Professor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But, through a twist of fate, he lands on the island of Krakatoa in the Pacific Ocean, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions. The volcano, Krakatoa, blew up just after he left it, and he was picked up three weeks later in the Atlantic Ocean clinging to the wreckage of twenty balloons. Read Professor Sherman's amazing story of his most incredible journey. This book won the Newbery Medal in 1948.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/12/2009

ISBN-10: 0670734411

ISBN-13: 9780670734412

Check the library catalog

Mrs. Oliniski returns to teaching 6th grade after becoming paralyzed in an automobile accident. One of her most difficult assignments is to pick four members from her class for the annual academic bowl. How she selects the very different students, who call themselves the Souls, is a mystery, or - did they pick her? Get ready to meet Noah, who was the best man at the wedding of Ethan's grandmother to Nadia's grandfather. Then there is Julian, half Eastern Indian, who practices magic and starts the events in motion by inviting them to a tea party. This is a funny, heartwarming tale about the Souls, whose innate compassion brings them together to help their teacher and in the process, help each other and themselves.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: ewl

Date read: 12/30/2010

ISBN-10: 068980993X

ISBN-13: 9780689809934

Check the library catalog

Tommy Stubbins becomes Doctor Dolittle's assistant, and learns to talk to all of his animals. They set off for the floating Spidermonkey Island (South America) to find another famous naturalist, who has disappeared. On the way, they run into trouble. In Monteverde, they run out of money. Here, Doctor Dolittle bets a bullfight promoter that if he wins in the bullring, all bullfights will end. He gets into the ring with 5 bulls, whom he has already talked to, and who have agreed to cooperate, and Dr. Doolittle wins. The voyagers are able to buy supplies, and continue on their adventures, until they hit the next snag. Will they make it to Spidermonkey Island? Will they ever make it home? This book is one of many Doctor Dolittle books. It won the Newbery Medal in 1923.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/12/2009

ISBN-10: 0448418630

ISBN-13: 9780448418636

Check the library catalog

A girl takes a trip with her grandparents to find her mother. She tells lots of fun stories in the process.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/6/2009

ISBN-10: 0060233346

ISBN-13: 9780060233341

Check the library catalog

The mysterious death of an eccentric millionaire brings together an unlikely assortment of heirs, one of whom stands to inherit $200 million. But, in order to collect it, he or she has to expose the murderer, who also happens to be one of the heirs. This book won the Newbery Medal in 1979.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/12/2009

ISBN-10: 014240120X

ISBN-13: 9780142401200

Check the library catalog

Commenter: Anya, grade 4