I finished …and now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold, the 1954 Newbery Medal winner. It was an interesting read, not a “typical” novel. It was very introspective, and not very plot-driven. I don’t usually like books like that, but this one drew me in. The story is very simple (it’s a very simple book, all around): a boy, Miguel, wants to go to the mountains with the men in his family when they go to put the sheep to summer pasture. The whole book is about his desire, his plan — a prayer to San Ysidro, and the outcome of his prayer. The back of the book reads “And his prayer is answered… but with devastating consequences”, which left me expecting something grand. There are consequences, but I don’t think they are devestating (but I’m neither 12, nor is it the 1950s). Instead it’s a look at selfishness, wishing, growing up and accepting change. A good little read.