Mark Twain Book Award, 2000-2001

(April 12, 2001)

Every year, Missouri school students in grades four through eight can participate in a book award program called the Mark Twain Award, named in honor of Missouri's famous native son and author, of course. Here are the nominees for the Mark Twain Book Award for the school year 2000-2001 compiled by Youth Services Librarian, Nancy Doering. Some are funny, some are suspenseful, some are touching-they are all appealing. Maybe one will strike your fancy, and you will want to read it, too.

To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!

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The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
RC 48421
Fourteen-year-old Widge is an orphan in Elizabethan England, trained to use shorthand to help an unprincipled clergyman steal sermons. Widge goes to London to purloin plays from William Shakespeare's company, but instead he is welcomed by the troupe and becomes part of the theater family. For grades 4-7 and older.

 

Sooner by Patricia Calvert
RC 47841
In this sequel to Bigger (RC 39559), 13-year-old Tyler Bohannon learns that his father is not returning from the Civil War and takes on his new role as head of the household with help from the Snepp family. The siblings now have Sooner, the offspring of Bigger-the abused dog Tyler adopted-to keep them company. For grades 4-7 and older readers.

 

Stealing Freedom by Elisa Carbone
RC 49079
Maryland, 1850s. Young slave girl Ann Maria suffers many hardships, including separation from her family. An abolitionist helps her escape to Canada on the Underground Railroad. Based on a true story. For grades 6-9.

 

The Ghost of Fossil Glen by Cynthia DeFelice
RC 47637
Stuck on the face of a cliff while looking for fossils, sixth-grader Allie is guided to safety by a mysterious voice. Other strange happenings lead Allie to believe she is dealing with a ghost-a girl not unlike herself. For grades 4-7.

 

Bandit's Moon by Sid Fleishman
RC 47604
Annyrose's mother is dead, and her brother has left her at a ranch while he hunts for gold. But Annyrose runs away with the outlaw Wakeen. Discovering he is really Joaquin Murieta, the Robin Hood of the California Gold Rush, Annyrose must decide if she can stay with a thief. For grades 3-6

 

A Voice from the Border by Pamela Smith-Hill
WOD 297
Living in the border state of Missouri during the Civil War, 15-year-old Reeves tries to understand her father's decision regarding their slaves. For grades 7-8 and older.

 

The Maze by Will Hobbs
BR 12701 and RC 47364
Rick Walker, 14 and orphaned, is unfairly sent to a detention center. To avoid a threatened beating, he escapes and discovers a remote biologist's camp in Utah's Canyonland National Park. Soon Rick is helping monitor newly released condors, learning how to hang glide and fighting to save himself and his new friend from some dangerous locals. For grades 6-9.

 

Faraway Summer by Johanna Hurwitz
BR 11930
In 1910, orphaned Dossi, 12, lives with her seamstress sister, Ruthi, in a New York tenement. Ruthi signs Dossi up for a Fresh Air Fund vacation on a Vermont farm. Dossi knows the family members are puzzled by her Jewish customs, but she can't understand why the daughter is so unfriendly to her. For grades 5-8.

 

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr
RC 46614
Missouri, 1860. Simon, 15, has just finished the third grade for the fourth time, and his teacher thinks he should try something new. When Simon ends up at his neighbor's turkey farm and learns that turkeys are more valuable in Colorado, he decides to drive a flock to Denver-800 miles away. If he makes it, he just might be a rich man. For grades 4-7.

 

The Empress of Elsewhere by Theresa Nelson
RC 49176
The start of summer is sad for Jim Junior-his best friend moves away and his dog dies. Then the richest lady in their East Texas town offers him and his seven-year-old sister, Mary Al, a challenging job-to tame her granddaughter and her monkey. For grades 4-7.

 

Holes by Louis Sachar
BR 12174, RC 47444, and LP 609
Stanley Yelnats IV finds himself in a detention center for possessing stolen property that he didn't take. While digging holes under the summer Texas sun, he sees a fellow inmate running away-and follows him. Legends, loyalty, and buried treasure are revealed as Stanley learns to survive. For grades 5-8.

 

Love from Your Friend, Hannah by Mindy Warshaw Skolsky
RC 50025
After her best friend, Aggie, moves away, Hannah, as promised, writes to her faithfully. When Aggie fails to answer a single letter, a frustrated Hannah begins corresponding with other people: her relatives, a reluctant boy pen pal, and even President Franklin Roosevelt! For grades 4-7.

 

Sasquatch by Roland Smith
RC 48922
Dylan's father had a personal encounter with Sasquatch (aka Bigfoot) on a hunting trip and now seeks to protect him from the ruthless hunter Dr. Flagg. When Dylan's father leaves for the about-to-erupt Mount Saint Helens where Sasquatch lives, Dylan is determined to go also. For grades 4-7.

 

Gib Rides Home by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
RC 46233
Nebraska, 1909. When Gib Whittaker reappears at the orphanage, all the boys are shocked and worried. An orphan has never returned before. Gib had been farmed out to a ranch where he rediscovered his love and skill with horses as well as neighbors from his past. For grades 4-7.

 

A Traitor Among Us by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk
RC 49413
1944. In the German-occupied Netherlands, 13-year-old Pieter's hatred of the Nazis gradually involves him in ever more dangerous work for the underground resistance. Now, with a wounded American soldier hidden in the house, he especially fears betrayal by an unidentified village traitor. For grades 5-8.

 

Dear Austin: Letters from the Underground Railroad by Elvira Woodruff
BR 12562
In 1853, Levi writes letters to his older brother about his adventures in Pennsylvania. Then Darcy - the sister of Levi's African American friend Jupiter - disappears. So Levi and Jupiter head south to search the slave markets for her. Levi recounts his subsequent experiences with the Underground Railroad. Sequel to Dear Levi (BR 10365). For grades 4-7.