Short children's novels written to inspire, support and entertain new readers can be predictable, slight and dull. This year, however, five books, each only slightly longer than a hundred pages, prove that great things can come in small packages. Two of these are novellas with an intensity that requires a thoughtful, older reader; the other three add a level of meaning to a genre not known for having much dimension. All of them are superb choices for family sharing.
Patricia MacLachlan's beloved historical novel Sarah Plain and Tall (HarperCollins,$4.95; ages 8-10) won the Newbery in 1985. Caleb's Story (HarperCollins, $14.95; ages 8-10), the third book in this series, is told by Anna's younger brother.. Again, MacLachlan uses a spare, poetic style to reveal a strong sense of feelings, time and place.
Caleb writes of a harsh Midwestern winter when flu and WW I rage, and his grandfather appears at the family farm. Years ago the old man deserted Caleb's father and hasn't communicated since. Their animosity is palpable as is Caleb's desire to bridge the rift. Caleb, who writes and sees with his heart, realizes that his grandfather is sick and can neither read, nor write. He has the courage to confront the surly old man and work to solve the problems.
Moods and situations vary surprisingly often in this short book. There is relief in the antics of young Cassie, Caleb's sister; a comfort in catching up with characters that readers have grown to love; and finally, seeing the characters unite to overcome struggles.
Ralph Fletcher's Uncle Daddy (Holt, $15.95; ages 7-10), a contemporary novel, is also short on words and long on feelings. Nine-year-old Rivers' father went out to get pizza one night when River was three and never returned. Ever since Uncle Daddy, his mother's uncle, has become River's stand-in father. Uncle Daddy, a beloved school principal, has a magical way with students and his grandnephew.
When River's father returns, all the characters are concerned and confused, but they are so well-developed that none are villains and all viewpoints make sense. Rivers' father is penitent and eager to earn back his family's respect. Rivers' mother is angry, but has to admit she admires River's fathers' persistence. Uncle Daddy is protective, but finally sees the good in this man. Rivers' ambivalence is as convincing as his young perspective. At one point, he asks his father: "Did you eat the pizza?", demonstrating his need for concrete explanations. The emotional complexities are revealed through the characters with clarity, thoughtfulness and large print.
Eleven-year-old Ruth is the main character in Maria Testa's Some Kind of Pride (Delacorte, $14.95; ages 9-11). Named for Babe Ruth, she has been raised by her father, a sports writer, and her two older brothers. Her mother, a fire fighter has died in a heroic rescue when Ruth was young. The boys love to play baseball, but it's Ruth who has major-league talent. She is passionate about the sport until she overhears her father telling someone regretfully, "I can't help thinking what a shame it is that it's all wasted on a girl."
Suddenly, Ruth's reality is topsy-turvy and she questions everything. Ironically, her reevaluations occur as a Sports Illustrated reporter comes to interview her. His questions prod her own and she feels lost. She grieves her mother's death anew and her old wounds deepen when she learns that her mother was not loved by the town when she fought conventions to become a fire fighter.
In the end, Ruth's passion for the sport and pride in her playing and her mother's courage unite. She emerges with a new perspective and the knowledge that she, like her mother, has the strength to fight unfair limitations.
Two novellas require sophisticated readers and I highly recommend family sharing for these poignant stories. Alice Mead's Girl of Kosovo (FSG, $16.00; ages 10 and up) is based on the author's experiences. Eleven-year-old Zana Dugoli has grown used to the gunshots of Serb police that threaten her freedom and family. They watch American television, "trying to pretend we had a normal life." There's no pretending when the Serbs kill fifty-four men, women and children. Zana's family flees the village, but in a blinding explosion, Zana sees her father and two brothers killed and her foot dangling from her leg.
This 113 page novel is not for children who are frightened by the thought of war for Zana's story makes pain, distrust, grief and helplessness all too real. Just as real is her struggle to live up to her father's wish, "Don't let them fill your heart with hate. Whatever happens." Though the feelings in this story may be universal, the specifics of Zana's experiences and reactions make the story unique and her courage is a tribute to the resilience of children who grow up in the middle of war.
Molly Bang, the award-winning author of many picture books, publishes her first novel, Tiger's Fall (Holt, $15.95; ages 9-12). The main character, Lupe, is a scrappy little girl whose father has nicknamed her Tigrilla Loca- Crazy Little Tiger- in admiration of her daring. Lupe's angry when her bragging cousin arrives from the city to stay in their small Mexican village. To prove herself superior , Lupe climbs a huge tree. Her fall has devastating results. Lupe is paralyzed from the waist down and her family sacrifices money and possessions to save her. She is close to death from pressure sores when they discover a center where people learn to take care of themselves and each other.
Maria, the director, treats Lupe's infection first, then her spirit. Though Bang is careful in her descriptions, she doesn't sugar-coat Lupe's disgusting sores, or center life where poverty and despair drive adults to find release in reckless behaviors and irresponsible drinking. Neither does Bang shy away from society's cruelty. Maria says, "Society doesn't even want to help us; they just want us to disappear, like a big pimple on their nose. We remind people this could happen to them."
These five authors' respect for the intelligence of young readers change the traditions of a limited genre. They have published books that welcome readers of all ages and open opportunities for parents to share early reading experiences with their children.