Thinning the children's garden

Or attempting to narrow down the choices of good children's literature to a select few for Christmas giving. Using the Horn Book Magazine a wonderful, comprehensive source of reviews of children's literature. I have collected children's literature & picture books for many years now.

Tentatively, the list of candidates is eighteen titles long, although I plan to purchase only five or six at most & only hardcovers. All are the award winners
(or short list candidates) for this year. However, I chose them because of plot synopsis, not simply award status. In no particular order the top picks are:

1. Inexcusable by Chris Lynch; winner National Book Award for Young People

2. Lizzie Bright & the Buckminster Boy by Gary Schmidt; winner of the Michael Printz Award

3.Escape From Memory by Margaret Haddix; winner of the Golden Duck Award for children's fantasy/science fiction

4. Kira, Kira by Cynthia Kadohata; winner of the Newbery Award

Choices 1 & 2 are suggested for high school & older due to content. Choices 3 & 4 are middle school & up. Just in case you are wondering.