And the winner of the 2017 Dragon Award is…
Out of My Mind
By Sharon Draper
Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged, because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow.
Other Nominees
Star Wars: Jedi Academy
By Jeff Brown
Roan’s one dream is to leave home and attend Pilot Academy like his older brother, father, and grandfather. But just as Roan is mysteriously denied entrance to Pilot School, he is invited to attend Jedi Academy–a school that he didn’t apply to and only recruits children when they are just a few years old. That is, until now…This inventive novel follows Roan’s first year at Jedi Academy where, under the tutelage of Master Yoda, he learns that he possesses more strength and potential than he could have ever dreamed.
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
By Chris Colfer
Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, twins Alex and Conner leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
By Kate DiCamillo
Edward Tulane, a cold-hearted and proud toy rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from the little girl who adores him. He travels across the country, acquiring new owners and listening to their hopes, dreams, and histories.
Clementine
By Sara Pennypacker
Clementine is having a not so good week. On Monday she’s sent to the principal’s office for cutting off Margaret’s hair. Tuesday, Margaret’s mother is mad at her. Wednesday, she’s sent to the principal again. Thursday, Margaret stops speaking to her. Friday starts with yucky eggs and gets worse. And by Saturday, even her mother is mad at her. Okay, fine. Clementine is having a DISASTROUS week.
Out of my mind is great! I read it in second grade and mostly forgot about it but now that I’m seeing it again I’d just like to recommend it. You never know what’s going to happen on the next page. It’s a real page turner.
I’m glad the Dragon Award made you remember this book! It’s great that you recommend it!
I loved The land of stories!! It was very long and had some hard words but it was action packed and with likable characters plus neat fantasy it was a awesome book. The wishing spell was a great way to start of a fantastic series. This book put a lot of different fairy tales to make a perfect book.
It’s great that you didn’t let the length of the book and the hard words stop you from finishing! When a book is really good, like The Land of Stories, it’s easy to keep going. I hope you’ll read the rest of the series!
Out of My Mind is realistic and shows the confidence a girl with cerebral palsy can use to help her achieve her goals. I recommend this book to high level readers who can start to understand what it must be like to be smart but not be able to share it. If you care about people with disabilities, you will love this book.
Out of My Mind is a superb book. It takes a strong person to grow and overcome as much as Melody does. I am so glad that you enjoyed reading it!
I recommend The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane if you like toys, stuffed animals, or exciting personal quests. Edward, the China rabbit, wants to get back to his owner, who is far, far away. He must overcome many dangers and travel to many places. I was on the edge of my seat!
It’s fun when a book keeps you on the edge of your seat! Edward’s journey was definitely exciting!
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a fantasy but also an adventure book. It is the sad, inspiring story of a china rabbit/doll that is separated from its owner and is determined to find her. Edward must overcome many hardships to reach his goal. I recommend this book to anyone who ever owned a teddy bear.
I love your recommendation! When you’ve had a teddy bear or other stuffed toy that meant a lot to you, it makes it easy to appreciate Edward’s story.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is and up and down emotional rollercoaster. If you like fantasy / adventure books that move from country to country and dodge disaster , you will love Edward Tulane.
That is a great description of this book! You definitely feel every emotion as you go along with Edward on his journey!
Jedi Academy tells us what middle school might be like if Star Wars were real. Roan, has to learn to defend himself against bullies with light sabers and others from the dark side. His piloting skills are great, too.
I recommend this book to people who like Star Wars, adventure stories and books with lots of action.
Jedi Academy is certainly packed with action and adventure! I’m so happy you enjoyed the book!
I feel sorry for Melody, in Out of My Mind, because she is really smart but she cannot talk and let everyone know it. Her life is so much harder because of her cerebral palsy and this is made tougher because her sister has it so good. How could Melody not be jealous? Still, Melody can memorize almost anything, so she has special talents, too. I would recommend this book to caring, empathetic people.
What a nice recommendation! Melody does have a difficult life, but she overcomes a lot of obstacles.
I loved this book because it was so emotional. It made me laugh, cry and get angry at characters who tried to keep Edward from getting home. Edward had his ups and downs. Watching Edward pursue his goal made me feel inspired. If you love adventure stories, read Edward Tulane.
I just read this book for the first time and felt the same way! It’s really cool when a book makes you feel so many emotions-it gives you a true appreciation of the characters and their journeys.
Land of Stories: Wishing Spell kept me on the edge of my seat. Once the story got started there was never a dull moment. Each of the characters was unique and their actions told both sides of the story. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in fantasy and adventure.
The Land of Stories is one of my favorite series, and is definitely very exciting! If you haven’t already, you should read the rest of the books in the series.
Jedi Academy was everything I hoped it would be. I had read another book in the series and loved the adventure and action. Jedi was just as exciting or more so.
Jedi Academy is definitely an exciting book! I’m so glad you liked it!