Depression-era mystery picked as best kids' book
"Moon Over Manifest," a book full of mystery and history, was awarded the John Newbery Medal on Monday as the outstanding children's book of 2010.
The book, the first written by Clare Vanderpool, tells the story of 12-year-old Abilene Tucker, who finds herself separated from her father, Gideon, living with a pastor in Manifest, Kansas, in 1936. Along with two new friends, she discovers a mystery dating back to 1917, and the book combines history from World War I and the Great Depression. The book is meant for readers ages 9 to 12.
Also awarded Monday was the Randolph Caldecott Medal for the best picture book. It was given to "A Sick Day for Amos McGee," which was illustrated by Erin E. Stead and written by her husband, Philip C. Stead. It tells the story of what happens when zookeeper Amos McGee comes down with a cold and the animals from the zoo decide to visit him to make him feel better. While it's a picture book meant for younger kids, it has beautiful illustrations and a lovely (and funny) story about friendship that readers of all ages can enjoy.
also---
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/11/books/11stonewall.html
