06 Mar 2011 No Comments
2011 Newbery Winner “Moon Over Manifest” by Clare Vanderpool
Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool, a somewhat unknown little piece of historical fiction for 10 – 14 yr. olds, surprised many a librarian this past January when it won the American Library Association’s Newbery Medal award for the most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature. The prestigious award has been given by book-loving librarian’s since 1922.
Still on the school library waiting list, I haven’t read it. (insert frowny face) But I’ve had several of you loyal readers ask about it so let’s take a peek at what others are saying about what promises to be this latest Newbery gem.
The School Library Journal said “history and fiction marry beautifully in this lively debut novel.
“It’s as if readers jump off the train in Manifest, KS, in 1936 with Abilene Tucker, 12, the feisty, likable, and perceptive narrator. She is there to live with Pastor Shady Howard, her father’s friend, while her father works on the railroad back in Iowa.
“An equally important story set during World War I is artfully intertwined. Since her mother went off on her own 10 years earlier, Abilene and Gideon have been alone. Though their life together is unsettled, their bond is strong. Shady’s place is shabby, but he is welcoming.
“The mystery about Manifest and Gideon unfolds after Abilene finds a box filled with intriguing keepsakes including a letter dated 1917 to someone named Jinx from Ned Gillen that has a warning, THE RATTLER is watching. This starts Abilene, with the help of new friends Ruthanne and Lettie, on a search to learn the identity of the pair. The story cleverly shifts back and forth between the two eras.
“Abilene also becomes connected to Miss Sadie, a “diviner” who slowly leads her through the story of Ned and Jinx. Though the girl is lonely, she adjusts to her new life, feeling sure that her father will come for her at summer’s end. The Ku Klux Klan and its campaign against the many immigrants working in the coal mines and the deplorable conditions and exploitation of these men provide important background. This thoroughly enjoyable, unique page-turner is a definite winner.”
Booklist goes on to say “Vanderpool weaves humor and sorrow into a complex tale involving murders, orphans, bootlegging, and a mother in hiding. With believable dialogue, vocabulary and imagery appropriate to time and place, and well-developed characters, this rich and rewarding first novel is “like sucking on a butterscotch. Smooth and sweet.” Grades 5-8.
It sounds like just the kind of book I love, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. If someone out there has read, let us know what you think.
