Dead end in Norvelt by Jack Gantos 341 pages

This is the well deserved new winner of the Newbery Award. Some past award winners have been those special books for special (adult) readers. Not this. This semi-autobiographical novel (hey, the protagonist is actually named Jack Gantos!!)and the setting is his childhood hometown. Norvelt is a historical Pennyslvania town. It was created during the Depression and its name was a salute to EleaNOR RooseVELT. The town itself is rather depressed but its inhabitants are wildly colorful. Jack's plans for a fun summer are cut short by his shooting accident. He is grounded for life except for frequent timeouts to help an elderly handicapped neighbor write her obituary column for the local newspaper. It is kind of like reading a Richard Peck historical novel on steroides. Jack Gantos has written many books: the raucous Rotten Ralph (Ralph is a badly behaved, but beloved pet cat) series for the picture book audience and Joey Pigza (his ADD problems are compounded by his father's schemes) for middle grade readers. Hole in my Life was his warts and all autobiography published last year. All of them are a bit dark, but uproariously funny. Kudos to this year's Newbery committee for making the right choice.

Ruby Lu, Star of the Show by Lenore Look 136 pages

This is Ruby's third outing and she is as charming as before. She and her family survive some tough challenges. Dad loses his job and Mom gets a job. (This is just a little reminiscent of Ramona Quimby's family and Ramona's reactions to Mom stepping out of the house and embracing the work world). Her attempt to raise money for the family shows guts but, shocks her friends' parents. Her new found dog seems to have amazing skills and what subsequently happens to Elvis is skillfully handled. I especially enjoyed the sense of neighborhood. Not all the neighbors are wonderful; but her Dad shows empathy when he gives an unexpected windfall to more deserving neighbors. Many parents will appreciate this alternative to Junie B. Jones.