Flooded: Requiem for Johnstown by Ann E. Burg

Today is the publication day for my sister’s new book Flooded: Requiem for Johnstown. Normally when one of her books is released I have read it a number of times. Her previous titles: All the Broken Pieces, Serafina’s Promise and Unbound were books that I read a few times before they were officially published. Ann would send me drafts or poems and finally a galley to read. This time was different. While I was there when she did research I never got to read a finished product until I got the completed book in the mail. I immediately sat down to read Flooded as soon as I got it. I know she is my sister and I know she is a beautiful writer but I sometimes forget that her writing can be so powerful. By the middle of the book I couldn’t breathe waiting to see what happens. The book starts softly then crescendos into an action packed thriller before settling into a serious and thought provoking humanistic story. I couldn’t help but think how this story based on true events could have been about our current time. It speaks of everyday people whose lives are upended by a disaster that could have been avoided. How ordinary people become heroes and how the movers and shakers of the time shirk their responsibilities. I know this is meant to be a book for young readers or young adults but I truly feel that it is meant for all readers to savor and enjoy. Thank you Ann for sharing your words with the world!

Meet the Authors: Educator Night recap

When I started at Well Read in Hawthorne as their Part Time Event Coordinator we decided it would be a good idea to do an Educator Night.  It took some planning but we were able to get some great authors to come in and talk to some of our local educator's.  We also were lucky enough to get a representative from a local sales group to come and speak about new titles on their list.  All in all it was a great evening.  I learned so much. Here is a photo of our authors with their books.

From L to R: Alison Formento, Trinka Hakes Noble, Courtney Sheinmel, Ann E. Burg, Ann Malaspina

These are great books not just for the classroom but for children and parents to read together.  There is something for everyone.

Alison Formento known for her picture books like These Seas Count and These Bees Count! great stories that also inform children about the natural world around them. She also brought her new YA title Twigs the story of a young girl who may be small in stature but has huge problems that she must overcome.  Great coming of age story for the teen in your life.   

Trinka Hakes Noble who I have known for years and wrote one of my favorite story time books The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash brought along her new book and many others to talk about.  Her new book is The Legend of the Jersey Devil which is New Jersey's greatest and scariest legend.  I love how she told us that most kids don't realize NJ's Hockey team "The Devil's" is named for this spooky creature.  She also talked about her personal favorite because it is a story from her childhood called The Orange Shoes that deals with bullying.  

Courtney Sheinmel author of the Stella Batts series for ages 7 to 9.  These are such fun books that make great gifts and are even fun to read aloud.  I love the voice in these books.  

Ann E. Burg (my lovely sister) talked about how her new book Serafina's Promise (which I blogged about the other day)  and her first novel in verse All the Broken Pieces teach about other cultures in an easier manner.  She also talked about her book Rebekkah's Journey a little known story of WW II refugees in Oswego NY.    

Ann Malaspina brought her picture book biographies Heart on Fire the story of Susan B. Anthony and a women's right to vote plus Touch the Sky the wonderful story of the first African American woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics....loved learning about her.  

Like I said these great books are not just for teacher's to tell their students about but wonderful books that make great gifts for the child in your life. 

I really enjoyed this evening because I love talking about books and about how they can enrich the lives of not just children but everyone.   

Reference Sunday: This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore illust by Megan Lloyd

This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore and illustrated by Megan Lloyd is a perfect way to get a child ready for  Thanksgiving.   While it isn't necessarily a reference book, it does tell the story of the pilgrims from the time they step on the Mayflower to the first harvest in their new land.  It is written in verse so it is easy to understand and the illustrations really capture the hardships and joys of these adventurous people.   This is a must have book for the child who is just starting to understand what Thanksgiving is all about.  

Happy Birthday Edward Lear!

Today is Edward Lear's birthday.   Most people know him for his nonsense poems but he did much more than that.  He was also an accomplished author and artist.  I am a big fan of his art not just his illustrations.  I love the way he uses light for his landscapes. They are just wonderful.  To celebrate his birthday I am going to suggest his most famous poem that has been illustrated for children.

The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear & illustrated by Jan Brett is a classic poem that has been talked about and imitated.   It is also a bit of a love story.   I love Jan Brett's illustrations because of the detail ~ kids love to look at the these pictures to see what they can find.   A wonderful edition.

Flashback Tuesday: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Since this is still poetry month I thought I would highlight a wonderful book that in my opinion started a trend.   The novel or epic story in verse is nothing really new but this is the first time, in my mind, that it had translated so well to a children's novel.  

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse which has won numerous awards such as the Newbery is an incredible story told in a way that makes it really accessible.   I loved the story of Billie Jo as soon as I read it, the characters are so vivid and the way Ms Hesse describes the Dust Bowl of the Depression years is wonderful.  I think this started one of the better trends in children's publishing because even the reluctant reader could understand and absorb the story.  

This book also enabled those writers who came after it's publication to really play on their strengths.  For example my sister Ann Burg who wrote All the Broken Pieces is really a poet~so telling a story in free verse is so natural for her.  

Any book in poetry form are like I said great for reluctant readers but also make terrific read alouds too.   Something to be enjoyed by all.