In the wake of our announcement of the Cybils finalists a couple of days ago, a number of triumphant tweets have come to our attention. Frankly, we're tickled pink at the kind words that we've been getting from authors and illustrators. Here's just a small sampling: Mac Barnett (@macbarnett), FPB finalist, says: Oh, thank you—it was a a surprise and …
REVIEW
Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller by Joseph Lambert
Our featured reviewer of the day is Debra Touchette, a Round 1 Judge for Graphic Novels and blogger over at (Library Lass) Adventures in Reading and the group blog Guys Lit Wire. A couple of months ago she brought us a review of Cybils nominee Drama by Raina Telgemeier, and today we're posting another of Debra's reviews to kick off …
2012 Finalists: Nonfiction for Tweens & Teens
Bomb: The Race to Build–and Steal–the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin Flash Point Nominated by: Monica Edinger “In the end, this is a difficult story to sum up. The making of the atomic bomb is one of history’s most amazing examples of teamwork and genius and poise under pressure. But it’s also the story of how humans created …
REVIEW
It’s a Tiger! by David LaRochelle
Today's featured reviewer, Julie Jurgens, is a former early childhood teacher, current children's librarian, and no stranger to the Cybils. This year she's a Round 1 judge for Fiction Picture Books, but when she's not Cybil-ing, she's blogging about library services and materials for children and teens over at Hi Miss Julie! Fun Fact: She also plays music for kids …
2012 Finalists: Young Adult Fiction
Boy21 by Matthew Quick Little, Brown Nominated by: DLacks Boy21 got game. And that game is basketball, as played diligently by narrator Finley, sublimely by his girlfriend Erin, and almost supernaturally by the titular Boy21, also known as Russell Allen. Boy21 also has heart, as it explores loyalty, friendship, class and racial differences, and the way the past impinges on …
2012 Finalists: Poetry
BookSpeak! Poems About Books by Laura Purdie Salas Clarion Books Nominated by: Katie Fitzgerald In a world where e-readers are becoming more and more popular, BookSpeak pays homage to the physical book. Twenty-one poems explore the magic of books and everything about them cover to cover. These well-crafted poems include literary allusions such as a frightened dog hanging on to …
2012 Finalists: Nonfiction Picture Books
Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet Houghton Mifflin Books for Children Nominated by: Aaron Zenz With her trademark colorful collage style, Melissa Sweet brings to life the story of Tony Sarg, the man behind the world-famous balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Starting with his early career as a puppeteer, …
2012 Finalists: Middle Grade Fiction
Almost Home by Joan Bauer Viking Nominated by: Sarah Potvin Sugar’s life is not easy. She has a gambling father who comes and goes as he pleases and a mother who often crumbles under financial hardship and single motherhood. Eventually Sugar is stranded in a strange city with only her puppy, Shush, to cling to. Then Child Protective Services steps …
2012 Finalists: Graphic Novels
Elementary/Middle Grade Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller (Center for Cartoon Studies Presents) by Joseph Lambert Hyperion Nominated by: Paul W. Hankins Many middle-grade readers will be familiar with the basics of the biography of Helen Keller and her visually impaired teacher, Annie Sullivan, but Joseph Lambert’s graphic novel expands the story far beyond the facts. Anne’s story …
REVIEW
Benjamin Franklinstein Meets Thomas Deadison by Larry David Tuxbury
Our featured reviewer for the day is a Cybils veteran instantly recognizable to many in the kidlit and book blogging community: Sherry Early, who blogs at Semicolon. Besides being a Round 1 judge this year for MG Fantasy and Sci-fi, she provides via her blog an astounding array of resources on books, kidlit, homeschooling, Christianity, and much much more. Fun …