Steven Engelfried
73 Articles
Heavy Medal Finalist: SMALL SPACES by Catherine Arden
SMALL SPACES by Catherine Arden is the featured Heavy Medal Finalist today. In her introduction, Heavy Medal Committee member Katrina points out that "SMALL SPACES is intricately crafted. In just the first chapter, so much groundwork is laid, in ways that are completely necessary to the story..."
Newbery Home Stretch: Pre-Announcement Predictions!
The Newbery Award will be announced on January 28th. Heavy Medal Readers are invited to share their predictions of what books are most likely to earn a gold or silver Newbery seal.
Under Discussion: The Season of Styx Malone, Heavy Medal Finalist
Heavy Medal Committee member Sarah calls The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon "an excellent example of a beautiful and tender coming of age story that is funny and smart with memorable characters."
Heavy Medal Finalist – THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER by Jen Wang
Discussion of Heavy Medal Finalists continues today with THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER by Jen Wang. In her introduction to the discussion, Heavy Medal Committee Member Maura says that although the book is "a quick read, Jen Wang is able to give us a fully realized story with characters that are both complex and likable..."
Heavy Medal Finalist: The Poet X
Today's featured Heavy Medal Finalist is THE POET X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Heavy Medal Committee member Courtney introduces the book, noting that the title character "uses her poetry to find a voice for herself that is both strong and emotionally vulnerable. She opens herself up to the judgement of the world around her and is rewarded for it."
Heavy Medal Finalist: THE PARKER INHERITANCE by Varian Johnson
THE PARKER INHERITANCE by Varian Johnson is today's featured Heavy Medal Finalist. In her introduction, Heavy Medal Committee member Amanda says that "the historical elements, paired with an enticing mystery and well-drawn characters made for a rich reading experience."
Heavy Medal Finalist: LOUISIANA’S WAY HOME by Kate DiCamillo
Kate DiCamillo's LOUISIANA'S WAY HOME is today's featured Heavy Medal Finalist. Steven notes that "The distinctive style injects a great deal of humor into the book, but the funny parts are always connected to Louisiana's struggle to find hope and kindness in a world that is not always happy at all."
Heavy Medal Finalist: THE NIGHT DIARY by Veera Hiranandani
Up for discussion as today's featured Heavy Medal Finalist is THE NIGHT DIARY by Veera Hiranandani. Heavy Medal Committee member Jenn points out that "The language in this book reflects Nisha’s innocence and the maturity that is thrust upon her as her family attempts to make the journey from Pakistan to India."
Heavy Medal Finalist: "Just Like Jackie" by Lindsey Stoddard
JUST LIKE JACKIE by Lindsey Stoddard is today's featured Heavy Medal Finalist. Heavy Medal Committee member Mr. H says the book has been "at the top of my ballot. I believe it’s a tightly constructed book with a lot of heart and a great voice..."