Caudill entry: The Boy Who Dared

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Bartoletti, is a powerful story based on the true experiences of Helmuth Hubener, a young Mormon German growing to manhood in Nazi Germany. Helmut is 17 in October of 1942. He is in Plotzensee Prison awaiting execution for high treason and plotting against the state. Through memories told in the third person, Helmuth tells his story. He grew up with his mom, two half brothers and his grandparents. Extremely bright and bold, he begins to question the Nazi regime and Hitler after becoming a Hitler Youth. Through his eyes the reader will see how the Nazis came to power. The reader will gain understanding as to how regular citizens were lied to and bullied in order to restrict freedoms and to gain control over them. When Helmut gets his hands on a real radio he begins to hear German broadcasts from England about the war. This information is Helmut's tipping point. He must act to get the truth out. He hatches a bold and dangerous plan. Helmut's bravery and strong moral compass will carry the reader through this difficult but important journey. Don't miss the author's notes at the end about Helmut's friends, family and the memorial for him in Berlin.

Caudill entry: Trouble by Gary Schmidt

Trouble by Gary Schmidt is set in present day Massachusetts and Maine. Much darker and more serious than his previous books (Wednesday Wars and Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy), this book explores themes as varied as family, friendship, refugees, car accidents, grief, the power of love and redemption. 14 year old Henry Smith's family dates back to the 1600's. Henry's "father always said that if you build your house far enough away from Trouble, then Trouble will never find you". Henry has grown wealthy and privileged. His older brother, Franklin, is the "perfect son", accomplished scholar athlete destined for greatness. His older sister, Louisa, equally accomplished lives with Henry in the shadow of this brother. A terrible car accident, plunges the family into a turmoil that sets young Henry on a course that will change them all forever. Early in the story, Henry saves a drowning dog that he keeps. Her high spirits and zest for life will prove an important part of Henry's personal growth. Coupled with "Black Dog" as she gets named is the welcome comic relief of Henry's best friend, Sanborn. Both these characters buoy Henry and the reader along through a richly written adventure not soon forgotten.

2 Caudills for 2010 - Found and Notes from...

Found by Margaret Haddix is the first in a series (The Missing) that already has a real fan following. Non-stop action with cliff hanger endings to the chapters will keep you turning pages. An airplane carrying 36 infants mysteriously appears at an airport. Jump 13 years later and a group of teenagers begin to receive cryptic messages full of foreboding. Boy and girl main characters make this a fast-paced read for any science fiction/fantasy fan out there. If you liked Haddix' Shadow Children, you will definitely like this series.



Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick is the second post. You already know how much I like this author, so it won't come as any surprise when I tell you that this is another sure thing in the reading dept. Alex Gregory gets himself in some very deep trouble at the beginning of this story. Told as a flashback, in the first person (a Sonnenblick specialty), you will follow Alex' personal journey of soul searching community service. That community service takes the form of 100 hours spent with the very unique Solomon Lewis at the nursing home where he lives. You will not only enjoy getting to know these two people but also Alex' friend Laurie, his mom and dad and various supporting characters who all add to an amazing experience. As you might have come to expect, Sonnenblick will take you on an important ride while making you laugh, cry and turn pages.

It's Caudill 2011 time!!

Many of this year's nominees have already been reviewed here on LeBrisary. If you would like to read reviews of the following titles here are the posts you need to go to on the home page, lower left hand side.

The Hunger Games was reviewed in Feb. 2009

Chains was reviewed in May 2009 (look for 1776)

Scat was reviewed in July 2009 (look for Hoot)

Waiting for Normal was reviewed in May 2009

More of this year's nominees will be reviewed all summer so keep looking here for information. You can also go to http://www.rcyrba.org

Under the menu called 2011 Award look for Resources. It is the best list and has hyperlinks of all sorts as well as cover art to help you pick titles you will really enjoy!!

Latest 39 Clues entry is worth the wait!!

Gordon Korman is back again with installment #8 of 10 of the 39 Clues and really delivers with non-stop action. The Emperor's Code takes Amy and Dan, our entrepid brother/sister duo, to China. No sooner do they arrive that a huge argument results in their separating and then not being able to reconnect for a variety of incredible mishaps. Dan actually ends up with his rock star relative Jonah and begins to see another side of this young man. Amy, distraught and frantic, makes every effort to find her brother in several remote locations of China including the Great Wall. More clues are uncovered as the siblings end up on a collision course on Mount Everest!! Gordon Korman adds a nice touch to the general mystery by clues throughout the novel that when jotted down leave you with three very interesting sentences. Don't miss #8 - it is one of the best in the series so far (of course I am biased because I like Gordon Korman so much!)