Extensive Reading Foundation
2007 Language Learner Literature Award Winners |
Every year, the Extensive Reading Foundation recognizes the best new works of language learner literature in English.
From books published in 2006, the ERF judges have selected a winner from the finalists in each of the four categories: Young Learners, Adolescents & Adults: Beginners, Adolescents & Adults: Intermediate, Adolescents & Adults: Advanced.
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Young Learners Winner and Finalists |
 | The Boy Who Burped Too Much *** WINNER ***
Author: Scott Nickel Illustrator: Steve Harpster
Billy burps everywhere - movies, concerts, the principal's office! Can he squelch the belch long enough to win the giant spelling bee?
Winning Comments:
In choosing The Boy Who Burped Too Much as winner, the jury noted the fast-moving plot and colorful illustrations in a story that will provide great fun and excitement to children, who won't be able to put it down until they finish it. Voters commented, "really fantastic and interesting." (Hong Kong) "It's funny and the pictures are wonderful." (Viet Nam)
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Series: Graphic Sparks
Publisher: Stone Arch Books ISBN: 9781598891683
Publication Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £3.95
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 | The Goose GirlAuthor: Retold by Sue Arengo Illustrator: Barbara Vagnozzi
A retelling of the classic story for young learners of English. A scheming maid takes the place of her princess.
Judges Comments:
Goodness finally prevails in this vibrantly-illustrated, magical fairy tale which will draw young readers deep into the story.
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Series: Classic Tales Elementary 2
Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN: 9780194225458
Publication Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £4.00
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 | Twelve Dancing PrincessesAuthor: Retold by Sue Arengo Illustrator: Penny Ives
A retelling of the classic story for young learners of English. Twelve princesses disappear each night - where they go is a secret, until they are followed by a soldier.
Judges Comments:
Refreshing! The prolonged element of suspense, the twist in the plot and the unpredictable ending provide a fresh breath in this exceptional fairy tale.
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Series: Classic Tales Elementary 2
Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN: 9780194225465
Publication Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £4.00
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Adolescents & Adults: Beginners Winner and Finalists |
 | Let Me Out! *** WINNER ***
Author: Antoinette Moses Illustrator: Chris Pavely
Nolan is a robot, created by a lonely electronics expert, John, to run his home, cook and do the ironing. But Nolan is not content; he wants to be human. When he realizes that this is not possible, he turns against John, who finds there is no escape from his malevolence.
Winning Comments:
This is Moses' second Language Learner Literature Award after winning in 2004 for Jojo's Story. The jury found Let Me Out a very well crafted science fiction story, noting its rare ability to create an emotional connection between reader and book characters. That it was a popular winner in a competitive field heartened the jury: "It's great to see a strong story-line carry the day." Voters commented, "scary and exciting." (Japan) "The story makes us think deeply about human life." (Russian Federation)
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Series: Cambridge English Readers Starter
Publisher: Cambridge University Press ISBN: 9780521683296
Publication Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £3.25
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 | Blog LoveAuthor: Chris Moore Illustrator: Katie Mac
Junko has come to London for the summer hoping to find friends and excitement. Instead she feels lonely and isolated, and takes refuge in the daily blog she writes at a local Internet café. She is delighted when she strikes up a friendship with fellow blogger 'Slow Boy'. But is he all that he seems?
Judges Comments:
It's a clever twist to present a simple romance in the form of blogs. Blog Love deals with loneliness and the characters have flaws - important and sometimes overlooked at this level.
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Series: Scholastic Readers Starter
Publisher: Mary Glasgow / Scholastic ISBN: 9781904720539
Pub. Date: 2006 Format: P/Bk
Price: £3.30
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 | The Story of ChocolateAuthor: Jennifer Gascoigne Design: Nadia Maestri
Chocolate is probably the world's favourite food. A lot of people can't live without it. We eat it and we drink it too.
It is black, brown and white. It gives us energy and makes us happy. Learn about the history of this delicious food and discover some interesting facts that not everybody knows!
Judges Comments:
One student said, "This book looks delicious!" It really does. The Story of Chocolate is beautifully designed and is written in an easy-to-understand style that will draw in reluctant readers (as well as chocolate lovers!).
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Series: Easyread Level 1
Publisher: Black Cat Publishing ISBN: 9788853004475
Publication Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £3.55
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Adolescents & Adults: Intermediate Winner and Finalists |
 | Rabbit-Proof Fence *** WINNER ***
Author: Dorothy Pilkington Garimara Retold by: Jennifer Bassett
Molly and her cousins were mixed-race aborigines. They were taken away from their families and sent to a camp to be trained as good 'white' Australians. They were told to forget their families.
But Molly would not forget. She and her cousins escaped and walked 1600 kilometres following the rabbit-proof fence to their desert home.
Winning Comments:
The jury called Rabbit-Proof Fence sustained and powerful; a true story that reflects the experience of marginalised people everywhere. The well-paced retelling brings a second Language Learner Literature Award to Jennifer Bassett, who won for Love among the Haystacks in 2005. One teacher commented, "From the moment [my students] opened the book, they felt as if the story was about their own lives.... [It] helped them to become closer to their classmates who were not from the same backgrounds as they." (United States)
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Series: Oxford Bookworms Library Stage 3 (Pre-Int)
Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN: 9780194791441
Publication Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £4.75
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 | Crossroads to LoveAuthor: Paul Davenport Illustrator: Niels Roland
Torn between her long-time friendship with Maria and her fascination for Tim, Kelley has to choose between them. She can't have both - she has to decide. Kelley has reached a crossroads - 'Growing up is not a straight line'.
Judges Comments:
This book is a good read that deals with moral and emotional issues that typically occupy the lives of teenagers. As the story line develops, the characters develop unexpected strengths.
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Series: Teen Readers Level 3
Publisher: Aschehoug Dansk ISBN: 9788723905130
Pub. Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £3.95
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 | The No 1 Ladies Detective AgencyAuthor: Alexander McCall Smith Retold by: Anne Collins
Illustrator: Doreen Lang
Precious Ramotswe is the only female private detective in Botswana. Her agency - the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - is the best in the country. With the help of her secretary, Mma Makutsi and her best friend, Mr JLB Matekoni, she solves a number of difficult problems. A missing husband, a missing finger and a missing child - she will solve these mysteries in her own special way.
Judges Comments:
The book is a delightful read with a strong story that keeps the reader guessing. It deals with human and moral issues in a sympathetic and witty style, and gives insights into cultural and social life in Botswana.
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Series: Penguin Readers Level 3 (Pre-Intermediate)
Publisher: Longman ISBN: 9781405833967
Publication Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £5.00
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 | Strong MedicineAuthor: Richard MacAndrew
Dr Mark Latto travels to California USA to learn about an alternative medical treatment from Deborah Spencer. But on arrival he finds that Deborah has died and the book she was writing about the treatment has vanished. The police don't suspect murder but Mark does.
Judges Comments:
With background themes that include medical research, alternative therapies, and international drug companies, this thriller has a good deal of suspense and a pleasing final twist.
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Series: Cambridge English Readers Level 3 (Pre-Int)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press ISBN: 9780521693936
Publication Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £3.70
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Adolescents & Adults: Advanced Winner and Finalists |
 | The Age Of Innocence *** WINNER ***
Author: Edith Wharton Retold by: Clare West
Newland Archer is engaged to young May Welland, but the beautiful and mysterious Countess needs his help. He becomes her friend and defender, but friendship with an unhappy, lonely woman is a dangerous path for a young man to follow in the New York of 1870s.
Winning Comments:
The Age of Innocence successfully marshals its large cast of characters in a book that will keep its readers guessing until the end. The jury found it ideal for readers who enjoy stories that deal with emotions and relationships. Voters commented, "Because the descriptions were very good... you read and don't stop." (Peru) "It was so romantic." (Somalia)
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Series: Oxford Bookworms Library Stage 5 (Upper-Int)
Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN: 9780194792165
Publication Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £5.25
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 | Barchester TowersAuthor: Anthony Trollope Retold by: Clare West
Mrs Proudie the wife of the new Bishop brings the Reverend Slope into the Bishop's Palace to help dominate her husband and rule the local clergy.
This classic comic story is probably Trollope's most famous novel.
Judges Comments:
This book tells the story of a struggle for power, and for love, through comedy and a sharp social commentary on English church and society over 150 years ago.
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Series: Oxford Bookworms Library Stage 6 (Advanced)
Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN: 9780194792547
Publication Date: 2006 Format: Paperback
Price: £5.25
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