Picture Books
Step Gently Out by Helen Frost, illustrated by Rick Lieder – perfect melding of Helen’s short poem and Rick’s stunning photos
Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins, illustrated by Eric Gurney
On the Day You Were Born by Debra Frasier
A Country Far Away by Nigel Gray, illustrated by Philippe Dupasquier
The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble
Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathman
That Book Woman by Heather Henson, illustrated by David Small
Bella & Bean by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, illustrated by Aileen Leitjen
John Muir: America’s Naturalist by Thomas Locker
Grandad’s Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Oh No, Gotta Go! by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Old Turtle by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Cheng-Khee Chee
Parts by Tedd Arnold
Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Turkey Surprise by Peggy Archer, illustrated by Thor Wickstrom
Middle Grade
Ida B: …and Her Plan to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan – begs to be read out loud
Stepping on the Cracks by Mary Downing Hahn
Young Adult
The Braid by Helen Frost – a masterpiece of construction and story – I’m in awe, Helen!
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Blue by Joyce Moyer Hostetter – absorbing historical fiction by a kindred spirit whose next two books-in-progress I’m waiting for with anticipation
How I Found the Strong: A Civil War Story and
When I Crossed No-Bob and
Sources of Light by Margaret McMullan – powerful truth telling for today through stories of the past – Congratulations, Margaret, on your 2011 Indiana Author Award!
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein – brilliant historical storytelling