Award Winning Youth Literature Database: New York Public Library Book for the Teenage Award

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Escape from Memory. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2005. 288 pages. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-0338-0.

Annotation: After a teenage girl named Kira is hypnotized, her mother is abducted and a woman claiming to be her Aunt Memory appears. Kira embarks on a journey to save the woman she thinks is her mother but discovers she has other unexplained memories.

Summary: At a party, 15-year-old Kira is hypnotized and reveals a forgotten secret of fleeing a foreign country with her mother and speaking a strange language. Soon after, her mother is kidnapped and a woman posing as her Aunt Memory takes Kira to the unfamiliar country of Crythe on a ruse to rescue her mom. While in Crythe, Kira realizes the importance of memory and how the memories locked inside her mind can either harm her or save her. Once she unlocks her distant memories, she is able to save her mother, best friend, and herself.

Evaluation: This suspense novel has plot twists throughout the book and keeps the reader interested. The general story is a little far-fetched but readers are able to connect with Kira’s likable but naïve character. The aspect of dreams being as important as memories is an intriguing concept to consider. Recommended for ages 12 to 17.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Suspense, Computers, Memory, Kidnapping, Dreams, Family, Survival

Awards: 2006 New York Public Library Book for the Teenage

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Just Ella. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2001. 240 pages. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-689-83128-7.

Annotation: The well-known fairy tale of Cinderella is revisited with a 15 year old Cinderella realizing that life in the castle with a handsome but uninteresting Prince Charming is not what she expected. Ella relates what really happened when she almost married the prince and what she learned about life and happiness by using her own intelligence and determination.

Summary: In Just Ella, Haddix revisits the famous fairy tale with a 15 year old Cinderella realizing that life in the castle with Prince Charming is not what she expected. In first person, Ella relates what really happened when she nearly married the good looking, but boring prince. Cleverness and fortitude, not a magic wand, clarify the stories behind Ella's ball gown, coach, and glass slippers. Ella clearly describes the changes with her new found royal status, the stifling and lackluster castle life, and her surprising imprisonment once she broke off the royal engagement. Because this is a fairy tale, she does fall in love with her palace tutor, the kindhearted and loyal Jed.

Evaluation: Ella is a strong female character that young girls will find refreshing. Once Ella realizes the difference between the fantasy and the reality of true love, her evolution into a competent, compassionate, and sensible young woman begins. The creative plot twists and witty prose make this coming of age story a delightful read. Recommended for ages 10 to 15.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Fantasy, Royalty, Romance, Identity, Fairy Tale

Awards: 2000 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2000 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 1999 American Bookseller Pick of the Lists, 2005 Popular Paperback for Young Adults, 2000 New York Public Library Book for the Teenage

Listing of National Youth Literature Awards

ALA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults Award- Given by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) through the ALA (American Library Association) to outstanding audiobooks for youth ages 12-18 that represent diverse genres and styles.
ALA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults- Given by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) through the ALA (American Library Association) to honor the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18).
ALA Best Books for Young Adults Award- Given by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) through the ALA (American Library Association) to significant adult and young adult fiction and nonfiction books for their proven or potential appeal to the personal reading tastes of the young adult.
ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Award- Given by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) through the ALA (American Library Association) to outstanding graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction books for ages 12-18.
ALA Notable Children's Books- Given by the ALSC (Association for Library Services to Children) though the ALA (American Library Association) to the best of the best in children's books.
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Award- Given by YALSA ( Young Adult Library Services Association) through the ALA (American Library Association) to outstanding books for youth ages 12-18. These youth typically will not pick up a book on their own and read for pleasure; the award is geared to the teenager who, for whatever reason, does not like to read.
Alex Award- Given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.
American Booksellers Association Award- Given to books that are unique, thought-provoking, and engaging. Now called the Indies' Choice Book Awards due to the independent booksellers that promote the books.
Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video Award- Given to an outstanding video production for children.
Boston Globe-Horn Book Award- Given for excellence in children's and young adult literature. Typically books are of high quality and display overall creative excellence.
Charlotte Zolotow Award- Given for outstanding writing in a picture book published in the United States.
Christopher Award- Given to books that affirm the highest values of the human spirit. The goal of the award is to encourage people to pursue excellence in creative arenas that have the potential to influence a mass audience positively.
Coretta Scott King Book Award- Given to outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.
Golden Kite Award- Given to authors and illustrators for excellence in the field of children's books.
Jane Addams Children's Book Award- Given to books that most effectively promote the cause of peace, social justice, and world community
John Newbery Medal Award- Given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Award- Given to an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children.
Los Angeles Times Book Prize- Given to outstanding literature. There are nine single-title categories including one for youth--young adult fiction.
Margaret A. Edwards Award- Given to an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.
Michael L. Printz Award- Given to a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.
Mildred L. Batchelder Award- Given to an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most outstanding example of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States.
National Book Award- Given to American authors to celebrate the best of American literature and to enhance the cultural value of good writing in America.
New York Public Library Stuff for the Teen Age- Given to various media including books to promote the best titles for teens. The selected titles have been teen-tested.
Oydssey Audiobook Award- Given to the producer of the best audiobook production for children and young adults.
Pura Belpre Award- Given to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.
Randolph Caldecott Medal Award- Given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal Award- Given to the most distinguished informational book published in English for its significant contribution to children's literature.
Schneider Family Book Award- Given to an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award- Given to the author and illustrator of the most distinguished contribution to beginning reader books of American children's literature.
William C. Morris YA Debut Award- Given to a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens and celebrating impressive new voices in young adult literature.

Award Winning Youth Literature Database

Labels

Blog Archive

About Me

Escape from Memory by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Listing of National Youth Literature Awards