"Why was Mrs. Olinski's sixth grade academic bowl team so successful? And why had Mrs. Olinski chosen them in the first place? Noah, Nadia, Ethan and Julian call themselves 'The Souls.' Each has a story to tell, and within each of their stories is part of the answer. Listen to Noah's tale of life in Century Village, Nadia's story of turtle walks, Ethan's accounts of high tea at the bed and breakfast inn, and Julian's story about a dog that becomes a stage star. Taken together, their stories answer the first question, and when intertwined with the story of Mrs. Olinski and their astonishing academic bowl victories, they answer the second-and tell you much, much more."

 

John Newberry Award Winner, 1997