Skyping with Author Laurel Snyder


To celebrate the release of her new book Bigger Than a Bread Box, author Laurel Snyder is skyping with classes all across the United States.  Today, she skyped with Ms. Debbie's 4th graders at my school.  The students in the class are currently reading the book and were very excited to get to virtually meet Laurel.  She shared with students about how she started writing and what brought her to write for middle grade students.  And she also read a little from her new book.  Students reported later that they loved hearing her read from the book.
 
While we were visiting with Laurel, we even got to meet her cat and dog who both had cameo appearances as themselves.

Students had an opportunity to ask lots of questions which Laurel so graciously and patiently answered.  If I had let them, I am certain that they would have asked her questions for hours.  They were very impressed that it took 50 submissions before her first book was finally published.  I reminded them that the next time their teacher asked them to revise a report they should think about all the revision Laurel had to make.

Bigger Than a Bread Box, Vroman's Bookstore

So from the students in Ms. Debbie's 4th grade class in Pasadena, CA - we would like to thank Laurel Snyder for visiting with us and we wish her a very happy book birthday!!!!  If you live in Pasadena, stop by Vroman's and pick up your own copy of Bigger Than a Bread Box.  If you are not in the area, look for Laurel Snyder's new book at your school or public library.  And remember, when possible - shop at your local independent bookstore.

Super Tuesday - Book Releases to Celebrate

In the world of publishing, books are commonly released on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Every week there are some great books released into the world.  However, today seems to be Super Tuesday Release Day.  Here is what I'll be picking up this week.  What will you be taking home with you?

Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson - Balzer & Bray



Flint Heart by Katherine Paterson, John Paterson; Illustrated by John Rocco - Candlewick



Bigger Than A Bread Box by Laurel Snyder - Random House



Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu - Walden Pond Press


Babymouse #15: A Very Babymouse Christmas by Jennifer L. Holm, Matt Holm - Random House


Squish #2: Brave New Pond by Jennifer L. Holm, Matt Holm - Random House



I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen - Candlewick



Death of Yorik Mortwell by Stephen Messer, Illustrated by Gris Grimly - Random House


A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - Candlewick (US Release)

 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Lani Taylor - Little Brown



The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, Simon and Schuster

LIESL & PO Booktrailer

I just recently received a press release for LIESL & PO by Lauren Oliver.  I don't know about you but this is one of the fall titles that I have been excitedly anticipating.  It will be released on October 4, 2011.  If you like what you see, please consider checking it out at your school or public library.  And remember, whenever possible, please support your local independent bookstores.

Harper Collins is excited to announce that LIESL & PO, the middle-grade debut by New York Times and international bestselling author Lauren Oliver will be available everywhere on Tuesday October 4th. Lauren Oliver captivated readers with her groundbreaking first novel, BEFORE I FALL and her followup DELIRIUM was made an instant bestseller by teens the world over. Filled with intricate and beautiful illustrations from rising star Kei Acedera, LIESL & PO is an unforgettable Dickensian tale of ghosts and magic, friendship and homecoming.


Synopsis: Liesl’s cruel stepmother, Augusta, keeps her locked in her attic bedroom. Lonely and grieving for her recently deceased father, Liesl is surprised one evening by Po, a ghost who suddenly materializes in her room. The two become fast friends, and it is because of Po that Liesl is able to escape from her attic room and embark on a journey to bury her father’s ashes beside those of her mother. However, because of a mix-up at the undertaker’s, the box that Liesl carries does not contain her father’s ashes. Instead, it contains the most powerful magic in the world. And the alchemist who created that magic desperately wants it back.

What people are saying about LIESL & PO:

"With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms, and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original." Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Classic fairy tale elements weave throughout this spirited, old-fashioned adventure. [Liesl & Po] testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression." Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"With her third book, Lauren Oliver (Before I Fall; Delirium) creates another highly original world, this one for middle-grade readers." Shelf Awareness

Check out the official LIESL & PO animated trailer, featuring the original song "A Train with Wings"at YouTube: 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://lieslandpo.com/ 

AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://www.laurenoliverbooks.com/

Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop


"Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment." - American Library Association  

To kick off, Banned Books Week, I am participating in a Giveaway Hop.  Thanks to Jen from I Read Banned Books and Kathy from I am a Reader. Not A Writer for hosting a Banned Books Giveaway Hop. The hop runs from Saturday, September 24th to Saturday, October 1st.

Though I recognize that in the United States, we do not usually have banned books, many amazing books are challenged or restricted on a regular basis.  What also shocks me is that books are frequently challenged by individuals or groups based on what they have heard about the book.  Some committees have even elected to remove a book from a school's librarian when they haven't even read the book in question.  In situations like that, I am always glad that there are librarians, teachers, parents and individuals who speak out on behalf of books.  Often times, loudly, and very passionately. 

Recently, I was in the situation where I was giving a group of people some examples of books that would fit in certain categories.  As I held up a book (Coraline, The Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman), a woman in the audience exclaimed that the book I was holding was not for children.  I was a bit taken a back and tried to move on by stating that maybe it wasn't for very young children but that it was considered a Middle Grade novel.  The woman in the audience became more adamant that this was not a book for children and automatically assumed that I would agree with her.  While this exchange was happening, I could see several of the children's librarians in the room nearly jump out of their seats to defend this book. I was so proud of those librarians.

I bring this real life situation up because it is one example where an individual, if given the power, would have sought to take away from others their right to determine what book is appropriate for themselves or for their children.  This is really the key for me with Banned Books Week.  No one individual or group of individuals should take away the rights of many to have access to a book or a story just because they feel it has questionable material or a controversial topic.

I do; however, support parents' rights to decide which books their child is ready for or not ready for.  I would hope that even with more than one child at home that the criteria would reflect the individual personality differences of each child (one child at 9 might be ready for a book and another child at 9 is not ready).  Additionally, I would hope that parents respect their child as a reader and talk with their child about different books and decisions to read a book or not read a book at a particular time. 

Finally here are two resources for how you may learn more about Banned Books Week and even see how many challenged books you have already read. 
American Library Association
www.ala.org

Banned Books Week
http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/resources


To kick off Banned Books Week, you have a chance to enter to win a Banned or Challenged book of your choice from Amazon - $15 or less. 

Rules for the Contest:

1. Please do not enter any personal information in the comments section (including your email, website, etc.), you must complete the Entry Form to officially enter the contest.
2.  The Contest runs from 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 24, 2011 to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on October 1st.
3.  You do not need to be a follower of this blog to enter, but if you like what you see, feel free to subscribe.
4.  You must be 13 or older to participate in this contest.
5.  Comments are not required but always welcome.
6.  If you are selected as a winner, I will notify you by e-mail.  If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner.
7.  International participants are welcome to enter the contest.