DRAWING FROM MEMORY by Allan Say and JULIE OF THE WOLVES by Jean Craighead George

Picture Book: Drawing from Memory by Allan Say (2012 Robert F. Sibert Honor):

We had a small, but passionate group at our last meeting, and a selection of very delectable (and actually healthy!!) nibbles. We were all very positive about Allan Say's Drawing from Memory. We loved the combination of his art, actual photos, and the text as he told his story of finding a mentor and becoming an apprentice, including some very emotional moments and a glimpse into his early life as a 12-year-old living alone in a small apartment in Tokyo.

Novel: Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George (1973 Newbery Award; we're reading it in honor of her recent death.):

Almost everyone loved Julie of the Wolves (and yours truly was convinced to keep reading it, after 'not loving it' now as well as in 1973. Now I like it better!) We all agreed that Jean Craighead George's research into the Eskimo culture, Alaska's topography, seasons, plants, animals, etc. was impeccable, and that her descriptions provided great information and insight into all of it. A couple of us thought it would have been better if Part II had been first -- to give a better idea of who 'Julie/Miyax' was, and then going into her relationship with the wolves. Everyone agreed that it did, indeed, deserve the 1973 Newbury Award.