Newbery 1923

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle
Author: Hugh Lofting
Genre: Animal Fantasy
Plot: Dr. Dolittle is a doctor who can talk to animals and goes on an adventure to return several to their native Africa.
Verdict: Cute
My rating: 3 stars

I am assuming that 1923 and 1924 were lean years for children's books as there are no honor book in either year.

I thought that Doctor Dolittle is very cute.  However, there is a bit of racism in the book when Dr. Dolittle meets the prince in Africa.  For that reason, I would recommend screening the book before reading it with your children so you can decide if you are comfortable reading the book with them.

Newbery 2002

A Single Shard
Author: Linda Sue Park
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: Tree-ear works with a famous potter named Min.
Verdict: Excellent story
My rating: 4 stars


Everything on a Waffle
Author: Polly Horvath
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: Primrose's parents go missing during a storm and she starts living with her uncle.
Verdict: The title is better than the book but it has a happy ending
My rating: 3 stars


Carver: A Life in Poems
Author: Marilyn Nelson
Genre: Poetry
Plot: The story of George Washington Carver told in poetry
Verdict: Interesting poetical biography
My rating: 3 stars

I definitely enjoyed A Single Shard.  When I picked it up from the library, one of the people in my knitting circle (which is held at the library) told me that it was excellent and I was surprised to find that she was right.  It was the clear winner in my opinion.

I had high hopes for Everything on a Waffle but I am afraid the plot did not lure me in.  It wasn't horrible, so I gave it three stars, but I'm afraid it was a case of "judging a book by its title" and then being disappointed.