Welcome!

Welcome to our site devoted completely to the 2011-2012 Eliot Rosewater Award nominees! This year's nominee list has 24 books ranging from nonfiction to mythology to mystery and fantasy. I love this year's list and think you will find multiple books to enjoy.

On the left you'll find the complete list of this year's Rosies. Simply click on a title to read a summary and my opinion of the book.

Once you read a book, tell me what you think and I'll add YOUR comments to this blog! Because the more we discuss books, the more we process what the books are trying to say. After all, reading isn't about escaping reality; it's about EXPLORING reality!

And on the right, you will find a link to see who has been taking AR quizzes and how many points they've earned so far this year. Are you on this list??!

Happy Rosie Reading!

Beastly by Alex Flinn

A modern version of the classic Beauty and the Beast...told from the point of view of the Beast!

Kyle is beautiful on the outside, but when he is overly cruel to a girl at school, he is transformed to be as ugly as he really is on the inside. He is given a deadline to find someone to love him for who he really is, NOT for how he looks or for what he owns. But with the deadline quickly approaching, Kyle must face the reality that he could remain a beast forever.

Mrs. R's opinion: "A fun, light read that brings Beauty and the Beast to modern life. A few cliche scenes that seem to pull a little too much from Disney, but definitely entertaining. Better than the movie, too!"

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

Still mourning her mother's death, Alice is not happy that her dad is re-married, that a new baby sister has joined the family, or that she has to spend a holiday away from home with them. But when Alice, her step-mom, and her half-sister become stranded together in a snowstorm, Alice must confront the fact that love allows people in and doesn't shut them out.

Mrs. R's opinion: "I love novels in verse--I'm kind of addicted to them right now--and this book is no exception. A VERY fast read that hooked me in. I sympathized with Alice's situation the whole way through. A great read!"

Fat Cat by Robin Brande

Catherine, "Cat," is an overweight American teenager who has decided to perform a science experiment on herself. In order to imitate the lifestyle of early hominines, she will eat an all-natural diet and forgo the use of technology. Although she allows the cooking of meat, she will eliminate the use of technology like transportation, phones, and computers. And she's in for a surprise at how her life will change with this experiment.

Mrs. R's opinion: "What a bold science experiment, huh? I really enjoyed reading about Cat's attempt to both ace her class project and change her image as 'Fat Cat.' The book kept me intrigued and also surprisingly motivated me to live healthier (although don't expect me to give up my shampoo!). Great minor characters, too--a fantastic read!"

Flygirl by Sherri Smith

Ida Mae Jones has loved flying ever since her father taught her to fly crop dusting planes

as a child. As the United States enters World War II, she gets her chance to fly by

joining WASP, Women's Airforce Service Pilots. However, in order to join WASP,

Ida Mae must use her light coloring to deny her African-American heritage and pass as a

white girl. Ida struggles with keeping her true identity secret from her fellow pilots as

she pursues her dream to fly.

Mrs. R's opinion: "I loved this book! An insightful look into an organization that often gets overlooked. And what a twist--a young African American girl living secretly as a white girl in order to pursue her dreams. Give this historical fiction book a chance!"

Ghosts of War: The Story of a 19-Year-Old GI by Ryan Smithson

Instead of going to college and in response to the terrorist attack on the World Trade

Center, seventeen-year-old Ryan joins the Army Reserve. When he is nineteen he is

called to serve in Iraq. In his own words he tells of his year in Iraq and of the months

immediately following his safe return home. This is a powerful and well-written memoir.

Mrs. R's opinion: "I don't normally read nonfiction OR war memoirs, but this one is very powerful. It resonated with me since it was written by a young person concerning the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I have no doubt that all of my war readers will love this book."

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Meg relishes her role as bad girl. John is a dedicated cop. When he finds her on his

bridge, her punishment is a week-long, ride-along with a cop, him, instead of Spring

Break at the beach. She has a reason to push the limits. He has a reason to be fascinated

with that bridge. As they discover themselves and a mutual attraction, will they push

each other too far?

Mrs. R's opinion: "A light read that's perfect for the hopeless romantics. A bit unbelievable in parts--Meg mistakes young John for a 40-year-old? A young cop is allowed to be alone with a teenage girl?--but entertaining nonetheless."