Awards and Honors
Smithsonian Notable Books for Children list for 2009: One Beetle Too Many
Boston Globe Horn Book Award: Weaver's Gift
Library of Congress Notable Book
The Washington Post / Children's Book Guild Award: for the body of Lasky's non-fiction work
Subaru/SB&F Key Award for Science Concepts Nominee
More Praise for Kathryn Lasky
Lasky seamlessly weaves a great deal of history into this novel... She vividly portrays a wide swath of society—rich and poor, slaves and gladiators, priests and priestesses as well as the working people of Pompeii. Her well-rounded main characters exist in a world on the brink of disaster, a fact well known to most readers. Even so, Lasky effectively uses subtle indications of the impending eruption to increase the suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats.
In this lively tale, Lasky shows not only the physical work and thrills of buccaneering, but also the complex feelings that come with the job... Children will enjoy the view of the sea bandits who are greedy and ruthless, vulnerable and goofy, and who yearn for true friendship almost as much as a chest filled with jewels.
While the owls have human characteristics, such as Soren's determination and Gylfie's creative ideas, their actions and culture reflect Lasky's research into owl behaviors and species. The story's fast pace, menacing bad guys, and flashes of humor make this a good choice for reluctant readers, while the underlying message about the power of legends provides a unifying element and gives strong appeal for fantasy fans.
Lasky's writing creates scenes and relates facts in ways that are vivid and memorable. Every page of this large-format book features colorful photographs that reflect the you-are-there quality of the text: long-range views of the forest, close ups that bring individual species into focus, and many pictures of Lowman and her sons, which have a natural, unstudied look. Fresh in outlook and intriguing in the details, this book will strengthen any library collection on the rainforest.
Lasky demonstrates how vigorous historical fiction can enliven the facts found in most textbooks.
Through rich prose filled with imagery, distinct characterization, and historical research, Lasky breathes life into the horrific history of anti-Semitism in Russia in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.
Moving but never sentimental, Lasky's text proves the poetic power of simple, straightforward language...
Quality writing, lively characterizations, and abundant historical detail.
A rousing good story and two strong female protagonists make this novel of the Underground Railroad an energetic work of historical fiction.
With elaborate images and atmospheric prose, Lasky spins a tale that is rich with meaning and ripe for interpretation... Lasky's eloquent and lush sense of language and text woven together with Janet Stevens' glowing illustrations, achieve an effect that is not unlike the wind it self-flowing and encompassing while beckoning readers to wove with the story's pace.
