For the past several years, we’ve surveyed you about your “nominations” at various points in the fall, mirroring the process that the real committee follows.  We skipped October and are late here in November. The reason that I’ve dragged my heels here is that (a) for me, THE FAMILY ROMANOV and BROWN GIRL DREAMING remain in a class of their own and (b) many of the texts that I admire most this year are, not surprisingly, illustrated.  Nevertheless, I would love to hear what five books you would have put forth for the committee to consider, with or without a brief rationalization.  We are getting ready to unveil our shortlist next week, and–who knows–maybe your passionate and logical arguments will help us choose that last book or two.