I've been busy reading since my last post, so I have much to share with you.
First, it's been more than a decade since her novel Folkkeeper received raves, and I knew it wouldn't be long before buzz began about Franny Billingsley's newest novel, Chime. It has. And let me say, it's much deserved. Chime is exquisitely written. Bilingsly has such a mastery of words and imagery that readers can, in fact, get lost in her phrasings and forget that there's a story that goes along with the words. This one is more YA than her previous novel, but not so much that 12-14 year olds can't read it. It is a paranormal story set in a rural town that has many backwards ways, including hanging witches. And that's just what the main character knows she is.
And for the guys, Leverage by Joshua C. Cohen. This is one powerful novel about steroid use gone bad. Fair warning, this is a true YA book with lots of locker room language, many homophobic and racial slurs, and a tragic sexual assault. Told in two voices, one of football player new to the team and the other of a male gymnast who has been the target of the football stars' wrath. Make no mistake, this is a harsh and real look at the competitive world of high school sports. This one will haunt long after you've read it.
And one of my favorites of the season came out today, Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt. This humorous novel about a girl who journals about the boy who has sat in front of her since fourth grade -- more specifically about his head. She does this to resolve her newly discovered family problems, but soon discovers that Sean is more than she originally thought. This is definitely a winner in my book.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
I've Been Busy Lately
I've gotten back to reading kids' books again -- finally.
I just finished a terrific book titled SMALL PERSONS WITH WINGS (THEY HATE TO BE CALLED FAIRIES) by Ellen Booream [Dial Books]. I don't read many fairy books. Honestly, between the vampires, werewolves and fairies, I'm pretty burned out on them. But when something unique comes along, I'll give it a shot. This book is more of mystery with wonderfully flawed fairies and non-traditional human characters. The plot moves quickly, and the writing is excellent. This is one to watch this year.
In addition, I was given a terrific first novel to read by a colleague. She wanted to see what I thought. The book is called CHARLIE JOE JACKSON'S GUIDE TO NOT READING by Tom Greenwald [Roaring Brook, July release]. This one is a perfect pick for reluctant readers. The narrator even tells the reader he is going to make the chapters short, so it seems like they are flying through the book. While some teachers may not appreciate the "secrets" given away (i.e. reading the first and last chapters and getting someone else to tell you the rest), I found it wonderful. And, fortunately in the end, Charlie Joe has to change his ways -- almost. I see a sequel coming.
Keep reading.
I just finished a terrific book titled SMALL PERSONS WITH WINGS (THEY HATE TO BE CALLED FAIRIES) by Ellen Booream [Dial Books]. I don't read many fairy books. Honestly, between the vampires, werewolves and fairies, I'm pretty burned out on them. But when something unique comes along, I'll give it a shot. This book is more of mystery with wonderfully flawed fairies and non-traditional human characters. The plot moves quickly, and the writing is excellent. This is one to watch this year.
In addition, I was given a terrific first novel to read by a colleague. She wanted to see what I thought. The book is called CHARLIE JOE JACKSON'S GUIDE TO NOT READING by Tom Greenwald [Roaring Brook, July release]. This one is a perfect pick for reluctant readers. The narrator even tells the reader he is going to make the chapters short, so it seems like they are flying through the book. While some teachers may not appreciate the "secrets" given away (i.e. reading the first and last chapters and getting someone else to tell you the rest), I found it wonderful. And, fortunately in the end, Charlie Joe has to change his ways -- almost. I see a sequel coming.
Keep reading.
Monday, February 7, 2011
All Kinds of News
As I'm sure most of you have heard, author Brian Jacques passed away this past weekend. No need to say that the children's literature world has lost a giant. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say he paved the way for series writers to be "box office hits."
I, like my many of my former students and now bookstore customers, anxiously awaited the next installment of his famed Redwall series. But I was also a big fan of Flying Dutchmen series too. He had a way of telling a broad, epic journey and make it fun.
Additionally, the store was fortunate to host him a few years back. What struck me about him was his natural talent to tell a story. He spoke with such eloquence and emotion and had everyone, kids and adults, sitting on the edge of their seats.
RIP Brian Jacques.
On another note, the deadline for the Highlights Foundation's Chautauqua conference scholarships is February 12. As a former attendee (and scholarship recipient), I strongly suggest writers attend this week long event. Not only is it one of the best vacations you'll ever take, it's such a phenomenal writing conference that you won't regret attending.
It took me years to make up my mind to attend (being cajoled by a good friend of mine who had attended earlier). I finally applied and was pleasantly surprised when I got the scholarship. What did I get from it? I did get my Reading Today job through a contact I made there. I met National Book Award Winner Kathryn Erskine before she was published, as well as several other good friends and colleagues.
More information can be found at www.highlightsfoundation.org
My advice is "Give it a shot. If they say no, you are not out anything. But if they say yes...."
Keep reading.
I, like my many of my former students and now bookstore customers, anxiously awaited the next installment of his famed Redwall series. But I was also a big fan of Flying Dutchmen series too. He had a way of telling a broad, epic journey and make it fun.
Additionally, the store was fortunate to host him a few years back. What struck me about him was his natural talent to tell a story. He spoke with such eloquence and emotion and had everyone, kids and adults, sitting on the edge of their seats.
RIP Brian Jacques.
On another note, the deadline for the Highlights Foundation's Chautauqua conference scholarships is February 12. As a former attendee (and scholarship recipient), I strongly suggest writers attend this week long event. Not only is it one of the best vacations you'll ever take, it's such a phenomenal writing conference that you won't regret attending.
It took me years to make up my mind to attend (being cajoled by a good friend of mine who had attended earlier). I finally applied and was pleasantly surprised when I got the scholarship. What did I get from it? I did get my Reading Today job through a contact I made there. I met National Book Award Winner Kathryn Erskine before she was published, as well as several other good friends and colleagues.
More information can be found at www.highlightsfoundation.org
My advice is "Give it a shot. If they say no, you are not out anything. But if they say yes...."
Keep reading.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A Short Break
I took a break today from reading The Land of the Painted Caves to read an F&G (Folded and Gathered - the advance reading version of a picture book) of an upcoming gem. It's called Pig Kahuna by Jennifer Gordon Sattler (due out May 2011).
I have to say I don't know if I was laughing more at the text or the illustrations, but I do know I fell in love with it. Now, I do have to tell you, the book has a surfboard named Dave, so I could be a little biased. But I'm guessing the two other characters, Fergus and Dink, could become household names. Not only are they hilarious, but their inquisitive and creative nature keeps the reader guessing what's next.
My first thought after reading this story of scavenging/treasure-hunting pigs was "We need to order lots of these for the store, because I'm going to be talking about this book quite a bit." Then I secretly hoped one of my nieces or nephews ask me to be a special reader for their class next year. I love it when I have a great book to introduce to the kids (and I can bring some great props to share too).
Well, back to The Land of the Painted Caves. I'll try to check in soon with at least another picture book to talk about.
Keep reading.
I have to say I don't know if I was laughing more at the text or the illustrations, but I do know I fell in love with it. Now, I do have to tell you, the book has a surfboard named Dave, so I could be a little biased. But I'm guessing the two other characters, Fergus and Dink, could become household names. Not only are they hilarious, but their inquisitive and creative nature keeps the reader guessing what's next.
My first thought after reading this story of scavenging/treasure-hunting pigs was "We need to order lots of these for the store, because I'm going to be talking about this book quite a bit." Then I secretly hoped one of my nieces or nephews ask me to be a special reader for their class next year. I love it when I have a great book to introduce to the kids (and I can bring some great props to share too).
Well, back to The Land of the Painted Caves. I'll try to check in soon with at least another picture book to talk about.
Keep reading.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
What's Going on Now
I'm juggling a lot this week. The children's literature class I teach at a local college is ending it's term, so I have projects to grade. I'm almost always impressed by some of the presentations my students give.
My boss is back from BEA (which means lots of well-intentioned new ideas).
And I'm desperately trying to finish Heart of a Samurai. It's the only Newbery I didn't read before this years' announcements.
Why "desperately"? Because today my advanced reading copy of Land of the Painted Caves arrived. I started reading this adult novel series when I was 17 years old. The plans were for 7 books total, so I was looking forward to each new book.
I turn 47 this year, so it's been a long time coming. I wonder, in today's market, would publishers have allowed such a thing to happen? I don't know. But I do know, I'm extremely happy J.K. Rowling wrote a little faster than Jean Auel. And now I'm happy the conclusion of this series has arrived.
If I'm off the grid for a while, you'll know why.
Keep reading.
My boss is back from BEA (which means lots of well-intentioned new ideas).
And I'm desperately trying to finish Heart of a Samurai. It's the only Newbery I didn't read before this years' announcements.
Why "desperately"? Because today my advanced reading copy of Land of the Painted Caves arrived. I started reading this adult novel series when I was 17 years old. The plans were for 7 books total, so I was looking forward to each new book.
I turn 47 this year, so it's been a long time coming. I wonder, in today's market, would publishers have allowed such a thing to happen? I don't know. But I do know, I'm extremely happy J.K. Rowling wrote a little faster than Jean Auel. And now I'm happy the conclusion of this series has arrived.
If I'm off the grid for a while, you'll know why.
Keep reading.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Drop Everything and Write!
Drop Everything and Write! An Easy Breezy Guide for Kids Who Want to Write a Story by Linda Leopold Strauss [E & E Publishing] (out now).
I believe in full disclosure, so I need to preface this entry with letting you know I've known Linda for many years. How many? I don't quite remember, but I do know that when I decided to jump into the world of writing for children, it wasn't long after that I met her. (That means it's close to 15 years now). In fact, for a long while, she was the only other person who read my work. It was her encouragement that sustained me during those first years. She's very good at encouraging new writers and offering helpful, constructive criticism.
I've championed this book since its inception, and here's why:
Yes, there are other books out there about writing, but this one is aimed at middle grade writers. It's a step by step primer for young, budding writers. Parents can use this to encourage their child's interests and help them along. And teachers have a great resource for any student who comes up and asks for help with "writing a book."
But it's more than that. This book is an excellent starting point for any adult who wants to write for children. The book gives concrete examples of all those terms often thrown around by writers and editors -- characterization, plot, theme, voice, show, don't tell, and dialogue.
In addition, there are some great writing exercises for all ages.
I found one more thing about this book that I loved. As a former English and reading teacher, I found myself reviewing this book with great interest. Not only is it a book about writing, but I kept thinking, "This book would be great to teach literary elements and analysis with the kids." After all, it gives terrific and clear examples of all the elements, provides examples from novels they will (or should) have read, and gives them concise instructions on how to recognize and utilize these devices. What teacher wouldn't love that?
Take some time and check this book out. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at its easy-to-read style, and its many, many uses for kids and adults.
Keep reading.
I believe in full disclosure, so I need to preface this entry with letting you know I've known Linda for many years. How many? I don't quite remember, but I do know that when I decided to jump into the world of writing for children, it wasn't long after that I met her. (That means it's close to 15 years now). In fact, for a long while, she was the only other person who read my work. It was her encouragement that sustained me during those first years. She's very good at encouraging new writers and offering helpful, constructive criticism.
I've championed this book since its inception, and here's why:
Yes, there are other books out there about writing, but this one is aimed at middle grade writers. It's a step by step primer for young, budding writers. Parents can use this to encourage their child's interests and help them along. And teachers have a great resource for any student who comes up and asks for help with "writing a book."
But it's more than that. This book is an excellent starting point for any adult who wants to write for children. The book gives concrete examples of all those terms often thrown around by writers and editors -- characterization, plot, theme, voice, show, don't tell, and dialogue.
In addition, there are some great writing exercises for all ages.
I found one more thing about this book that I loved. As a former English and reading teacher, I found myself reviewing this book with great interest. Not only is it a book about writing, but I kept thinking, "This book would be great to teach literary elements and analysis with the kids." After all, it gives terrific and clear examples of all the elements, provides examples from novels they will (or should) have read, and gives them concise instructions on how to recognize and utilize these devices. What teacher wouldn't love that?
Take some time and check this book out. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at its easy-to-read style, and its many, many uses for kids and adults.
Keep reading.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Absolute Value of Kathryn Erskine
As I said in an earlier post, knowing a writer or illustrator doesn't always make me love (or even like) their latest work, but it does usually get them a higher place in my "to read" pile. Such is the case of Kathryn Erskine's upcoming book, The Absolute Value of Mike [Philomel] (June release). When the book arrived, I placed it on top of the pile.
I'm certainly glad I did. This one takes a 180 degree turn from her National Book Award winner Mockingbird. While there are some serious undertones to the book (many of the characters are coping with the death of a loved one), there's a great deal of humor in the book. Additionally, the main character, Mike, seems to have fallen into a modern day Oz, encountering one eccentric character after another, and he's left to pull them together to fulfill their wishes.
There is an open-ended, but satisfying ending to the novel, so I'm guessing there may be a companion novel to follow. (One can only hope -- I don't want to say goodbye to these characters just yet.)
Add this one to your pile when it comes out. You won't regret it.
Keep reading.
I'm certainly glad I did. This one takes a 180 degree turn from her National Book Award winner Mockingbird. While there are some serious undertones to the book (many of the characters are coping with the death of a loved one), there's a great deal of humor in the book. Additionally, the main character, Mike, seems to have fallen into a modern day Oz, encountering one eccentric character after another, and he's left to pull them together to fulfill their wishes.
There is an open-ended, but satisfying ending to the novel, so I'm guessing there may be a companion novel to follow. (One can only hope -- I don't want to say goodbye to these characters just yet.)
Add this one to your pile when it comes out. You won't regret it.
Keep reading.
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