The Wild Robot (Peter Brown)

Publication Date: April 2016

SYNOPSIS: When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a fierce storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants.

As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home -until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

THOUGHTS: This book is so unique - a heartfelt story about a robot's adventures with wildlife on an island. The interactions between the robot and the animals are sad, funny, and interesting, and some action/adventure sneaks its way in there. Plus it has a mishmash of genres – science fiction, adventure, humor, animals – that will make most kids sure to find some aspect of the story to latch on to.

I was so close to giving this book four stars, but the ending just did not live up to the build-up from the rest of the story for me. It was still excellent, and I think kids will really like it. I chickened out for some reason on giving this book 3.5 Cartwheels, but it has definite kid appeal.

CARTWHEEL AWARD NOMINEE?: Yes, absolutely!

Raymie Nightingale (by Kate DiCamillo)

Publication Date: March 2016

SYNOPSIS: Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship — and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways. 

THOUGHTS: There is a reason Kate DiCamillo is the best in the business. Because she creates such great characters, even a relatively spare and quiet story such as this one is very compelling. I loved it.

The three main child characters have so many different layers, particularly Raymie's friend Beverly. Beverly, who is stubborn and impatient for most of the story, lets her guard down at times later in the story to show her real self. Each girl is brittle in her own way and every time the story breaks your heart, it glues it back together.

This is definitely a character-driven story, which I think (unfortunately) will rule out a considerable number of readers who will seek more action, mystery, or humor. However, it will be cherished in the right reader's hands.

CARTWHEEL AWARD NOMINEE?: Possible, but I’m not sure if it has the broad interest level that we usually look for. Either way, I will definitely encourage kids to read this story. It’s really great.