The 2007 Newbery Medal

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks leaves Iowa to claim her late uncle's homestead in Montana. Facing harsh weather and societal pressures, she finds unexpected family with her German neighbors. As she battles to keep her land, Hattie must confront prejudice and tragedy, discovering what home truly means. Will she succeed against the odds and find her place in the world?

Summary: In 1953, Penny dreams of a carefree summer filled with ice cream and baseball. But her plans are thwarted by her mother's fear of polio, a favorite uncle living in a car, and a family divided by past prejudices. As Penny navigates these challenges, she discovers unexpected ways to bring her family together. Set in post-war America, this heartfelt tale explores the bonds that both divide and unite us, revealing the extraordinary within the everyday. Can Penny find harmony amidst the chaos and heal the rifts in her family?

Summary: Twelve-year-old Catherine craves a normal life, but her brother's autism makes it challenging. As she navigates her summer, she befriends Jason, a paraplegic boy, and Kristi, the neighbor she's always wanted. These new relationships force Catherine to confront her own perceptions and behaviors, leading her to question what 'normal' truly means. Can she find acceptance in a world that defies her expectations?