I guess I am WONDERSTRUCK when I start to think about how fast the summer is going. I am busy, busy, busy this year with being a taxi! My kids are now at the age when they have more activities to "get to" than I have hours in the day. However, since the Walden Award has ended- WINNER: THE LAST SUMMER OF THE DEATH WARRIOR BY FRANCISCO STORK
This is a beautifully written narrative of a young man trying to negotiate his sister's death as well as his friendship with a boy struggling with cancer and treatments. It is a poignant look at how a young man grows up and incorporates his learning about life, death, right and wrong. Stork's gorgeous prose brings the readers directly into the plot, living the events with the characters.
I just finished WONDERSTRUCK by Brian Selznick which is due out in Nov. 2011. This giant book is, as HUGO CABRET, a combination of graphic novel and narrative. However,in this particular book, the story of Ben is told in prose and the story of Rose is told completely in graphic form. Rose's story begins much earlier than Ben's although his story comes first. They are each on a quest and their stories intertwine in a beautiful way. I don't want to give away anymore for fear I will ruin it. This is definitely not to be missed. Also teaches time sequence, flashback and irony.
