FRIDAY'S FICTION: "Bud, Not Buddy" and "Walk Two Moons"

I'm trying to read all of the Newberry Award books this year.  Last week I was able to read two more of them, both of which I loved.

The first one I read was "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis.
Book Description

Publication Date: September 7, 1999 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up



It's 1936, in Flint, Michigan. Times may be hard, and ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but Bud's got a few things going for him.

1.  His suitcase of keepsakes and treasures.
2.  A hint about where to find his real daddy.
3.  His "Rules" for life!

You will want to adopt Bud (Not Buddy) after the first page! This book speaks to all ages. Pay close attention to Bud's "Rules and Things"; sound advice from such a young man! And if you ever get the opportunity to hear Christopher Paul Curtis speak in person, don't pass up the chance!  After you've read "Bud", be sure to get "The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963".  You won't be disappointed.

Next I read "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech, (Dec 23, 2003)/Age Level: 9 and up/ Grade Level: 4th and up.

  I've determined that about anything Sharon Creech writes is a winner.  This book made me laugh, cry and wish I lived right next door to all the characters, or be a fly on the wall in all of the settings. 



"Walk Two Moons" is a great book. It is about Salamanca Tree Hiddle, a girl who has lots of adventures, and her grandparents, who love listening to Sal's stories, in the car on the drive from Bybanks, Kentucky, to Lewistown, Idaho. Along the way Sal tells the story of Phoebe Winterbottom. Phoebe is Sal's friend. She is a girl who worries a lot and always looks at things in the worst case scenerio. Phoebe's mother dissappears and then Phoebe's family begins receiving secret messages. In the middle of Sal telling Phoebe's story Sal's grandmother becomes ill. At that point the stories of both Phoebe and Sal take a turn.
Sharon Creech, an amazing author, weaves together two tales, with feelings of sadness, happiness, love, mystery, and tragedy that will keep you turning the page for more.
Sharon Creech's novel, Walk Two Moons, can make you laugh with joy, weep with grief, and have love in your heart in just one chapter. Read this facinating book today!

After you have read the book, make sure and visit Sharon Creech's author site for information on where she got the inspiration for writing this book as well as ideas for teaching the book at http://www.sharoncreech.com/index.html