Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff
Philomel (Penguin)
2014

From Goodreads:
Albie has never been the smartest kid in his class. He has never been the tallest. Or the best at gym. Or the greatest artist. Or the most musical. In fact, Albie has a long list of the things he's not very good at. But then Albie gets a new babysitter, Calista, who helps him figure out all of the things he is good at and how he can take pride in himself.

Five, Six, Seven, Nate by Tim Federle

Five, Six, Seven, Nate by Tim Federle
Simon and Schuster, 2014

from Goodreads:
Nate Foster's Broadway dreams are finally coming true. Armed with a one-way ticket to New York City, small-town theater geek Nate is off to start rehearsals for E.T.: The Broadway Musical . It's everything he ever practiced his autograph for! But as thrilling as Broadway is, rehearsals are nothing like Nate expects: full of intimidating child start, cutthroat understudies, and a director who can't even remember Nate's name. 

Now, as the countdown to opening night is starting to feel more like a time bomb, Nate is going to need more than his lucky rabbit's foot if he ever wants to see his name in lights. He may even need a showbiz miracle.

Despite the childish cover, last year's Better Nate Than Ever tackled some serious topics and concluded with Nate reaching his dream.

It's hard for sequels in the Newbery because they need to be complete stories in and of themselves. Can Five, Six, Seven, Nate follow in the footsteps of past winners; Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor (1977) or The Grey King by Susan Cooper (1976) which where both #4 in a series?

Thoughts?

The Girl is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines

The Girl is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines

Roaring Brook Press

2011

342p.

In 1942 New York City, fifteen-year-old Iris grieves for her mother who committed suicide and for the loss of her life of privilege, and secretly helps her father with his detective business since he, having lost a leg at Pearl Harbor, struggles to make ends meet.

Four Seasons by Jane Breskin Zalben

Four Seasons by Jane Breskin Zalben

Alfred A. Knopf

2011

322p.

Over the course of a year, thirteen-year-old Allegra Katz, a student at the demanding Julliard School and the daughter of two musicians, tries to decide whether she wants to continue to pursue a career as a concert pianist or to do something else with her life.

Flesh & Blood So Cheap by Albert Marrin

Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and It’s Legacy by Albert Marrin

Alfred A Knopf

2011

182p.