I read a lot of YA novels these days. But stand-alone middle grade fiction was a my first love… I’ve recently read two middle grade novels that reminded me of that love: HOUND DOG TRUE by Linda Urban and WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE by Tess Hilmo. For the most part, my reaction to each [...]
Archive for January, 2012
Posted in Book Reviews, tagged hound dog true, linda urban, middle grade fiction, tess hilmo, with a name like love on January 30, 2012 | 2 Comments »
Meeting Benjamin
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Literacy Programs, Mt. View/Beckwourth Library on January 26, 2012 | 5 Comments »
On Tuesday I packed up my pear tree and headed to the Mt. View/Beckwourth library here in San Diego. The librarian had recently received a grant to help promote literacy and invited me to speak. I was truly honored to be asked. Preparing for this program was a bit of a challenge. Since this was [...]
In Defense of Books
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged ALA, American Library Association, caldecott, Newbery Award on January 24, 2012 | 7 Comments »
I need to get something off my chest. Yesterday the American Library Association presented their 2012 Youth Media Award winners. These awards honor children’s and young adult authors, illustrators and producers of children’s audio and video materials. These awards include: the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, John Newbery Medal, Michael Printz Award, Randolph Caldecott Medal, [...]
Routines and Not
Posted in A million and two reasons to procrastinate, tagged kissing the earth, light and dark, Sharry Wright, suburban pig, Tamara Ellis Smith, walking on January 19, 2012 | 7 Comments »
Each morning Luna and I take basically the same walk. We walk the perimeter of our housing development, seeing a lot of sameness. The houses looks like a lot of the same – something our homeowner’s association takes very seriously. The landscaping is a lot of the same. And we see a lot of the [...]
Tell the Truth
Posted in Book Reviews, Writing information and tips, tagged Bull Rider, Danfung Dennis, Hell and Back Again, military families, non-fiction writing, support for military families, suzanne morgan williams on January 16, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Suzanne Morgan Williams spoke on Research Tips for Writers at the San Diego SCBWI meeting on Saturday. As the author of several non-fiction books and the tween novel, Bull Rider, she had a wealth of information to share. Entertaining and well-spoken, I found her tips on research and considerations for cross-cultural writing relevant and helpful, [...]
Beep and Bah by James Burks: Book Trailer
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Beep and Bah, Book trailer, Carolrhoda Books on January 9, 2012 | 9 Comments »
Several months ago, my husband Ken composed the music for a book trailer for Beep and Bah (Carolrhoda, 2012), the newest book by author James Burks. We have been eagerly waiting for the publisher to give us the go ahead to share the video and that day is finally here. I know I’m biased and [...]
Book Thoughts: Second Sight by Cheryl Klein
Posted in Book Reviews, tagged cheryl klein, craft of writing, Jennifer Crusie, Second Sight By Cheryl Klein on January 5, 2012 | 8 Comments »
The full title explains more fully: Second Sight: An Editor’s Talks on Writing Revising and Publishing Books for Children and Young Adults. An executive editor for Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic, Cheryl Klein hosts one of the most generous websites I’ve visited. She posts transcripts of her talks as well as tools [...]
2012
Posted in A million and two reasons to procrastinate, tagged BOOKS READ IN 2011 on January 3, 2012 | 7 Comments »
It’s here – and I’m a few days late, but Happy New Year! I always resist making resolutions. Instead of making me feel hopeful and motivated, they serve to remind me all the ways I’m not where I’d like to be. And now I’m suddenly feeling anti-New Year post, too. Instead… here’s a spontaneous collection [...]
