Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Interview with Author Jennifer Thermes

Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail
by Jennifer Thermes
Harry N. Abrams (May 8, 2018)
Nonfiction * Biography * Women
Audience: Grades 2 to 5
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from Goodreads: Emma Gatewood’s life was far from easy. In rural Ohio, she managed a household of 11 kids alongside a less-than-supportive husband. One day, at age 67, she decided to go for a nice long walk . . . and ended up completing the Appalachian Trail.
 
With just the clothes on her back and a pair of thin canvas sneakers on her feet, Grandma Gatewood hiked up ridges and down ravines. She braved angry storms and witnessed breathtaking sunrises. When things got particularly tough, she relied on the kindness of strangers or sheer luck to get her through the night. When the newspapers got wind of her amazing adventure, the whole country cheered her on to the end of her trek, which came just a few months after she set out. A story of true grit and girl power at any age, Grandma Gatewood proves that no peak is insurmountable.

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Thank you Jennifer Thermes for stopping by Kid Lit Frenzy and sharing about your newest book Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail. 

Kid Lit Frenzy: I was unfamiliar with Grandma Gatewood and her inspirational hike. I enjoyed getting to know her through your book. How did you discover Grandma Gatewood and what kind of research did you do on her life and journey?

Jennifer Thermes: While researching the history of the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye’s vision for what it could be, I read about others who had hiked it, and came across the name “Grandma Gatewood.” Emma’s character and accomplishments were amazing. I had wanted to do a book about the trail for a long time, but couldn’t figure out how to make it a story with an emotional connection for readers. I thought that kids would feel a kinship with her.

As for research process, I read widely, and start writing as soon as the story takes shape in my mind. (Otherwise it would be too easy to keep researching and never write!) There’s visual research for the illustrations as well as the maps, and then weaving everything together into an interesting story, while sticking to the facts. 

I tend overwrite and add a lot of visual details, and then trim everything back. I always worry about what doesn’t make it into the book, because there’s so much good information! But more doesn’t necessarily mean a better story. Since picture books are short, I’m always reminding myself to think of the book as a doorway inviting the reader to explore more about the subject.

KLF: As part of your research, did you walk any of the Appalachian Trail? Or have you ever done any endurance walking/hikes? Were you inspired to put on a pair of hiking boots and get out there? 

JT: I haven’t done the A.T. yet, but am completely inspired to hike at least part of it if deadlines ever let up! (Or maybe I’ll just wait until I’m 67, for a real challenge.) We did more trail hiking when our kids were young, especially up in Maine, and I still walk almost every day, so I well know how the rhythm of it brings peace of mind.

KLF: While reading your description of what Grandma Gatewood wore and read that she had on canvas shoes, I was a bit shocked. Of course, I had to stop and think about the time period that she lived in and how footwear was very different from today, but I was still impressed with how she did this walk in canvas shoes. Were there other discoveries that really jumped out and surprised you?

JT: In general, what most surprised me was how she didn’t let fear get in the way of doing what she wanted to do. She had raised her family during the Great Depression, and was used to working very hard, so perhaps the walk was relaxing for her.

Also, learning about the movement to get back to nature during Benton MacKaye’s time, how the trail was constructed, how highways changed the landscape and culture of the country… researching any subject leads you down a fascinating rabbit hole of discoveries. Makes me want to be a historian in another lifetime.

KLF: I love how the illustrations move from illustrations of Grandma Gatewood to maps of the trail. How did you decide to balance out the two? Did you have any spreads that you particularly loved? 

JT: Designing maps into the flow of the book is similar to working out any picture book. The maps are another element to weave throughout the story. I think a lot about the rhythm of the illustrations, and how to keep the pacing interesting. For this book, I divided the trail map into sections that would roughly correspond with illustrations of where Emma was on the trail. I also thought of the maps as a visual resting point for the reader– a place to pause and ponder her journey.

My favorite spreads—always a hard question! Meeting the girl and dog after days and nights of walking the trail is one. I think kids could sense Emma’s kindness beneath her no-nonsense exterior. I’m also fond of her on the mountaintop, resting on a bed of moss in the moonlight. Given her independent spirit, I imagine she liked to be alone with her thoughts.

KLF: Can you share anything about your upcoming books or projects? 

JT: I’ve recently finished illustrations for a middle grade novel coming out early next year, and currently I’m writing and illustrating a nonfiction picture book about Manhattan Island. I’m about to start final art, and am beyond excited for both books to be out in the world!

Thank you so much for inviting me to do this interview! 

About the author: JENNIFER THERMES is a children’s book author, illustrator, and map illustrator. Jennifer’s book, Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure, was named a 2017 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12 and a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, as selected by the Children’s Book Council. It was also on Amazon’s Best Children’s Books of the Year list for 2016 in the category of non-fiction. Up next is a picture book biography about Emma Gatewood, the first woman to  thru-hike the Appalachian Trail solo at the age of 67! Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail will be released in Spring 2018 with Abrams Books for Young Readers.  For more information, check out her website: jenniferthermes.com

Artwork by Sarah S Brannen ©2017

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Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Boots on the Ground

Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam
by Elizabeth Partridge
Viking Books for Young Readers (April 10, 2018)
Nonfiction * History * Military & Wars
Audience: Young Adult
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: In March 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops into Vietnam. 57,939 American soldiers would be killed and seventeen years would pass before this controversial chapter of American history concluded with the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982.

The history of this era is complex; the cultural impact extraordinary. But it's the personal stories of eight people--six American soldiers, one American nurse, and one Vietnamese refugee--that form the heartbeat of Boots on the Ground. From dense jungles and terrifying firefights to chaotic medic rescues and evacuations, each individual's story reveals a different facet of the war and moves readers forward in time. Alternating with these chapters are profiles of key American leaders and events, reminding readers what was happening at home, including Kent State, Woodstock, and Watergate.

Quick thoughts on the book:
I realized that there are certain periods of history that I am more familiar with than other time periods. Lately, I find myself wandering back to the 1960's and 1970's. Searching for answers to questions about the future. And though I lived through much of these two decades, I realized that I was oblivious of so much that was happening maybe because I was really too young and also just politically disconnected. 

I picked up Elizabeth Partridge's newest book, in part because I had read her previous book Marching to Freedom, and in part because the cover was so compelling. As I began to read, I was drawn in by Partridge's personal connections shared in the prologue. What I wasn't expecting was the way she utilized alternating voices of soldiers and presidents and protesters, and back and forth between Vietnam and America, finally wrapping it up with Maya Lin and the Vietnam Memorial. Partridge captures the complexity of the war through nuanced stories of individuals and multiple perspectives.  

In addition to the alternating voices, the book is filled with black and white photographs. The final pages include source notes, bibliography, and an index. 

Look for a copy of this at your local indie bookstore or community library. 

About the author: Elizabeth is the acclaimed author of more than a dozen books, including Marching to Freedom: Walk Together, Children, and Don’t You Grow Weary, as well as biographies of Dorothea Lange, Woody Guthrie, and John Lennon. Her books have received many honors, including National Book Award Finalist, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Michael L. Printz Honor, SCBWI Golden Kite Award, SLJ's Battle of the Books, and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award. Elizabeth is on the core  faculty at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults. www.elizabethpartridge.com

Artwork by Sarah S Brannen ©2017

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Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Astronauts-Aquanauts: How Space Science and Sea Interact

Astronauts-Aquanauts: How Space Science and Sea Interact
by Jennifer Swanson; Forward by Fabien Cousteau and Kathryn D. Sullivan
National Geographic for Kids (January 9, 2018)
Nonfiction * Science & Nature * Discoveries
Audience: Ages 9 to 12
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: 
Journey from the deepest trenches in the oceans to the farthest humans have ventured into space and learn what it takes to explore the extremes. You might just be surprised by how similar the domains of ASTRONAUTS and AQUANAUTS really are.

Space and the ocean. If you don't think they go together, think again! Both deep-sea and space explorers have to worry about pressure, temperature, climate, and most importantly, how to survive in a remote and hostile environment. Join us on an amazing journey as we go up in space with astronauts and dive deep down in the ocean with aquanauts to explore the far-off places of our planet and the solar system.

With a strong tie into STEM topics--such as making connections, making comparisons, and recognizing patterns across content areas--readers will discover the amazing science and incredible innovations that allow humans (and sometimes only machines) to survive in these harsh environments.

Quick thoughts about the book:
Have you ever thought about how astronauts are similar to aquanauts? We have all heard about astronauts but I honestly have never thought about those who explore the sea as being aquanauts. When I looked up the word, I discovered that it has been in use since the 1880's. Hmmm...I guess I haven't been reading the right books all these years. However, isn't this part of why you love reading nonfiction so that you can learn new things? I know it is certainly one of my reasons for reading so many fabulous books.

I love learning new things and Jennifer Swanson's newest book provides readers with a looks at the similarities and differences of exploring space and sea. The book looks extensively at the environments of space and the deep sea and how both astronauts and aquanauts have to have extensive training, special suits, and understand how these unique environments will affect their bodies. Readers learn how buoyancy and gravity along with pressure are significant factors in exploring space and the deep sea. I appreciated the clear explanations and examples used to explain these concepts. I also realized that I had developed misconceptions of what a "lack of gravity" in space really meant. 

Swanson also includes activities that you can try at home to learn more about some of the concepts discussed in the book. At the end of the book, readers get to "meet" real astronauts and aquanauts through several mini-bios. 

As typical in books published by National Geographic, the book is filled with fabulous photographs, lots of definitions, extra facts and additional resources. For teachers looking for a book which uses a comparison/contrast text structure to share with students, this one is a good example to include in your classroom library. 

Look for Astronauts-Aquanauts: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact at your local indie bookstore or community library. 

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Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Teacher Appreciation Week!

First, I want to thank all of my teacher and librarian friends for all you do for children each and every day! I am thankful for all of the ways that you have challenged me to grow over the years. I hope that those that live near you have been able to share a special gift of appreciation or a hug to celebrate how wonderful you are.

Next, due to the end of the year craziness, I am taking the week off from blogging! The Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge will be back next week! Until then, check out My 5 Fave Expository Nonfiction Post on Melissa Stewart's Celebrate Science Blog. 

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

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Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Interview with Carlyn Beccia

They Lost Their Heads: What Happened to Washington's Teeth,
Einstein's Brain, and Other Famous Body Parts
by Carlyn Beccia
Bloomsbury (April 3, 2018)
Nonfiction * Biography * Historical
Audience: Ages 10-14+
Indiebound | WorldCat

Thank you Carlyn for stopping by Kid Lit Frenzy and answering a few questions about your new book, THEY LOST THEIR HEADS. 

Kid Lit Frenzy: What prompted your interest in history and particularly the middle ages? (Ren Faire? Raucous Royals? I Feel Better? - I see a pattern)

Carlyn Beccia: Yes, there is definitely a pattern there. I obviously have a dark sense of humor so it is probably natural to be drawn to the most ‘nasty, brutish, and short’ time period in history. Studying the pre-modern era really can give you a new appreciation for a hot bath and a bed without fleas.  

KLF: Can you share with readers a little bit about your research process for THEY LOST THEIR HEADS, and what is your favorite chapter in the book? 

CB: Ah yes, my research process is nasty, brutish and definitely NOT short. I started with a lot of secondary sources for this one to first get a strong sense of who this person was before they croaked. Then I moved on to primary sources – many of the body parts are still in museums and collections. And I always am a big snoop when it comes to letters. For example, I got a really good sense of the turmoil in van Gogh’s life leading up to the ear incident by reading his brother, Theo’s letters.

Favorite chapter - You know that is like choosing between children….or at least, your children’s body parts.

No, seriously, my favorite parts of the book are actually the sidebars. I am a big trivia buff so I really enjoyed uncovering all these interesting factoids about what happened to peoples’ bits.

But my favorite story – l'inconnue de la Seine. I still get freaked out by her image! She looks like she is just about to open her eyes.

I'nconnue de la Seine death mask

For readers who are not familiar with this image….In Paris in the late 1800’s, an unknown girl was fished from the River Seine and taken to the Paris morgue. The pathologist there was so taken with her beauty that he made a death mask of her face. He apparently did just a great job that her death mask was reproduced over and over until it would have been hard to find any European home without it hanging in the drawing room. She became known as l'inconnue de la Seine – the unknown woman from the Seine.

Flash forward to the late 1950s when Austrian doctor Peter Safar was trying to develop the first CPR standards. He needed a doll so others could practice and learn his techniques for saving lives. So, he enlisted the help of toy maker, Asmund Laerdal. Laerdal used the death mask of l'inconnue de la Seine for his model which we know today as Resusci Annie.

Her nameless face became the face of the most popular CPR doll today - Resusci
Annie.

So everyone who has ever taken CPR has kissed this unknown girl. I think it is a story that really shows how life and death come full circle. The face of death is now the face of the doll used to save lives. I love creepy parallels!

KLF: This is the kind of book that is easy to book talk. Kids love these kind of fascinating facts. I was wondering what are a few of your favorite questions from children?
 
CB: Thanks! Whenever I do school visits, I always insist that I sit down to lunch with the kids
because I think you get far more intimate questions in a smaller group. One question that I have been asked a few times is if my own children inspire some of the themes in my books. I always feel the kids who ask these questions are the empaths of the world. They are not asking questions about personal rewards (every author gets the how much money you make question) but instead are trying to see the author through the lens of their relationships with others. These kids are the old souls of our world because they are understanding their relationships with others will change their path in life.

And to answer that question, I get far too many ideas from my 8 and 10-year old and I vet every chapter off of them before sending to my editor. They really should get paid.

KLF: Can you share about any future projects you are working on?

CB: I get frustrated talking about future projects because It takes me a few years to finish a book because of the research and amount of illustrations. This one took five! I really wish I could work faster.

My next book release is one that I have worked on for the past few years and I am finally finishing up. It is a book about the science behind monsters (title pending). It essentially uses monster lore as a platform for scientific exploration. For example, if a vampire was to try to drain your blood….where should he/she bite? And if you became a zombie, what body parts have the highest caloric content? Should you maybe skip the brains? Or my favorite, if Godzilla did attack, how could one survive the nuclear fallout? This book combines folklore, physics, chemistry, biology and a lot of cutting edge science…..all in many, many infographics. I hated science as a kid so I am determined to make some of the concepts I once found so boring irresistible to readers. I promise
genetics is far more interesting when explored from the werewolf’s perspective….

About the author: 
Carlyn Beccia children's book have won numerous awards including the Golden Kite Honor recipient for picture book illustration, the International Reading Association's Children's and Young Adult Book Award and the Cybil Award for Non-fiction picture book. Beccia teaches digital painting throughout the United States and is author of the best selling, Digital Painting for the Complete Beginner. She paints with 'digital oil brushes' to create a unique and deeply textured art. She enjoys giving live demonstrations of how art is created on the computer and encourages kids to experiment with the digital medium.

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

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