1944 Newbery Medal and Honor Books

Johnny Tremain

By: Esther Forbes
Illustrated by: Lynd Ward

Medal Winner

Reviewed by: Terri Shown
Also read and recommended by: Lara Lleverino, Liv Conroy, Sandy Hall, Sara Masarik, Sherry Early

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes is a captivating historical novel set against the backdrop of the American Revolution. The story follows Johnny Tremain, a skilled silversmith apprentice, whose life takes a dramatic turn after a tragic accident. As he becomes involved with the Sons of Liberty, Johnny finds himself entangled in the events leading up to the Revolutionary War.

The strengths of the book lie in its historical accuracy, bringing colonial Boston to life with rich descriptive writing. Johnny's character development, from an arrogant youth to a courageous young man, adds depth to the narrative. The novel also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and patriotism, making it a compelling read for those interested in the values that shaped America.

While generally suitable for a wide audience, there are a few content considerations. The book touches on the violence of war and the sacrifices made during the American Revolution. Treatment of children was much different and would be considered abusive by today standards. Additionally, the historical context and some complex vocabulary may require guidance for younger readers.

In conclusion, Johnny Tremain is a timeless classic that seamlessly combines history, adventure, and personal growth. Esther Forbes' storytelling prowess makes it an excellent choice for family reading or for independent young readers exploring historical fiction. 

Fog Magic

By: Julia Sauer

Honor

Reviewed by: Tanya Arnold
Recommended age: 10-12
Also read and recommended by: Deanna Knoll, Sandy Hall

This is simply a captivating and magical book. I wish I had read it when I was 10-12 years old. Definitely a must read for children of that age. A bit of fantasy, a little time travel, and a lovely village community all wrapped up inside the wonder and power of childhood and growing up.

Mountain Born

By: Elizabeth Yates
Illustrated by: Nora S. Unwin

Honor
NOT REVIEWED

MOUNTAIN BORN, the story of the boy Peter and his little black cosset who grew to be the leader of a flock of sheep, is a true pastoral, moving with the seasons and the lives of the creatures on a mountain farm. Elizabeth Yates says that it began for her many years ago.

"In fact," she writes, "I was not long out of school when I knew that one of the major desires of my life was to have a sheep farm. The desire had to wait during the years that business kept my husband in England, but always the substance behind the years of travelling was the dream of a farm. We have the farm now—a few rolling acres of good New Hampshire land, watered by a mountain brook and shadowed by pine trees. Soon the sheep will be grazing in pastures. Last year, a friend made for me a sweater from wool spun as it was absorbed. The feel of it was rough and sturdy; the smell of it was strong and oily. I liked to bury my nose deep in it—and somehow, much of the story came from these moments.

"I spent hours with a New Hampshire shepherd, before writing the book. Every one of the more than 500 sheep was known and individual to him. Each had character and qualities of its own, and as he told me of them he kept saying over and over again, 'Sheep are very intelligent creatures.' Then he would tell me wonderful things to illustrate their intelligence."

Sheep, shepherds, and their ways have changed little since David herded on Judean hills, and they are as little different all over the world. There is a constancy to them that makes them something of a common denominator to civilization. So the story is set in no particular place, for its mountains and meadows, villages and people might be anywhere. The little boy in New England or England, Iceland or Brazil, who leads his father's sheep up to a mountain pasture and thinks long thoughts as he gazes across their fleecy backs into space, might be the Peter of MOUNTAIN BORN.

From the dust jacket

Rufus M.

By: Eleanor Estes
Illustrated by: Louis Slobodkin

Honor
NOT REVIEWED

The Moffats are back—that irresistible family, close friends now of young and old, continue their adventures which are sometimes funny, sometimes touched with pathos, and always appealing. Rufus, Sylvie, Joey, Jane and Mama. are all very much a part of this story, but Rufus takes the center of the stage. He is a self-reliant individual, inventive and independent. The Moffats still have difficulty making ends meet, but Rufus helps them out. His contributions to the family welfare include: "Rufus beans," a hardy vegetable that grew in spite of his patient and loving interference; the money in the ice which he found on a day when it was most needed; and an uncanny southpaw skill at baseball which saved Janey's uncertain status as a member of the Fatal Four team.

Rufus M. introduces us for the first time to the Invisible Piano Player, the flying horse named Jimmy, and the Cardboard Boy, his dearest friend and enemy.

Louis Slobodkin's inimitable illustrations are wholly in character and, like the book, will delight all new and old admirers of the Moffat family.

From the dust jacket

These Happy Golden Years

By: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Illustrated by: Helen Sewell and Mildred Boyle

Honor
NOT REVIEWED

Of Mrs. Wilder's beloved "Little House" books, the N.Y. Herald Tribune says, "There should be some way of conveying to Mrs. Wilder two votes of thanks: one from American children for the stories they read to rags, the other from custodians of the past for her enrichment of its records . . . These books are events when they come out and investments for the future." In These Happy Golden Years, Laura, not yet sixteen, teaches school and boards with the Brewsters. The first week she didn't dare to hope that Pa would come twelve miles over the snow to take her home for the week end. But on Friday afternoon, just as she was dismissing class, the wind blowing through the cracks in the old schoolhouse seemed to have a strange silvery sound. Suddenly the whole air filled with the chiming of little silver bells, sleigh bells — Almanzo Wilder had come to take her home!

Only the thought of helping Pa keep Mary in the college for the blind made Laura stick out the seven homesick weeks. But they were over at last and she was home again, sleigh riding with the young people and spending delightful evenings at home. And when Mary came home from college for the blind on vacation, Pa and Ma and Carrie and Grace and Laura were all proud and happy to see how easily she had learned to move about, going from room to room as though she could really see.

In March the family moved out to Pa's claim and Laura got her second grade certificate and with it the job at the bright new schoolhouse nearby. With the money she earned they bought an organ for Mary. All that spring Almanzo came to take Laura buggy riding and together they broke in the wild colts he had bought.

It was a wonderful and exciting summer. There were singing school lessons in town, and the times Laura herself drove the wild colts, and finally there was the night Laura came home with Almanzo's engagement ring and Ma and Pa understood what Laura was too shy to say.

Winter on the claim flew by and with the spring came sewing for Laura's trousseau both by hand an on Ma's new sewing machine. When Laura's last term of teaching was over, she and Almanzo were married. Then Almanzo drove Laura across the friendly prairie to their own "Little House", the home he had built for her with his own hands.

"We wish these books could be a part of the literary experience of every American child." — Childhood Education

From the dust jacket