2008 Reader Poll Results!

The votes have been cast and the results of the 2008 Scope Notes Reader Poll are in. In some categories there were clear winners, in others (ahem, fiction picture book) the picture may have only become more cloudy. Possibly a sign of what’s to come when the big awards start getting passed out next month? We shall see. For now, let’s take a look at our top vote getters.

Fiction

3: The Underneath by Kathi Appelt

There was plenty of talk surrounding this one in ’08. Some found it to be a standout for it’s lyrical text and intermingling plot threads. Others thought those elements would make the book too difficult a read for young audiences. All I know is, it was a great story that I’m still thinking about months later.

2: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman’s second go round in the middle grade fiction arena has been met with praise from the get go.

1: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Man is it the year of the “The” books or what? Word spread fast about this one. That happens when an author everyone  knows writes a story that no one could put down.

Nonfiction

3: The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West by Sid Fleischman

Fleischman’s take on Twain had even die-hard “I pretty much just read fiction” folks singing his praises.

2: We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson

When you hold this book, you know you’ve got something special in your hands. That’s the result of an outstanding illustrator (and with We Are the Ship, a first time author) creating a labor of love. Let the Year of Kadir extend into ’09.

1: Nic Bishop Frogs by Nic Bishop

Mr. Bishop is a good at what he does. Detailed photography. Looking at his close-up images of these amphibians make you realize you’ve never really looked at them before.

Fiction Picture Book

2 (tie): In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck, illustrated by Tricia Tusa

Once the room is suitably blue, Alice can fall asleep. Lilacs, tea, blankets – all that’s left is to turn off the lights and let in the blue moonlight. A bedtime story done right.

2 (tie): Old Bear by Kevin Henkes

Sort of the opposite of a bedtime story. Bear hibernates for the winter, dreams of what he is missing, and wakes up to the spring. Beautiful watercolors illustrate the simple, wonderful text.

2 (tie): Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Two children’s lit vets team up to create a book for the youngest of children.

1: A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee

A story about friendship done with humor and a good sense of what makes boys tick. Entertaining through and through.

Thanks to everyone who voted in the 2008 Reader Poll.

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