Newbery 1995

Walk Two Moons
Author: Sharon Creech
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Plot: Sal's grandparents are taking her on a journey to see her mother who she has not seen in years.  On the way, Sal tells the story of Pheobe, another girl who no longer has a mother as well.
Verdict: Grab lots and lots of tissues.
My rating: 4 stars



Catherine, Called Birdy
Author: Karen Cushman
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: Catherine is a girl growing up in the Middle Ages.  She absolutely hates embroidering and wants to run away with her brother the monk.  She minds out that she is getting married off to "Shaggy Beard," an old disgusting man which makes her want to run away even more.
Verdict: Grab a pillow to stifle your giggles.
My rating: 5 stars



The Ear, the Eye and the Arm
Author: Nancy Farmer
Genre: Sci fi/fantasy
Plot: Set in futuristic Zimbabwe, General Mitzika's children are never allowed to go anywhere.  They want to earn their scout badges and sneak out, only to be kidnapped.  Their parents hire the Ear, the Eye and the Arm, a group of detectives with various superhuman abilities to find and rescue the children.
Verdict:  Thrill ride with scattered giggles
My rating: 4 stars

I love all three of these novels.  If I had to choose between the three of them, I would have a very hard time choosing.  Personally, my favorite is Catherine but I understand why Walk Two Moons ultimately won the medal that year as it's the most serious of the three.  Incidentally, all three of these authors have had the Newbery Honor or medal multiple times (which is probably why all three are excellent).