Looking for Newbery - Anything But Typical

Today, I had originally planned on downloading either Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose or Marching for Freedom by Elizabeth Partridge to my brand-new Kindle, and then reviewing them here. Turns out Kindles have some limitations. Much to my chagrin, I couldn't find either of these picture books in the Kindle store. I was so excited to put them on my Kindle, and just read the words, since I know there is much discussion around the blogosphere that both of these books are beautifully written, and the beauty of the books doesn't rely on the illustrations or photographs. Oh well, you know what they say about the best-laid plans. I have these books on reserve at the library, so I promise I will get to them before the Newbery awards are announced. The buzz about both books make them too good to be missed!

In the meantime, let me share with you another book that I read and loved this year -- Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin. This is another book I discovered this summer and fell in love with. In my original post, I talked about how much I loved the increased awareness to non-neutotypical children this book might bring.

I currently have a group of seven students reading Anything But Typical and discussing it together in a book club. Their discussion yesterday made for fascinating listening. They had just finished the part where the main character, Jason, sees his online friend (who happens to be female) at a convention. The students understood the confidence he felt online when writing was totally different than what he would feel when someone would see him in person with his non-neurotypical behaviors. Their conversation showed great compassion for Jason's situation.

I was glad to see Anything But Typical mentioned on several mock Newbery lists. It is a wonderful book, and deserves the positive attention it seems to be getting.

Only 10 more days until the Newbery Awards are announced!!!