Mock Pura Belpré Award-2010

The Pura Belpré Award is presented by REFORMA and the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC). This annual award recognizes excellence in the areas of literary merit and outstanding illustration in books for children and young adults by authors and illustrators who identify themselves as Latino.

The Heartland Chapter of REFORMA recently gathered their list of books they felt would make the list.

Here are their Mock Pura Belpré Award Results:

Narrative

• Let Me Help – Ada, Alma Flor
• ¡Muu! Moo! Rimas de Animales – Ada, Alma Flor
• How Tía Lola Learned to Teach – Alvarez, Julia
• ¡Ole! Flamenco – Ancona, George
• The Party for Papá Luis – Bertrand, Diane Gonzales
• Tortilla Sun – Cervantes, Jennifer
• From North to South – Colato Laínez, René
• My Shoes and I – Colato Laínez, René
• The Firefly Letters – Engle, Margarita
• 90 Miles to Havana – Flores-Galbis, Enrique
• The Red Umbrella – Gonzalez, Christina Diaz
• Floating on Mama’s Song – Lacámara, Laura
• The Runaway Piggy – Luna, James
• Under the Mesquite – McCall, Guadalupe Garcia
• Grandma’s Chocolate – Price, Mara
• No Time for Monsters – Rivas, Spelile
• The Dreamer – Ryan, Pam Muñoz
• Grandma’s Gift – Velazquez, Eric

Illustration

• Let Me Help – Ada, Alma Flor, illus by Domínguez, Angela
• ¡Muu! Moo! Rimas de Animales – Ada, Alma Flor, illus by Escrivá, Viví
• ¡Ole! Flamenco – Ancona, George, illus by the author
• The Party for Papá Luis – Bertrand, Diane Gonzales, illus by Galindo, Alejandro
• From North to South – Colato Laínez, René, illus by Cepeda, Joe
• My Shoes and I – Colato Laínez, René, illus by Vanden Broeck, Fabricio
• Floating on Mama’s Song – Lacámara, Laura, illus by Morales, Yuyi
• The Runaway Piggy – Luna, James, illus by Lacámara, Laura
• Me, Frida – Noyesky, Amy, illus by Diaz, David
• No Time for Monsters – Rivas, Spelile, illus by Cervantes, Valeria
• Mr. Mendoza’s Paintbrush – Urrea, Luis Alberto, illus by Cardinale, Christopher
• Grandma’s Gift – Velazquez, Eric, illus by the author

I was pleased to see Jennifer Cervantes on the list, she was featured in an author spotlight back in August. Her wonderful book “Tortilla Sun” has been receiving rave reviews and we are thrilled to see it being recognized.

The other author is fellow San Diego SCBWI member Mara Price. Mara is an amazing bundle of energy and her ability to promote her book “Grandma’s Chocolate” truly leaves me humbled. Mara was doing book presentations even before her book was released, that takes talent.

Good luck ladies I wish you both well and even though these are the MOCK awards this group has had the winner on it’s list for the past two years.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Gifts That Do Good

Some people have already started their holiday shopping. I suppose some people may have already finished too.

For other, more-like-me-people, let me suggest you check out The Women’s Bean Project for some different and special gift ideas.

I can totally vouch for their soups and rubs – mmmm yummy. These are gifts that are not likely to be duplicated or re-gifted. You can give sugar and spice – cookie mixes along with a salsa mix. Or a spice rub along with a coupon for a back rub. You could make it a gift of time and love by using it to make dinner for someone.They have gift baskets if you aren’t sure how to combine.

And you will be sending ripples of good out into the world.

The jewelry gifts are new to me but I adore the names of the different pieces – using words like CONFIDENCE, PEARLS OF WISDOM, CLARITY and TRANSFORMATION.

From their website: Since 1989 we have been helping women break the cycle of poverty and unemployment. We are a nonprofit organization that teaches job readiness and life skills for entry-level jobs through employment in our gourmet food production and handmade jewelry manufacturing businesses. Women come with the goal of transforming their lives and moving toward self sufficiency.

The founder, Jossy Eyre, started this enterprise of empowerment after volunteering a shelter for homeless women. She wanted to do more than simply keep them safe. Her goal was to break the cycle of poverty – to make lasting and profound changes in their lives. Eyre bought $500 worth of beans and put two homeless women to work. An amazing vision.

Imagine the stories this place could tell. They have picture of the women who have been helped – I’d love to know more – the real true stories behind their transformations. Love it.

Do good.

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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Cranberry Cheese Bars

There is a saying that goes:

“When life gives you lemons…make lemonade”

I use often use this philosophy in my everyday life, so when I accidentally bought a can of whole cranberries for Thanksgiving instead of the jellied kind I knew it was lemonade time.

I found this recipe on  allrecipes.com and it looked pretty yummy.

Cranberry Cheese Bars

Original Recipe Yield 2 dozen

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, oats and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture and press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan.
3. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk until light and fluffy. Stir in the lemon juice and spread the mixture evenly over the prepared crust. Empty the can of cranberry sauce into a small bowl and stir in the cornstarch and brown sugar. Spoon over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the top with the reserved crust mixture.
4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until top is golden. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Son #1 and I tried out the recipe and it turned out great. We were so pleased with the results we plan to make them again for Christmas. Be sure to click here for full instructions.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

 

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I May Not Make Oprah’s List But I’ve Got a Moonbeam Award I Think That’s Just Fine

The other day I received an email from my Super Blog Buddy Sarah asking me how many merit badges I had earned. Since my boys are involved in scouting I assumed it was related, boy was I wrong. Sarah’s link led me to a very fun site: Merit Badger.

This fun site has merit badges for authors to earn such as:

 

At Least My Mom Likes Me

So you’ve been rejected once or twice. Or a hundred times. Or a thousand.

You earn the “at least my mom likes me” merit badge by remembering to be grateful for the person in your life who, even if they don’t quite understand what you’re doing or why you’re doing it, would never reject you.

It doesn’t have to be your mom. It can be your dad, your grandparent, your significant other, your child, or your best friend. Even your pet. Pets totally count.

The next time you’re feeling nothing but rejected, allow yourself to accept the literal or figurative heart-shaped PB&J your special person offers to cheer you up. And thank them for it.

And a particular favorite:

Not an Oprah’s Book Club selection

It’s been tough, but you’ve managed to earn the highly exclusive “not an Oprah’s Book Club selection” merit badge.

That’s right, you’ve achieved something even the likes of McCarthy, Steinbeck, and Tolstoy were unable to.

Do be careful, though. There are still fifteen months between now and the end ofThe Oprah Winfrey Show. If you slip up and land your novel in front of the book-buying kajillions before then, you’ll have to hand in your badge. And we both know that would break your heart.

The reality is my picture book is probably never going to be on Oprah’s list but I did receive a Moonbeam award and on the same day that I received the email from Sarah I received this in the mail:

So I’ll keep on earning my merit badges and hang my award on the wall, and while I may never sit on Oprah’s couch that’s just fine with me. I have a Moonbeam.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Finding Your Own Leo: Why We Write- Kelly Milner Halls

Recently our local SCBWI chapter meeting featured author Kelly Milner Halls.

Kelly spoke about the “Wonders of Weird” and her career as a non-fiction author. Kelly had great tips and stories to tell and while I don’t write non-fiction her presentation gave me a lot to think about.

Kelly shared her life story; the quirky kid that didn’t quite follow the mold, the discovery of writing and the eventual career writing about “weird” or unusual things. One of her writing tips for non-fiction is to find an unusual angle or twist about a usual topic and write about it.

Of all of the stories Kelly shared, the one that touched me the most was about a boy named Leo. During a school visit Kelly was told by the school that one student had been given special permission to be present during all of her presentations for the day. Leo was a quirky boy who read one book and one book only:

When Leo found out the author of his favorite book was going to be at the school he was thrilled.

Kelly made Leo her assistant,  helping her show the props and make the presentation throughout the day. During lunch as Leo sat with Kelly discussing her book he got quiet for a moment and told her that it was tough fitting in and how much her book really meant to him. The writer who was a quirky kid herself had touched a kid who didn’t fit in through her writing and helped him feel just a little better about himself, this is why we write.

We all have a story to tell and whether it is fiction or non-fiction our own Leo is out there waiting to find your book, thanks Kelly for reminding us of this. This is your reminder to  keep writing and remember you are doing it for Leo.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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It’s Here!

The two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow, moonlit lane. For a second they stood quite still, wands directed at each other’s chest; then, recognizing each other, they stowed their wands beneath their cloaks and started walking briskly in the same direction.

-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

(Illustrated by Mary Grand Pre)

Part of me is annoyed that the final book will be shown in two movies but part of me is glad to have the “ending” drawn out – to have the magic still going. These books have been a huge part of my children’s life.

So glad their grandma knew it from the beginning!

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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The 10% Rule

During  my teacher training for Special Education I learned a rule: Every sound educational program will work for 90% of the population. 10% will struggle. The reasons behind the struggle – the not-fitting in will vary, which makes helping them a real challenge. A class of 30? Three students will have a hard time. It’s amazing how consistent this is.

I’ve found this 10/90 rule to be true in other things as well. For instance, for bestseller books – 90% of the population may be going wild, but there’s always going to be a group that says – huh?

For example, congratulations to Kathryn Erskine on winning the 2010 National Book Award – I look forward to reading Mockingbird. But… I recently read a not-so-enthusiastic review on this same book. It’s not like there was a mistake made – it can come down to a matter of taste.

Reading is, of course, intensely personal and subjective – I’m thinking of some recent comments on this blog from a young reader for an example – and there will always be a small group of readers who don’t want to read what everyone else is reading.

They must be pretty sad about the fact that Tricycle Press is closing. This was a publishing house who did quirky and off-beat so well. Check out Jennifer Laughran’s post here.

Sigh.

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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What to Read…

Woven throughout the latest issue of the Horn Book Magazine are answers to the question, Given the gift of a snow day, what would you read? If a snow day happened in San Diego, it’s pretty much guaranteed there would be no reading going on at all… there would be way too much frolicking and freaking out.

I think the idea is what would you read assuming you couldn’t get out to find something new. I have a pretty tall stack of books-to-read at the moment but if I had to go back to something old and reliable I think I’d read The Ciderhouse Rules by John Irving;  it’s been on my mind for a couple of different reasons. But I’d force my children to listen to me read either Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White) or Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Mildred D. Taylor).

But, because it’s a beautiful day here, here’s a couple of  lists suggesting recently published books – Young Adult and Middle Grade.

Best Fiction for Young Adults – listed by YALSA and updated just last week.

2010 Notable Books – gathered by ALSC

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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Story Time With Taylor Swift

The girl-child and I headed up to Los Angeles for a dive meet this past weekend – two hours there and almost four to get back, so it goes in Southern California.

She brought her I-pod, of course. She has a pretty eclectic taste in music – and I do too, but I decided listening to Eminem in traffic is asking for trouble. So between my nerves and her falling asleep leaving me at the mercy of whatever played – I listened to a lot of Taylor Swift’s new album, Speak Now.

She’s quite a storyteller – her songs are full of romance and tension and drama. My mind was definitely a-wandering and a-thinking. I felt like I was traveling in time a bit – her songs reminded me of what it was like to be a teen. Makes sense seeing as she’s barely left her teen years behind her (Although I can’t see how she would possibly have had a typical teen experience!)

Her lyrics capture so much in simple distilled lines – they are almost flash fiction. I felt as though each one of these songs could be the start or even the outline shell of a YA novel. Could be a cool writing prompt…

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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Got Story? A Place to Meet and Greet Illustrators

We talk a lot about writing and the writing process here at WOTS but what about the illustrator? For a picture book the illustrations are just as, if not more important that the story. If the pictures are not engaging a beautiful story will fall flat and a ho hum story can come alive with the right illustrations.

Fellow San Diego SCBWI member Joy Chu offers you a great opportunity to really get to know illustrators through her new blog Got Story Countdown. The Got Story Countdown originally began as part of the discussion board of the Facebook page, for students of Joy Chu’s children’s book illustration workshops at UCSD Extension. Membership has now expanded to include industry professionals and picture book fans and anyone interested in knowing a little bit more about children’s book illustration.

Here is the concept:

• A guest illustrator is asked a question a day over the course of ten work days.
• The illustrator answers the question and then offers to answer any question or responses.
• Special guests also visit to share their experiences with the guest illustrator.

The collaboration feature makes this blog stand out from any others that I have seen, and give you a great insight into what makes a great children’s book illustration.

So take a few minutes and check out Got Story Countdown, and ask a question or leave a comment or two, you may learn something new.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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