2000 Newbery Award Book

dePaola, T. (1999) 26 Fairmount avenue. New York: Penguin Group.



26 Fairmount Avenue depicts the early life of author, Tomie dePaola. In 26 Fairmount Avenue, dePaola introduces his wacky family to his readers, in a personal narrative. The dePaola family is very excited about the building of their new home. But problem after problem delay the family from moving into their new home. Holidays, like Christmas and New Year Eve are celebrated in the old house, instead of the unfinished home sitting empty on a hill. Tomie goes to the movie and has a difficult time with the movie Snow White because it was not like the book. He becomes so upset that he voices his opinion during the movie and had to be removed by his mother. Tomie was definite that Mr. Walt Disney evidently did not read the book. Finally, after many holidays and special times with his family, the dePaola family finally get to move in and Tomie gets the room he already wanted.



I enjoyed how the author opens parts of his life to his readers. 26 Fairmount Avenue enables children to make connections with Tomie and to see their similar experiences portrayed in a piece of literature. Using personal situations, common to most children and humorous illustrations, dePaola was able to share his personal life experiences with his readers.



One reason that I enjoyed this book was because I named one of my grandparents Tall Nanny and the other "Short Nanny". These memories are important now because they both died early in my childhood. Even though, I do not vividly remember anything about them, but I do remember naming them. Touching situations that Tomie revealed in the story reminded me of cherished moments that I shared with my family members. I am sure that other readers will be able to make this connection with the story, as well as, other personal experiences depicted in the story.



Tomie dePaola wrote a story that featured his two grandmothers that he introduced in 26 Fairmount Avenue. Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs The story goes the reasoning for naming his grandmothers as did. This aspect of the story if very appropriate for children because he is using his reasonings when he was a child. Most children have used this same type of reasoing to name family members and even pets. Nana Upstair, Nana Downstair address difficult topics, such as dealing with elderly family members and death, in a manner that was appropriate for children.



This book reiterated to me just how important all how our experiences and memories are and how they can be inspiring to others. 26 Fairmount Avenue reminded me to cherish and hold fast to everyday and every experience.