A few more chapter books that I enjoyed this year. These could also be Newbery contenders–one never knows.

A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

Published by Margaret Ferguson Books

I stand by my assertion that this funny, touching novel set in WWII Britain should only be read with a cup of tea beside a cozy fire.

Samira Surfs by Rukhsanna Guidroz, illustrated by Fahmida Azim

Published by Kokila

I knew almost nothing about Burma’s Rohingya refugees before reading this powerful novel in verse about Samira’s determination to pursue her surfing dreams.

The Lion of Mars by Jennifer Holm

Published by Random House Books for Young Readers

There’s some heavy stuff on this list, but Jennifer Holms provided us with some fun this year, imagining what it would be like to be an 11-year-old living on Mars.

Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland

Published by Balzer + Bray

There were some good ghost stories this year (see my Newbery predicitions). This one was also excellent historical fiction with a surprising murder mystery.

Treasure of the World by Tara Sullivan

Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

In keeping with the “books as mirrors and windows” school of thought, I wish that this story about a Bolivian mining village and Samira Surfs had gotten more attention and maybe some Newbery consideration (maybe they have, but I haven’t seen them on any lists).

December 29, 2021 at 04:30PM Janet Dawson