2.24.2010

2010 SLJ Battle of the Books!!!


I'm STOKED. There are no words. Check out the info here from Fuse #8. Also check out SLJ's post and use @sljsBoB on Twitter.

The books on the list are:

CHARLES AND EMMA
CLAUDETTE COLVIN
THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE
FIRE
THE FROG SCIENTIST
THE LAST OLYMPIAN
LIPS TOUCH
THE LOST CONSPIRACY
MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD
MARCHING FOR FREEDOM
PEACE, LOCOMOTION
A SEASON OF GIFTS
THE STORM IN THE BARN
SWEETHEARTS OF RHYTHM
TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA
WHEN YOU REACH ME

Last year's Battle of the Books was a blast, to be sure, but this year...this year, as opposed to last, I have a clear favorite. I know I should probably say The Lost Conspiracy is my fave since it's a Harper book and all, and I may find myself in a pickle for not claiming it as such.

But I cannot lie about books, and the book I'm championing is Fire by Kristin Cashore. Let's put aside the fact that I adore Kristin as a person and look at the book itself. In my mind, it's damn near perfect storytelling. I mean, Graceling was wonderful. But then Kristin showed us all what she was really made of with Fire. The world-building is rich and lush...but what I like about it (and what kept me interested) was that characterization isn't sacrificed or put on hold to create the world (this is a real problem I have with lots of fantasy).

I'm not articulating myself well, which is usually the case with the books I truly love (don't even ask me to tell you why Anne of Green Gables is my all-time forever favorite - I'll just start slobbering and muttering).

But Fire is my book and I'm taking it all the way to the Final Battle and Katherine Paterson WILL pick it.

In the meantime, as we get closer to the beginning of the battle (SLJ isn't giving dates yet, as far as I can tell), I'll post a quote from Fire daily. Just to remind you all how bad-ass it is and why it should win.

Out.

5 comments:

Erin said...

I'm cheering for FIRE, too! SO BRILLIANT.

Sense of Home said...

Fire was a terrific book, but I am torn between that and Marcelo in the Real World and When You Reach Me. I loved those books.

-Brenda

Unknown said...

Erin, I knew you'd be with me - this book deserves its due praise...

...but, Brenda, I totally get what you're saying. This was such a stellar year for children's literature and it is not without a sense of hesitation that I call out Fire so strongly. Marcelo, most feel, didn't get its proper praise and When You Reach Me...well, it's deserving over every accolade it receives.

I'm geeked up - this is going to be so much fun!

Mama Librarian said...

Oh, I think it will be hard to say no to Marcelo. Especially since it hasn't had nearly as much love as was predicted. I bet the authors will also have a hard time putting down Claudette. I can't wait to see how it all comes out. =)

Sondy said...

Oh, I'm with you, about FIRE and ANNE both! It will be a lot of fun to see the battles!