2004 Nominees

 

Once Upon a Marigold - MS

by Jean Ferris

In this inventive fairy tale, Christian and his mentor, a benevolent troll, discover a plot to murder the Princess Marigold and her father.

 

Hoot - MS

by Carl Hiassen

A group of 7th grade would-be environmentalists seek to stop the construction of a pancake restaurant on the home of some endangered owls.

 

The Misfits - MS

by James Howe

Four 7th grade friends who are social outcasts decide to run for the school election, as the "No Name Club", that is no name-calling.

 

Soldier Boys - MS

by Dean Hughes

Two boys, one American and one German, eagerly enter World War II with high aspirations but instead experience the realities and hopelessness of war.

 

How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found - All

by Sara Nickerson

An offbeat mystery featuring a spooky old mansion, a father's death, and a strange handwritten comic book about a boy who turned into a rat.

 

Girl in a Cage - All

by Jane Yolen & Robert J. Harris

The story of Princess Marjorie's fight to survive the horrible conditions, the taunting of her enemies, and the scorn of her captor, King Edward, who has imprisoned her in a cage.

 

Hanging on to Max - All

by Margaret Bechard

Sam's life changes forever when he decides to raise his infant son, Max, by himself while he lives with his father.

 

Out of War: True Stories from the Front Lines of the Children's Movement for Peace in Columbia - All

by Sara Cameron

Nine teens share their experiences of living with the violence in their homeland and joining the Children's Movement for Peace in Columbia.

 

Things Not Seen - All

by Andrew Clements

When Bobby wakes up invisible one day, he discovers that it's not as much fun as it sounds. Can he reverse this curse before he is listed as a missing person?

 

House of the Scorpion - All  (2004 winner)

by Nancy Farmer

To most people around him, Matt is no better than an animal because he is a clone, but he could be the only hope for the future of all humanity.

 

Breaking Point - All

by Alexandra Flinn

Paul is ostracized by the students at his new school, until Charlie, campus star, approaches him with an offer of friendship in return for some small "chores."

 

In Spite of Killer Bees - All

by Julie Johnston

A funny and unique story of three young ladies who must live in their recently deceased grandfather's house to earn their inheritance.

 

Son of the Mob - All

by Gordon Korman

When your father is the head of the mob, it's hard for people to treat you normally, let alone have a love life.

 

Left for Dead: A Young Man's Search for Justice for the U.S.S. Indianapolis - All

by Peter Nelson

Fifty years after one of the worst maritime disasters in history, a teenager uncoveres new and previously classified information resulting in the exoneration of the Captain and crew.

 

What My Mother Doesn't Know - All

by Sonya Sones

Experience the everyday comic, meaningful and triumphant feelings and happenings in the life of a teenage girl.

 

Catalyst - HS

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Super-achiever Kate is sure that her life depends on getting into her top college, MIT, until a neighbor's tragedy forces her to look outside herself.

 

St. Michaels Scales - HS

by Neil O. Connelly

Feeling guilty about his family's problems, Keenan Flannery is planning to kill himself in 2 weeks on his birthday, but life has other plans for him, including joining the wrestling team.

 

America: A Novel - HS

by E.R. Frank

Now in a treatment facility for his destructive behavior, America slowly opens up in an attempt to piece his life together.

 

Hole in My Life - HS

by Jack Gantos

An autobiographical sketch of the author's restless final year of high school, his short-lived career as a drug-smuggler, and his harrowing time in prison

 

Aimee - HS

by Mary Beth Miller

Everyone blames Zoe for Aimee's suicide, and sometimes Zoe even blames herself. Did she really let her best friend die?

   
 

What Happened to Lani Garver - HS

by Carol Plum-Ucci

Coming to terms with her deep troubles, Claire reluctantly befriends the intriguing outcast Lani, and her world is turned upside down.

 

Jinx - HS

by Margaret Wild

In this story in verse, Jen names herself "Jinx" when, for the second time, a boyfriend dies