Congratulations, Rita Williams-Garcia!

I made it to Boston – and woke to an amazing winter wonderland. It’s still dumping!

Fortunately I brought a very special purple scarf with me. It’s soft and warm and beautiful… and, best of all, it was made by Rita Williams-Garcia.

The amazing author of One Crazy Summer that has been collecting awards… like crazy!

• National Book Award Finalist
• Scott O’Dell Award for historical fiction
• Coretta Scott King Award
• Newbery Honor Award

Rita was my advisor during my last semester at VCFA. She’s as warm and generous as she is brilliant.

I’m thrilled that her wonderful poignant novel is receiving such well-deserved attention. As in all of her books, Rita has sneaky way of sharing information and broadening your world-view all wrapped up in a good story. Her books always make me think. And feel. And change.

Rita doesn’t ever shy away from telling the truth. Even when the truth hurts or makes you squirm. Rita has explored body image issues, teen pregnancy and abortion, rape, girl on girl violence in schools, and even female genital mutilation. Because of these tough issues, I don’t know that her other books have hit the mainstream – but maybe they will now. Her books are raw and honest, but never gratuitous – her characters’ stories are what rule the details. They have potential to change the world. To help and heal.

Congratulations to Rita!

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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Best Mid Grade Novels (and more) From Kid Lit Frenzy

Alyson Beecher loves books. Alyson is an educator, writing mentor and blogger and I love her taste in books. She recently posted her list of favorite books for 2010 on her Kid Lit Frenzy blog.

Here are Alyson’s picks for Best Mid Grade Novels:

LULU & THE BRONTOSAURUS

by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Lane Smith

 

BINK & GOLLIE

by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile

 

GABBY & GATOR

by James Burks

 

THE CLOUD SEARCHERS (AMULET BOOK #3)

by Kazu Kibuishi

 

THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA

by Tom Angleberger

 

A TALE DARK AND GRIMM

by Adam Gidwitz

 

TORTILLA SUN

by Jennifer Cervantes

 

OUT OF MY MIND

by Sharon M. Draper

 

ONE CRAZY SUMMER

by Rita Williams-Garcia

 

THE KNEEBONE BOY

by Ellen Potter

 

IT’S RAINING CUPCAKES

by Lisa Schroeder

 

SPILLING INK: A YOUNG WRITER’S HANDBOOK

by Anne Mazer & Ellen Potter

 

I have read several on this list and even featured them here on the blog, I agree with Alyson that they are great books. I have made it my goal to read all of the books on this list that I haven’t had a chance to read yet.

Alyson has also compiled a list of the best Picture Books and YA for 2010 as well, be sure to check those out as well.

I will have an opportunity to meet Alyson next month  when I visit her school for an author visit to share my book “Grandma’s Pear Tree.”  I hope during the visit we will have time to discuss books, she really knows her stuff.

Happy reading,

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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