Character Building Counts Book Awards (CBC Awards) celebrates honor, integrity, honesty, and decency in all genres of books. We pay tribute to authors who weave a character-building message into their work. Four new enrollees are worth hearing about and celebrating. Best of luck to the following four young adult books.
Barack Obama’s book, Of Three I Sing, a Letter to My Daughters, (illustrated by Loren Long) is a tender, beautiful letter written by President Obama to his daughters. In it, he offers a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans who have shaped our nation, and to the ideals that made them worthy of our praise. This book is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation’s founders to the generations to come.
Warren St. John’s Outcasts United, the Story of a Refugee Soccer Team that Changed a Town is a young reader’s version of the adult bestseller. It is a complex and inspirational story about the Fugees, a youth soccer team made up of refugees from around the world, and their formidable female coach. The author explores how the community changed with the influx of refugees and how a single individual made a difference in the lives of so many. Warren St. John is a celebrated author who has worked as a reporter for The New York Times and has written for many magazines.
Rebecca Stead’s Liar & Spy is an inspired, often-funny story about destiny, goofy brilliance, and courage. Like Stead’s Newberry Medal-winning When You Reach Me, it will keep readers guessing until the end. As Publishers Weekly, Starred, wrote, this book is “Chock-full of fascinating characters and intelligent questions. This is as close to perfect as middle-grade novels come.” Kirkus Reviews, Starred, agreed by calling it “original and winning.” Stead introduces us to a conflicted seventh grader who becomes a spy recruit for a friend. But it will leave you wondering … how far is too far to go for your only friend?
R.J. Palacio’s debut novel, Wonder, is “a meditation on kindness.” Every reader will come away from this book with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie Pullman was born with a facial deformity. Now that he is transferring to a mainstream school for the first time, he struggles to convince his new classmates that he’s just like them … despite his appearance. All Auggie wants is to be ordinary. Palacio has crafted an uplifting novel full of wonderfully realistic family interactions, lively school scenes, and writing that shines with emotional power.
Writing well as you deliver an inspiring and motivating message can yield cherished rewards. Enjoy the above books, and if you are an author, don’t miss the opportunity to become a recognized, celebrated CBC Award winner. Deadline for 2012 contest is October 31.
CBC Book Awards, Character Building Counts, www.CBCAwards.com
