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1977

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor (Phyllis Fogelman, $14.39, sixth-grade level). ISBN: 0803726473	The Medalist  A close knit Black family tries to maintains its health and safety while facing segregation, racism, and poverty in the 1930s South. The bigotry is especially telling since we see it through the eyes of a 9-year-old girl, who wasn't raised to hate or even fear whites. She and her siblings learn the grim facts of life and the importance of holding on to land and family. This is a powerful, rich book that would work in many grade levels and in many curricular areas.
Abel's Island by William Steig (Unknown, $12, fourth-grade level). ISBN: 0374300100	Honor Book A frivolous mouse is stranded on an island and learns the beauty of nature during his long struggle to survive. Wonderfully told story that has multiple levels of meaning for kids and adults to explore. Young readers will enjoy the novel as a fantasy adventure. Adults will enjoy it for its commentary on society. It wouldn't be a stretch to pair this book with Gulliver's Travels or 1984.
A String in the Harp by Nancy Bond (Simon & Schuster, $15.20, sixth-grade level). ISBN: 068950036X	Honor Book A professor and his kids move to a small town in Wales after the mother dies. The boy becomes involved in a mysterious link to an ancient bard from Welsh history. This novel is very difficult to get involved in for the first 50 pages but it's well worth the effort. Far more than you'll find in most fantasy books, Bond focuses heavily on human relationships. I would have little difficulty teaming this novel with books from Susan Cooper's fantasy series, including The Grey King or The Dark is Rising.

Copyright David Ross 2003