Wendelin Van Draanen was honored with a Christopher Medal on March 10 in New York for her book, Shredderman: Secret Identity.
Also awarded that day were the late Christopher Reeve, the movies "The Incredibles," "Hotel Rwanda," and Bob Scheiffer of "Face the Nation." The Christopher Award is given to people or works that "affirm the highest values of the human spirit," according to the organization Web site.
I always enjoy Van Draanen's books. Her writing is thoughtful as well as entertaining. I loved Flipped and it continues to be a favorite with middle school readers. Her Sammye Keyes mysteries are excellent.
The article talks at length about her Shredderman books. When I read the first book I was struck by the hero's resilience and creativity in dealing with a bully at school. There is also much to unpack and discuss beneath the amusing story. Discussing these books Van Draanen says, "I hope the reader finds the superhero within them [and] to learn to stand up for themselves and be the best person they can be."
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