Thursday, December 17, 2009

FOUND by Margaret Peterson Haddix

If you find yourself contemplating writing a series, then I recommend reading FOUND with a writer's eye. Ms. Peterson starts with a Prologue: An airline employee finds an airplane full of babies, and then the airplane vanishes. The employee is told to never speak of what happened again.

The story picks up thirteen years later, with friends Chip and Jonah. Both are adopted, and each of them receives a mysterious letter. It says, YOU ARE ONE OF THE MISSING. See the series potential? Ms. Peterson can create a story for each child that was on the plane.

Chip and Jonah set out to solve the mystery, aided by Jonah's sister, Katherine. They discover a vast conspiracy that involves time travel. School Library Journal says, "Haddix's latest science fiction series starts off with a bang in this nail-biter...It will leave readers on the edge of their seats and begging for more."

On the very last page of FOUND, the kids find themselves transported to the fifteenth century. Luckily, the publisher whets our appetites, and provides a sneak peek at the next book in the series. It's called, THE MISSING, BOOK 2, SENT.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

My Horoscope Preview for 2010

I'm a Pisces girl, and since I LOVE this horoscope, I've decided to believe it! 2010 will be my year for an agent and a book contract!

Learning to Trust Your Inner Self

Your 2010 might not be about luxury and lounging, Pisces, but your career ambitions will finally amp up to the point of seeing real rewards. The presence of four planets in ambitious and hardworking Capricorn, forming a very positive connection with your sign, strongly indicate that your time for success may have come! Though the reason isn’t clear, frustration could set in around the time of the Summer Solstice. You should bounce back by early July, when the Moon is passing through your sign and trining the Sun and Mercury in Cancer. The day of the Fall Equinox will greatly enhance your love life, and by the Winter Solstice, you should have come full circle.

Friday, December 11, 2009

A Christmas Book


Up until now, everything on my blog has been related to middle grade. But my dear friend and critique partner, Jeannine Norris, has a Christmas picture book, and tis the season for gift buying!
What makes this book unique is that it's told from Mary's viewpoint about the night Jesus was born.
I kiss your tiny fingers and little perfect head,
Lay you in the manger that tonight will be your bed.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Tim Ladwig, and has a refrain that children will repeat:
Tomorrow you will be king, But tonight you are my baby.


Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Interview With MG Novelist Nancy Viau


New Jersey author Nancy Viau got her start writing for such children’s magazines as Highlights for Children, Highlights High Five, and Ladybug. In the fall of 2008, Nancy made the leap from magazine writer to novelist with the debut of SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD.

Nancy, please tell us a about your middle-grade novel.


Samantha Hansen is a ten-year-old mad scientist, but she doesn’t blow up stuff or change kids into cats that bark. She just has a little trouble keeping a lid on her temper, and she loves science (especially rocks). Her family is planning a “dream-come-true” trip, so Sam works hard to stay in control and out of trouble. It isn’t easy for this fourth-grader because she has to deal with a bossy sister, a mom who’s obsessed with birthdays, and the school bully.

What inspired you to write this story?


I thought that a book with a character who struggles with anger would give kids a chance to see that anger is part of growing up. I had the idea to add the science element and the list-making because Sam not only needed something she could excel in, she needed an outlet for ordering her chaotic world.

How did your experience with magazines help you as a novelist?


Writing for the magazine market gave me the opportunity to experiment with different types of poetry and prose. I learned what I liked best and what was the best fit for my voice. But I tired of writing according to a specific style, a wish list, or word count. It wasn’t until I freed myself from those things, and focused on my own goals, that the novel started to take shape.

Would you recommend other aspiring writers start first with magazines?


It’s a good place to “get your feet wet,” and earn some publishing credits, but your accomplishments may mean nothing to a book editor or agent. If you enjoy magazine writing, that’s another story. If it’s your dream to write a book, write the darn book.

Sam’s rock collection is a fun part of your book. Did writing about rocks require lots of research? Or have you always had an interest in them?


I had weird rock facts stored in my head from when I was a teacher, and I did a little research to make sure my muddled brain hadn’t mixed up anything. I’ve always had a passion for science—rocks, weather, planets—you name it, so it seemed natural for me to to add science to my story.

What are the advantages of being part of a group like the Class of 2k8?


The Class of 2k8 was made up of some very talented women. And their talents extended far beyond their fabulous writing. Each author had a strength, and based on those strengths we divided ourselves into committees such as Executive, Web Presence, Video, Blog, Public Relations, Print Materials, Special Events, and Guerilla Marketing. It was almost like you had a personal assistant at your fingertips. (Hey, can somebody explain how to do a press release? What's viral marketing? Where can I get inexpensive bookmarks? Who can write up a conference proposal?) That was the biggest advantage—knowing that another 2k8-er would either have an answer, help you research the answer, or actually do it for you! We were all debut children's book authors willing to work countless hours. That was the glue that held us together and allowed us to succeed in marketing our books despite the tightened budgets of our publishers.

From your Web site readers can click on “Where’s Nancy?” and see a list of your appearances. You’ve been a busy lady promoting Samantha Hansen. How did you line up those appearances?

Months before the book came out I began promoting it on www.NancyViau.com. Early on, when I signed ARCs, I handed out a bookmark with my site on it. In fact, I handed out bookmarks to everybody! It didn't matter if I was doing a free writing workshop, signing books at a bookseller or a festival, or even chatting with the local Mom's Club. If you get people curious about your book (or better yet, if they've read it and loved it), and you project a fun and energetic personality, they will tell other people about you, and you'll soon get asked to another event. But they'll check out your Web site first! Ninety percent of the things I've set up have come about because someone has emailed me from my site, asking about my availability. Oh, and I have never turned anybody down, despite crazy scheduling conflicts (on my part) and lack of funds (on theirs).

You have a tremendous Internet presence. Tell us about the on-line avenues you’ve used to promote your work.


My favorites include:
My Web site: http://www.nancyviau.com/
My blog: http://nancy-v.livejournal.com/
Facebook
MySpace
Book Tour
Goodreads
Jacketflap
Verla Kay Children’s Writers and Illustrators Message Board
Online interviews and reviewers
Online contests and giveaways.

What tips do you have for aspiring novelists?


Read a ton of books! Read the blogs and Web sites of authors, agents, and editors. Attend conferences, network (speak up!), and take writing workshops. Set goals, focus, and be part of a critique group made up of members who aren’t afraid to do line-by-line crits. Be persistent, persevere, and practice. Oh, and give in to the hard times (getting through them will make you a better writer), but never give up.


Since this interview was written, Nancy has signed with Joanna Stampfel Volpe of Nancy Coffey Literary. Stay tuned to Nancy's blog for news of her new picture book.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Counting My "Writerly" Blessings

It would be easy to moan about all the things that I hoped to accomplish this year that didn't quite materialize. Instead here's my top ten "writerly" blessings.

1. Children's Magazines - Without the guidance of editors like Patty McIntyre, Marileta Robinson and Deborah Vetter, I would have never been published.

2. Florida SCBWI - Through my local chapter, I've connected with a critique group and learned to write a novel. (Thank you Joyce Sweeney!)

3. National SCBWI - For the first time, I attended the national conference in Los Angeles. I enjoyed seeing old friends and made some new ones too.

4. Sue Alexander New Voices Award - I was nominated this year, and it's the first time I've ever received that kind of recognition for my writing.

5. Highlights Foundation Workshops - I attended a week-long retreat hosted by Carolyn Yoder. All I can say is if you ever have the chance, run, don't walk to apply.

6. Novels - My picture book manuscripts weren't selling. This led me to try writing a novel. I completed my first novel this year and am deeply immersed in a second one.

7. Friends - Cynthia Chapman Willis and Jeannine Norris are the best writing buddies a girl could wish for. They cheer at my successes and commiserate when I fail.

8. Social Networking - I've connected with other writers through Facebook and my classmates from high school too.

9. Tutoring - I volunteer as a writing tutor on Tuesday nights and I've received more blessings from Romello than I could possibly give back to him.

10. Family - I've saved the most important for last. Thanks to my husband and son for understanding about my writing! You guys are the best.

What about you? What "writerly" blessings came your way this year?

Saturday, November 14, 2009

The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman

I enjoy reading authors who build a wonderful story with minimum words. Author Sid Fleischman has that uncanny ability to make every word count.

In this story, Avrom Amos was killed by the Nazis before his bar mitzvah. He becomes a Jewish ghost and decides to possess the body of a young ventriloquist named Freddie.

Sid Fleischman doesn't shy away from the horrors of the Holocaust, but he presents the facts in a unique and clever way...through the mouth of a ventiloquist's dummy.

THE ENTERTAINER AND THE DYBBUK is fast-paced, with a satisfying ending. Fans of historical fiction will love this book.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

INTO THE WILD by Sarah Beth Durst




The traditional fairytale characters have escaped from their stories and are living in Northboro Massachusetts. Their forest (aka "the wild") is being contained underneath Julie's bed.


The characters live in dread of being sucked back into their stories, and living the same tale over and over. But when "the Wild" escapes and takes over the town, it's up to Julie to save the day.


INTO THE WILD has some clever plot devices. I enjoyed how the author blends fairytales with real life landmarks in Massachusetts. I was also intrigued by how she melds the fairytale characters into present day, (e.g. Rapunzel runnning a hair salon).


Though I prefer more romance in the fantasy books that I read, I still enjoyed this book. There's a sequel called OUT OF THE WILD, and the author has a new book called ICE published by Simon and Schuster.


Have you read any of the books by Sarah Beth Durst? Which was your favorite?

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Interview With Elizabeth Stow Ellison Author of FLIGHT







Eighth grade teacher, Elizabeth Stow Ellison, describes the publication of her first novel, Flight, as, “my dream come true.”

Elizabeth, I think many aspiring writers can relate to your dream. How did you make it a reality?

My first step toward making my dream a reality was to take writing classes. I think writers need to take advantage of every opportunity to learn about writing. I had the wonderful fortune of being able to focus on fiction writing when I was working on my MA in English at Cal State Fullerton and when I completed the program, I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. (SCBWI) At this point I had completed my first manuscript and I wanted to try to get it published. SCBWI is an excellent resource! I heard Steven Chudney, a literary agent (The Chudney Agency) speak at a one-day conference in Diamond Bar, CA, and wrote him a query letter. He asked to see my work and took me on as a client. Steven is a wonderful agent, and I really believe that in addition to years of hard work, I was at the right place at the right time to make the connections I needed to make in order to achieve my dream.

Please tell us about your novel.

I’m terrible at writing about my book! But here goes.
Flight explores what it’s like to be illiterate in a literate world. It tells the story of a family unable to face this challenge head on for a variety of reasons. Evan can’t read. It’s a secret he’s managed to keep – sort of – thanks to the power of denial. His teachers have expressed their concerns every step of the way, but fearful that recognizing Evan’s learning disabilities would be a negative reflection on them, his parents refuse to allow him to be tested. They maintain that if he had a better attitude and tried harder, he could be successful like his older brother Andy. When the novel opens, Evan is a freshman in high school. The strain of coping is intensifying and his increasingly rebellious antics are getting him in more and more trouble. Evan’s twelve-year-old sister Samantha tells the story. She adores her older brother and knows that he needs help. Evan’s one strength is his artistic ability. With the help of a confidant named Mrs. Brewster, Samantha encourages Evan to enter an art contest. He enters a drawing of three owls he sees fly overhead at night in the woods behind their house. He names the drawing Flight and this becomes the message in the book. In order to truly overcome his challenges, Evan must take flight in his life. He needs to be an advocate for himself and seek the solutions that will help him succeed.

Your book movingly portrays a family struggling with illiteracy. What inspired you to tell this story?

There are many things that inspired me to write this story. First of all, I struggled a lot as I learned to read. While my difficulties never led to being diagnosed with a learning disability, I do remember having to really work hard to make my way through long pages of text. In fourth grade, our teacher used the program called SRA. This is a comprehension and vocabulary development program. As students complete activities, they progress through a series of levels indicated by color. Of course the beginning level was indicated by brown and the highest level was indicated by gold. To track our progress, our teacher created an outer space themed bulletin board (It was 1980, so we were all excited about the Space Shuttle.). We each had rockets that sat at the bottom of the board on the brown ground. As we progressed through the levels our rockets moved up into outer space. Needless to say, my rocket stayed on the ground all year! I felt dumb each time my classmates got to run over and move their rockets higher on the board. It’s a horrible feeling. As a teacher I try to be very sensitive to my students’ feelings. I have seen a number of students who have learning disabilities. They desperately want to be successful. It’s hard to meet with parents and have to explain to them that their child has a learning disability. It isn’t anyone’s fault, but people must realize that we have to work together for the best of the student.

I love the imagery of flight, and your message that people can take flight from whatever is holding them back in their lives. How have those themes touched your readers?

That’s a great question. I was pleased with my development of that idea. I’ve had a number of students tell me that they have been inspired to enter art contests and such. One student, who struggles with a learning disability, wrote me a very touching letter about how he appreciated being able to relate to a character like Evan. He felt empowered to face his challenges.

There’s a very cool picture of Stonehenge on your website. How has travel enriched you as a writer?

I think that traveling gives me a chance to observe people in a variety of settings. I like to watch how people interact with each other. I think it’s valuable to move out of one’s comfort zone and experience life in all kinds of places.

Describe the part SCBWI has played in your success.

SCBWI has played a major role in my success. Thanks to the conferences they provide, I have been able to learn so much and grow as a writer. I was able to connect with my agent, Steven Chudney.

Holiday House published your novel. What knowledge can you share with us about this publisher?

When Flight was accepted at Holiday House, they sent me the book, Holiday House The First Sixty-Five Years written by Russell Freedman and Barbara Elleman. It’s a lovely book that outlines the history of Holiday House. I learned that Holiday House was founded in 1935 at a time when people said it would be impossible to start a publishing house due to the Great Depression. It was the first American publisher dedicated to producing only children’s books. I actually had the chance to visit Holiday House, and I was struck by how much everyone loves their work. Their offices felt like a cozy, inviting children’s library where each book is cherished.

How are you promoting your book?

That has been quite a learning experience. My first step was to have a website designed. I have worked with Linda Kaufman on that. She is an excellent web designer. I have done a few book signings at which I hand out bookmarks and little jawbreakers. (If you’ve read Flight you’ll appreciate that.) I have worked very hard to do as many school visits as possible. Initially I sent out a mailer announcing the publication of Flight. I flew up to Orinda, where the novel is set and worked hard to promote it there, with a book signing and a school visit. Basically, I have spent more than my advance on publication.

What has been your most memorable experience as a first-time author?

I would have to say that my most memorable experiences have been times when I’ve walked into a bookstore or library and found Flight sitting on the shelf. Yes, I do take pictures with my cell phone.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a novel called Rabbit Moon. I have written it a number of times and I am currently working on another revision. I am grateful that Steven Chudney is so patient and supportive. I have also had the pleasure of doing some online critique work with Cindy Willis. Her feedback has been very helpful. I know that one day I’ll get Rabbit Moon out there.
Eighth grade teacher, Elizabeth Stow Ellison, describes the publication of her first novel, Flight, as, “my dream come true.”

And finally, I just gotta ask, how did you start collecting antique toasters?

Oh yay! Finally someone is asking about my toaster collection. I bought my first toaster about twelve years ago. I think I’m up to eleven. I have a knack for hunting them down in antique stores, which is part of the fun. When I saw my first one, I was struck by the design. They can be quite fancy with elaborate designs, and I like how they operate. To toast bread, you open the sides and set the bread inside. I suppose you would have to watch carefully and turn the bread over to toast the other side. Then there is a little shelf on top where you can stack toasted pieces to keep warm. Each one is unique in its own way.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Congratulations to Cindy Willis on BUCK FEVER Release!!


The bookjacket says, "Live and Let Live? Twelve-year-old Joey MacTagert's dad wants his son to carry on the family tradition of hunting. But Joey has 'buck fever' --he can't pull the trigger on a deer, and hates the idea of killing animals. He's more interested in art and hockey, two activities that his dad barely acknowledges.

Joey's dad wants him to use his special skill in tracking to hunt down the big buck that roams the woods near their home. Joey knows how to track Old Buck, but has kept secret from his father the reason he's gained the deer's trust. When trouble between his parents seems to escalate, Joey and his older sister, Philly, find themselves in the middle of tensions they don't fully understand. Joey want to keep the peace, and if conquering his buck fever will do it, he has to try.

This powerful story about being true to oneself will resonate with readers who are inspired by stories about family, friendship, and our delicate relationship with the natural world."
I've read this book, and though I'm scared to death of guns and have zero interest in hunting, I still loved it. The characterization is rich and true, and the climactic scene had my heart pounding.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

What's Your Favorite Genre?

Okay, I admit it, I am not into fantasy or science fiction. My favorite books are historical fiction, or a contemporary story with so much heart that it makes me cry. That being said, the third book on the SUNSHINE STATE YOUNG READERS AWARD PROGRAM is a fantasy called INTO THE WILD by Sarah Beth Durst. THE SSYRA list contains books of every genre and it challenges me to read books that I might not otherwise pick up.

This is from the back of the book:

"Come with Julie as she ventures deep into the Wild on a magical and unforgettable journey to save her family. The fairy-tale world of the Wild is a place full of wicked witches, hungry wolves, and totally cute princes. But when the Wild takes over Julie's town and kidnaps her mom Rapunzel, brother Puss-in-Boots, and her real-life witch of a grandma, Julie must do everything in her power to save them-and herself-before it's too late."

I found a quote from Sarah Beth Durst that said, "Basically, if a story doesn't have a talking cat, I'm not interested." Since my tastes are polar opposite from that, it will be interesting to see what I think about this book.

In the meantime, check out this totally cool article about INTO THE WILD:

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Reading For The Fun Of It

Kirkus Reviews wrote about THE MISADVENTURES OF MAUDE MARCH, "What a pleasure to read something just for the sheer fun of the storytelling."

So what made Maude March fun? First of all, it's the way the author handles tragedy. Maude and Sally are orphaned when their aunt is hit by a stray bullet. The way out of their predicament seems to be for Maude to marry an old coot old enough to be her grandpa. But Maude is having none of it. Little sister Sally tells us, "I was sorry to have to be the one to say it, but Maude didn't have all that many charms. Not the kind men are said to go for." What follows is a hilarious description of stick thin Maude.

Author Audrey Couloumbis also makes effective use of potty humor. The girls run away with Sally riding Goldie the pooting pony. "'That horse has a digestive problem,' Maude said, showing some delicacy."

And then adventure kicks in. Through no fault of their own, the girls take up with an outlaw, stumble into a bank robbery, and are involved in a shootout. All the while, Sallie who is a fan of western adventure novels called "dimers" remembers some tidbit from the books to save them from disaster.

Then the newspapers get hold of the story about Maude March, and reporters embellish the truth until Maude is almost as famous as Jesse James. The newspaper stories are laugh out loud funny because they are gross exaggerations of what really happened.

Sally said of her sister Maude, "She does grow on you." And Sally is right. I enjoyed Maude March, and plan to read the sequel.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

NAME THAT CHARACTER

It can be a struggle to come up with the perfect character name. I’ve resorted to baby name books, census records, and high school year books. When reading THE MISADVENTURES OF MAUDE MARCH by Audrey Couloumbis, I was struck by the name Maude March. It seemed to fit the character like a glove. I discovered that Ms. Couloumbis found the name on a tombstone. Check out this video

I'm starting my second novel, and have lots of characters to name. Fall is in the air, with Halloween just around the corner. It seems the perfect time for a graveyard stroll!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

THE MISADVENTURES OF MAUDE MARCH BY AUDREY COULOUMBIS

The MISADVENTURES OF MAUDE MARCH is the second book on the Sunshine State Young Readers Award Program.

This is from the book jacket:

"Eleven-year-old Sallie March is a whip-smart tomboy and voracious reader of Western adventure novels. When she and her sister Maude are orphaned for the second time, they decide to escape their self-serving guardians for the wilds of the frontier and an adventure the likes of which Sallie has only read about. This time, however, the "wanted woman" isn't a dime-novel villain, it's Sallie's very own sister! What follows is the rollicking, edge-of-your-seat story of what really happened out there on the range. Not the lies the papers printed, but the honest-to-goodness truth of how things went from bad to worse and how two sisters went from being orphans to being outlaws--and lived to tell the tale!"

This book had many laugh out loud moments. One of the goals of the state reading program is to encourage kids to read for enjoyment. This book fits the bill, and has lots of historical facts about the "Wild West" sprinkled throughout. But honestly, what makes this book special are the characters of Sallie and Maude. You can't help but love 'em, and anticipate their next rootin', tootin' adventure!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Brett's Ride for Rhabo (slightly off topic)

This weekend I attended Brett's Ride for Rhabdo in Hickory, North Carolina. The ride is in memory of my nephew, who died from rhabdomyosarcoma when he was twenty years old. Proceeds from the ride are donated to Brenner Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem, and to Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte.

The ride is in its sixth year, and I've attended them all. Every year, I learn something new about Brett. Yesterday, my father-in-law introduced me to the man who had been Brett's favorite teacher in high school. This history teacher told me about how Brett was taking four AP classes senior year. He said that would be a heavy load even for a healthy kid. But Brett missed class most Friday's because he was undergoing chemo. Still, that year Brett moved from number two to number one in academic standing, and graduated as valedictorian of his class.

Brett's intelligence always impressed me, but his fighting spirit is what I remember most. A minister once said to me, It's not the number of years we live that counts, but what we do with the years given us." That's why I attend Brett's Ride. It lessens the sadness to look around and remember that Brett's was a life well lived.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Theme's The Thing

Of course, I read for enjoyment, but I also read with a writer's eye. My favorite middle grade novels tell a compelling story, with a theme so expertly woven in, it's like adding the perfect spice to a hearty stew. In WING NUT by MJ Auch, birds, called purple martins, return to their homes year after year. The birds are in contrast to our protagonist, twelve-year-old Grady Flood who is homeless.

"These martins will go through a lot to get here," Charlie said. "I guess home is a pretty powerful magnet."

Those words hit Grady right in the gut. "I wouldn't know about that. I never really had a home."

The importance of this theme, enriches MJ Auch's novel, and subtly conveys a message about the need to belong. In my opinion, a strong theme is an inherent reason that books are selected for state reading lists, and a critical part of crafting a middle grade novel.

What's Your Inspiration?

As a writer, I'm always intrigued by where other writers find their inspiration. In the book, WING NUT, MJ Auch writes about the migratory pattern of purple martins. Our protagonist, twelve-year-old Grady Flood, watches for the birds to land in rural Pennsylvania. He helps ready gourds, in which the birds will make their nests.

Searching the acknowledgments, I found out there's a Purple Martin Conservation Association, and a magazine called Purple Martin Update. But, the most intriguing thing I discovered, is that MJ Auch is starting a purple martin colony of her own!

In my recently completed MG novel, the inspiration came from an accident that happened to my sister. She was struck by a car and spent the summer trapped in a body cast.

What's your inspiration? It's one of my favorite questions, and I'd love to know your story!

WING NUT by MJ Auch

The first book on The Florida Sunshine list is WING NUT. This is from the bookjacket:

Grady couldn't help smiling about the name--wing nut. That was the perfect description of Charlie Fernwald and his crazy attraction to birds.

Twelve-year-old Grady Flood and his mom, Lila, have been on the road ever since Grady's dad died seven years ago. When their old car breaks down, they find themselves stranded in rural Pennsylvania where Lila gets work as a cook and caretaker. There's nothing out of the ordinary in that, unless you factor in her new boss. Old Charlie Fernwald, a skilled mechanic and bird enthusiast, is definitely out of the ordinary. In fact, if Grady's not mistaken, Charlie is a certifiable "Wing Nut." For the time being, Grad figures, he can help Charlie with his birds and maybe even learn how to fix a car engine. But before he can do either, something goes terribly wrong.

I just finished this book, and I highly recommend it. In my opinion, the book is on the state list because:

1. It's a great story.

2. The book has something to say about protecting wildlife, and the dangers of introducing non-native anmals into a new environment.

3. The protagonist is not from a traditional family, and many children can relate to that.

4. The book has a hopeful ending.

If you're intrigued enough to read WING NUT, I'd love to hear your opinion. I will be posting more about the book and its author.

I'm Shannon...Who Makes Up The Band?

At the moment, it's just me, but I hope to post information that will be useful to librarians and students, who are participating in the Sunshine State Young Readers Award program. I plan to research the Sunshine authors, and post a profile of each of them. Maybe...I can even entice some of them to be interviewed.

So, teachers, students, librarians, and lovers of middle grade fiction, grab an instrument, join the band!

What Will Our MG Book Club Read?

Our book club follows the Sunshine State Young Reader's book list. This Florida statewide program was, "designed to entice students to read high interest, contemporary literature for personal enjoyment." I love hearing which books the students like, which ones weren't so enjoyable, and WHY. Coming up will be:

1. Wing Nut by M.J. Auch
2. The Misadventures of Maude March by Audrey Couloumbis
3. Into The Wild by Sarah Beth Durst
4. The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman
5. Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
6. Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix
7. All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn
8. Airball: My Life in Briefs by Lisa Harkrader
9. Gabriel's Horses by Alison Hart
10. Go Big or Go Home by Will Hobbs
11. La Linea by Ann Jaramillo
12. Schooled by Gordon Korman
13. Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet by Sherri L. Smith
14. First Light by Rebecca Stead
15. Runaway by Wendy Van Draanen