The Lindsay Eyre Book Award for 2011

Yes, the ALA awards were announced today. Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos won the Newbery, and When Things Come Back by John Whaley won the Printz. A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka won the Caldecott. I haven't gotten my hands on any of these books yet, so I thought I'd mention a book I think should have won something this year.

Not because it is serious or profound or anything noteworthy in that respect. But it is darling, entertaining, hilarious, and even a bit romantic—my favorite combination.

Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck.

I love Richard Peck. Normally he writes hysterical (and pretty meaningful) historical fiction—two of my favorites being The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts

And A River Between Us:

But back to Secrets at Sea. It's about mice, for pities sake. Mice and ships and adventure and love. My kids devoured it, and I loved reading it aloud to them. Peck is a master of language and a master of plot—not an easy thing, believe me. So if you're a bit leery of these heavier, award winners—at least until you've heard from word of mouth if they're really good—give Richard Peck and Secrets at Sea a serious, or not-so-serious look!