Worthy of the Newbery Medal

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	• Criss Cross Lynne Rae Perkins HarperTrophy, 2008 - 368 pages average customer review:based on 72 reviews view larger image
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Worthy of the Newbery Medal

First of all, I noticed a lot of reviewers complained that "no kid would ever read this". Being twelve-years-old, I can happily prove them wrong! I read "Criss Cross", and, unlike most people who reviewed the book, actually understood why it won the Newbery Medal! Let me tell you why.

The summary on the copyright page says something like "Teens in a small town search for the meaning of love and life". This already gives you an overview of the book and explains what "Criss Cross" is truly about-if you look. I agree with several people who commented that they didn't enjoy the fact that the publishers put Debbie's "she wished something would happen" lines on the cover. This made "Criss Cross" seem like a fairytale, when really it's the opposite. A lot of books out there seem to follow one laid-out storyline throughout the book, but real life doesn't always follow that pattern. Sometimes, we can put together certain fazes of our life into a story, but sometimes, life just goes on, without major problems like death, divorce, moves, etc. That was one thing I really liked about "Criss Cross". The author made several funny and intellectual observations, and by the end of the book I was able to smile and say, "That's so true." I think the reason this product received such low reviews is that the readers were expecting a straight-forward story kind of book, instead of one that was more about life in general than a special time in life. I can appreciate that some readers might fidget, bored by the book, but I think you just have to go in reading "Criss Cross" with an open mind. I found that it was honestly written and well...what can I say, I really liked it! It's just one of those books that you can take out and smile. I was very offended by some of the reviews, but as I said earlier, "Criss Cross" is not your "normal" book. If you're expecting a "normal" book, I wouldn't recommend this, but if you're open to books where you have to work a little harder to get, this book is for you. My mom is going to read "Criss Cross" next and I am looking forward to talking about it when she's down, because it's the sort of book that's fun to talk about.

So why do I think "Criss Cross" won the "Newbery Medal"? "Criss Cross" is funny, observant, and honest. It makes sense. It's definitely much better than most of the books in Teen Literature, which are only about dating and popularity cliques. Sure a few of the girls in "Criss Cross" are into boys, but I still enjoyed them as characters. Some girls do like boys and I was able to respect the girls portrayed in "Criss Cross", instead of gagging like I usually do after reading about boy-crazy girls in some books. I was pleased to find a book for my age group that I could enjoy, as I often read adult books because of the limited interest level of books for kids my age (I recently read "My Sister's Keeper"-great book!). Just keep an open mind reading "Criss Cross". You have to think every so now and then, but I guarantee that once you give it a chance, you will not be sorry! I hope that the majority of people who read this review will think twice about what "Criss Cross" is about, because I think a few reviewers weren't trying hard enough to enjoy the essence of "Criss Cross". That is a fault of the humankind.

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I enjoyed it a lot

I see that a lot of people have given this book low reviews, and I am not sure why. I enjoyed the book a lot, and could not stop reading it. Maybe it is just suited to me. Anyway, a lot of the criticism seems to be that the book did not have enough going on. To me, the characters seemed like normal people, and the book had a light, summery feel. The characters were not engaged in any major suspense or adventure, but not everyone does that during the summer. Many kids spend lazy summer days being bored or just hanging out with friends. The story seemed to be about a group of kids that hang out, and what they did. Each person was in his or her own world, and these worlds sometimes overlapped, just like in real life. I don't claim that this is the best book ever written, but I found it pleasing to read. There were some things that bothered me, such as the side by side accounts of two characters that were very difficult to read in one chapter. Still, I would recommend the book to others. I would be interested to know what younger readers thought of it.

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Criss Cross

Criss Cross is a novel that is mostly about a teenager named Debbie and her pals as they expeirience the summer during the 1960's and 70's. Romance brews on many occaision and many of the characters grown emotionally and become more aware of the opposite sex. The story itself is written with small illistrations or photographs to help us understand the novel. Parts of the book are written in verse and on one occaision, the stories of two different people are told on the same pages.

My take on Criss Cross. I must say that this was one of the best written and worded books I have ever read. Descriptive words, poetic phrasing, and just all aroung lyrical writing filled the novel to the brim. But that was the only good part of the novel. As far as the storyline goes, there was none. Because the author tried to cover several characters, two of which in particular, there was no room for some sort of climax. Also, many of the main characters were not described fully which made it a little boring. Basically, if you want a well written book go for it. But if you want a book with a plot than don't try it.

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amazing

this book is one of the most heartfelt books i've ever read. all throughout the book, you can imagine it being a real story, and it happening to someone you know, or maybe even yourself. it cuts out all the hollywood jazz you'd normally expect from a book, which may be why some people may feel that the book lacks plot. but the sincerity of the author's intentions shine through her illustrations and words, which makes it an enjoyable read.

reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, page 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

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