Lafayette author Ingrid Law’s lively novel “Savvy,” named a Newbery Honor book in 2009, is the choice for the 2014 Youth One Book, One Denver, the citywide summer reading program for children between 9 and 13.
Law said she hopes her book can help bring families together.
“It’s just so exciting to get to share my book with summer readers who otherwise maybe wouldn’t read it, or any book,” she said.
Young readers chose “Savvy” over two other Colorado finalists: “Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School and Other Scary Things” by Lenore Look, and “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” by Avi. Children voted through after-school programs, public libraries and other venues.
“Savvy,” about a girl’s efforts to help her father, is the first book in a trilogy about children in a family that inherits unusual, unpredictable talents. “Scumble” followed, the story of a sibling struggling to control a newfound skill. The third book, “Switch,” will be released next year.
The Youth One Book, One Denver program began three years ago, and includes 6,000 participants.
Children in summer programs affiliated with Youth One Book, One Denver will receive a copy of “Savvy.” Colorado’s Rosen Publishing Inc. has donated 10,000 of its books to Youth One Book, One Denver.
Max Free, 10, said he loves to read chapter books.
“They are all awesome,” he said at an event Tuesday. Free has not read “Savvy” but said he is “very excited to read it.”
Nine-year-old Ruby Seaman said she has already read “Savvy” but stopped just short of a spoiler alert for her fellow readers.
The best part is “when the main character finds out what her savvy is,” Seaman said.
Claire Martin
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
