Best Books of 2007 (So Far)

Oh, hi. There you are. It’s been a quiet summer statistics-wise, and I’ve been wondering when you’d show up again. Not that I blame you for taking it easy on your blog reading and commenting over the summer. I mean, we’ve all got to get in our time lying by the pool/ocean/lake/pond/spigot. But now summer is officially over, and it’s time to get down to business.

Last year I listed my best books of the year before the year was technically over. Then I invited anyone who wanted to participate to make a list of their own, which I incorporated into one big list of the kidlitosphere choices. It was fun, in a busy, obsessive way.

So, want to do it again? We can consider it a public service toward next summer’s reading lists, and school librarians’ fall ordering, and just plain reading choices for people everywhere. If you want to join in, post your “Best Books of 2007 (So Far)” in any or all of the categories: Picture Books, Early Elementary, Elementary, Middle School, High School. Mix in your nonfiction or graphic novels by the age categories. Narrow it down to five choices per category (I know it will be tough). Let me make it clear that you don’t have to cover every age. Also, you can combine categories and make, say, one YA list. But if so, be a pal and indicate if you think it’s more High School level or Middle School level. My ultimate plan is to pull together the posts into one big list by the middle(ish) of September. Oh, and the books don’t have to be the most literary choices or the Caldecott contenders. They can be on your list because they made you laugh or cry (or were better than Cats) or proud to be an American, or whatever.

Some of you have already let me know that you plan on participating, and to you I say, “Rock on.” For those of you just waking up from your lazy summer days in the hammock or just back from vacation, let’s see what you’ve got. Comment on this post when you’ve got something to share, and I’ll put your choices in the master mix.