2016 Schneider Family Book Award (Ages 11-13)

2016 Schneider Family Book Award (Ages 11-13)

For books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.

Winners:

Fish in a Tree

by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives readers and emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who's ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn't fit in.

"Everybody is smart in different ways.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid."

Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people.  Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions.  She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb?  However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker.  With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of.  As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities.  She discovers that there's a lot more to her - and to everyone - than a label, and that great minds don't always think alike.


The War That Saved My Life
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson's Sons and for fans of Number the Stars.

Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment.  Her mother is too humiliated by Ada's twisted foot to let her outside.  So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn't waste a minute - she sneaks out to join him.

So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in.  As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan - and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamies.  But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime?  Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?

See Also: 2016 Schneider Family Book Award (Ages 0-10)

What did you think about "Fish in a Tree" and "The War That Saved My Life"?  Did you enjoy them?  What did you like about them?  Do you think one of the other books should have won?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!