Paperboy by Vince Vawter

PaperboyAuthor: Vince VawterIllustrator: N/AGenre: Historical Fiction (Newbery)Awards: Newbery Honor (2014)Grade Level: 5-8Paperboy  is the story of a boy with a debilitating stutter forced to find ways to communicate—against a backdrop of racial bigotry in the summer of 1959 in Memphis. When the 13-year-old stutterer, who can't say his own name, takes over his best friend's newspaper route for a month, he encounters a fleet of life-spinning characters: an alcoholic housewife who attempts to seduce him, a junkman who steals from him, and a kindly Merchant Marine who seems to have all the answers to the boy's unending questions. Accompanying him on his month-long journey is his protector Mam, the family's black housekeeper, who saves the boy from being murdered.

Because of the diversity in characters, students can learn about the difference between round and flat characters. Some of the topics in this book, such as alcoholism, are better suited for older students.

By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder

By the Shores of Silver Lake

Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Genre: Historical Fiction (Newbery)
Awards: Newbery Honor
Grade Level: 3-5

This book is about the Wilder girls and their move to live on their new homestead with Pa. The decided to move West to a place where Pa would soon by building enough to form a town by the shores of the Silver Lake. The illustrator uses incredibly detailed pencil sketches to enhance the reader's imagination. This story would be useful to give students an accurate understanding of the setting and time period.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

Ramona Quimby, Age 8

Author: Beverly Cleary

Illustrator:

Genre: Realistic Fiction (Newbery)

Awards: Newbery Honor (1982)

Grade Level: 3-5th Grade

When Ramona starts 3rd grade, there is a lot going on in her life. Her father decides to go back to school, which puts her family in a financial bind. Her mom's work schedule is busy and Ramona has to go to her friend Howie's house after school. She is also struggling with bullying at school! Despite all of these struggles, Ramona still tries her best to make it through the year.

There a few black and white illustration that feature some of the main characters including Ramona, her sister Beezus, Howie, and her parents.

This book is a great addition to any classroom library because of how relatable Ramona is. She faces problems that many students today are facing. Students can discuss the development of the characters as well as compare themselves to Ramona.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux

Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Timothy B. Ering
Awards: Newbery
Genre: Modern Fantasy (Newbery)
Grade Level: 4-6 grade

When Despereaux was born, his family noticed that he was unusual. He was short and had extremely large ears. He was also born with the ability to hear special sounds and read. One day, he is drawn to the music that the king is playing and eventually finds himself falling in love with his daughter, Princess Pea. Despereaux breaks every rule of being a mouse. He reveals himself to the princess, allows her to touch him, and even speaks to her! When the mouse council finds out, they decide to send him to the rat dungeon to be executed. In the dungeon, he befriends a rat who promises to rescue him if he will tell him a story. The second section begins with a rat names Roscuro, who is fascinated with light. This is when the reader learns that a rats purpose is to make others suffer. He wanders through the castle one day when the royal family is having a party. He falls from the ceiling and lands in the queens soup! He speaks to the queen and she dies from shock. Roscuro takes the spoon back to the dungeon with him. Revenge gets the best of him and he makes it his goal to hurt the princess. The king is so distraught that he bans all soup and soup related utensils. He even declares all rats as outlaws. This section ends with the rat plotting his revenge on Princess Pea. The third part is about a girl named Mig who is left motherless at age 6. Her father sells her for cigarettes, a tablecloth, and a hen. The father was previously seen in an encounter with Roscuro. Mig has to live with an abusive man who she calls uncle. Mig dreams of becoming a princess, but ends up the mistress in the castle.

The illustrations are all black and white sketches, which help set the dark tone of the story. They are infrequent, but provide readers with an idea of what the characters look like.

This story is better for older students, as it addresses many complex situations such as abandonment, death, and even abuse. Despite the mature elements, I love the writer uses the characters to tie all three stories together. Students can discuss and learn how to address bullying through Despereaux.