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!

Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott

Back in February I was part of the Cybils Award panel for Poetry.  I have written about a few of the books but not all.  This week I was reminded of one of the finalists....Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott.

Like many people this week I was intrigued by the story of the Auschwitz mug that had hidden jewelry under a false bottom.

Link to the story

I am always amazed to learn a different aspect of history.  When I read Paper Hearts, which is based on a true story, I learned how some victims fought to survive in concentration camps during World War II.  The young girls in the story tried to retain who they were by doing little things. Such as wearing a silky shirt under their uniforms or sharing their food with others.  Even if it meant punishment when caught.  The title refers to an origami heart that is made in secret as a birthday card for another girl.  It is this simple act which helped these courageous girls retain their dignity and personality. It is a very powerful story that resonates even today.  It is definitely a crossover YA to adult novel.
The "paper heart" is real and can be seen in the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre.  These are real items--- the heart and the mug.....real items that stand as a testament of people who suffered and serve as a reminder of the human spirit.

Flashbook Tuesday: blues journey by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers

Recently I have been sorting  the many books I have collected through the years and couldn't believe how many I have that have been signed by the author or illustrator.  Some are inscribed to me personally and some are just signed....either way it is an impressive amount.  Today's book is just one of the many books that I have inscribed to me personally. As I flipped through the book I realized it would make a perfect book to recommend at any time but especially during Black History Month.

blues journey by Walter Dean Myers and beautifully illustrated by Christopher Myers is the story of the African American experience told through poetry and the history of the blues.  Mr Myers poems have the same rhythm as a blues melody.  This is a picture book for an older child to read and learn about the "blues".  The poems are mix of complex and simple thoughts regarding love and life.  I love how the son's images match his father's words to make a visual impact for the reader.  I would give this to an older child even as old as High School or even an adult who loves music and history.  It is a great teaching tool for students to learn a different perspective of African American history.

Side note that is a bit interesting (at least to me)....Walter Dean Myers and my sister Ann E. Burg have both been nominated for an NAACP Image Award this year in the Literature Category for   Outstanding Literary Work- Youth / Teens:  Mr Myers for his book Invasion and my sister for her book Serafina's Promise.  Such a small world.....

This is an inscription I treasure:

Flashback Tuesday: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Yesterday the ALA Youth Media Awards were announced.   For that reason I thought I would recommend personal favorite that won the Newbery Award back in 1959.  I don't usually talk about young readers or even teen books but every once in awhile I like to change it up a bit.  

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare is a wonderful book that  brings back fond memories of long summer days and reading in the backyard.   The book cover I am showing is the exact book cover I had when I first read it.   The covers may have changed through the years but the story is timeless.   I was enthralled with the character of Kit and how she struggled to find her place in a new world that was so different from the world she grew up in. I loved the character of Mercy who even though she is disabled in body she was strong in mind and spirit.   Characters that are just as relevant today as they were when they were created.    This is the way I liked to learn history.  I always find it is easier to learn history through historical fiction.     Of course I also loved the fact that it was a bit of a love story but that is just the "girl" in me.   As I said so much of the story is applicable to our lives in the 21st century.  Even today people are suspicious of anyone who is different.  It takes a courageous person to stand up for truth and do what is right.   This is a classic and award winning book for a reason,  beautifully written and memorable.

Flashback Tuesday: Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

I don’t often write about Young Reader Books but during a Labor Day barbecue, a friend’s daughter mentioned she still had to complete her summer reading project. My little friend is one heck of a soccer goalie and like many kids, would rather play sports than read. I teased her because she only had a few days left - but  I also began thinking about the Newbery Award winning book my little friend had just read.

Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson is a book about sibling rivalry. The narrator of the story, Sara Louise, is jealous of her twin sister, Caroline. If Sara Louise is ever to grow up and become her own person, she must must break free and let go of her resentment towards Caroline.  

I know a few siblings in a similar situation.  The older sibling has always been the favored one while the younger sibling struggled to make her way in the world. Although the parents loved each child equally, the older one was more talented, more accomplished. 

 My little friend doesn’t understand sibling rivalry.  She has a great sense of self and seems to get along with her siblings. I too never felt that way. I have always loved my siblings and have been proud of their accomplishments. I knew my parents loved us all equally.  In fact my Mother always said we were all her favorites....  

In the book  Jacob Have I Loved, Sara Louise learns to find her way without burning bridges or becoming selfish.   She breaks free of her sister's shadow and becomes a better person in the end.  

My young friend is still in the process of growing up and perhaps, the final revelations may be lost on her.   Jacob Have I Loved is the kind of children's book that isn't just for children. Young Reader books such as this one are sometimes best understood when shared with a caring adult!

Flashback Tuesday: Six Million Paper Clips: The Making of a Children's Holocaust Memorial by Peter W. Schroeder and Dagmar Schroeder-Hildebrand

Thanks to Anita Silvey at the Book- A- Day Almanac for reminding me that today is National Paper Clip Day.   When I think of paper clips I always think of today's book.  

Six Million Paper Clips: The Making of the Children's Holocaust Memorial by Peter W. Schroeder and Dagmar Schroeder-Hildebrand is a wonderful way for children to learn about the Holocaust.  It is a difficult subject to learn about but this book helps explain it.   This is true story about middle school children in TN who started a project to collect six million paperclips in order to understand the immensity of six million people dying during WW II.   The German couple who wrote the book are also journalists that helped the children and school acquire a railroad car (which is also significant) to store the paperclips.  When I first heard this story I got chills, it is such a wonderful way to teach history.

Flashback Tuesday: Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer

Today a special teen edition of Flashback Tuesday!

Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer  was my introduction to this wonderful author.   This is the story of a teenage girl who ends up driving her elderly employer across country to stop a disastrous business merger.  I remember picking the book and thinking it was quite implausible.  I changed my mind as soon as I started reading it.   The characters and story drew me in immediately. This is a quirky story that manages to tug at the heartstrings without being too sappy.   I would recommend this title to a any teenager. It will give them a great perspective on life.   A great summer read.  

The Allegra Biscotti Collection by Olivia Bennett

The Allegra Biscotti Collection by Olivia Bennett is a refreshing new character for the tween and early teen  girl in your life.  I say refreshing because there is no mystery or vampire around in this story of a girl who becomes a fashion designer.  I know many a little girl who loves clothes and who say they want to design them when they grow up.  The characters are well written and likable.   I found myself wishing I had some sort of fashion sense just like Emma Rose or as she is more well know "Allegra Biscotti"....a perfect book for the little fashionista in your life.  

There is a second book too:  Who What Wear: The Allegra Biscotti Collection which just came out....two great books perfect for summer reading....

Flashback Tuesday: Stuck in Neutral by Terry Truman

This past weekend my sister Ann Burg participated in the Hudson Children's Book Festival in Hudson NY.   Last week while she was busily preparing for the festival she mentioned some of the authors who were going to be there.   I was quite impressed by the well known authors who were attending.   I was really excited to hear that Terry Truman was also attending.  I loved his book Stuck in Neutral when I first read it.   It was brought to my attention when I was a panelist for the  Children's Book Council 2001 edition of the Not Just For Children Anymore! catalog.   It had a profound effect on me.   This story of a boy who cannot communicate to the outside world but whose mind is sharp and full of astute observations is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read.   As I wrote for the catalog copy of the Not Just For Children Anymore! catalog it is "reminiscent of the adult book The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominque Bauby.  It was also powerful to me because it made me think of my father who due to a stroke could no longer speak even though we knew he was aware of what was going on around him.  This book gave me a new perspective on what it must be liked to be trapped in your own body without a means to communicate.  It is considered a Young Adult book but I feel should and could be read by a younger student.   It is a great book to teach empathy and caring for people who are disabled.  

Flashback Tuesday: Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones

It was a sad day when I heard that one of my favorite author's had died.  Diana Wynne Jones wrote one of my favorite fantasy novels.




Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones plays on the themes I like best.   It is like a fractured fairy tale only it is a "fractured" fantasy novel.   What I loved about it was the way she wrote a satire of fantasy books without insulting the genre.   I loved the characters and the warmth that penetrated the story.  She was a master storyteller whose writing was filled with rich images and unforgettable characters.  This is the kind of book that is not just for children but for grownups as well.  A truly must have for any fantasy fan.    Diana Wynne Jones brought true magic to the world with her stories....she will be missed.

Flashback Tuesday: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

Over the weekend I had a nice discussion with my nephew about the book he was reading in school.   It brought back nice memories for me.

I read The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi as an adult when I was working in the bookstore.      I so wished it had been around when I was young as it was the kind of book I would have enjoyed.  It has just the right mix of history and adventure that I loved.  I have always admired Avi for the way he has of taking an unknown piece of history and making it come alive.   He writes such courageous and human characters, they are real.   I know most kids will probably read this in school but just in case they don't or they need to read a particular author I would highly recommend this as it has something for everyone.   Even though the main character is a girl I know boys will like it too....thanks Michael for reminding me of a wonderful book.  

Flashback Tuesday: The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne

Today is the birth anniversary of the iconic and classic author Jules Verne.   He has written so many famous books I thought I would recommend my favorite.



The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne is a classic castaway story with loads of adventure.   What I liked about this book was how the characters were able to survive and create a new world for themselves.   I also loved the mystery that surrounded the island---the twist at the end was a great surprise but a pleasant "ah ha" kind of surprise that I love.   I loved this book so much and knew my nephew would like it to----he liked science----that I gave it to him for his birthday (he was even nice about it the second time I gave it to him--aunts have a tendency to forget).   Anyway this would be great gift for an older child who likes mystery and science.   I look it at as a precursor to "Lost"----a wonderful classic that never gets old.

Flashback Tuesday: Love Among the Walnuts by Jean Ferris

It has been sold and dreary these past few days that I have been wanting to do is curl up on the couch and read a book.  Today is the kind of day where only a comfort book will do.


Love Among the Walnuts by Jean Ferris is truly a comfort book.   I loved this book from the moment I read the first line.   The characters are wonderful and refreshing.   This quirky little story of a son trying to save his parents  from his nefarious relatives is heartwarming and funny at the same time.   I love how this book reminds me of the old screwball comedies of the thirties.   I truly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read offbeat stories with a bit of mystery thrown in.   A warm book on a cold winter's day....what better way to spend an afternoon.

Reference Sunday: America Bowl: 44 Presidents vs. 44 Super Bowls in the Ultimate Matchup by Don Steinberg by

Happy New Year!  I hope 2011 and brings everyone all good things.

I haven't written for a few days as it was the holidays and a snowstorm got in the way.  Even though I haven't posted since Tuesday that hasn't meant that I wasn't doing my research.  I wanted to find the right book to start off the New Year in style.  


America Bowl: 44 Presidents vs. 44 Super Bowls in the Ultimate Matchup by Don Steinberg really caught me by surprise.   Mr Steinberg has found a way a unique way to learn about American history and sports that isn't boring or dry.  I would have loved to been there when he realized that this past year was the only time we would have 44 Presidents and 44 Super Bowls.   The fact that he was able to connect the two totally different aspects of American life is shear genius.

                           I happen to love reading about history but I am not really into sports or football so this is a great book for a person like me.   I learned things about Football I never new.   I know so many kids who can recite sports statistics with ease but ask them about a historical moment in time and they are stumped.   This book is a great way for those sports addicts to combine their love of sports with the historical knowledge everyone should know.  Again I commend Mr Steinberg for bringing a new twist on reading about history.....a fun must have new book for the new year!

Flashback Tuesday: The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett

Today is the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright's birth anniversary.   He was born June 8, 1867.  For my weekly Flashback Tuesday I thought I would talk about a great mystery book for kids that takes place in one of the homes he designed.


The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett is a great book for older kids that mixes art with mystery and problem solving.  When I was a kid I would have loved this book.  I loved it as an adult and I remember when I read it and the previous book, Chasing Vemeer, that I wished it had been around when I was young.   This is a great way to introduce history and art to children without being preachy.   It is a fun book that makes the reader use their brain.   The characters are wonderful and relatable ~ a really great read!  For all who are inquisitive and imaginative at once.....

Monday Fun Day Book: Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce

I thought I would designate Mondays as "fun day"~ I am hoping that Hoda & Kathie Lee haven't trademarked because it has a nice sound to it.  

Big Nate: In A Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce  original format is a comic strip, all about a boy in sixth grade and his adventures.  Sometimes the world can be a cynical place because some reviews and write ups about this book complain because they say it is just a comic strip bundled up to appeal to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid fan.   I think it is brilliant.  Why not take something that is already known and bring it to a new audience.   There may be kids who don't read the comics in the paper anymore or it is not available where they live....this is a great way to expand.   I also like it because they didn't just take the strips and through them together....there is a basic storyline and plot.   I for one was happy to see it because I know a few kids who once they finished next "Diary...." they had nothing else to read.   This really cute book gives them options.  

Instructions by Neil Gaiman illus by Charles Vess

A number of years ago I was asked to be a panel member on the Children's Book Council's Not Just For Children Anymore catalog.  As a panel member,  I read numerous books and then  helped to decide what titles went into the catalog.  There were four of us on the panel.  We had to decide if a book could be enjoyed by an adult.   So many times as a buyer I would look at a new children's book and think that no child would really like it.   I thought they appealed more to grown-ups.  When I was in the stores so many people would come in just to buy a picture book because they loved the illustrator.

Today I was out perusing the bookstores when I discovered a beautiful book that is perfect for grown-ups.

Instructions by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Charles Vess is a beautifully illustrated book that tells tells the simple tale of how to survive a fairy tale....but is really telling the reader how to survive life.   I love the flow of words and how the pictures evoke a warm feeling.  This is the perfect book to give someone who is going through a hard time or a recent graduate.   It is the perfect life lesson.   A gem of a book.