is about “changing gears” and finding a new attitude, but the old attitude gets very tiresome at times. The worldview is secular, with little room for religious faith, even given the family’s Catholic heritage.
- Overall rating: 3.5
Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel Jose Older. Scholastic, 2018, 256 pages.
Magdalys Roca doesn’t remember her arrival in the US. All she knows is, she was brought here
- Pro: Alternative history takes a very imaginative turn in this series opener (Book Two, Freedom Fire, appears this May). What kid doesn’t love dinosaurs? As an action-packed historical fantasy the book is fun, but—
- Con: The serious (and true) events depicted don’t warrant a fun treatment. Something feels off about these bloody and tragic incidents as seen through the dino-mounted derring-do. Some critics have praised the way “history comes alive” in Dactyl Hill Squad, but it’s more like history takes a trip to Universal City Theme Park. There’s also some contemporary social relevance: one character rather arbitrarily identifies as the opposite gender midway through the story, making me wonder who else is going to come out or change gender in the course of the series. The wise-cracking 21st-century slang of the characters feels way off, too.
- Overall rating: 3
Other books are on the Newbery radar—check back for our series of buzz posts, where we talk about the ones we like—or don’t, so much.
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FREE Bible Guide!
Get a guide to the Best Bibles for Children and Teens. Perfect for an Easter gift.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!
Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.