My Brain on Books

MMGM: Because of Winn-Dixie -- and then I'm entering the revision ... cave?

2012-02-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

Keeping it brief today. Just want to add my voice to the chorus of praise for a book I only recently purchased and read, thanks to the urging of my wise blogging friend Barbara Watson. Go to this post for her take on the novel.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (paperback published Feb 2009 by Candlewick, for ages 9 and up)

Synopsis (from the publisher): When ten-year-old India Opal Buloni moves to Naomi, Florida, with her father, she doesn't know what to expect -- least of all that she'll adopt Winn-Dixie, a dog she names after the supermarket where they meet. With such an unusually friendly dog at her side, Opal soon finds herself making more than a few unusual friends.

My view: This is EXACTLY the kind of book I wish I could write. It's quiet -- not a lot of action -- but oh how this lovely little story tugs at your heart-strings. Kate DiCamillo makes it seem deceptively easy. The characters are delightfully quirky. Opal's relationship with her father is complex, realistic and most of all, loving. A simply wonderful book.

* * * * * *

Now.... I've reached that stage in my writing where I really need to hole up and work like crazy on revisions so I can get on with the querying already! Everyone talks about entering the Revision Cave or the Revision Tunnel.

Well, I've always been a little bit afraid of the dark.

So I'm heading for Revision Beach. In my head. After all, why pretend to be in a cave, when I can pretend I'm on a beach, with warm sun and palm trees and one of those fresh pineapple drinks with the little umbrella? Oh, and my WIP, of course. Maybe I'll even get some revising done while I'm imagining myself on this beach.

But wait! I need a chair.

Ah. That's better.

I'll see you all in about a month. Sometime in March, I'll be back to visit your blogs and post more MMGM reviews (although maybe not every Monday) and more Class of 2K12 interviews, plus a guest post or two. In the meantime, go visit these wonderful people for insightful reviews, giveaways and more:

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at her blog
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael Gettel-Gilmartin at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akossiwa at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn
Sheri Larsen at her blog
Gina Carey at her blog

Class of 2K12 Interview with A.C. Gaughen, SCARLET

2012-02-03T06:30:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm excited to interview A. C. Gaughen, author of SCARLET!

Scarlet, by A. C. Gaughen arrives February 14, 2012, from Bloomsbury/Walker, for ages 12 and up. And isn't this one of the coolest covers you've ever seen?

Synopsis (from the publisher): Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance, from debut author A. C. Gaughen. Posing as one of Robin Hood's thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. When the heat turns on the band of thieves as the Sheriff of Nottingham seeks revenge, the romance burns strong between Scarlet and her flirtatious fellow outlaws. Helping the people of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. It's only her fierce loyalty to Robin-whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her-that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

A.C. Gaughen

A.C. Gaughen has been a concierge, a personal shopper, a handbag saleswoman, a wrapper (often and understandably confused with the homonym without a “w”), a call center phone-line answerer, a tour guide for the Commonwealth, a blogger, a writer of research articles like “How to Grind with a Boy”, and, most memorably, someone who couldn’t hang a shirt on a hanger correctly. Through all of these, however, she’s also been a young adult author, and is thrilled to be publishing her debut novel, Scarlet, with Bloomsbury/Walker.

Class of 2K12 website

A.C.'s website

Welcome to My Brain on Books! First I'd love to know: doyou outline before you write? If so, does it end up changing before you finishthe first draft? What change surprised you the most?

I like to think I’m a problem solvingwriter. I get very excited about an ideaor a thought and I write whatever I can, and then I hit a snag and I have towork it out. Sometimes that’s outliningfrom there, sometimes it’s stream-of-consciousness writing until I figure itout, but I can generally make it happen and write again--until I hit anothersnag! In my experience, outlines rarelywork out the way you want them to. Writing is full of surprises!

Howlong did it take to go from the idea for the book to the draft your editoraccepted? Was it months or years? Did you go through endless revisions, beta readers,etc, before starting the submission process? Did you ever want to pull out yourhair?

So, as a writer who unsuccessfullytried to sell a book for YEARS before I wrote Scarlet, even I get frustrated bymy answer to this question. I wroteScarlet in three months; I finished it in December ’09. By the end of January 2010, my agent hadoffered representation based on Scarlet, and in July of 2010 we were offeredthe book contract with Bloomsbury/Walker. Now, I will say, my agent and the publishing house negotiated thecontract for six agonizing months, so that was really nerve wracking (I emailedmy agent weekly asking, “But, they can’t like, say ‘no’ now, can they? This won’t just disappear?”). I did a quick revision with my agent beforeshe submitted it, but honestly Scarlet has always felt to me like a totallymagical novel. I have no idea how itcame to be!

Tellus a little about getting your agent. How many queries did you send out? Howlong did it take before you got an offer of representation?

3 years, 3 novels, and roughly sixtyqueries. Several close misses, too--Ihonestly can’t say enough that kind of like falling in love, the right onecomes along at the right time. And itjust works!

Doyou revise one novel while writing another? Or do you feel you need to writeand revise one novel and get it as polished as possible before moving on toyour shiny new idea?

With Scarlet all I could do was writeScar. My head was so full of her voicethat I even started talking like that for a while (and once you read the bookyou’ll know that doesn’t exactly jive for a well-educated girl in the 21stcentury...). Bizarre. On the book I just finished writing (futureunknown), I had to keep “vent” projects going on the side because the subjectmatter was just really hard for me to write and I had to get my sense of whimsyand fun out in other places.

Coffee,tea, or hot chocolate while writing? And where do you write? Briefly describeyour writing space.

Tea! I’m not a coffee drinker, and frankly I can’t handle the sugar in hotchocolate (though man is it tasty...). Iwrite at work (I man a desk overnight) and at Panera. I LOVE writing in Panera. Free refills, nice fires, comfyseats...what’s not to love? I camp outthere and zone out.

Thanks for joining us today, A. C. Looking forward to your release date so I can buy the book!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- THE CABINET OF EARTHS

2012-01-30T06:30:00.000-05:00

The Cabinet of Earths by Anne Nesbet (January 3, 2012, Harpercollins, for ages 10 and up)

Author's website

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis: Maya and her perfect little brother James move to Paris with their father, a chemist, and their mother, a cancer survivor. There, Maya meets a mysterious old uncle Henri and a sinister young uncle also, strangely enough, named Henri. With the help of an almost-invisible cousin Louise, and a classmate named Valko, Maya begins to learn of a supernatural underworld in which the beautiful people stay young forever. Most importantly, Maya discovers the Cabinet of Earths, kept by the old Uncle Henri. The extraordinary cabinet seems to hold the secret of immortality and it wants Maya to be its new Keeper.

Why I liked it: A thoroughly original fantasy, mystery, and horror novel rolled into one impressive book. As I read this, I had to remind myself it was a debut novel. This is a winner! Anne Nesbet has done an excellent job of world-building. She writes with a sure hand. The publisher calls this a fantasy and compares it to Coraline, and I could understand that. But at its heart, Cabinet of Earths is a moving story about a girl who's worried about her mother. It's written in third person close, which totally works for this. There's a strong sense of place (maybe it helps that I've been to Paris -- but I suspect even if you haven't you'll sense the charm of the City of Light). The mystery is perfectly paced, a little complex and a bit scary, which is why it may not be suitable for younger readers.

What's your favorite middle-grade fantasy?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn
Sheri Larsen at her blog
Gina Carey at her blog

Has this ever happened to you?

2012-01-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

Photo source

Imagine this is the view from my car, as I drive home on a recent Thursday evening from work. It's 9:20 pm (yes, sometimes I work until 9 pm), there's no one around, and I drive slowly across a bridge, heading south on a major road. I'm listening to a CD.

Okay, okay, it's a CD of Mozart piano concertos. Yes, I'm a nerd. Don't judge me (hey, they say Mozart is good for the brain).

I have the volume cranked up. I'm thinking about my current MG novel. To me, an important part of writing is mulling over my WIP. Ideas usually come to me in the car, or in the shower, or when I least expect it. But it's all part of the process.

In my MG novel, the rough draft of which is a complete mess, I know something is missing, and on my lonely drive home it hits me like a collision: the protagonist isn't solving the mystery near the end; it merely unfolds in front of him. I need to rewrite those last two chapters and make him more involved in piecing together those final clues.

And then -- flashing lights behind me! Agghh!

Photo source

According to the very nice officer who stopped me, apparently I "failed to come to a complete stop at the stop sign before the bridge."

Thankfully, he let me off with a warning.

Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever been so caught up in thinking through your WIP -- or listening to a stirring piece of music -- that you, uh, got pulled over? Did you get a ticket? 'Fess up!

Kathryn Fitzmaurice's A DIAMOND IN THE DESERT for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

2012-01-23T05:00:00.077-05:00

The ALA Youth Media Awards will be announced in Dallas today at 7:45 AM CST. I'll be listening in (here's their webcast site) to see what wins. They'll also be tweeting (@ALAyma).

In the meantime, here's a future Newbery possibility:

A Diamond in the Desert by Kathryn Fitzmaurice (Coming February 16, 2012 from Viking, 9780670012923, ages 10 and up, $16.99)

Visit the Author's website

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from Indiebound): For Tetsu, baseball is so much more than just a game.

On December 6, 1941, Tetsu is a twelve-year-old California boy who loves baseball. On December 7, 1941, everything changes. The bombing of Pearl Harbor means Tetsu's Japanese-American family will be relocated to an internment camp.

Gila River camp isn't technically a prison, but with nowhere to go, nothing to do, and no time frame for leaving, it might as well be. So when someone has the idea of building a baseball diamond and starting a team, Tetsu is overjoyed. But then his sister gets dangerously sick, forcing him to choose between his family and his love of the game. This is an impeccably researched, lyrical story about baseball, honor, and a turbulent period in U.S. history.

Why I liked it: Kathryn Fitzmaurice's luminous prose verges on the poetic. Many of the chapters are short, more like vignettes of life in Gila River. So it should appeal to reluctant readers, especially if they like baseball.

But even if you're not a baseball fanatic, you'll still find many reasons to read about Tetsu and his family and the harsh conditions at the internment camp. Note that this is for upper middle grade. Fitzmaurice doesn't gloss over the difficulties. This is a work of fiction, but she did staggering amounts of research and interviewed the real Tetsu who played baseball at that internment camp.

I learned a lot from reading this book. Imagine being forced to leave your home and your dog and move to a reservation in the middle of the desert, with sparsely-furnished barracks and nothing to do, not even a school at first. Imagine fifty-six families sharing one latrine. Imagine dust storms that sicken people. It's hard to believe today. But it really happened.

My mother grew up in Los Angeles and was about the same age as Tetsu in 1942. She well remembers some of her classmates who were Japanese-Americans being in class one day and not the next. It was a dark time in our history. Kathryn Fitzmaurice, author of The Year the Swallows Came Early, shines a brilliant light on that time period and makes us realize what Japanese-Americans endured then.

What middle grade historical fiction are you passionate about?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn
Sheri Larsen at her blog

A WINNER -- Plus a Resolution That May Surprise You!

2012-01-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

The winner of the arc of The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges, according to random.org is:

*KATIA RAINA*

YAY! Congrats, Katia! Expect an email from me asking for your mailing address.

* * * * *

I've noticed a lot of posts this month in which book bloggers talk about their New Year's Resolutions to read more in 2012 than they did in 2011.

Well, I hereby resolve...

to read fewer books.

(Gasp!)

Why? Because I broke my own record. In 2008 I read 101 books. In 2009, I read 107 books. In 2010, I read 105 books. But in 2011, I managed to read a whopping 110 books. I also blogged more often in 2011 (86 posts) than I did in 2010 (56 posts) and finally settled on a regular schedule of Mondays and Fridays (with occasional special posts popping up).

But did I meet my writing goals?

In short: No.

I failed to finish the rough draft of my second MG novel by Dec 1, 2011. I didn't even finish it by Dec 31, 2011. I've now finished it (yay!), but we're well into January 2012. And I haven't even started revising my first novel or my second, so I'm still too far away from my original plan of querying agents beginning in February. I'll have to put it off until at least April at this rate! Grrr... So while book bloggers all over the blogosphere are resolving to read more and write more, I'm going to try to write and revise more, but spend less time reading. I think 80 to 90 books a year is a fine number to aim for. If I read more, great. And if I don't, that's also fine. I'll miss keeping up with all the latest releases, but I'll get there eventually.

To recap my reading list from 2011 (and keep in mind most of these are advanced reading copies from the publisher):

In January, I read:
1. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate -- Jacqueline Kelly
2. Words in the Dust -- Trent Reedy
3. Darkest Mercy -- Melissa Marr
4. Ship Breaker -- Paolo Bacigalupi
5. Cliff Hanger: Mysteries in Our National Parks -- Gloria Skurzynski
6. Season of Secrets -- Sally Nichols
7. The Great Wall of Lucy Wu -- Wendy Wan-Long Shang
8. An Abundance of Katherines -- John Green
9. All You Get is Me -- Yvonne Prinz
10. Drought -- Pam Bachorz
11. See What I See -- Gloria Whelan

In February, I read:
12. Cloaked -- Alex Flinn
13.The Wonder of Charlie Anne -- Kimberly Newton Fusco
14. Tending to Grace -- Kimberly Newton Fusco
15. The Last Sacrifice -- Richelle Mead
16. What Happened to Goodbye -- Sarah Dessen
17. Awaken -- Katie Kacvinsky
18. Strings Attached -- Judy Blundell
19. Like Mandarin -- Kirsten Hubbard
20. Small as an Elephant -- Jennifer Richard Jacobson
21. Wither -- Lauren DeStefano
22. Turtle in Paradise -- Jennifer Holm

Here's what I read in March:
23. The Trouble with Chickens -- Doreen Cronin
24. That Girl Lucy Moon -- Timberlake
25. Warp Speed -- Lisa Yee
26. Desires of the Dead -- Kimberly Derting
27. Out of the Dust -- Karen Hesse
28. Flip -- Martyn Bedford
29. The Great Hamster Massacre -- Katie Davies
30. The Last Little Blue Envelope -- Maureen Johnson
31. Sparrow Road -- Sheila O'Connor
32. Divergent -- Veronica Roth
33. Flutter -- Erin Moulton
34. The Resisters -- Eric Nylund

In April, I read:
35. My Not-So-Still Life -- Liz Gallagher
36. You'll Like it Here (Everybody Does) -- Ruth White
37. Beauty Queens -- Libba Bray
38. Tighter -- Adele Griffin
39. A Tale of Two Castles -- Gail Carson Levine
40. Daddy Long Legs -- Jean Webster
41. The Lemonade Crime -- Jacqueline Davies
42. The Penderwicks at Point Mouette -- Jeanne Birdsall
43. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda -- Tom Angleberger

Here's what I read in May:
44. Dogsled Dreams -- Terry Lynn Johson (I won the book from Natalie Aguirre)
45. Brimstone Key - Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis
46. Liar Society -- Lisa and Laura Roecker
47. Possession -- Elana Johnson
48. Sharks and Boys -- Kristen Tracy
49. The Friendship Doll -- Kirby Larson
50. The Name of the Star -- Maureen Johnson
51. Second Fiddle -- Rosanne Parry (again, won from Natalie!)

And in June:
52. Bigger Than a Breadbox -- Laurel Snyder
53. 8th Grade Super Zero -- Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (free copy from the author! Thanks, Bemi!)
54. The Summer I Learned to Fly -- Dana Reinhardt
55. The Chronicles of Harris Burdick -- Van Allsburg, etc
56. Relic Master -- Catherine Fisher
57. Juniper Berry -- M. P. Kozlowski
58. The Emerald Atlas -- John Stephens

In July I read these books:
59. Forever -- Maggie Stiefvater
60. The Centaur's Daughter -- Ellen Jensen Abbott
61. The Help -- Kathryn Stockett (paperback purchased for vacation reading)
62. a manuscript of a YA novel by one of my CPs
63. City of Lies -- Lian Tanner
64. Cold Kiss -- Amy Garvey

In August I read:
65. The Elegance of the Hedgehog -- Muriel Barberry (paperback purchased for vacation reading)
66. Supernaturally -- Kiersten White
67. Mostly True Story of Jack -- Kelly Barnhill
68. The Future of Us -- Jay Asher/Carolyn Mackler
69. A Need So Beautiful -- Suzanne Young
70. Everybody Sees the Ants -- A. S. King
71. The Fox Inheritance -- Mary Pearson
72. Bad Taste in Boys -- Carrie Harris
73. 13 Gifts -- Wendy Mass

Here's what I read in September:
74. Imaginary Girls -- Nova Ren Suma
75. Secrets at Sea -- Richard Peck
76. The Beginning of After -- Jennifer Castle
77. Starstruck -- Cyn Balog
78. Year Without Autumn -- Liz Kessler
79. The Wave -- Todd Strasser (old paperback)
80. Pie -- Sarah Weeks
81. Island's End -- Padma Venkatraman
82. Impulse -- Ellen Hopkins (paperback I purchased)
83. Goliath -- Scott Westerfeld

October's reads:
84. Hound Dog True -- Linda Urban
85. Crossed -- Ally Condie
86. Invisible Inkling -- Emily Jenkins
87. Legend -- Marie Lu
88. The Lost Songs -- Caroline B. Cooney
89. May B -- Caroline Starr Rose
90. Cracked -- K.M. Walton
91. Winterling -- Sarah Prineas
92. Under the Never Sky -- Veronica Rossi
93. Darkfall -- Janice Hardy
94. Liesl & Po -- Lauren Oliver
95. Darth Paper Strikes Back -- Tom Angleberger
96. Variant -- Robison Wells

And now for November:
97. Scorpio Races -- Maggie Stiefvater
98. Daughter of Smoke and Bone -- Laini Taylor
99. Unraveling -- Elizabeth Norris
100. Becoming Naomi Leon -- Pam Munoz Ryan
101. Try Not to Breathe -- Jennifer R. Hubbard
102. Diary of a Wimpy Kid #6 Cabin Fever -- Jeff Kinney
103. The Great Rabbit Rescue -- Katie Davies
104. The Cabinet of Earths -- Anne Nesbet
105. The Catastrophic History of You and Me - Jess Rothenberg
106. Partials -- Dan Wells

Finally, in December I managed to read a few books:
107. Don't Expect Magic -- Kathy McCullough
108. The Mighty Miss Malone -- Christopher Paul Curtis
109. Tunnel Vision -- Susan Shaw
110. Glory Be -- Augusta Scattergood

So I topped my previous record, but at what cost?

Do you keep a reading list? And if you're a writer, do you ever feel you're spending too much time reading (or blogging or tweeting...) and not enough time writing?

If you've read this far, you've reached the best part! You can watch what happens in a bookstore after hours in this clever and imaginative video made by a Toronto bookshop owner.

A Winner! And a new Christopher Paul Curtis book for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

2012-01-16T06:30:00.047-05:00

I have a winner to announce! According to random.org, the winner of the hardcover copy of MAY B. by Caroline Starr Rose is...

VIVIEN

Congrats, Vivien! Expect an email from me asking for your mailing address! (Readers, this is a great example of persistence paying off. I think Vivien has entered every giveaway I've ever had and this is the first time she's won.)

Now on to today's MMGM, a new book from Christopher Paul Curtis!

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis (January 10, 2012, Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, 9780385734912, for ages 9 to 12)

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (my own this time!): Deza Malone loves words and reading and is the smartest girl in her class. She has a strong and loving family: a father who enjoys using alliteration (“Dearest Daughter Deza”), a mother who quotes Robert Burns, and an older brother who can’t read very well but who sings like an angel. She also has a best friend who goes to the library with her every day. If the Great Depression hadn’t come along and made Father lose his job, life in Gary, Indiana would still be wonderful.

The year is 1936, and times are tough for everyone, but especially for African-Americans. Father goes to Detroit to find work -- and disappears. When Mother loses her job too, the Malones have to move into temporary housing. They can only take what they can carry.

Christopher Paul Curtis is the award-winning author of Bud, Not Buddy, The Watsons Go to Birmingham, and other fine novels. According to the included author note, during school visits kids always asked when he was going to write about a girl. He kept putting it off, until he spoke at a mother-daughter book club in Detroit. Some of the women berated him for including a scene in Bud, Not Buddy, in which a girl in the Hooverville kissed Bud Caldwell, a total stranger! Mr. Curtis came up with an interesting reply. And this book, a companion but not a sequel, was born.

Why I liked it: The characters are complex and real and engaging. Even if you’ve never read Bud, Not Buddy, you’ll still enjoy reading about the irrepressible Mighty Miss Malone. You'll gasp at the hardships her family endures, and cheer at the way they support each other through the tough times.

The Newbery awards will be announced next Monday (here's the ALA Youth Media Award website). This book came out too late for a 2012 award, but keep it in mind for 2013. I predict it will win at least an honor.

What do you think will win the Newbery medal and honor awards this year? I'd like to see Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy win an honor. See? I'll bet you've forgotten that book already. It came out last January and I reviewed it at this post. I also hope Hound Dog True will win an honor (reviewed here). But I'm at a loss as to what will win the gold. Wonderstruck? R My Name is Rachel? What are your guesses?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at her blog
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn

Sheri Larsen at her blog

Class of 2K12 - Megan Bostic, NEVER EIGHTEEN

2012-01-13T06:00:00.008-05:00

Today, I'm interviewing Megan Bostic, debut author of NEVER EIGHTEEN (January 17, 2012, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, for ages 12 and up)

Synopsis (from Indiebound): Austin Parker is on a journey to bring truth, beauty, and meaning to his life. Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. The doctors say his chances of surviving are slim to none even with treatment, so he’s decided it’s time to let go.

But before he goes, Austin wants to mend the broken fences in his life. So with the help of his best friend, Kaylee, Austin visits very person in his life who touched him in a special way. He journeys to places he's loved and those he's never seen. And what starts as a way to say goodbye turns into a personal journey that brings love, acceptance, and meaning to Austin's life.

Watch this book trailer from the publisher:

About the author (from the Class of 2K12 website): Megan (that’s with a long “e”) Bostic is a mere human trying to find her place in the universe and an all-around great girl. Despite the rain and gray (she’s truly solar powered) making her extremely angsty, she’s lived in the Pacific Northwest her whole life, and still does, with her two crazy beautiful girls.

She thrives on the challenges faced in her journey to publication and has documented it vlog style. You can find her Chronicles of an Aspiring Writer on Youtube.

Megan Bostic

To learn more about Megan:

-- Her website
-- Class of 2K12 website
-- Her blog

Now to the interview!

Do you outline before you write? If so, does it end up changing before you finish the first draft? What change surprised you the most?

I am probably the most unorganized writer on the face of the planet. I do not outline. I rely on endless sticky notes and notepads, and my brain (which isn’t always reliable) to get me from point A to point B.

I'm so glad to hear that. I don't outline either! Do you revise one novel while writing another? Or do you feel you need to write and revise one novel and get it as polished as possible before moving on to your shiny new idea?

This drives me crazy, but I can only work on one project at a time. And while I’m working on that project I come up with five ideas which makes me want to hurry and get done so I can start them. I try not to, though. It’s important to come away with as polished a project as possible before moving onto the next one, for me at least.

I understand that completely! So... coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while writing? And where do you write? Briefly describe your writing space.

Definitely coffee. Right now I’m writing at my kitchen table on my laptop, next to my sliding glass door. I like to write in a place that has the most natural light humanly possible (without having to go outside).

Do you listen to music while writing or at least while thinking about and planning a book? What song or album had the most influence on this novel?

I can’t have any distractions while writing, so no music. However, I do draw inspiration from music. Indie always gets me going, especially with this particular novel. A couple songs come to mind, I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie, Weighty Ghost by Wintersleep, and New Slang by The Shins.

Tell us what darling you had to kill that you really really wish you could have kept.

There is a character in the book, Scott McPhee, who was a promising young athlete that became a wastoid. In the original manuscript, I reveal the why’s behind his transformation, and it would be a bit of a surprise to the reader. However, my agent wanted his secrets to remain just that, secret.

Ooo! That really makes me want to read the book! Thanks so much for joining us today, Megan!

I'll have more Class of 2K12 interviews and guest posts in February and March, so please remember to check back. What young adult novel are you excited about this month?

The brilliance of John Green

2012-01-10T01:00:00.003-05:00

Go. Buy a copy of this book. NOW!

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green (Dutton, 9780525478812, $17.99, for ages 14 and up)

From the publisher: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

One of the perks of being a bookseller is often you get to read a book before the general public. This is one of those times I was truly honored (I have a bound manuscript). You will laugh and cry and ache for the characters in this book. John Green is a genius. Who else can have a teen character spout the phrase "metaphorical resonance" and make it believable -- and sexy? Who else can make you think while making you laugh? Or sprinkle obscure facts about the Netherlands and quotes from Shakespeare and T.S. Eliot throughout a contemporary teen novel?

Be forewarned: you will never again hear Yoda's famous quote ("There is no try. Only do.") without it ripping your heart out.

Just so you know. Okay? Okay.

Now go. Read. And come back and tell me what you thought!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: The One and Only Ivan -- by Katherine Applegate

2012-01-09T06:30:00.007-05:00

The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao (coming January 17, 2012 from HarperCollins, 9780061992254, $16.99, ages 8 to 12)

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from Indiebound): Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.

Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.

Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.

Why I liked it: Based on a true story, this is far different from all the middle grade novels I've read recently. The prose is deceptively spare and simple, told from Ivan's point of view. Yet it reverberates with deeper meaning, with wisdom and humor and heartache. If caged animals could talk, imagine what they would tell us. Katherine Applegate has imagined that, and done it beautifully. This is one of those books that kids will latch onto and want to read again and again.

Has anyone read this yet? If not, what animal stories have touched your heart?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at her blog
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn
Sheri Larsen at her blog

Don't forget my giveaways!

Go to this post to win a hardcover copy of May B.

Go to this post to win an arc of The Gathering Storm.

Good luck!

Class of 2K12 -- Interview with Robin Bridges, THE GATHERING STORM -- and an ARC giveaway

2012-01-06T06:30:00.055-05:00

Welcome! Today, I'm thrilled to be interviewing Robin Bridges, author of the debut YA novel, THE GATHERING STORM, which pubs January 10, 2012, from Delacorte Press.

Book One of the Katerina Trilogy
Book One of the Katerina Trilogy

In the midst of superstitious and dangerous 1880's Russia, Katerina of Oldenburg hides a dark secret: she can raise the dead. Here's the official trailer from Random House to show you more:

Wow! That's a cool trailer and a beautiful cover. And what a great premise! Robin, did you start with a character or with an image or phrase or setting? This story actually started with the setting. I’ve always loved Russian history and wanted to write a fantasy based in a Slavic-type kingdom.

I love Russian history too! Do you outline before you write? If so, does it end up changing before you finish the first draft? What change surprised you the most? Yes and no. I have a road map, a list of scenes I want to include, and then I write and rewrite trying to figure out exactly what happens.


Robin Bridges (photo by Erin Glisson)

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while writing? And where do you write? Briefly describe your writing space. Diet Coke is my poison of choice. My writing space is a computer nook off of my living room. I only get to write when the rest of the family is asleep or at school/ work and the living room is quiet.

Do you listen to music while writing or at least while thinking about and planning a book? What song or album had the most influence on this novel? Katerina’s playlist was mostly classical Russian composers like Tchaikovsky and Glinka, but it’s kinda eclectic:

A Life for the Tsar: Polonaise and Mazurka by Glinka

Eugene Onegin: Polonaise by Tchaikovsky

Queen of Spades: Overture and Lisa’s Aria by Tchaikovsky

Kol Slaven

Black Eyes (old Russian love song)

Chrysanthemums (old Russian love song)

Skazhite Yey (Tell Her) (old Russian love song)

Russian Easter Festival Overture by Rimsky-Korsakov

Forestalling the Morning (and other Russian Orthodox chants)

Snow White Queen and Lacrymosa by Evanescence

Transylvanian Concubine by Rasputina

Second Waltz by Shostakovich (written past Katerina’s time but I still love it)

That's an amazing song list, Robin. Tchaikovsky is one of my favorite composers! And my son introduced me to Rasputina. I studied Russian in college and I love that your novel has so much Russian influence.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Robin! And happy launch day next week!

To learn more about Robin, visit her website or the Class of 2K12 website.

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Readers, I'm happy to tell you I have an ARC of The Gathering Storm to give away. It's simple: be a follower and leave a comment on this post. This giveaway is open internationally and will close at 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, January 18. Don't forget my other giveaway of a middle grade novel, MAY B. by Caroline Starr Rose. Go to this post to enter (edited to add the link!).

Visit My Brain on Books next Friday for another interview with a debut YA author, Megan Bostic, author of NEVER EIGHTEEN.

Happy Publication Day to K.M. Walton!

2012-01-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

CRACKED officially launches today!

Here's the Indiebound page. Here's Kate's really cool website. If you missed my review and interview with her, you can find it at this post. And here's the page I created on my employer's website.

CONGRATULATIONS, KATE!

If you're anywhere near the Philadelphia area and you want to meet Kate and buy a signed copy, come to the Official Launch Party at Chester County Book & Music Company in West Chester, PA on Saturday, January 7 at 7 pm.

Class of 2K12 Interview with Caroline Starr Rose -- Debut Author of MAY B. -- AND a giveaway!

2012-01-02T06:30:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year, Everyone!

And welcome back. Today, I'm doing something a little different for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

I'm thrilled to be interviewing Caroline Starr Rose. You may remember my review of her debut novel-in-verse, MAY B. from November, 2011 (if not, you can find it via my own blog and actually also here at Random Acts of Reading). This lovely novel is being pubbed by Schwartz & Wade (for ages 9 to 12) and it launches on January 10, 2012. Only a little over a week! YAY! Congrats, Caroline!

Caroline Starr Rose

Q. Do you outline before you write? If so, does it end up changing before you finish the first draft? What change surprised you the most?

A. I don’t really outline, but I do try to plot some key moments/turning points in the storyline, knowing things will probably change. When I started May B., I had a sense how it would end, but I wasn’t sure exactly how the story would get there. I have this weird belief that the story itself will answer all questions I have about it, if I just dig deep enough. When I get to a rough patch, I go back and ask questions about a character’s motivation, limitations, etc., trusting the answers are there for me to unearth, that the one logical way the character and her story will play out will come to me somehow. Sometimes I need an outsider’s perspective to see the answers, but so far, this has worked for me.

Q. How long did it take to go from the idea for the book to the draft your editor accepted? Was it months or years? Did you go through endless revisions, beta readers, etc, before starting the submission process? Did you ever want to pull out your hair?

A. I started May B. the summer of 2007 and finished the first draft the following summer (I was teaching at the time and found any sort of creative work outside the classroom virtually impossible during the school year). Really, from the start I had the sense that it was the strongest thing I’d ever written because it felt so honest. While drafting, I shared it with my critique group, two adult writers who’d never even heard of a verse novel but were nonetheless able to help me move forward.

I taught another year, doing some revision while school was in session. In the spring of 2009, I entered May B. in a novel excerpt contest at the Jambalaya Writer’s Conference, a local event sponsored by a nearby university. May won first place, and part of the prize was to meet with an editor one-on-one. After taking one look at my work, she asked why I didn’t have an agent yet. As crazy as it sounds, I decided -- without any prospects -- to stop teaching and write full time. I met writer Natalie Bahm through her blog and asked her to read my manuscript. She asked me one simple question that completely changed the ending of the book, making it stronger. In October, I signed with my agent, Michelle Humphrey. We did one more round of revisions, and May B. sold, at auction, in March 2010.

May started with Random House Children’s Books imprint, Tricycle Press. I went through 4-5 vigorous rounds of edits with my editor and was weeks from the ARC printing when I discovered Random House had decided to close Tricycle. All titles slated for Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 were put on hold. For six weeks, none of us knew if our books would stay with Random House or if we’d have to shop them elsewhere. Let’s call this my hair-pulling stage! It was a really painful time for me, not only to (possibly) lose my book but to see my editor lose her job and watch this beloved imprint close. May was one of five Tricycle titles kept on with Random House. I moved to the imprint Schwartz and Wade, and my publication date switched from September 2011 to January 2012. My new editor and I went through three more intense rounds of edits.

For a book of 15,000 words, that’s a lot of editing! As stressful as it was to have my book in jeopardy, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with two talented editors who challenged me and drew out my writing in different ways.

A few weeks ago I got a call from the woman who heads up the Jambalaya Writer’s Conference. She’s asked me to come speak next spring. I never would have guessed three years ago of this full-circle way things have played out.

Wow! That's quite a journey! And I'm so glad Random House kept you on when Tricycle closed.

Q. How much of your main character is you in disguise?

A. Very little of May is me in disguise. She’s much braver than I, and I’ve drawn a lot of strength from her, especially those weeks when I wasn’t sure what would ultimately happen to my book. As silly as it sounds, while running half marathons (something I do not with a lot of speed or grace but with a lot of heart) I often think of May for inspiration during those hard miles at the end.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Caroline! I'm looking forward to handselling your book next week!

Caroline's website can be found here. And this is her blog.

Here's the official website of the Class of 2K12.

(Please note that most of the other Class of 2K12 interviews I have coming up will be for YA books, so I'll be posting them on FRIDAYS, as part of my semi-regular YA Friday posts! This Friday, January 6, I'm interviewing Robin Bridges, author of The Gathering Storm! All my interviews will come under the heading of Class of 2K12 so you'll be able to find them easily. Thanks.)

AND NOW...

I love Caroline's book so much I'm giving away one hardcover copy! All you have to do to enter this giveaway is be a follower and leave a comment on this post, although I will give you extra points if you tweet it, blog about it, or mention on facebook -- just let me know. On Twitter, I'm @booksnbrains. This giveaway is open internationally and will close at 11:59 pm EST on Saturday, January 14, 2012. Winner will be announced on Monday January 16, 2012. Good luck!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at her blog
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn
Sheri Larsen at her blog

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- Winterling by Sarah Prineas

2011-12-12T05:30:00.021-05:00

If you've ever read The Magic Thief trilogy by Sarah Prineas (my blogging friend Myrna Foster reviewed them in October -- at this post), you might be familiar with the story of the changeling girl. A chance comment by a bookseller in Ohio inspired Sarah Prineas to turn that story into Winterling. A bookseller! How cool is that?

Winterling by Sarah Prineas (HarperCollins, January 3, 2012, hardcover, 9780061921049, $16.99, for ages 10 and up).

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher): With her boundless curiosity and spirit, Fer has always felt that she doesn't belong. She hears the call of the wild wood, of the secrets it whispers to her. But when her grandmother reveals clues about the disappearance of her father and his mystical bond to her mother, Fer begins to unlock secrets about the the parents she never knew. Led to a reflecting pool that uncovers the Way, Fer finds an enchanting, dangerous land.

In this place cloaked in wonder, where pucks transform from boys to horses, Fer feels a strange magical attachment. But with her mother gone, everything has spun out of order and evil has imprisoned the place in ice. Now it is up to Fer to face down the powerful Mor, who has cruelly overtaken this world and its people, and discover the legacy she carries within.

Why I liked it: Gorgeous writing and sure-handed worldbuilding. The author has a fertile imagination and it shines through. And though the summary sounds a bit like The Snow Queen, this is very much an original fairy tale. And amazingly, nearly all the characters are female. In fact, Fer (short for Jennifer) has to save the puck boy from a nasty fate. Yay for powerful heroines!

What most impressed me, though, was the lushness of the sensory details. Nature, both beautiful and terrible, is all important here. Except for a few scenes, this book takes place outside, and you can really feel the icy cold and picture the leaves, the moss, and the pond.

Have you read any original fairy tales that impressed you?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at her blog
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn
Sheri Larsen at her blog

I'm working extra hours as we zoom toward Christmas, and I still have some shopping, baking, and decorating to do. So I'll be back on January 2nd with the first of several interviews with some of the debut authors of the Class of 2K12! Enjoy your holiday! And Happy New Year!

I Need a Friend Like This...

2011-12-09T06:00:00.016-05:00

According to Alex Palmer at Writers Digest, Harper Lee worked as a reservation clerk at Eastern Airlines for eight years, writing only in her spare time (sound familiar?).

Then a generous friend gave her a Christmas gift equal to a year’s wages. The condition? That she would take a year off and write whatever she wanted. Harper Lee finished the first draft of To Kill A Mockingbird that year.

Imagine, if you will, what the world would be like without that generous gift...

Wishing book contracts to all my writer friends this winter!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- Becoming Naomi Leon

2011-12-05T05:00:00.005-05:00

Welcome, new followers! It never ceases to amaze me that I acquire new followers even while I'm on a blogging break. Thank you! Speaking of the blogging break... I managed to write more than 4000 words and I'm thisclose to finishing the rough of my second MG novel! Yay! Hope you're all accomplishing great things too.

Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan (Scholastic, May 2005, paperback, 9780439269971, $6.99, for ages 9 to 12).

Source: paperback from a friend

Synopsis (from Indiebound): Naomi Soledad Leon Outlaw has had a lot to contend with in her young life, her name for one. Then there are her clothes (sewn in polyester by Gram), her difficulty speaking up, and her status at school as "nobody special." But according to Gram, most problems can be overcome with positive thinking. And with Gram and her little brother, Owen, life at Avocado Acres Trailer Rancho in California is happy and peaceful...until their mother reappears after seven years of being gone, stirring up all sorts of questions and challenging Naomi to discover and proclaim who she really is.

Why I liked it: So many reasons! The characters are wonderful, the details authentic, the situation heartwrenching. When Naomi and Owen's mother Skyla wants to take only Naomi back, not Owen, you quickly realize just what kind of person Skyla is. And Naomi will have to learn to speak up if she doesn't want to lose Owen and Gram. I cheered when Gram makes the decision to take the trailer and head to Mexico to seek the children's long-lost father. The ending was not at all what I expected, but I found it realistic and satisfying.

This is also a great read for this time of year! I've never been to Mexico, but after reading this, I'd love to go. I learned a lot about Las Posadas ("the inns"), a nine-day Advent celebration revolving around Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay. Different families play host each night from December 16 to December 24, and the neighborhood children go from house to house, being turned away until they reach the designated house. There, they are welcomed with food, drink, and pinatas.

Image source

If you're looking for a multi-cultural read for Christmas, look no further. What middle grade books have you read that revolve around a holiday?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at her blog
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn

A winner! And an MMGM message

2011-11-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Yes, we have a winner!

The recipient of a pre-order of CRACKED by Pennsylvania author K.M Walton is:

COREY SCHWARTZ

Congrats, Corey! Expect an email from me.

Thanks to the rest of you for entering, and you can all be winners by buying a copy of CRACKED from your local bookstore on January 3, 2012. It's coming from Simon Pulse, and my review plus an interview with Kate Walton can be found at this post. I'm thrilled for Kate and excited that in only five weeks you'll all be able to read this amazing book.

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Please Note: If you came to this blog looking for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, I'm taking a blogging break to enjoy some time with my family (and uh, maybe get some writing done). I'll be back next week. In the meantime, please visit the following talented people. Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn

YA Friday giveaway reminder!

2011-11-25T00:30:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

It's your last chance to enter to win a pre-order of a SIGNED hardcover of CRACKED by K.M. Walton! Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm TONIGHT.

Go to this post for more info and to enter.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- I have CABIN FEVER!

2011-11-21T05:00:00.009-05:00

Diary of a Wimpy Kid #6: Cabin Fever, by Jeff Kinney (Amulet Books, November 15, 2011, Hardcover, 9781419702235, $13.95, ages 8 to 14).

Source: book purchased from store where I work (I own all of these books, believe it or not!)

Synopsis (from Indiebound):

Greg Heffley is in big trouble. School property has been damaged, and Greg is the prime suspect. But the crazy thing is, he’s innocent. Or at least sort of.

The authorities are closing in, but when a surprise blizzard hits, the Heffley family is trapped indoors. Greg knows that when the snow melts he’s going to have to face the music, but could any punishment be worse than being stuck inside with your family for the holidays?

Why I liked it: Okay, okay, I'll admit it! These books are even funnier than the Origami Yoda books that I raved about last week. There, I said it. But tell Yoda, you must not.

Please.

Nothing makes me giggle out loud the way Wimpy Kid books do. Here's my review from 2009 of the first four books in the series. In this latest installment, which is more like a series of vignettes than a novel, Greg inexplicably seems as if he's about 9 years old (and I believe he's supposed to be in 8th grade!), because he's still worried about Santa! But the Santa Scout made me snicker because it's such a great parody of Elf on the Shelf. My apologies to anyone who loves Elf on the Shelf, but I find it creepy! Creepy, I tell you! And I'm sure the Santa stuff in Cabin Fever has a great deal to do with the target audience for these books, which apparently is getting younger and younger. I do have customers buying these for 7 or 8 year olds now. But it didn't start out that way.

What's making you giggle these days?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn

Don't forget my latest YA giveaway! Go to this post for more information and to enter.

Giveaway reminder for a pre-order of CRACKED by K.M. Walton

2011-11-18T00:30:00.000-05:00

REMINDER: My giveaway for a pre-order of a SIGNED hardcover copy of CRACKED by K.M. Walton is still going on! Giveaway closes at 11:59 pm EST on Friday, November 25. Enter HERE for a chance to win! Kate will be having her launch party at the bookstore where I work in early January, so I will be buying a signed copy to give away.

And even more exciting news: Kate herself is holding a contest for a live action book trailer for CRACKED. Go to this post on her blog for more info. If you know any film students or budding filmmakers, tell them about the contest! They could win $500 in cash!

* * * * * * * * * * *

Now I'll leave you with a comic that made me laugh out loud, especially since I first saw it the same day I noticed my hometown had already put up their Christmas wreaths on every lamppost.

That was Monday November 15!!

Image source

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- Darth Paper Strikes Back

2011-11-14T00:15:00.011-05:00

Darth Paper Strikes Back, by Tom Angleberger, Amulet Books, August 2011, 9781419700279, $12.95, ages 8 and up.

Source: book purchased from bookstore

Synopsis (from Indiebound):

The hilarious, clever, and much-anticipated follow-up to the breakout hit, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda!

It is a dark time at Ralph McQuarrie Middle School. After suffering several Origami Yoda–related humiliations, Harvey manages to get Dwight suspended from school for being a “troublemaker.” Origami Yoda pleads with Tommy and Kellen to save Dwight by making a new case file—one that will show how Dwight’s presence benefits McQuarrie. With the help of their friends, Tommy and Kellen record cases such as “Origami Yoda and the Pre-eaten Wiener,” “Origami Yoda and the Exploding Pizza Bagels,” and “Origami Yoda and Wonderland: The Musical.” But Harvey and his Darth Paper puppet have a secret plan that could make Dwight’s suspension permanent . . .

Why I liked it: Kidding, are you? HILARIOUS, these books are. Hmm. Yes. HILARIOUS!

If you've never read The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, you should run right out and read that first. Darth Paper works best as a sequel to that first book. But both stand out as very funny books more for boys, though girls can certainly enjoy them too. They're all about life in middle school. Classes, teachers, cafeteria food, humiliating school dances, the whole bit. Specifically, the conflict here is whether or not Origami Yoda is real, or it was just Dwight saying all those wise things that helped so many people. The books even include helpful instructions on how to fold your own origami Yoda or Darth.

As a bookseller, I can tell you I've hand sold zillions of these books, especially to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid who are looking for something else in the same vein. The pages of Darth Paper look like crumpled notebook pages (you find out why eventually), complete with handwritten notes and little drawings. These books are perfect for Star Wars fans, especially anyone who's ever pretended to talk like Yoda or Darth Vader. C'mon, admit it. You've done this. At least once.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit
Gabrielle Prendergast at angelhorn

Remember my YA giveaway for a pre-order of CRACKED by K.M. Walton! Go to this post to enter.

Winners! And YA Friday, Pennsylvania authors Part Four -- CRACKED by K.M. Walton

2011-11-11T07:30:00.002-05:00

First, I must announce the winners:

The winner of the signed hardcover copy of Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King is

DONNA GAMBALE

The winner of the signed hardcover copy of Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck is:

NATALIE AGUIRRE

Congratulations! Expect an email from me asking for your mailing address.

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(If you didn't win, never fear. Today's YA Friday will also include a giveaway!)

CRACKED by K.M. Walton (Simon Pulse, 9781442434424, January 3, 2012, $16.99, for ages 14 and up)

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher (Thanks to my awesome sales rep, Tim Hepp)

Synopsis (from the publisher): Victor hates his life. He's relentlessly bulled at school and his parents ridicule him for not being perfect. He's tired of being weak, so he takes a bottle of his mother's sleeping pills -- only to wake up in the hospital.

Bull is angry, and takes all of his rage out on Victor. He's the opposite of weak. And he's tired of his grandfather's drunken beatings, so he tries to defend himself with a loaded gun.

When Victor and Bull end up as roommates in the same psych ward, things go from bad to worse. Until they discover they just might have something in common: a reason to live.

Why I liked it: This book made me gasp and cry and laugh. Bullying is a hot topic right now, and the author alternates between two points of view, the bully and the victim, and somehow manages to make them both sympathetic characters. Victor and Bull quickly became real teens to me, and I was pulled into their double story with a kind of horrified fascination. I like how K.M. Walton shows that bullies are often bullied themselves, without justifying the bully's actions. Bull's home life sucks. But then so does Victor's, even though Victor has everything Bull doesn't have -- money, a nice house, plenty to eat. What does all that matter when your own parents are distant and uncaring?

The already fast pace picks up even more when both boys wind up in the same psych ward, with the two storylines converging in an impressive way that made me race to finish the book. The author has clearly done her research; the details are amazing.

I have two treats for you: an interview with the author and a giveaway of a signed pre-order of the book! (Remember, it pubs January 3, 2012.)

Kate Walton lives in my hometown (Yes, I'm very lucky! Not only is she an amazing writer, she's also a lovely human being!) and she graciously agreed to an interview.

1) I understand you started out writing picture books. How did you get from there to writing CRACKED, a book for mature teens?

I think the short answer to this question is: life. I was twenty five when I wrote my first picture book and in my first year of teaching second grade. I had yet to experience teaching middle school. Not to say that a twenty-five-year old couldn’t write a novel like CRACKED but, I couldn’t have. I wrote CRACKED after ten years of teaching and working closely with adolescents. Watching them label each other and make assumptions based on appearances or rumors was something I battled against every single day I was in the classroom (even when I taught second grade).

Also, back when I was twenty-five, there was no burgeoning young adult market of which to speak. I was deep into Danielle Steele and Sydney Sheldon books at that time. Not until many years later when I read Sherman Alexie’s THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY OF A PART TIME INDIAN, Libba Bray’s GOING BOVINE and John Green’s LOOKING FOR ALASKA did I realize that I wanted to try writing a contemporary YA. I didn’t know I could be that real in a young adult book. The books I read growing up were all fine, well and good, but they were filtered through the lens of the adult writer. The main characters in Alexie, Bray, and Green’s books weren’t filtered by anything. They were real. They were authentic. I never once heard the adult author’s voice creeping into those characters.

I wanted to try and write a book like that.

2) Tell us a little about your journey to publication. How did you find your agent? Did you have to query dozens of agents or just a few? And how long did it take your agent to sell your book to Simon & Schuster?

It took 2.4 years to land my wonderful and brilliant agent, Sarah LaPolla from Curtis Brown Ltd. Even though we’ve been a team now for a little over a year, I still can’t believe I have her as my agent. I guess it’s because I worked my fingers to the bone trying to land an agent and amassed 148 rejections—on three different novels. I gave up one day and even wrote a blog post about it, and then, less than a week later, I got two full requests—one of them from Sarah!

I signed with her in early August 2010 and she sold CRACKED in mid October 2010. I like to think that my years spent querying, learning, taking classes, researching, going to conferences, putting my work online for critique and participating in a crit group made me a better writer, and in turn, made CRACKED the best it could be. I paid my dues on the back end of my journey towards publication, and I’m glad I did because it made the “landing an agent” and “getting a book deal” parts all the sweeter.

3) Those of us who are unpublished hear a lot of scary things about line edits. How much editing did you have to do before your editor was satisfied?

Let me start by saying that I love revising. There’s something about going back into the story, making it better, that gives me a mad case of satisfaction. Also, my editor, the genius otherwise known as Annette Pollert, is one heck of a mind to have on your side. She, hands down, made me a stronger writer.

Her line edits were a mix of genuine compliments, questions and suggestions. Every page of my manuscript had notes and marks on it. I rolled my sleeves up and took it page by page. And sweet mother was I satisfied at the end of the process.

4) To quote "Lost": "The most important part of your life was the time you spent with these people." Do you feel that Victor and Bull are real people? (They seem real to me!) At what point in writing the book did they take over your life and start telling you what to do? How much time would you estimate that you've spent with them over the last few years? And has your family been understanding about it all?

Um, I’m kind of loving that you quoted LOST, which is my favorite show of all time!

Victor and Bull are real to me. They’re living, breathing human beings inside my head. I call them “my boys” or “my people” all the time. They took over their stories from the moment I started writing the novel. See, I’m a pantser, and I honestly don’t know the nitty gritty parts of my novels until I start writing. And when I start writing a book I typically do not stop until I’m finished. The story just sort of flies out of me. It’s weird. CRACKED was exactly like that. I started writing after school let out in the summer of 2009 and had a completed first draft by the end of August.

My husband and sons have been the foundation upon which I write. They believe in me, support me, cheer me on, hug me, wipe my tears, read my work. Love me. The whole process would have been awful without those three in my corner. I also have been loved and supported by many other very important people (I have a rather large corner) my mother, three younger sisters, cousins, in-laws and friends. I’ve been blessed to have layers upon layers of support. It’s quite a parfait.

5) Part of your novel takes place in a psych ward. How did you do the research for that? It must have been intense.

My younger sister is a clinical social worker in a hospital and my cousin is a drug and alcohol counselor. I consulted both of them to make sure my psych ward scenes were accurate and authentic. To be honest, the research wasn’t all that intense. However, the writing of those scenes was intense inside my head. As I said, Victor and Bull were real people, and I knew those moments were going to be raw and painful and exhilarating to write. I hope the reader will be able to feel those same emotions!

6) What's your next novel about? Have you gotten a contract for that yet?

It’s another contemporary YA, and I was recently allowed to share the news that it has in fact sold to Annette Pollert at Simon Pulse! Here’s the Publisher’s Marketplace announcement:

CRACKED author K.M. Walton's untitled next novel, in which an overweight teen's life starts spiraling out of control when she is bullied and abused, to Annette Pollert at Simon Pulse, by Sarah LaPolla at Curtis Brown.

7) If you could give only one piece of advice to aspiring writers, what would it be?

I used to give the advice of “never stop writing” but I’ve revised my advice to “write to become a better writer.” I believe there is a huge difference. If all you do is write and write the same way in which you’ve always written, well, then you’re not growing as a writer. How does one hone their craft (and I do mean craft – writing is an art form, one that must be studied)? Take classes, research the craft, read in the genre in which you write, spend the money to attend writing conferences and get quality critique feedback.

Push yourself every single time you sit down to create something new.

That's great advice, Kate! Thanks. And thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions!

Thank you very much for having me on your blog, Joanne. Your questions were wonderful and thought provoking!

And now for the giveaway! Kate will be appearing at the bookstore where I work in January, so I will be buying two signed copies, one for me and one to give away! This one's easy. To win this pre-order, all you need to do is be a follower and leave a comment on this post! This giveaway is open internationally and will close at 11:59 pm EST on Friday November 25. You must be at least 14 to enter. Winner will receive the book in January.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- MAY B. by Caroline Starr Rose

2011-11-07T00:30:00.026-05:00

I had something else planned for today, and then Random House surprised me last Wednesday by posting my guest blog post a little earlier than they'd originally scheduled it. About a month or so ago, they kindly asked me (as a bookseller) to blog about ANY upcoming book in the Random House family I wanted to blog about. And no, I didn't get paid for it!

So for this MMGM, please go to Random Acts of Reading to read my review of MAY B. by Caroline Starr Rose (coming January 10, 2012 from Schwartz & Wade, 9781582463933, $15.99, for ages 8 to 12).

And in a few weeks, I'll be interviewing Caroline, along with other Apocalypsies! Stay tuned for that.

Caroline Starr Rose

You can visit Caroline on her website, Caroline by line. She even has a wonderful new book trailer for MAY B. Go to this post to see it!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit

Don't forget my giveaways! You have until Wednesday November 9 at 11:59 pm EST.

Enter here to win a signed hardcover copy of

Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck

Enter here to win a signed hardcover copy of

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King

Giveaway reminder and What I've Read So Far: An "I Dig Reading Challenge" update

2011-11-04T00:30:00.009-04:00

I'll be back next Friday with a new YA Friday post of an upcoming book by a local author! But for today, I'm doing something different.

First, a reminder about my TWO ongoing giveaways:

Enter here to win a signed hardcover copy of
EVERYBODY SEES THE ANTS by A.S. King

Enter here to win a signed hardcover copy of
SECRETS AT SEA by Richard Peck

Now I want to shine a blog spotlight on:

Katharine Owens over at The Insect Collector (isn't that a great title for a blog?) started the I Dig Reading Challenge and I'm here to catch up on the last six (!) months. (See this post for January through April, books #1 through 43.) Most of these are ARCs, unless otherwise noted:

Here's what I read in May:
44. Dogsled Dreams -- Terry Lynn Johson (I won the book from Natalie Aguirre)
45. Brimstone Key - Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis
46. Liar Society -- Lisa and Laura Roecker
47. Possession -- Elana Johnson
48. Sharks and Boys -- Kristen Tracy
49. The Friendship Doll -- Kirby Larson
50. The Name of the Star -- Maureen Johnson
51. Second Fiddle -- Rosanne Parry (again, won from Natalie!)

(And for those books, I gave money to Philabundance)

Here's what I read in June:
52. Bigger Than a Breadbox -- Laurel Snyder
53. 8th Grade Super Zero -- Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (free copy from the author! Thanks, Bemi!)
54. The Summer I Learned to Fly -- Dana Reinhardt
55. The Chronicles of Harris Burdick -- Van Allsburg, etc
56. Relic Master -- Catherine Fisher
57. Juniper Berry -- Kozlowski
58. The Emerald Atlas -- John Stephens

(I gave money to the Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, for the people in Joplin affected by the devastating tornado)

And in July I read these books:
59. Forever -- Maggie Stiefvater
60. The Centaur's Daughter -- Ellen Jensen Abbott
61. The Help -- Kathryn Stockett (paperback purchased for vacation reading)
62. a manuscript of a YA novel by one of my CPs
63. City of Lies -- Lian Tanner
64. Cold Kiss -- Amy Garvey

(And I gave money at church to help the people affected by the drought in East Africa)

In August I read:
65. The Elegance of the Hedgehog -- Muriel Barberry (paperback purchased for vacation reading)
66. Supernaturally -- Kiersten White
67. Mostly True Story of Jack -- Kelly Barnhill
68. The Future of Us -- Jay Asher/Carolyn Mackler
69. A Need So Beautiful -- Suzanne Young
70. Everybody Sees the Ants -- A. S. King
71. The Fox Inheritance -- Mary Pearson
72. Bad Taste in Boys -- Carrie Harris
73. 13 Gifts -- Wendy Mass

(And I donated to First Book)

Here's what I read in September:
74. Imaginary Girls -- Nova Ren Suma
75. Secrets at Sea -- Richard Peck
76. The Beginning of After -- Jennifer Castle
77. Starstruck -- Cyn Balog
78. Year Without Autumn -- Liz Kessler
79. The Wave -- Todd Strasser (old paperback)
80. Pie -- Sarah Weeks
81. Island's End -- Padma Venkatraman
82. Impulse -- Ellen Hopkins (paperback I purchased)
83. Goliath -- Scott Westerfeld

(I made a donation to the Sunday Breakfast Mission)

And finally, October's reads:
84. Hound Dog True -- Linda Urban
85. Crossed -- Ally Condie
86. Invisible Inkling -- Emily Jenkins
87. Legend -- Marie Lu
88. The Lost Songs -- Caroline B. Cooney
89. May B -- Caroline Starr Rose
90. Cracked -- K.M. Walton
91. Winterling -- Sarah Prineas
92. Under the Never Sky -- Veronica Rossi
93. Darkfall -- Janice Hardy
94. Liesl & Po -- Lauren Oliver
95. Darth Paper Strikes Back -- Tom Angleberger
96. Variant -- Robison Wells

(And I gave to breast cancer research)

See, I'm still keeping a list (as I've done since 2002) of what books I read. But now I'm doing some good with that list. If you haven't followed The Insect Collector yet, get on over there. And join the I Dig Reading Challenge. There's no obligation. You can give as much or as little per book as you want. Even a dollar per book can help someone. And you don't have to let anyone know how much you're giving.

I think it's safe to say I'll definitely make my goal of 100 books read in 2011. Do you have a reading goal? How many books have you read so far this year?

NaNoFiMo anyone??

2011-11-02T21:14:00.001-04:00

No, that's not a typo.

And it doesn't stand for Fie-on-you, National Novel Writing Month! It's for those of us who are already in the middle of a rough draft of a novel to try to FINISH it! See Shelley Moore Thomas's very funny post about that here.

My son and a zillion other people are participating in the lunacy that is NaNoWriMo (Yay, Eric! You can do it!! Here's a link to Eric's NaNo page for anyone who wants to cheer him on or see what his book is about). Good luck to you all.

Tara Lazar over at Writing For Kids (While Raising Them) and thousands of picture book writers are happily coming up with new ideas every day for PiBoIdMo. I participated last year and dreamed up 34 shiny new ideas.

There's already a NaNoEdMo and a NaNoRevisMo. And probably a bunch of others I've never heard of.

Why not a month for finishing a novel you've already started? Who's with us? No formal sign-up here. Just do it.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - A Ghost Story that's not just for Halloween! AND pics of Richard Peck visit AND a giveaway!

2011-10-31T00:30:00.138-04:00

Whew! That's a lot to pack into a blog post. But I'll try to do it all as briefly as possible so you can get on with your day. Oh, and Happy Halloween. Feels more like December here in the Northeast US! Hope y'all didn't lose power.

First, the MMGM feature: LIESL & PO by Lauren Oliver, illustrated by Kei Acedera (9780062014511, HarperCollins, October 2011, for ages 8 to 12).

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from Indiebound): Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

Why I liked it: The writing is gorgeous (which one would expect from Lauren Oliver); the language is luminous and lovely. And the story is moving. It reads like a fable or an original fairy tale (the plot hinges on several amazing coincidences). And despite the gloominess of the subject, there is quite a bit of humor. This is a very unusual ghost story because it's more about loss and grief and finding unexpected friendships than about scaring the reader. In fact, Po is my favorite character. It's nearly impossible to say much more about this book without spoiling the plot. Just go read it!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger (and if you haven't congratulated her yet on her amazing book deal, hop on over there). Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming (and go congratulate her on her agent!)
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at her blog
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Akoss at Nye Louwon--My Spirit

NOW...

...for part two of this post. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I'm a bookseller as well as a writer, and last Monday evening Richard Peck visited the store to sign his new novel Secrets at Sea. He was charming and personable and a true gentleman. His speech was funny and entertaining.

And yes he did talk quite a bit about writing. He didn't start writing until he was 37 (which made writer Kim Wheedleton very happy). He writes a book a year and has written 40 of them. And believe it or not, he still writes all his books on an electric typewriter. Richard said, "It has to look like a book" right from the beginning. He writes each page six times, then when he thinks it's just right, "I take out another 20 words," because you can always take out 20 words.

The cure for writers' block, according to Richard Peck, is to just "stay at the desk." He used to think he needed to go for a run, but that didn't solve it. He also said writers should read the newspaper, because that's where a lot of his ideas come from. In fact, he spoke at length about Three Quarters Dead, his most recent YA novel (which creeped me out) and he said he got the idea from a news story about five teenagers who died in a car accident because the driver was texting. You can imagine what he thinks about technology! He also admitted he couldn't write it at night because it was too scary!

There aren't many quotes here because I didn't have a chance to take notes. When I'm in charge of a signing, I'm in full bookseller mode. I'm there to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the author and the audience are comfortable and happy. (And if you're a writer and you're reading this post, I'll be that way when YOU get a book published and come to the store!)

He took the time to answer audience questions and then signed as many books as people wanted signed (some had heavy bags full!). Here are a few pics (and thanks to Michael Gettel-Gilmartin for reminding me to take a camera).

After I introduced him, Mr. Peck started out behind the mic:

But then he quickly decided he didn't care for that, because he wanted to get close to his audience (which was a nice mix of excited kids and adult writers and teachers).

Afterward, he signed tons of books and posed for photos:

And when all the customers had left, he gladly posed with me:

So, as a reward for reading this far and looking at my (*cough*) awesome pics, you get to enter a giveaway! I have one SIGNED hardcover copy of Secrets at Sea (here's my review) to give away!

That means for the first time I will have two giveaways going on at once: this one for MG fans, and one for YA fans (see this post from Friday about A.S. King and Everybody Sees the Ants).

If you'd like to enter to win the signed copy of Secrets at Sea, simply be a follower and leave a comment. All ages may enter. International entries welcome. This giveaway will close at 11:59 pm EST Wednesday November 9, 2011.

Good luck!

YA Friday -- Pennsylvania authors edition, Part Three! EVERYBODY SEES THE ANTS by A.S. King -- plus a GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-28T01:00:00.005-04:00

Yes, you read that very long title correctly. There will be a GIVEAWAY of a SIGNED hardcover copy of Everybody Sees the Ants. But first, the review:

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King (Little, Brown, 9780316129282, October 2011, $17.99, ages 15 and up).

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher and Indiebound): Lucky Linderman didn't ask for his life. He didn't ask his grandfather not to come home from the Vietnam War. He didn't ask for a father who never got over it. He didn't ask for a mother who keeps pretending their dysfunctional family is fine. And he didn't ask to be the target of Nader McMillan's relentless bullying, which has finally gone too far.

But Lucky has a secret--one that helps him wade through the daily mundane torture of his life. In his dreams, Lucky escapes to the war-ridden jungles of Laos--the prison his grandfather couldn't escape--where Lucky can be a real man, an adventurer, and a hero. It's dangerous and wild, and it's a place where his life just might be worth living. But how long can Lucky keep hiding in his dreams before reality forces its way inside?

Why I liked it: This book blew me away.

I had no idea you could do things like this in a YA novel. Or that a YA novel could encompass so many themes (bullying, war, the effects of torture, the long suffering of MIA families, feminism, family issues) and especially that they could all mesh so well. A.S. King is an amazing writer. But the best part of this novel is the character of Lucky. He's totally believable and real, and despite all the crap that he's been through, he stays positive and utterly likeable.

Oh, and it's funny. Really.

There are three things I especially love about this novel that aren't mentioned in the publisher's synopsis at all (you can only fit so much into a synopsis):

1) The character of Ginny and what she does with her hair. Yes!

2) The touch of magical realism when Lucky brings something back from each dream.

3) Lucky's unusual coping mechanism of seeing ants. When the ants gave Lucky a standing ovation, I laughed, I cried, I cheered. For a book that tackles some very tough issues, this is one amazingly uplifting tale.

Yes, A.S. King (also known as Amy) lives in Pennsylvania. In fact, she's been to the bookstore where I work at least three times now. Most recently, we even sat down and talked together, while she ate red beans and rice and I, um, didn't. She graciously agreed to answer a few questions for me.

1) You have stated that EVERYBODY SEES THE ANTS is not a book about bullying so much as an anti-war novel. Which anti-war novels have influenced you the most?

Well, I didn’t mean to say it wasn’t at all about bullying. It certainly is a book about bullying, but for me, when I step back from it, it’s a book about torture and how our society has an absurd habit of ignoring everyday torture instead of trying to do something about it. My favorite anti-war novels are Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway.

2) Oh, I love Slaughterhouse Five! One of my favorites of all time. Amy, the jungle dream sequences in your book provide some intense and moving moments between Lucky and his Granddad Harry. How did you come up with this storyline?

Coming up with this idea was no different than coming up with any other book idea for me. I’m inspired by the non-fiction I read and the Vietnam War is something that has always fascinated me. Then, when I started to learn about the National League of POW/MIA Families, I was blown away by what those families go through. When I started to write Lucky, a boy who felt emotionally abandoned by his own father, I realized that he knew more about how to help his father, Vic, than Vic himself did—and that was why he turned to Granddad Harry in his dreams.

3) What made you think of using the ants as Lucky's coping mechanism? Why ants instead of, say, spiders? Or birds? Or dragons?

I help run my community swimming pool and ants are one of those things that show up at a swimming pool. They’re not there a lot…but if you drop a French fry, give it an hour and there will be ants. Since Lucky started seeing the ants as he was beaten at ground level at the pool, the ants appeared and were his friends from that moment forward. Also, there are no dragons at my pool.

4) Oh, very funny, Amy! What advice would you give aspiring writers, especially those struggling to publish young adult novels?

I’m horrible at advice because many writers want so many different things from their efforts, so I’ll offer this. Write well. Try your best to write well. Write a lot. And try to keep the writing separate from the publishing. The first question I got this week from a room full of 5^th graders at the New York Public Library was, “Are you rich?’

I shook my head no and said, “I am not even close to rich.”

To which they answered, “How old are you?”

And I said “How old do you think I am?”

And they all called out numbers that started with twenty to make me feel better about not being rich. Anyway, it played well for me 30 minutes later when I asked them, “So, since you know I’m not rich, then why do you think I do this?”

All of them got the answer on the first try. “You like it.”

I said, “I love it. I’d do it 12 hours a day every day if I could.”

As hokey as that sounds, it’s the best advice I can give anyone about writing. Love it.

5) That's wonderful advice. Thanks, Amy! Now... tell us your favorite guilty pleasure. C'mon. Please??

This is such an impossible question for me. I rarely do things that make me feel guilty in that way that a guilty pleasure does. I’m really not trying to be difficult. So, okay, I feel guilty when I eat more than one bowl of tortilla chips at night. That’s it. I don’t buy anything that makes me feel guilty. The only other thing I do that makes me feel guilty is work too much because I don’t see my family enough. So I don’t think that counts and we’re back to tortilla chips. We could call the answer to this question “Confessions of a Boring Tortilla-chip Eating Nerd.”

Thank you for having me on the blog, Joanne! And for your years of support. I am grateful more than you know!

Thank you, Amy! It was a pleasure having you at the store.

And now...

(drum roll, please)

I have a SIGNED hardcover copy of Everybody Sees the Ants to give away! This giveaway is open internationally. You must be at least 15 to enter. Giveaway ends Wednesday, November 9 at 11:59 PM EST. To enter, simply be a follower and comment on this post.

Extra point for tweeting! But please let me know (I'm @booksnbrains).

Another extra point for mentioning on your blog.

Another extra point for mentioning on Facebook (yeah, I'm on there too - and go play Gardentopia while you're at it -- I know the designer).

Good luck! Has anyone read any of A.S. King's other novels? Here's my review of Please Ignore Vera Dietz, which went on to win a Printz Honor award.

(*coughs*) Attention, everyone:

I'm sticking my neck out and predicting that Everybody Sees the Ants will also win at least a Printz Honor. What book do you think will win?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- Richard Peck (again!)

2011-10-24T00:30:00.068-04:00

In honor of Richard Peck's visit to the bookstore tonight (!) to sign Secrets at Sea (see my review here), I'm presenting a brief retrospective of some of his middle grade books, with blurbs courtesy of Indiebound. (And my apologies to anyone who saw an unfinished version of this on Friday -- for the first time in my blogging life, I hit "publish" when I meant to hit "preview.")

Richard Peck has written more than thirty novels and won every award you can think of. He's the first children’s author to have received a National Humanities Medal. What follows is just a sampling of his middle grade books:

Each summer over the nine years of the Depression, Joey and his sister Mary Alice--two city slickers from Chicago--make their annual summer visit to Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town. Soon enough, they find it's far from sleepy and Grandma is far from your typical grandmother.

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Mary Alice's childhood summers in Grandma Dowdel's sleepy Illinois town were packed with enough drama to fill the double bill of any picture show. But now she is fifteen, and faces a whole long year with Grandma, a woman well known for shaking up her neighbors-and everyone else! All Mary Alice can know for certain is this: when trying to predict how life with Grandma might turn out . . . better not. This wry, delightful sequel to the Newbery Honor Book A Long Way from Chicago has already taken its place among the classics of children's literature.

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Peewee idolizes Jake, a big brother whose dreams of auto mechanic glory are fueled by the hard road coming to link their Indiana town and futures with the twentieth century. And motoring down the road comes Irene Ridpath, a young librarian with plans to astonish them all and turn Peewee's life upside down. Here Lies the Librarian, with its quirky characters, folksy setting, classic cars, and hilariously larger-than-life moments, is vintage Richard Peck--an offbeat, deliciously wicked comedy that is also unexpectedly moving.

_______________________________________________________

One of the most adored characters in children's literature is the eccentric, forceful, bighearted Grandma Dowdel, star of the Newbery Award-winning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honor-winning A Long Way from Chicago. And it turns out that her story isn't over. It's now 1958, and a new family has moved in next door to Mrs. Dowdel: a minister and his wife and kids. Soon Mrs. Dowdel will work her particular brand of charm on all of them, and they will quickly discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital. (Here's my review from November 2009.)

___________________________________

Thirteen-year-old Rosie Beckett has never strayed further from her family's farm than a horse can pull a cart. Then a letter from her Aunt Euterpe arrives, and everything changes. It's 1893, the year of the World's Columbian Exposition-the "wonder of the age"-a.k.a. the Chicago World's Fair. Aunt Euterpe is inviting the Becketts to come for a visit and go to the fair! Award-winning author Richard Peck's fresh, realistic, and fun-filled writing truly brings the World's Fair-and Rosie and her family-to life.

_______________________________________

Blossom Culp is the outspoken outcast of Bluff City, always getting into trouble. No one wants to cross her, especially now that she's revealed that she can see the Unseen. Then Blossom herself is stunned, because her lie turns out to be truth. She actually does have second sight . . . and she is "on board" the sinking Titanic.

___________________________________________

When Alexander notices an eerie light out in the barn, he thinks his friend Blossom Culp is trying to spook him. But one night, Alexander comes face to face with the ghost of a drowned girl who brings a cryptic message. Is there time for Alexander to act on her words?

_________________________________________

Do I have a favorite Richard Peck novel? That's a tough call. VOICES AFTER MIDNIGHT (sadly out of print) is my favorite time travel novel. Ever. Of the books still in print, I'd have to say A YEAR DOWN YONDER is right up there on my list, but I also adore the Blossom Culp novels. And what I love about SECRETS AT SEA is the mouse characters, certainly a switch for Mr. Peck.

If you haven't read any books by Richard Peck, well, get busy! And if you have, which book is your favorite?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger (and if you haven't congratulated her yet on her amazing book deal, hop on over there). Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- Hound Dog True by Linda Urban

2011-10-17T00:15:00.003-04:00

My apologies if someone else has recently reviewed this. Sooner or later, two of us will feature the same book on the same day. Inevitable, right?

Hound Dog True by Linda Urban (September 2011, Harcourt Children's Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 9780547558691, $15.99, for ages 9 to 12)

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher and Indiebound):

A story about small acts of courage from the author of A Crooked Kind of Perfect.

Do not let a mop sit overnight in water. Fix things before they get too big for fixing. Custodial wisdom: Mattie Breen writes it all down. She has just one week to convince Uncle Potluck to take her on as his custodial apprentice at Mitchell P. Anderson Elementary School. One week until school starts and she has to be the new girl again. But if she can be Uncle Potluck’s apprentice, she’ll have important work to do during lunch and recess. Work that will keep her safely away from the other fifth graders. But when her custodial wisdom goes all wrong, Mattie’s plan comes crashing down. And only then does she begin to see how one small, brave act can lead to a friend who is hound dog true.

Why I liked it: This is one of those quiet books that I love so much. I could see this winning a Newbery honor in January. The voice is perfect and the characters are wonderful, especially Mattie and Uncle Potluck (great name!). This book is all about overcoming shyness and I well remember being painfully shy in elementary school. This is the kind of book I would have clutched to my chest and loved when I was 8 or 9. The PJ buttons alone (see cover) made me cry. Mattie worries so much at night that she twists and twists the buttons (how adorable is it that she names them Eenie, Meenie, Miney, and Moe?) until she twists poor Moe right off and loses him. Sounds heartbreaking, but there's plenty of positive stuff here too, especially with Uncle Potluck's gentle guidance. Mattie's mother finally begins to see what her daughter really needs. And a new neighbor just may turn into a real friend for Mattie.

MMGM is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

Jennifer Rumberger at her blog

What quiet middle grade novels have you loved as a child (or more recently)?

YA Friday -- PA authors Part Two, CENTAUR'S DAUGHTER by Ellen Jensen Abbott

2011-10-14T00:30:00.001-04:00

Today's YA Friday continues the series of Pennsylvania YA authors that I started with Amy Garvey, author of COLD KISS, in this post.

The Centaur's Daughter by Ellen Jensen Abbott (Marshall Cavendish, Sept 2011, for ages 12 and up)

Source: advanced reading copy from the author herself (thanks, Ellen!)

Synopsis (from the publisher and Indiebound): Abisina had found a home in Watersmeet, the community her father led until he was killed by the evil White Worm. But now, Watersmeet is as divided as the home she fled as an outcast. The land faces a new threat, and an uneasy alliance between the humans and the creatures will have to be formed to survive. If Abisina doesn't become the leader that Watersmeet needs, she may lose everything. But can she take her father's place? This powerful and moving fantasy deals with timely issues about identity, prejudice, and war. It is the sequel to Watersmeet, which was an IRA Young Adult Award Notable Book and a YALSA Teens'Top Ten nominee.

Why I liked it: I'm a big fan of Ellen's first book, Watersmeet, and this continues several years later. If you're looking for a fantasy with a strong female heroine, this is perfect. Abisina really comes into her own in this second book. She discovers something new about herself that will make you gasp. And throughout the book she struggles to control this new power. There's also more romance in this sequel.

Ellen lives right here in my home town! We met recently for breakfast at the bookstore. I'm honored to say I actually have been friends with her for a few years now. I really grilled her with these questions, though, and she was gracious about taking time out of her busy schedule (she's a high-school English teacher and a mom as well as a writer) to answer them in person. Thanks for doing this, Ellen!

When you were writing Watersmeet, did you already know you wanted to write a sequel? How about a third book? (Please tell us there's a third book!)

Yes. From the beginning, I had a story arc in mind. At first it was going to be four books, but now it's definitely a trilogy. The third book isn't titled yet, but it's been accepted and it's coming out probably in Fall 2013.

Was Watersmeet the first novel you ever wrote?

No, I wrote a book set 200 years later in that same world. At the SCBWI one-on-one conference, I met Margery Cuyler, who said, "It's not ready to be bought, but I want to see more. This feels like a sequel." I was already writing the book that became Watersmeet. I stayed in touch with Margery and when I submitted it to her two years later, she turned it over to Robin Benjamin, who became my editor.

Was it easier or harder to write The Centaur's Daughter?

In some ways it was easier. I had the world, the characters, the economy, the religion. But in a way I was also restricted by those decisions. For instance, I couldn't move a mountain range! I also created two very different communities and I sometimes wonder if the worlds are too disparate.

How much of the character of Abisina is really you?

Not much. Some of her deep psychological landscape is. The longing for home is mine. My parents split up when I was eleven. My dad was heroic to me. But he wasn't a centaur!

I can sense the influence of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis in your books. Tell us a little more about that. And were there other fantasy authors you loved as a child?

I also loved A Wrinkle in Time and Ursula LeGuin's Earthsea books. And Lewis more than Tolkien. You should read The Magician's Book: A Skeptic's Adventures in Narnia by Laura Miller. Tolkien and Lewis were friends at Oxford and influenced each other. But Tolkien didn't like the Narnia books, partly because Narnia was polyglot. My theory is that as Americans, we are a polyglot society. We don't have just one mythology, like Norse. We have a lot of influences. I'm Western, yes, but there's no law that says I can't bring Chinese dragons into my books.

Do you have a writing group? How about beta readers?

Not a writing group, no. I do have a beta reader who's not a writer, but has a PhD in history. She's great. She's read both novels and made some good suggestions. I also have a 2K9 friend and we get together once a year for a writing retreat. In between we email each other with our goals. So it's more like a process partner than a writing partner. (At this point in the interview, Ellen stopped to write down the phrase "process partner" because she loved the sound of it. Once a writer, always a writer!)

How has being published changed your teaching life? Are your students suitably impressed?

Not really. Being edited certainly impacts my teaching. But being published hasn't changed my actual classroom moments. My students are incredibly supportive of me, but I feel I could be weaving rugs and they'd support me. I also have a supportive community of teen fans.

Tell us a little about your journey to publication with your first book, Watersmeet. Did you send out numerous queries? How long did it take you to get an agent and a book contract?

When Watersmeet was with Marshall Cavendish and the creative people all liked it and were just waiting for the marketing people to weigh in, a friend of mine told me now was the time to get an agent. I queried Ginger Knowlton (at Curtis Brown) and another agent. They both offered me representation the same day. I went with Ginger. But keep in mind, Watersmeet wasn't the first novel I wrote. With that first book, I queried 6 or 7 agents. Several asked for partials, but ultimately all of them rejected me.

What advice would you give to aspiring novelists?

Read, of course! And write! Also, collect all the advice people give you and then pick what works for you. We each have our own way of doing things. All the process questions should be ways of filling your own toolbox.

Thanks, Ellen! I appreciate you taking the time to answer all of my questions. Note to anyone who lives in the Southeastern PA area: Ellen will be signing her new book at Chester County Book & Music Company tomorrow, Saturday October 15 at 2 pm! Come and meet her!

Readers, have any of you read Watersmeet or The Centaur's Daughter yet? If not, what YA fantasy novels have you read and loved recently? And do you think fantasy is still going strong?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Island's End

2011-10-10T00:30:00.016-04:00

Well, my brief blog break (try saying that three times fast!) went on a little longer than I anticipated and I'm sorry I missed reading so many of your posts. I'm back, for now at least. The writing is going better than it did with my first novel, but I'm superstitious about saying too much, so I'll keep my lips sealed for now!

For today's MMGM post, I'm touting Island's End by Padma Venkatraman (Putnam, August 2011, for ages 10 and up).

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher and Indiebound): From the acclaimed author of Climbing the Stairs comes a fascinating story set on a remote island untouched by time. Uido is ecstatic about becoming her tribe's spiritual leader, but her new position brings her older brother's jealousy and her best friend's mistrust. And looming above these troubles are the recent visits of strangers from the mainland who have little regard for nature or the spirits, and tempt the tribe members with gifts, making them curious about modern life. When Uido's little brother falls deathly ill, she must cross the ocean and seek their help. Having now seen so many new things, will Uido have the strength to believe in herself and the old ways? And will her people trust her to lead them to safety when a catastrophic tsunami threatens? Uido must overcome everyone's doubts, including her own, if she is to keep her people safe and preserve the spirituality that has defined them.

Why I liked it: A strong female protagonist! Plus, it's eye-opening to read about a little-known part of the world and a little-known culture. Fans of Island of the Blue Dolphins or Julie of the Wolves would love this book (and I think it has strong Newbery potential), although it may have more in common with The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Uido's island is fictional, but the author based it on islands she encountered during a year spent doing oceanographic research in the Andaman Islands. She also based the tsunami on the actual 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean.

Note that this is definitely upper middle grade, not because of any intimate scenes (there aren't any), but because after the tsunami recedes, there's one very shocking scene of the devastation. If you don't like books that describe dead bodies or body parts, you might need to skip that chapter. But don't miss the very powerful ending.

Now tell the truth: did you try saying "brief blog break" three times fast?

What middle grade marvels have you read this week?

MMGM is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger: Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Danika Dinsmore at The Accidental Novelist

I'll be back on Friday with a YA Friday interview with a fantasy author from Pennsylvania! Stay tuned.

MMGM -- PIE by Sarah Weeks

2011-09-19T00:30:00.002-04:00

PIE by Sarah Weeks (Scholastic, October 2011, for ages 9 to 12).

Source: Advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from publisher and Indiebound): Who would leave a world-famous pie recipe to a cat? When Alice's aunt Polly, The Pie Queen of Ipswitch, passes away, she takes with her the secret to her world-famous piecrust recipe. Or does she? In her will, Polly leaves the recipe to her extraordinarily fat, remarkably disagreeable cat, Lardo... and then leaves Lardo in the care of Alice.

Suddenly, Alice is thrust into the center of a piestorm, with everyone in town trying to be the next pie-contest winner ... including Alice's mother and some of Alice's friends. The whole community is going pie-crazy . . . and it's up to Alice and her friend Charlie to discover the ingredients that really matter. Like family. And friendship. And the pleasure of doing something for the right reason.

Why I liked it: It's great fun! If you think of this book as a pie, the filling is historical fiction (this takes place in July 1955) with a dash of small-town flavor (the made-up town of Ipswitch, Pennsylvania), wrapped in a crust made from a full measure of mystery with a dusting of whimsy. Spicing it all up are fourteen actual pie recipes that Sarah Weeks baked while writing this book. If reading this doesn't make your mouth water, I'd be amazed.

Alice is a spunky MG heroine, grieving for her beloved aunt and determined to find out who's trying to steal Aunt Polly's recipe (and Aunt Polly's cat!). I enjoyed the references to Sky King, Bob Hope and other icons of the 50s. Also loved the growing friendship between Alice and Charlie, though I was a tad surprised by the epilogue that takes place 40 years later. If the book had ended after Chapter 13, I'd still have been as satisfied as if I'd feasted on key lime pie (my favorite!).

What's YOUR favorite pie? And what marvels of middle grade lit have you read this week?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

[NOTE: After this week, I'll be taking a blogging break for a couple of weeks. For once, the writing is going well, and I need to work on my own MG mystery novel. See y'all later.]

YA Friday, PA authors' edition - COLD KISS by Amy Garvey

2011-09-16T00:30:00.001-04:00

Over the next month, I'll be featuring some Pennsylvania authors in my YA Fridays! I plan to culminate the series with another giveaway, possibly of a signed book or books, so stay tuned in October..

Today's feature:

COLD KISS by Amy Garvey (Sept 20, 2011, Harperteen, for ages 12 and up). Visit her blog!

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher): It was a beautiful, warm summer day, the day Danny died.

Suddenly Wren was alone and shattered. In a heartbroken fury, armed with dark incantations and a secret power, Wren decides that what she wants—what she must do—is to bring Danny back.

But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy Wren fell in love with. His touch is icy; his skin, smooth and stiff as marble; his chest, cruelly silent when Wren rests her head against it.

Wren must keep Danny a secret, hiding him away, visiting him at night, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school, and Wren realizes that somehow, inexplicably, he can sense the powers that lie within her—and that he knows what she has done. And now Gabriel wants to help make things right.

But Wren alone has to undo what she has wrought—even if it means breaking her heart all over again.

Why I Liked It: The voice is fantastic! When I met Amy recently (she lives in my hometown!) she told me that although she's been writing adult romance and mysteries for years, her voice is really a YA voice. And I believe it. This is powerful writing by an author at the top of her form. Amy Garvey's writing is so precise and expressive that I could see every scene clearly in my mind.

The details jumped out at me, making Wren's story feel hauntingly real. I found myself completely accepting her ability to bring Danny back to life. And the fact that he was... different was chilling. This is a horror story as much as a love story. I read this in one sitting, on a cool, rainy day, so it was the perfect shivery atmosphere.

I loved that all the women in Wren's family have the power to tap into the earth's energy, and that they all manifest it differently. And I loved Wren as a character, and ached for her having to make that difficult decision. Gabriel was also an intriguing character and provided much-needed hope for Wren.

And, hey, you've gotta admit, the cover's fantastic!

What fantastic YA novels have you read this month?

MMGM: Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck ... And a WINNER!

2011-09-12T08:40:00.001-04:00

First, I should announce the winner of last week's giveaway. According to randomizer.org, the hardcover copy of 13 Gifts by Wendy Mass goes to:

Jill of the O.W.L.

Congrats, Jill! Expect an email from me asking for your address, so I can mail your prize to you! And thanks to all for entering. Now on to today's MMGM!

Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck, illustrated by Kelly Murphy (coming Oct 13, 2011 from Dial Books for Young Readers, for ages 8 to 12).

Source: advanced reading copy from the publisher (final art not seen)

Synopsis (from the publisher): In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Despereaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story of the tiny individuals who secretly live among us humans.

Helena is big-sister mouse to three younger siblings, living a snug and well-fed life within the ancient walls of the Cranston family home. When the Cranston humans decide to sail away to England in search of a husband for their awkward older daughter, the Cranston mice stow away in the luggage . . . and so begins the time of their lives, as they meet intriguing, cosmopolitan mice onboard and take it upon themselves to help the human Cranston daughters find love. They might just find perfect futures for themselves as well!

Full of laughs, near-misses, and surprise, this is Richard Peck at his best and most playful.

Why I liked it: Helena's story is utterly charming. This reminds me, right down to the pencil drawings by Kelly Murphy, of one of my favorite animal tales, Miss Bianca by Margery Sharp. But the plot is unique and quintessentially Peck. He's included sly little asides that might go over the head of a young reader, but would be thoroughly enjoyed by a parent or grandparent reading aloud to a child. Wish I could quote from the ARC, dang it all! But there's a moment where he makes a cheeky reference to a very well known children's book about a mouse. I laughed out loud.

I adored the idea of the mice having to fix everything for those poor clueless humans. Plus there are cute mice in Victorian clothing, the ingenious use of thimbles, lots of cheese, and a one-eyed cat. Irresistible!

Richard Peck is probably our greatest living children's writer. He's written a slew of books, won a Newbery medal and a Newbery honor, the Edgar Award, the Scott O'Dell award, the Christopher Medal, and the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement.

And

(get this)

he's coming to the bookstore where I work!!

Can you hear me squealing? If you live anywhere near the Philadelphia area, please come to Chester County Book & Music Company on Monday Oct 24 at 6:30 pm to meet the inimitable Richard Peck. It's possible that after his visit I'll be giving away a signed hardcover copy. Stay tuned.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Ms. Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads

Are you a fan of Tale of Despereaux or The Borrowers? Then you'll love this book. If not, what's YOUR favorite animal fantasy?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - 13 Gifts and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-09-05T00:30:00.002-04:00

I debated taking today off since it's a holiday here in the States (Happy Labor Day, everyone!) but I love this book so much I couldn't wait to tell you about it (and give away my hardcover copy!). This is the book I read when our power first went out during the hurricane, and it kept me turning pages even with the hassle of a booklight.

13 Gifts by Wendy Mass (Scholastic, September 1, 2011, for ages 8 to 12).

Source: hardcover purchased from the store where I work

Synopsis (from the publisher): When Tara, a self-proclaimed shrinking violet, steals the school mascot in order to make some friends with the popular crowd and gets caught, she finds herself in a heap of trouble. In addition, her parents decide that instead of taking her on their summer trip to Madagascar to study the courtship rituals of the Bamboo Lemur, she must go stay with her aunt, uncle, and bratty cousin Emily St. Claire in Willow Falls. Tara thinks it's a good time to start over; she'll be turning 13 after all, so she might as well make the best of it and perhaps even attempt to break out of her shell (in a non-criminal manner). What Tara doesn't know is that this charmed town has something big in store for her on her 13th birthday. It's not a typical birthday. But then again, nothing is Willow Falls is exactly typical!

Why I liked it: The amazingly talented Wendy Mass scores again with another hit for tweens. Like its companion novels, 11 Birthdays and Finally, 13 Gifts is an adorable and funny book set in a small town where anything can happen. In this case, it's a rollicking scavenger hunt for the thirteen obscure objects that the mysterious owner of the antique shop asks Tara to find. A touch of magical realism adds to the charm of this already-charming story. Tara grows as a character and seems like a real girl. And I enjoyed coming across old friends from the other books.

I'm always impressed with books like this, where a series of hilarious events that seem to have no connection at all click into place by the end. And I didn't see it coming. Girls who enjoy a bit of magical realism with their contemporary stories will devour this.

While I can't afford to give away 13 copies of 13 Gifts, I will give away my one hardcover copy to one lucky winner. You know the drill:

1) Be a follower
2) Leave a comment on this post by Saturday Sept 10, 2011 at 11:59 pm EDT
3) Extra chance to win if you tweet about it and let me know (I'm @booksnbrains)

That's it! This giveaway is open internationally and ends at 11:59 EDT on Saturday, Sept 10, 2011. I'll let randomizer pick a winner and I'll try to announce it no later than Monday Sept 12.

For more MMGM love, visit these regulars:

Shannon Messenger (our founder) at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Aftermath of Irene

2011-08-31T23:08:00.001-04:00

We made it through. Our house didn't take on too much water (we're on a hill), but there was unprecedented flooding on nearby roads and we did lose power for three and a half days. After surviving without electricity, reading by booklight or flashlight, eating take-out food, going without hot showers (ick!) and being cut off from the internet, I realized one thing.

It could have been worse.

For instance, thousands in Vermont are still without power, still battling floods. And many bridges in that state have been swept away. So Pennsylvania got off easy.

After Irene stormed through my area, uprooted trees and downed wires were a common sight.

Along with a very swollen and muddy Brandywine Creek. My son took the following photos:

The picnic park was a complete wash-out on Sunday. For the first time I can remember, the water went over Rt 52!

If you look closely, you'll see a basketball hoop nearly submerged!

But we didn't lose the bridge!

After two days, we'd had enough, and fled to a relative's house for hot showers and recharging of phones. When we got back today, the worst part, for me, was cleaning out my fridge and freezer and throwing away all that spoiled food. The bags of ice we'd added didn't help. Everything had to go.

It reminded me that sometimes in writing you need to toss it all out and start fresh. Not just kill your darlings, but deep six the whole chapter -- or the whole manuscript! I've been stalled for months now on a young adult novel which is going nowhere. I can't quite bring myself to actually delete it from Word, so I'm saving it for now, but it's definitely going into the deep freeze while I start something new.

Have you ever thrown out a work in progress? Did you rewrite it from scratch or start something new? And if you were affected by Hurricane Irene, how are you now?

MMGM on Saturday -- Hurricane Irene edition

2011-08-27T12:48:00.000-04:00

Hurricane by Terry Trueman (HarperCollins, 2008, for ages 8 to 12)

No MMGM post from me this Monday, and I may not have power so I may not be able to read all of your blogs. Hurricane Irene is heading this way so I'm unplugging everything after I post this. And yes, we have plenty of batteries and canned tuna and crackers and water! Sadly, no bananas because the grocery store was SOLD OUT.

However, I have my secret stash of chocolate, so all is not lost.

I promise I'll be back soon. Maybe. In the meantime, if you're looking for MMGM recommendations, these wonderful people may be able to help you:

Shannon Messenger (our founder) at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

I have fresh batteries in my booklight and I plan to finish reading 13 Gifts by Wendy Mass for a future MMGM post and then start Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma! What do YOU read when the lights go out?

Stay safe, everyone!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- Bigger Than a Bread Box

2011-08-22T00:30:00.015-04:00

Bigger Than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder (Random House, coming Sept 27, 2011, for ages 8 to 12)

Synopsis (from publisher): A magical breadbox that delivers whatever you wish for—as long as it fits inside? It's too good to be true! Twelve-year-old Rebecca is struggling with her parents' separation, as well as a sudden move to her Gran's house in another state. For a while, the magic bread box, discovered in the attic, makes life away from home a little easier. Then suddenly it starts to make things much, much more difficult, and Rebecca is forced to decide not just where, but who she really wants to be. Laurel Snyder's most thought-provoking book yet.

Why I liked it: Coolest premise ever for a middle grade. It reminded me of The Indian in the Cupboard, but instead of bringing little plastic toys to life, Rebecca can have anything she wants (an iPod, a phone, money, even food from her favorite restaurant back in Baltimore!) as long as it can fit inside a bread box. Wouldn't that be any kids' dream? But of course, she quickly realizes having shiny new things isn't bringing her parents back together. And it can't even keep her in the cool clique (who've accepted her because of the candy and gum she hands out), because when she wishes for something unique that belongs to another girl, Rebecca finally realizes the truth about the bread box. Then she has to face a difficult truth about herself.

Despite being a fantasy, this is a realistic look at separation and divorce from the kid's point of view, and also about being the new kid in school.

What middle grade books have you read about kids wishing for something they can't have? Or about being the new kid?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger.

Other regulars:
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Contest winner!

2011-08-21T10:09:00.000-04:00


Traffic on Prince Edward Island is never a problem!

I'm happy to announce the winner of this contest. With a guess of 2417, the winner is:

Michael G-G

We actually drove 2396 miles, so he came within 21 miles! That's close! Michael, expect an email from me shortly asking for your choice of books and your address.

And for anyone who is wondering how the heck we drove to an island, the answer is this:


Confederation Bridge, photo credit

That's not my photo, unfortunately. I never got a good one of the bridge itself. So here's one I took of a license plate. Confederation Bridge was completed in 1997, and since it took four years and over a billion Canadian dollars to build, they're all justifiably proud of it.

It's 13 kilometers long, so it's definitely the longest bridge in Canada, though not in the world. Still, it's a lot different from when Anne of Green Gables took the ferry to Prince Edward Island!

Congrats to Michael! And thanks to all who entered.

YA Friday -- The Name of the Star -- and a contest reminder

2011-08-19T09:06:00.000-04:00

First, I decided last night to extend the deadline for this contest, since not very many people entered (that's what I get for taking a blogging break -- no one knows I'm back!). So you now have until tomorrow night (Sat August 20) at 11:59 pm to enter. You don't even have to be a follower.

Now onto today's YA Friday:

The Name of the Star (Shades of London Book 1), by Maureen Johnson (Putnam, Sept 29, 2011, for ages 12 and up).

Synopsis (from the publisher): The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Why I liked it: Are you kidding? What a terrific premise! And Maureen Johnson delivers with a sweet, sassy, and suspenseful read. Rory is an extremely realistic teen, who finds herself caught up in something she doesn't understand. She finds the obligatory best friend, Jazza, and the hot new love interest, Jerome. But then a new girl, Boo, arrives, who has the exact class schedule as Rory and never lets her out of her sight. Things get even stranger when Rory is questioned by Stephen, who seems to be an investigator, but is only about 17. Who are these people? And why are they interested in Rory?

Maureen Johnson is not only the Queen of Twitter, she writes smart, squeaky clean contemporary novels. But unlike my previous favorite, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, this one flirts with the paranormal. Add it to your TBR list, because it's a lot of fun.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- vacation edition!

2011-08-15T00:30:00.008-04:00

Hey, I'm back! I've actually been lurking around the blogosphere for a week already but wasn't organized enough for a blog post.

Nor have I read anything new in middle grade (I read some adult books while on vacation), so this post will be a bit different. It may, in fact, seem strangely like a travelogue of our road trip to Maine, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. But I promise you, there WILL be multiple mentions of classic children's books throughout, as well as photos, AND a CONTEST!

First, one can't go to Prince Edward Island without seeing and hearing all about Anne of Green Gables.

This is the actual house that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery. It's a freaking National Historic Site, for heaven's sake!

Green Gables National Historic Site

Apparently some elderly cousins lived in it and she often visited them. The house where she lived with her grandparents was about a 15 minute walk away through the Haunted Woods (yes, it's called that, and there's a well-marked trail). Nothing is left of the house but the foundation, unfortunately. They still charge you about $3 to go see it!

Fortunately, there's also a well-tended garden:

And this beautiful wheat field:

But back to Green Gables. This, well, this is Anne's room.

I know, I know, she's a FICTIONAL CHARACTER. Tell that to the busloads of tourists who come to this site from all over the world to take pictures of this very room. "Anne's room," they say, with awe and reverence in their voices. And I have to admit, it felt very real to me too! Has any fictional girl been more loved?

The husband put up with going to Green Gables Historic Site, so I treated him to a shore dinner (mussels are the other thing Prince Edward Island is famous for. Oh, and they grow potatoes all over the island!),

And the next day we drove to the beach. There was nobody there! Honest. (This may have had something to do with the temperature being 64 degrees Fahrenheit!)

The Gulf of St Lawrence from Covehead Bay

Although one woman came along later, saw me taking pictures of this beautiful lighthouse, and asked where we were from. When we said, "Pennsylvania," she asked, "Where's Pennsylvania?" It was most humbling. I realized I probably am not familiar with every Canadian province.

Covehead Light, PEI

From Prince Edward Island, we returned to New Brunswick (only way to get back home if you're driving). The most famous tourist attraction in St. John, New Brunswick is the Reversing Rapids.

It's quite impressive, mainly because it's so loud. The mighty St. John River meets the even more powerful Bay of Fundy right here at this spot, and when the tides change, the rapids actually reverse direction. It's pretty wild.

And the only book for sale in the tiny gift shop nearby was:

Which my husband remembers as his favorite book! (I told you there'd be children's books everywhere!)

In Maine, we went to the Penobscot Marine Museum, where we discovered this interesting boat:

I had known that E.B. White (author of Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little and Trumpet of the Swan) spent his summers in Maine, but it was still a delight to see his actual sailboat. And a nice reminder, once again, that children's books are everywhere!

Finally, we drove to Boston to visit our older son, who recently moved there (one of the things that kept me busy in July!). He took us to the Public Garden where, again, one can't help but be reminded of a couple of famous children's books.


Make Way for Ducklings sculpture dedicated to Robert McCloskey


Swan boat in Boston

Both Make Way for Ducklings

and The Trumpet of the Swan

take place, at least partially, in the Boston Public Garden. That was my first visit there, and it was lovely. I know, I'm a total nerd, basing my vacation around children's books. Hey, we visited wineries too!

Okay, you've been patient long enough. I promised you a CONTEST! Since this was a road trip, I'm offering a prize to whoever guesses how many miles we drove, round trip, from southeastern Pennsylvania to Prince Edward Island and back. And keep in mind, all you smarty pants rushing off to Google map it, that we took numerous side trips throughout. So, closest guess wins. You don't even have to be a follower for this one, just include your guess in the comments.

What do you win? Your choice of any of the above-mentioned books in paperback (well, okay, Scuffy's a Golden Book, which isn't exactly paperback). And if you already own Make Way for Ducklings, Trumpet of the Swan, Anne of Green Gables, Stuart Little, Charlotte's Web, AND Scuffy the Tugboat, I have a lovely hardcover copy of The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens that could be yours!

This contest is open internationally and closes at 11:59 pm on Thursday August 18, so you don't have much time! Winner will be announced on Friday. Or possibly Saturday. UPDATE: Extending the deadline to Saturday August 20 at 11:59 pm. So you still have time to enter!

If you're looking for Marvelous Middle Grade reviews, I'll be back next week with a real one, I promise! In the meantime, please visit these wonderful people:

Shannon Whitney Messenger at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Ally Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Taking a blogging break...

2011-07-04T00:30:00.001-04:00

Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 2010

Happy Fourth of July!

I'm taking a blogging break for the holiday and beyond. There's just too much going on in my life right now, including work, writing, a family wedding (my niece), moving my son into an apartment, and later in the month, a vacation to Maine and the Atlantic Provinces.

Blogging (and reading all of your blogs) is a lot of fun, but something has to give.

Linekin Bay, Maine, 2010

I'll be back sometime in August. Keep reading. Keep writing. And if you're looking for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts, these people may be able to help you:

Shannon Whitney Messenger at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Ally Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Jessica Lei at her blog
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

Have fun! I'll miss you, but I'll be back. Stay healthy!

YA Friday -- The Summer I Learned to Fly

2011-07-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

The Summer I Learned to Fly by Dana Reinhardt (Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, July 12, 2011, for ages 12 and up, but I think a mature 10- or 11-year-old could handle it).

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Drew's a bit of a loner. She has a pet rat, her dead dad's Book of Lists, an encyclopedic knowledge of cheese from working at her mom's cheese shop, and a crush on Nick, the surf bum who works behind the counter. It's the summer before eighth grade and Drew's days seem like business as usual, until one night after closing time, when she meets a strange boy in the alley named Emmett Crane. Who he is, why he's there, where the cut on his cheek came from, and his bottomless knowledge of rats are all mysteries Drew will untangle as they are drawn closer together, and Drew enters into the first true friendship, and adventure, of her life.

Why I loved it: If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I love quiet books. (If not, see this post about another one.) Dana Reinhardt (How to Build a House, The Things a Brother Knows) is a master of the quiet, thought-provoking book. Don't get me wrong. Plenty of things happen to Drew, the 13-year-old protagonist of this novel, and to the people she loves. There's an accident. There's a long trip in the middle of the night. There's even a leap off a cliff into water. But if you're looking for an action-packed story with sword-fighting and superheroes a la Lightning Thief, you'll have to look elsewhere. The Summer I Learned to Fly makes you think.

It's also a lovely summer read because it's all about summer. Drew rides her bike, goes to the beach, helps at her mother's gourmet cheese shop, and admires Nick, the 18-year-old surfer. What draws her to Emmett, who is her own age, is, at first, the mystery of who he is and why he's in the alley. Later, it's the origami cranes he gives her. And later still, it's the quest he's saving up for, a quest to heal someone close to him. Emmett becomes her first real friend and helps her take that leap toward independence, toward learning who she really is. This is a book about friendship, but it's also a beautiful study of adolescence.

What summer books can you recommend?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- How to Steal a Dog

2011-06-27T05:00:00.006-04:00

How To Steal A Dog by Barbara O'Connor (paperback April 2009, Square Fish, for ages 9 to 12)

Source: paperback purchased from the bookstore where I work!

Synopsis (from the publisher): Georgina Hayes is desperate. Ever since her father left and they were evicted from their apartment, her family has been living in their car. With her mama juggling two jobs and trying to make enough money to find a place to live, Georgina is stuck looking after her younger brother, Toby. And she has her heart set on improving their situation. When Georgina spots a missing-dog poster with a reward of five hundred dollars, the solution to all her problems suddenly seems within reach. All she has to do is “borrow” the right dog and its owners are sure to offer a reward. What happens next is the last thing she expected.

Why I loved it: It's funny and sad at the same time. Barbara O'Connor had me from the first line: "The day I decided to steal a dog was the same day my best friend, Luanne Godfrey, found out I lived in a car." This book would be an excellent discussion starter for you and your kids to talk about the ever-present problem of homelessness in our society, and what could be done about it. There's also the moral dilemma Georgina struggles with. She knows it's wrong to steal a dog, but she's tempted to take Willy because of the possible reward his owner, Carmella, might offer. Do desperate situations ever justify desperate actions? Rest assured that Georgina is not a bad kid and keep in mind that this is a middle-grade novel. So even if Georgina gets in trouble, she'll find a way to fix things.

The voice is perfect. Georgina really sounds like an ten-year-old girl from Darby, North Carolina, who struggles with the embarrassment of being homeless, trying to wash her hair in a gas station restroom, doing homework by flashlight, eating out of a cooler. She's sick of it and she lets us know. The writing is lovely, filled with specific details that bring Georgina's world to life, and dialogue that's spot-on.

The end is guaranteed to melt your heart.

I've sold dozens of copies of this book in the bookstore. I've only had a couple of potential customers balk at it because of the title. But trust me, this is NOT a story about a kid who steals. This is a timely story about homelessness and family and love and doing what's right.

Other middle grade books about homelessness that I've read: Also Known as Harper by Ann Haywood Leal, and The King of Dragons by Carol Fenner. Have you read any other middle grade books about homelessness? Feel free to share them in the comments.

MMGM is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger.

Other regulars:
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Ally Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Jessica Lei at her blog
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

And the winner of WOLF BROTHER is...

2011-06-25T21:31:00.000-04:00

According to randomizer.org, the winner of

the paperback copy of Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver is...

Barbara Watson

Congrats, Barbara! And expect an email from me asking for your address. Thanks to everyone for entering. I really wish I could give each one of you a copy of this book because I love this series so much! Hope you'll go look for it at your local library or bookstore.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- Chronicles of Ancient Darkness... and a Giveaway!

2011-06-20T05:01:00.002-04:00

Okay, I admit it. I don't always finish an entire series. I read the first three Artemis Fowl books and although I enjoyed them I had no desire to continue. I read the first three Children of the Lamp books and again, loved them, but didn't continue. Couldn't get past the first volume of Septimus Heap. But one series I gobbled up as soon as I could get my hands on each ARC:

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, a six-volume series by Michelle Paver (published between 2004 and 2009 in the US by HarperCollins, in England by Orion, for ages 9 to 12).

I love them all, and especially how the characters grow throughout the series, but to keep this post short I'll just talk about the first volume.

Wolf Brother (hardcover published 2004, paperback published 2006)

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher (although I later purchased all of these books)

Synopsis (from the publisher):

The epic journey of boy and wolf begins.

Six thousand years ago. Evil stalks the land. According to legend, only twelve-year-old Torak and his wolf-cub companion can defeat it. Their journey together takes them through deep forests, across giant glaciers, and into dangers they never imagined. Torak and Wolf are terrified of their mission. But if they do not battle to save their world, who will?

Why I loved it: It's different! How many children's books can you think of that take place six thousand years ago in northern Europe? This book is packed with adventure and rich with sensory details. The writing is gorgeous! It's incredibly easy to picture Torak's world because the author shows it to us so well (and she's really done her research). We run through the forests right alongside Torak and Wolf as they search for the demon-possessed bear. This book is so exciting, you won't want to stop reading. It's an interesting mix of fantasy and reality, leaning more toward reality.

The other thing I love about this book (and the whole series) is the ever-deepening relationship between Torak and Wolf, and the way they communicate. Orphaned and clanless, Torak has no one but Wolf for company in the beginning. The book is written in third person, and occasional chapters focus on Wolf. The fact that he believes Torak is a tall tailless wolf is priceless.

The characterizations are wonderful. Besides Torak and Wolf, you'll get to know Fin-Kedinn, the Raven Clan chief who allows Torak to stay with them and who becomes a sort of mentor to Torak. And Renn, a girl who helps Torak. She's a Raven Clan seer who predicts that Torak will fulfill an ancient prophecy. You'll see more of these characters in the other volumes.

Here's a peek at the other books in the series:

Book Two: Spirit Walker

Book Three: Soul Eater

Book Four: Outcast

Book Five: Oath Breaker

Book Six: Ghost Hunter

MMGM is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger.

Other regulars:
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Ally Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Jessica Lei at her blog
Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

(Sooner or later, two of us are going to feature the same book on the same day. Inevitable, right?)

So what do you think? Have you read Chronicles of Ancient Darkness? Does anything else even begin to compare? What?!? You haven't read it?!? Well, how about a giveaway then? I'll give one copy of the paperback of Wolf Brother to one lucky winner.

To Enter:

1) Be a follower
2) Comment on this blog post
3) +2 points for tweeting OR mentioning in your blog

That's it! This giveaway is open internationally and ends at 11:59 pm EDT on Friday June 24. I'll announce the winner no later than Sunday June 26.

And the winner is...

2011-06-15T18:30:00.000-04:00

The winner of my SHARKS & BOYS arc giveaway is...

VIVIEN

Yay! Congrats! Expect an email from me asking for your snail mail address. And thanks to all for entering.

There will be plenty of other giveaways this year, as my bookshelves are threatening to collapse. Hope everyone is enjoying June. The weather is cooperating nicely here in Eastern PA!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Second Fiddle

2011-06-13T04:29:00.003-04:00

_________________________________________________________

First, a reminder that you still have UNTIL TUESDAY NIGHT to enter my Sharks & Boys arc giveaway. Be a follower and leave a comment on this post to enter.

Elsewhere on the blogosphere...

Angela at The Bookshelf Muse is having a HUGE contest to celebrate 2000 followers! Go see what it's all about!

... and you can enter to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Grace Lin's Where The Mountain Meets the Moon over at Katia Raina's blog, Magic Mirror.

I met Katia near the end of the NJ SCBWI conference a week ago. She was fascinating to talk to. She told me the story of her full name, and I told her the middle-grade novel I've recently finished writing is about a Russian girl named Katerina! Life is full of coincidences. And Katia did a great job of recapping the conference here, for anyone interested. The conference was exhilarating, packed with helpful workshops. I crammed as much info as I could into this old brain. Met a lot of wonderful writers and illustrators. Ate too many bad carbs. Came up with some new story ideas and ways to fix the old stories.

For me, the best part of attending writing conferences like this one is the inspiration. I came home and did nothing but write (well, besides working at the bookstore, eating, sleeping, and spending time with my family! And not necessarily in that order!). So now I'm fired up to start submitting again. That's why I go to these things when I can.

Now onto today's MMGM (finally, gasp):

Second Fiddle by Rosanne Parry (Random House, March 2011, for ages 9 to 12).

Source: I won the hardcover from Natalie Aguirre over at Literary Rambles!

Synopsis (from the publisher): The author of Heart of a Shepherd offers another sensitive portrayal of military families, this time stationed abroad, in the city of Berlin at that historic time just after the Wall came down.

When 13-year-old Jody and her friends save a badly beaten Russian soldier from drowning, they put into motion a chain of events that will take them from Berlin to Paris and straight into danger. Jody must quickly learn to trust herself, because in the time directly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the border between friend and enemy is not as clear as it once was.

Award-winning author of Heart of a Shepherd Rosanne Parry offers a fast-paced, coming-of-age story filled with adventure, music, friendship, and intrigue.

Why I liked it: I wanted to read this very badly after seeing it on Natalie's blog (you can read Natalie's interview with Rosanne Parry here), because I have family in the military and I actually spent some time in Berlin, although it was before the Wall came down. I've also been lucky enough to visit Paris. And I love classical music (although I played the oboe in school, not the violin).

After reading Second Fiddle, though, I quickly realized it's the story and the likeable main character that linger with me, not just the incredibly accurate details about Berlin. So it has broad appeal to anyone, even if you've never been to Berlin or Paris (and most 10- or 11-year-olds haven't!). It's about friendship and music, and it will also appeal to mystery/thriller fans, as the excitement ratchets up when the girls try to smuggle their new friend to Paris to save his life.

This is a true middle-grade novel. Jody is on the cusp of adolescence (she often mentions being jealous of her more sophisticated friends, Vivien and Giselle, who seem to know so much more about fashion and make-up and boys). Music is her life. But she's worried about moving to the States (her dad is retiring from the army) and losing her best friends.

Finally, it's refreshing to read a book in which both parents are still alive. Seems like a rarity in MG lit these days.

What middle grade marvel have you read this week?

MMGM is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger.

Other regulars:
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Ally Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Jessica Lei at her blog
UPDATE: adding Pam Torres at So I'm Fifty

(If I've missed anyone, Shannon Messenger has all the links!)

Just when you thought it was safe... a GIVEAWAY!

2011-06-09T20:35:00.002-04:00

Sharks & Boys by Kristen Tracy (coming June 28, 2011 from Hyperion, for ages 12 and up)

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher):
When 15-year-old Enid Calhoun follows her boyfriend Wick to Maryland for a party, fearful that he might be intending to cheat on her, she finds herself sneaking on board a houseboat where Wick and his friends plan to have a wild night. But before the boys discover their stowaway, a hurricane strikes, and the teenagers are carried miles from the shore and shipwrecked. What follows is a harrowing, yet heartwarming, story of survival, as the teens battle hypothermia, dehydration, man-eating sharks--and along the way, confront their own deepest secrets, including their catalytic roles in the disaster.

Why I liked it: Okay, what the synopsis doesn't tell you is that four pairs of twins from Vermont end up on a life raft in the Atlantic Ocean, after driving many hours to Annapolis.

If you can get past that opening, I promise you'll devour this book. I literally couldn't tear myself away from the page. Desperately wanted a drink of cold water, and decided I'm not going out on a boat anytime soon, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Despite the brutal subject matter (and yes, there are some shockers), this book is funny! Enid's voice is spot-on. She's a smart girl who's absolutely clueless that she's stalking Wick.

It's also inspiring. There's a lot of soul-searching and emotional depth here, as these teens confront the idea of their own mortality. And Kristen has a logical explanation for the twin pairs. They all knew each other from twin studies back in Vermont. When you learn Sov and Munny's story, you may even find yourself in tears.

This is such a great summer read that I'm giving away my ARC! Open internationally. Hurry, because this giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, June 14, 2011. To enter, simply:

1) Be a follower
2) Leave a comment on this post.

That's all! Hey, it's been 97 degrees F here today and I'm too hot to think about making it more complicated (but if you want to tweet about it, feel free)!

Good luck!

What's your favorite read so far this month?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - NOT!

2011-06-06T05:44:00.001-04:00

I'm away at a writing conference for a long weekend so I'm taking a blogging break! If you're looking for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday reviews, so sorry, but you'll need to go elsewhere today:

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. She always has something fun up her sleeve.

Other regulars:
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Ally Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso
Jessica Lei at her blog

Have fun and I'll be back with something new next week. I may possibly be featuring a new YA later this week. Depends on the weather. Is it shark season yet?

Interview with Liz Gallagher!

2011-06-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Liz Gallagher, the author of The Opposite of Invisible, published by Wendy Lamb Books in 2008, and My Not-So-Still Life, published by Wendy Lamb Books on May 10, 2011 (see my review from yesterday), stopped by to answer a few questions. Here goes:

When you wrote your first book, The Opposite of Invisible, about Alice and Jewel, did you already know you wanted to write a companion novel about Vanessa?

It was actually my editor's idea to do the companion. I was planning on Opposite standing alone. Then I was asked if I could do more in the same world and I had the freedom to choose exactly what shape that would take. Right away, I liked the idea of getting to know Vanessa better. I also knew early on that I wanted her story to be set in the spring because I wanted to present a different Seattle than the fall one in Opposite.

Vanessa has an unusual way of expressing herself, both in her hair and clothing and in her art. Can you tell us where you got the idea for this? Do you know someone like Vanessa or is she a totally invented character?

She's invented, but I've always wanted to write a girl like that. I actually did have pink hair for a while, but it was when I was in college, older than Vanessa. I never had the guts to dress like her, but if I were sixteen now, that might be how I'd dress. I've always connected to people across social groups, so I think that's partially why I was interested in writing a sort of edgy-looking girl. To show that she's really just a girl, like everyone else. That's also why her best girlfriend is totally clean-cut.

Have you always wanted to write for teens?

I've always wanted to write books, but it wasn't until maybe 2002 that I really fell in love with YA. After college, I went to the University of Denver Publishing Institute, where you get to find out all about working different jobs in the publishing world. That's where I realized I was most drawn to kids' books. So when I moved to Seattle I got a job at All for Kids, a bookstore. Then I was reading all the YA galleys and just devouring them. It was MT Anderson's FEED that made me really fall hard for the genre. I think the voice in my head is a perpetual teenager too.

Tell us a little about your journey as an author. You have an MFA, right? Do you think that degree helped you get published?

When I read FEED and all those other YA books, I noticed a trend -- a lot of the authors were graduates of or teachers at the Vermont College MFA program in Writing for Children & Young Adults. M.T. Anderson was the faculty head at the time. So it was a no brainer to apply! I ended up going and getting to work with him and other literary heroes of mine. I don't know that the actual degree helped me get published, but the program definitely did. Without deadlines and valuable feedback, I don't think I'd have written a novel. I actually wrote Opposite in the program.

Wow, lucky you! Working with M.T. Anderson must have been cool. So tell us, how many drafts did you write of this novel?

I don't know how to keep track of drafts! I have kind of amorphous blobs going on until it's "done". I can tell you that I spent about two years working on this one. I probably wrote three whole novels to get to this finished one.

What about The Opposite of Invisible?

About the same as this one. Writing, re-writing. I write myself into the story, so I produce way more words than I can actually use to tell a coherent story.

Was the second book easier to write than the first or harder?

It was much harder! I had a bit of a mental hang-up because the second one was under contract, so I kept thinking about how my editor had to like it, my agent had to like it, people would actually read it. I had to make myself forget all that. But it was hard. I was also missing the frequent feedback from my MFA program.

Vanessa is bored with high school and anxious to grow up and start her "real" life. Did you feel that way in high school?

I wasn't as anxious as she is. I think I was actually a little scared. I remember going off to college and thinking that would be my last "first" for some reason. I guess I measured my life to that point in new teachers, new classmates, etc. I was scared to stay the same forever more. Of course, that was silly. If we're lucky, we keep growing and experiencing new things throughout our adult lives too.

What advice would you give teens who are bored with high school ?

Just to hang in there. You have to get your education for so many reasons. But that doesn't mean it has to be your whole life. Do other things that you love. Indulge in your favorite things. And remember that time passes. Just try to enjoy where you are for what it is.

You grew up in PA but you now live in Seattle. What do you love most about Seattle?

Ooh, good question. I think I love my lifestyle here. I get to write in little coffee shops and the rain actually makes me feel very cozy. There's also just a good, relaxed vibe here.

What do you miss most about PA?

The pizza! Might sound weird, but there is not a truly yummy slice of pizza on the west coast, as far as I can find. Also my family members who are still there. I also miss the sense of being near an "old" city like Philadelphia. I feel like people there have a stronger sense of pride for having grown up there. In Seattle, a lot of us are transplants.

Thanks so much for your time, Liz! Much appreciated.

Thank you!

The Art of the YA Novel

2011-06-01T05:17:00.001-04:00

In the past few months, I've read three YA novels that all happen to be about art, artists and self-expression, which I think is a great subject for teens. And all of them also happen to have a strong sense of place. Their settings are unusual and really come to life.

See What I See by Gloria Whelan (HarperCollins, January 2011, for ages 12 and up)

Source: Advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher): Kate Tapert sees the world around her in the paintings she adores. Yet one place she never sees her life is in the work of the famous and reclusive artist Dalton Quinn -- her father, whom she hasn't seen in ten years.

Kate's own dreams of becoming an artist look like they're on the verge of coming true when she's offered a scholarship to art school in Detroit. The only thing she needs is a place to stay. Her father's house would be perfect, but when Kate shows up on his doorstep out of the blue, she has no idea what a life-altering decision that will turn out to be.

Why I liked it: It's a quiet story, but one that blooms with possibilities. Kate takes on what would be considered adult responsibilities, yet this book can be enjoyed by a 12-year-old.

I don't think I've ever read a book set in Detroit before. The sensory details are so perfect I could easily picture a city I've never seen. In addition, this novel deals with some tough issues (cancer, divorce) in a thought-provoking and graceful way.

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson (HarperCollins, May 2011, for ages 12 and up)

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher): Ginny Blackstone spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt laid out in a series of letters before she died. But when someone stole Ginny's backpack -- and the last little blue envelope inside -- the journey came to an abrupt end. Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Ginny heads overseas and gets caught up in a whole new adventure, filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny must hold on to her wits... and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.

Why I liked it: I adored 13 Little Blue Envelopes (HarperCollins, 2005) and was thrilled to learn there would be a sequel. And I'm happy to report that the sequel is every bit as fun and romantic as the original. I mean, who can resist a book about four teens racing around Europe on a scavenger hunt? The dialogue is spot-on. There's plenty of humor, a fast pace, and the settings really come alive. Ginny goes from London to Paris to Amsterdam to Ireland in search of pieces that when put together form a highly unusual kind of art. (Note that although this novel can stand alone, it's much more enjoyable if you've read the original book.)

My Not-So-Still Life by Liz Gallagher (Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, May 2011, for ages 14 and up)

Source: advanced reading copy from the publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher): Vanessa is wise beyond her years. She's never really fit in at school, where all the kids act and dress the same. She's an artist who expresses her talent in the wacky colors she dyes her hair, her makeup and clothes. She's working on her biggest art project, and counting the days until she's grown up and can really start living. That adult world seems closer when Vanessa gets her dream job at the art supply store, Palette, where she worships the couple who runs it, Oscar and Maye. And she's drawn to a mysterious guy named James, who leads her into new, sometimes risky situations. Is she ready for this world, or not?

Why I liked it: Vanessa comes across as an actual teen, anxious to grow up and start her "real" life. She's mature in some ways, and incredibly naive in others. She makes some questionable choices, just like a real 16-year-old. I love the way she wears a string around her wrist every day, with her color choice representing how she feels. I loved the interaction with her family: her overworked Mom and her understanding Grampie. Her interaction with her two best friends, Nick and Holly, also feels extremely realistic, especially when she tries to tell them what to do. Vanessa craves new experiences so much, she assumes her friends do too.

Just like the art in See What I See and The Last Little Blue Envelope, Vanessa's art is unusual. It would spoil the novel for me to tell you what her big project is and how she expresses herself in a new way, but let's just say it fits in perfectly with the book's themes.

The best thing about this novel, besides the quirky character of Vanessa, is Seattle. The city really comes to life here, just as much as in The Opposite of Invisible, Liz Gallagher's first novel. I've never been to Seattle, but after reading these novels, I feel I know the place.

Have you read any of these? What did you think?

Come back tomorrow for an exclusive interview with Liz Gallagher, as she answers questions about the writing of My Not-So-Still Life and what she misses most about Pennsylvania!

MMGM -- The Bartimaeus Trilogy

2011-05-30T05:19:00.002-04:00

Middle-Grade novels are coming up in the world! Last year, when I was lucky enough to attend BEA as a bookseller, I got the chance to sit in on the YA Editors' Buzz Panel. This year, according to PW, not only was there a YA Buzz panel, but there was also, for the first time, a Middle-Grade Buzz Panel! Check out the fantastic Fall 2011 MG books previewed there.

And in the same issue of PW's Children's Bookshelf, I read that YA authors Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong will collaborate on a new MG trilogy about three 12-year-olds descended from Norse gods who have to stop the impending apocalypse. Sounds cool, no? Book one is scheduled for spring 2013 and I can't wait!

Clearly, MG is the new YA. Publishers must have been reading all of our MMGM blogs! (heh heh)

Now onto today's MMGM recommendation:

The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud (published by Disney-Hyperion, and I'd say it's fine for ages 10 to 14, although some websites say young adult and some websites say 9 to 12!)

Book One: The Amulet of Samarkand (originally published in hardcover in 2003)

And I have to admit I like that original cover better than this newer cover:

I think that's supposed to be Bartimaeus, but, man, it's a tough sell. That's one scary-looking creature!

Book Two: The Golem's Eye (2004)

Book Three: Ptolemy's Gate (2005)

All are available in paperback, of course, and as a three-book paperback boxed set (pubbed Sept 2010). To see all the cool foreign covers, visit the author's website.

Source: hardcovers purchased from the store where I work!

Synopsis:
In the first book, Nathaniel is an eleven-year-old magician's apprentice. Teased by a nasty magician named Simon Lovelace, Nathaniel (who thinks he knows magic) wants revenge. So he calls up an ancient djinni named Bartimaeus, but then he can't control him! Nathaniel sends Bartimaeus to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand and finds himself caught up in a web of magic, intrigue and murder.

As the trilogy progresses, Nathaniel grows up. In Book Two, he's 14 and learning more and more magic. Now a clay golem is wreaking havoc on London. Nathaniel and Bartimaeus must figure out the source of its power.

In Book Three, Nathaniel turns 17 and takes a job at Parliament. Britain's at war, London's under attack, and the commoners are rebelling. To top it off, Bartimaeus is growing weak from spending too much time in the human world. Nathaniel's longtime rival, Kitty, has been quietly working on a project to dissolve the hostility between humans and djinn. Will Nathaniel help her? And will he realize what he's doing to Bartimaeus before it's too late?

Why I liked it:
Set in an alternative London (magicians run Parliament), this is a thrilling roller-coaster ride of a trilogy. The writing is brilliant, imaginative, and rich in detail. Chapters about Nathaniel are written in third person, interspersed with first-person chapters from Bartimaeus's point of view. And trust me: Bartimaeus has all the funniest lines (anyone remember the genie voiced by Robin Williams in Disney's Aladdin? That was who I pictured as I read this). But these books are not all fun and games. In fact, the ending of the trilogy is pretty intense. On the whole, this three-book set is definitely worth owning. Filled with action, adventure, and magic, The Bartimaeus Trilogy would be enjoyed by fans of Artemis Fowl and Harry Potter.

Note that there is a new prequel to the trilogy, Bartimaeus: The Ring of Solomon (Hyperion, Nov 10, 2010) but I haven't read it.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Go see what she's up to.

Other regulars:
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Ally Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog
Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso

UPDATE: adding Jessica Lei's post. Go welcome her to MMGM!

Has anyone read any of these books? What did you think? And if not, what middle grade marvels have you read recently?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- The Friendship Doll -- and WINNERS announcement

2011-05-23T06:04:00.003-04:00

First, I need to announce the winners in my Grey Griffins Giveaway!

The winner of the signed hardcover copy of The Brimstone Key is:

Deb Marshall

The winner of the signed hardcover copy of The Relic Hunters is:

Lenny Lee

YAY! Congrats to the winners! Email me your addresses (JoanneRFritz AT gmail DOT com) so I can mail your prizes out to you! And thanks so much to everyone for entering. If you didn't win, never fear, there will be more giveaways in the future. My bookshelves are overloaded.

Second, to anyone who reads my blog in Google Reader: my apologies for that "extra" Grey Griffins post that, um, mysteriously got posted on Friday night. Silly me. Still trying to figure out a way to schedule comments to be turned off at 11:59 pm without having to stay up that late (Note to Blogger coders: we need this kinda thing!). Of course it didn't occur to me that if I SCHEDULED comments to be turned off, I was SCHEDULING a whole spankin' new post. Duh.

Third, let's get to today's MMGM post. (And it's about time! Whew!)

The Friendship Doll, by Kirby Larson (Delacorte Press, May 10, 2011, for ages 8 to 12).

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher): I am Miss Kanagawa. In 1927, my 57 doll-sisters and I were sent from Japan to America as Ambassadors of Friendship. Our work wasn't all peach blossoms and tea cakes. My story will take you from New York to Oregon, during the Great Depression. Though few in this tale are as fascinating as I, their stories won't be an unpleasant diversion. You will make the acquaintance of Bunny, bent on revenge; Lois, with her head in the clouds; Willie Mae, who not only awakened my heart, but broke it; and Lucy, a friend so dear, not even war could part us. I have put this tale to paper because from those 58 Friendship Dolls only 45 remain. I know that someone who chooses this book is capable of solving the mystery of the missing sisters. Perhaps that someone is you.

Why I liked it: Okay, I have to admit I was put off at first by the idea of the doll telling the story. I was afraid it would be coy. But the doll's few brief monologues actually serve as a clever framework to hold together four quite different stories (told in third person) about four very different girls during the Great Depression, Bunny in New York in 1927, Lois in Illinois in 1933, Willie Mae in Kentucky in 1937 and Lucy, who travels from Oklahoma to Oregon in 1939, as her Dad searches for work. And in the space of 30 or 40 pages for each girl, Kirby Larson manages to bring them fully to life. The writing is clear and concise and the details are wonderful. These are painless history lessons disguised as entertaining stories about four girls who are each touched in some way by their encounter with Miss Kanagawa. I had never heard of these Friendship Dolls before, so I definitely learned something!

Warning: Not all of these stories end happily, but there is enough sweetness to balance the sadness. If you liked Moon Over Manifest, or Kirby Larson's own previous book, the Newbery honor-winning Hattie Big Sky, you would enjoy this.

What middle grade historical novels have YOU read and loved?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger.

Other regulars:

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming

Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Ally Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade blog

Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso

Go visit KM Walton's blog -- NOW!

2011-05-18T20:31:00.001-04:00

Okay, isn't this the coolest cover you've ever seen? Go visit Some Things I Think, the fun blog of author K.M. Walton, also known as Kate, whose YA debut novel CRACKED comes out March 6, 2012 from Simon Pulse. She has a fantastic contest going on to celebrate the cover reveal. If you're not already following her, you should! (And not just because she lives in my hometown and I know her!)

YAY for local authors who make it big! Yay for Kate! Yay for CRACKED. I cannot wait to read this.

Based on the cover alone, wouldn't you buy this book?

_____________________________________

And don't forget my own Grey Griffins Giveaway, also known as the Whew-I-Finally-Reached-100-Followers-Man-It's-About-Time Giveaway, which ends at 11:59 pm EDT on Friday May 20, 2011.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- Grey Griffins Giveaway!

2011-05-16T06:21:00.005-04:00

(Ooo, I like the alliteration in that title!)

Thanks to Shannon Whitney Messenger, who raved about them in this post from last year, I discovered The Grey Griffins by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis. And I especially love their new series, The Clockwork Chronicles.

Book 1, The Brimstone Key is now out in paperback! Book 2, The Relic Hunters just pubbed in hardcover, both from Little, Brown, for ages 8 to 12.

Source: advanced reading copies from the publisher

Synopsis of Brimstone Key (from the publisher):

A brand new adventure starring The Grey Griffins!

Max---the leader
Natalia---the brains
Ernie---the changeling
Harley---the muscle

A year ago, the Grey Griffins were just regular kids from Avalon, Minnesota. That was before they learned about the existence of evil fairies, werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night. Now they are monster-hunters, celebrated heroes, and allies to the legendary Templar knights---but even heroes have to go to school. When the Griffins enroll at Iron Bridge Academy, a school to train young recruits in the fight against the forces of evil, they find themselves at the center of a whole new adventure. The Clockwork King, a Templar foe from days past, has returned to finish the plan he set in motion decades ago. A plot to steal the souls of changelings---humans infused with fairy blood and supernatural abilities---in order to power his army of clockwork war machines. In The Brimstone Key, authors Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis deftly blend the mystical wonder of steampunk with magic and adventure to create an action-packed thrill ride.

Why I liked it: It's fun! Nonstop action and adventure with four great characters who always have each other's backs. I love the world that Derek Benz and Jon Lewis have created, filled with magic and high-tech gadgetry. I'm a sucker for books about kids with special talents attending a prestigious academy, and no, this is definitely not Harry Potter! The steampunk element really ratchets up the excitement. And there are plenty of sly inside jokes, like when Ernie has to report to Sendak Hall. So clever. My hat's off to Derek and Jon.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger.

Other regulars:

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming

UPDATE: adding Michael G-G at Middle Grade Mafioso

And now for the Giveaway!

As a bookseller, I often get to meet really cool people. Derek and Jon stopped by the bookstore recently, and since, uh, there weren't many customers (it was kind of a last minute stop for them), they talked to me and another bookseller for a while and then both got busy signing stock and sprucing up my display in their own unique way. Thanks, guys!

While Jon was busy drawing this poster for the bookstore...

Our unique table display, thanks to Jon and Derek!

Enlarged to show the detail of Max Sumner and Sprig!

...Derek concentrated on drawing original illustrations next to the half title pages in The Brimstone Key and The Relic Hunters.

And because of their visit, I'm excited to offer a
fantastic giveaway this week. *

One SIGNED hardcover copy of The Brimstone Key goes to one lucky winner.

AND

One SIGNED hardcover copy of The Relic Hunters goes to ANOTHER lucky winner.

These aren't merely signed by both authors. They're decorated with original art by Derek Benz. They look like this:

Grey Griffins The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1: The Brimstone Key

Grey Griffins The Clockwork Chronicles 2: The Relic Hunters

All you have to do to enter is:

1) Be a follower
2) Comment on this post

That's it! Easy, right? This giveaway is open internationally and will end at 11:59 pm EDT on Friday May 20, 2011. I'll let randomizer pick two lucky winners.

UPDATE: This giveaway is now CLOSED. I'll announce the winners on Monday May 23.

*and don't worry -- you're not taking my copies. I have THIS:

Libba Bray does it again!

2011-05-13T21:21:00.000-04:00

Coming May 24, 2011 from Scholastic, Beauty Queens by Libba Bray, for ages 13 and up.

Source: advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from the publisher):

Survival. Of the fittest.

The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream Pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea, crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner.

What’s a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program—or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan—or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up?

Welcome to the heart of the non-exfoliated darkness. Your tour guide? None other than Libba Bray, the hilarious, sensational, Printz Award-winning author of A Great and Terrible Beauty and Going Bovine. The result is a novel that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you never see beauty the same way again.

Why I liked it: It's hysterical. We're talking laugh-out-loud funny! Even the footnotes are hilarious. It's also the most quotable YA book I've read in years. And dang it all, I can't quote from the ARC. But while I was reading it a month ago, I was constantly stopping to snort and giggle and then I'd read a passage out loud to ~~the grouch~~ my husband, who, let's just say, doesn't read young adult.

And he laughed.

Seriously. This book manages to parody everything you can think of about modern culture. Beauty pageants, of course. But also boy bands, those awful Bratz dolls, make-up commercials, exfoliating products, sex changes, Lost, big corporations, airlines, secret arms deals, reality shows, you name it. The only thing I wonder is if a 13-year-old would find it as funny as I did. Most of the humor is pretty dark and sophisticated.

Libba Bray's a genius. She manages to juggle a huge cast of characters and yet you remember who each one is. And you find yourself involved in what happens to these girls and whether they can survive. But mostly you find yourself laughing.

Has anyone read this yet?

If not, what funny young adult novels have you loved?