My daughter found the list of Nutmeg Books nominated for 2014. The Candymakers by Wendy Mass is one of the nominees (http://blog.thehappyreaders.com/the-candymakers/). She loved The Candymakers so much that she wants it to win. She came home one day and told me that she wants to read all the nominees so she can vote for The Candymakers. And, so, we have begun reading. Some of the books she would never pick to read, but, she said she would do it.
First, she decided to get last year’s winner, Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea. She read it over one weekend. It is a wonderful story about a 5th grade class and their year with the new teacher Mr. Terupt. Each child has a story, and as my daughter said, “it’s a little confusing at first remembering who everyone is, but, you get it.” It is so important to realize that behind every smile or frown, there is a reason people act the way they do. Mr. Terupt was able to figure most of the kids out, and in the process became their best teacher. An accident happens, and it brings the children and their stories together. Two lessons, I would say I learned, or should be addressed – life is precious and don’t judge a book by its cover.
I’m not sure what the other nominees were for last year (perhaps I’ll find the list and we’ll read all of those), but I am happy that Because of Mr. Terupt won.
Happy Reading!
