Amazon.com (ISBN 0689839316, Hardcover)

In 1744, John Newbery started a bookshop in London and hung out a sign reading "Juvenile Library." Over 200 years later, while attending an American Library Association conference, a book publisher named Frederick Melcher had a brainstorm. Why not establish a children's literature award and name it after one of the first people to see the possibilities of publishing books aimed at children? The Newbery Medal was launched in 1922, and since then, each year has brought a new crop of distinguished American children's books, ripe for the picking. Newbery Girls gathers selections from 15 of the best-loved Newbery Medal and Newbery Honor books published in the 20th century. Featuring such unforgettable and diverse heroines as Caddie (Caddie Woodlawn), Claudia (From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler), and Yolanda (Yolanda's Genius), the collection honors the books loved best by girls (and boys!) throughout the century. Each excerpt, with text unchanged from the original, can stand alone as a short piece of fiction. However, no one would argue that the best way to thoroughly enjoy these Newbery girls is by reading the classics in their entirety. Get a tantalizing taste with the selections from Newbery Girls; but be sure to enjoy the full repast, as well! (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter