Meet the Souls

•Noah, who quite by accident was best man at the wedding of Ethan's grandmother and Nadia's grandfather

•Nadia, a hybrid with a halo of red hair, a dog that's a genius, and a fondness for baby turtles

•Ethan, the silent second son of one of Epiphany's oldest families, who discovers he likes halos

•Julian, the strangest person on the school bus, who starts everything by inviting the others to a tea party

How did Mrs. Olinski, returning to teaching ten years after being paralyzed in an automobile accident, choose these four to be her sixth-grade Academic Bowl team? And how did this unlikely foursome become even unlikelier champions, in far more than just the state middle school competition? The View From Saturday is a rich and rewarding journey that answers these questions and raises many more.

The View From Saturday

ANNOTATION

Four students, with their own individual stories, develop a special bond and attract the attention of their teacher, a paraplegic, who chooses them to represent their sixth-grade class in the Academic Bowl competition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Four students, with their own individual stories, develop a special bond and attract the attention of their teacher, a paraplegic, who chooses them to represent their sixth-grade class in the Academic Bowl competition.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

This 1996 Newbery Medal winner charts the ties that bind four members of an extraordinarily successful 6th-grade quiz bowl team. In a starred review, PW called it "glowing with humor and dusted with magic." Ages 8-12.

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

This multi-layered novel tells the story of four sixth-grade children selected for an Academic Bowl team. Below the plot surface lies a web of interconnections. Though at first the children seem quite different, two of the children are "related" when their grandparents marry and a third is, through a string of accidents, best man at this wedding. The fourth boy is an East Indian newly arrived in America, who unites the team with his instincts about their shared sensibilities. Throughout, there is a strong sense of larger forces at work. Who put the team together? Mrs. Olinski, the paraplegic teacher who can't explain her choices to the administration or herself? Or did the children chose her? And why do each of the children's specific areas of expertise show up in the contest questions? Konigsburg brilliantly quarters the story's telling, letting each child tell a part while Mrs. Olinski provides the narrative mortar. And the telling is a connected flow of story that, as with the team, is a very great whole. 1998 (orig.

Children's Literature - Donna Brumby

The expertise and experience of the author glimmer in this intriguing novel about the journey and triumph of Epiphany Middle School's sixth-grade scholastic bowl team. Already showing up on several "best of the year" lists, The View from Saturday is a solidly crafted, but not uncomplicated, story that does deserve the attention of young teens. But its quaint style, slightly artificial young characters, and emphasis on retirement living may keep it from reaching its intended audience. Sadly, the unappealing book cover on the hardback won't be of help to teachers and librarians attempting to "sell" this book either. Inclusion on reading lists, and hopefully a more attractive paperback version in the future, may be the only hopes for this book that many readers will probably really enjoy if they ever give it a try. A Newberry Medal winner.

Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman

"What is the meaning of the word calligraphy and from what language does it derive? Noah Gershom's buzzer sounded first." So begins a chapter on Noah's life and how he became part of 'The Souls,' a team of 4 sixth graders from Epiphany Middle School who are participating in the district's Academic Bowl. Guided by Mrs. Olinski, their teacher, a paraplegic, the 4 soon become soul mates. A tight bond forms between them as they mix and match their idiosyncrasies and their personalities. This is a story of friendship, compassion, growth, and the empowerment of learning. It is also about confidence and success and the value of always having goals. Finally, Mrs. Olinski understands how and why she chose Noah, Nadia, Ethan and Julian to represent their school. Winner of the 1997 Newbery Medal.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6E.L. Konigsburg's Newbery Award winner (Atheneum, 1996) makes a smooth transition into this medium. Mrs. Olinski and her four bright students make a dynamic team as read by this cast of competent actors. In this story of four sixth graders' victory in an Academic Bowl, Noah, Nadia, Ethan and Julian each tell their story. The foursome and the supporting characters come to life while Mrs. Olinski blossoms. Careful prose is well adapted into a funny, realistic, caring portrait through clear and varied voices. No bells and whistles are needed to bring this winner to life, just a skilled reading. Put this on the shelf and watch it fly.Angela J. Reynolds, West Slope Community Library, Portland, OR Read all 6 "From The Critics" >