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The Order of Oddfish

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90-Second Newbery: Crispin: The Cross of Lead and Holes

October 21, 2011

The clock is ticking down to the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival! It’s November 5 in New York City and November 16 in Chicago. Complete details of the screenings here. I’m trying to get as many films as possible featured on the blog before the screening dates, so let’s jump right in!

Above is a sprightly, action-packed black-and-white silent movie version of Avi’s 2003 Newbery Medal winner, Crispin: The Cross of Lead. It’s by the Aurora Public Library right here in Illinois, headed up by Katie Stringwell! The “silent movie” approach is a sturdy choice―we’ve received a superb 90-Second Newbery version of The Graveyard Book done in that style. This Crispin is just as good, chock-full of sword fights, intrigue, friendships forged, tested, and culminated, a coming of age, and wonderful costumes! The acting is spot-on too, totally in keeping with the “silent movie” feeling. Great job, Aurora Public Library! I hope you come down to the Chicago screening on November 16.

This next one is by the Tredyffin Pubic Libray in Strafford, PA. The book: 1999 Newbery Medak winner Holes by Louis Sachar:

Everyone looks like they’re having such a fun time, even when dying a slow and painful death due to lizards. And very enthusiastic! I enjoyed the relish with which they approached the book. There is much of the plot packed in there, even the flashback, my favorite part. I especially liked the Miss Katherine and Sam-the-onion-man episode. Any film that has an eleven year old boy roaring “Devil woman!” has got me on its side, as well as “Now I’m Kissin’ Kate, the most feared outlaw in the wild west.” Rowr! The Tredyffrin Public Library kindly provided a link to their bloopers and outtakes for this movie, too. The Tredyffrin kids will be on hand at the film festival in New York on November 5. I’m looking forward to meeting them.

Thanks again, Tredyffrin Public Library and Aurora Public Library. Just about two weeks more to go!