Finding Oneself

These stories tell tales from across time about the struggles everyone faces while becoming an adult. These struggles include death, lost opportunities and the everyday stuggles that have occurred throughout time.

De Angeli, Marguerite. The door in the wall. 1949. Newbery Medal.

Robin, son of a 13th century lord, is crippled just before he was to begin his service as a page in order to eventually become a knight. Robin believes that he has failed everyone; his king, his father and the lord he was to serve. What good is he when his legs don’t work? But Robin learns that even if he is not a knight he can be useful in other unexpected ways. Read The door in the wall to discover how Robin grows into a man.

Lenski, Lois. Indian captive. The story of Mary Jemison. 1941. Newbery Honor Book.

Mary Jemison is approximately 15 years old in 1758 when early one spring morning her world is destroyed when hostile Indians capture her family and a neighbor family and march them across the forests of Pennsylvania. She is taken ultimately to the Genesee Valley as an adopted daughter of the Seneca Nation. This book tells the fictionalized account of her first two years as an Indian captive. It is heart wrenching, poignant and inspiring. It tells the tale of a young girl desperately trying to get back home but ultimately realizing that her home is now with the Senecas and living as one of them for the rest of her life. Read Indian captive for a story about courage and survival and love.

Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, not Buddy. 1999. Newbery Medal. Coretta Scott King Award.

Bud is a lucky 10-year-old boy in some respects. He was loved his first six years by his mama, taught right from wrong and good manners. He is resourceful and hopeful that he will find his daddy someday. That day comes when he is forced to run away. His string of adventures leads him to places that he didn’t expect but he does come home in the end. Read Bud, not Buddy for a story of a long awaited homecoming.


Lenski, Lois. Strawberry girl. 1945. Newbery Medal.

Strawberry girl is 10-year-old Birdie. She and her family have a farm in the Florida backwoods where they try to make a living. It’s hard though, not only to they have to contend with nature and all she has to offer but Birdie’s family lives next door to Sam Slater and his family. And Sam Slater is always itching to start a feud with someone even if it hurts one of his own. Read Strawberry girl for a look at life in the Florida backwoods.

Byars, Betsy. The summer of the swans. 1970. Newbery Medal.

For 14 years Sara’s life, while having it ups and downs, was flowing smoothly. But that summer, her older sister was too beautiful, her aunt too bossy and her brother too needy. Everything was going wrong even her sneakers were now the wrong color. How did life get this way and how will she ever feel normal again. All her angst at growing up is forgotten one morning when her mentally handicapped brother is missing from bed in the morning. She is the one closest to him, can she find her way to him wherever he might be. Read The summer of the swans to see how Sara realizes that life will always have its ups and downs.

Creech, Sharon. The Wanderer. 2000. Newbery Honor Book.

The Wanderer is not a person but a sailboat that is taking thirteen-year-old Sophie, her three uncles and her two cousins across the ocean to visit her grandfather in England. The sea calls to Sophie and she learns sailing and looks forward to this adventure; but as the adventure unfolds, the sea also frightens her and she has dark dreams about the sea. Perhaps these dark dreams have something to do with her refusal to talk about her first parents. Read The Wanderer to learn about Sophie and her collection of interesting uncles and cousins.