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