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!

Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce

It has been a long time since I have been enthralled with a book.  I have always loved William Joyce, he is one of my favorite author/illustrators.  His range is amazing.  When I stumbled across today's book I was ---as I said above---enthralled.  This is the type of book that would have excited me as a child.  It has familiarity, adventure and excitement all wrapped up with great illustrations.  I loved the idea of this book.  I am sure others have seen the similarities to another childhood classic--The Velveteen Rabbit....but this book goes beyond making a "toy real" type story...it takes that sentiment to a whole new level.  In this day and age children like more of an adventure.  So Mr Joyce gives them that......at the same time giving validity to a child's love of a favorite toy.

Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce is the charming and exciting tale of a child's connection to a beloved toy.  The magic of that one toy to foster a child's imagination.  This is a beginning chapter book for young readers.  It would also make a wonderful read aloud.  I can see it being read in school one chapter at a time.  I loved Ollie and I loved Billy....I also loved the villains...scary but not too scary. William Joyce has done it again.  He has brought us wonderful new characters to spend time with again and again....

A Dog Wearing Shoes by Sangmi Ko

This past weekend I was visiting my brother and family when he suggested we go for a ride.  We ended up one town over from him, Madison NJ.  I have always loved Madison....it is a quaint town with cute shops and lots of restaurants.  Now my brother knows I love books so he showed me the newest Independent bookseller Short Stories Community Book Hub...I loved it.  It is in a great location and has great space.  It is more than just a bookseller it also hosts community events and music.  After we left he then brought me to another store a few doors down---the Chatham Bookseller (it used to be the Madison Public Library)...I was in heaven.  This is a wonderful used bookshop with shelves and shelves of books---some really old.  I just took in the sight and the smells...there is nothing like the smell of a bookstore.

Little did my brother know that he gave me the best birthday present ever by introducing me to not one but two of my favorite places to visit.

This past Wednesday I again was in downtown Madison.  I was waiting for a friend so that we could go to see the production of The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged)(revised)  that was being performed by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.  While I was waiting for in the Short Stories Community Book Hub I read today's book selection.

A Dog Wearing Shoes by Sangmi Ko is the sweetest book about a little girl who falls in love with a lost dog who happens to be wearing shoes.  She becomes very attached to the puppy but then realizes it must belong to someone else.  This is the perfect book for anyone who loves a good animal story that also teaches about empathy and caring.  It is also a perfect way to explain why getting a pet from an animal shelter can be very rewarding.  I loved the illustrations too....they are whimsical and sensitive at the same time.  I highly recommend it!

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton

The winner of the 2015 Cybils were announced yesterday.  The winner was the book Flutter and Hum: Aleteo Y Zumbido by Julie Paschkis which I blogged about last October.  It is a wonderful book with great potential.

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton was one of the finalists for  Cybils 2015.  As with all the finalists we discussed this book at length.  This is a verse novel set in 1969.  A historical novel that at sometimes felt more prose than poetry.  Still it is very good read that has a lot going for it.  This is a book that makes for a great discussion about diversity.  It is the story of a girl with an African-American father and a Japanese mother who  has to deal with not only two different cultures at home but feeling different in her new school.  Not only are there race issues but gender issues as well.  The main character Mimi wants to be an astronaut but is basically scoffed at because she is a girl. The issues of not fitting in and being true to oneself is still very relevant in today's world.  Ms Hilton's words convey the inner feelings of her characters beautifully.  I enjoyed getting to know each and every one of them.  This is a great read for middle grade readers ages 9-12.  It should help to foster discussion at home and in the classroom.

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective by R.A Spratt illustrated by Phil Gosier

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective by R.A. Spratt and illustrated by Phil Gosier is the kind of book I would have loved to read when I was young.  I could just see myself reading this book in my backyard on a hot summers day.  I always loved a good mystery. 

What I love about this book is that the author R. A Spratt does not talk down to her audience. There is an understanding that the reader knows certain things about the world around them.  The writing is fast paced which is great for children who live in a fast paced world.  We learn about Friday quickly and succinctly so that we are able to get right into the crux of the story which is solving mysteries.  Friday Barnes, Girl Detective reminds me of Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective which is probably intentional.  I am hoping boys won't be turned off because it is about a girl detective.  Sadly that is still an issue in today's world. Hopefully this book will help with that situation.  I would not hesitate to give it to a boy because I know they will enjoy it. 

My first inclination is that this would be a great book for a child like I was, a voracious reader who loves to read mysteries. That being said I also think it perfect for the reluctant reader, boy or girl, who needs to expand their universe.  As I said it is a fast paced book that will not lead to boredom.  The mysteries are fun and while a bit outlandish they are great for the imagination.  For me this is what reading is all about.  Stories that make us dream about what is possible and helps foster creativity.  

I can't wait to see what other adventures Friday Barnes will encounter....

2015 Roundup

It has been a busy end of the year. October is a busy month for me and I thought once November came I could post more. But of course as the saying goes "the best laid plans....often go awry".  

 My News Years Resolution is to post more in 2016 as there are so many books I missed talking about this year. 

As soon as Christmas was over the end of year lists started appearing. So I thought I would do a Roundup of some of my favorite books  of 2015.  I always recommend books I like or think others would like but these seem to have a much more memorable feel about them.  

Here they are in no particular order:

Waiting by Kevin Henkes this is the book I gave my nephew for Christmas.  So sweet!

A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano great Gothic ghost story for all....

Planting a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Peter H Reynolds a beautiful book that teaches kindness....

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman a perfect book for young readers (or anyone)...I just loved it.

Little Humans by Brandon Stanton great book to look at often....love the photographs....

This is just a small sample of some of the books I recommended in 2015. I hope anyone who has read my blog has found it enjoyable and useful.....I know I enjoy writing about the books I find.  To that end I would also like to recommend my favorite "grown-up" book that I have read this year, it is also by Alice Hoffman.....

The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman was so wonderful I had trouble picking up another book to read.  Her writing is as magical as the stories she writes about. I highly recommend it!

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years and that the next year brings much joy!  Happy Reading!

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman is one of those books that stays with you for a long time.  It is a middle grade reader that I feel any grown up would love.  I read it in one day and loved it.  Usually I recommend a book knowing that it will appeal to a certain audience.  I generally need to like the book but even if I don't I usually know it will fill a need for a certain reader.  This is not the case here.  This is a book I wish had never ended...a story that is timeless.

I have always read Alice Hoffman books.  Her last few grown up novels I have loved....I am actually reading her most recent novel The Marriage of Opposites as I write this.  Beyond that I have loved her YA titles too....the best being Green Angel a book that I still see vividly in my mind.

I now have a new favorite....today's book Nightbird.  Like I said I read it one afternoon. It is more a middle grade novel than YA but that doesn't matter to me.  I always feel like books don't really have an age range.  Middle grade, YA or adult as long as I am reading a good story it doesn't matter.  That is how I felt when I read Nightbird.  From the first moment I started reading I  was drawn into the world of the main character "Twig"....she sort of reminded me of myself at her age.  I loved to read and kept mostly to myself.  This was a book I would have devoured when I  was young.  Alice Hoffman has written a book that feels like it could have taken place at any time. It doesn't pinpoint an era so the reader has the freedom to see just the characters and the moment of the story not the when of the story.  It really took be back to being a twelve year old reading in the backyard on a summers day.

I love how Alice Hoffman injects magic in her stories.  It is such a subtle magic that we can almost feel like it is real.  The world she has created here is warm and inviting a world I didn't want to leave. I realize I haven't given a description of what it is about and there is a reason for that.  This book is all about emotion and feelings.  The joy I felt when reading it....but as I have said before I am not a reviewer....I recommend books that should be read.  I don't want to give a review that tells you the story because the reader should find that out for themselves.  I am just here to say that it should be read....especially if you love a good mystery with a bit of fantasy thrown in....a story with great characters that will stay with you forever.  I literally cried when it was over because it so reminded me of how books made me feel when I was young....to go back to that time even for a moment was a joy.

A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano

A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano is a wonderful new book for children ages 8-12.  Although it would be a great book for anyone over the age of 12 who loves a good mystery/ghost story.

 I love this book. I loved it from the first paragraph.  This is the kind of book I would have loved when I was young.   The main character Pram is the kind of girl I would have wanted to be friends with when I was little.

Lauren DeStefano has woven a tale that is a spellbinding page turner.  It may be a little dark for some but that is all part of it's charm.  It has an instant classic feel about it, a must have new book for those who love magic, ghosts and mystery!

In Celebration of all things Beatles!

It has been 50 years since The Beatles came to America and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.  Seeing all the news programs and entertainment shows talk about this anniversary made me think about the many children's books that have been published concerning this iconic group.

Since I have started this blog I have written about two books that involve the Beatles:

John's Secret Dreams: The John Lennon Story by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier


The Yellow Submarine by the Beatles


Here are some other titles for a parent or grandparent etc to introduce this great musical band to a new generation:

How the Beatles Changed the World by Martin W. Sandler.  Great pictorial about The Beatles for an older child that  explains historical and cultural context of the that time in history. 

Who were The Beatles? by Geoff Edgers.  This book is part of a wonderful biography series for children that is easy to read.  A great way to introduce John, Paul, Ringo and George to a younger audience.  Great book for child to when they need to read a biography for school.  

Octopus's Garden by Ringo Starr and illustrated by Ben Cort. This was one of my favorite songs when I was little.  I played it over and over again...is is a fun song that makes a perfect picture book.  A great way to introduce The Beatles to a much younger audience.  

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:

What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the World by Henry Clark

I realized I hardly ever do young readers books.  I know there are so many new ones being published but for some reason it is easier to flip through a picture book and get a feel for the story then it is a new novel.  That being said I was straightening and shelving in  the young readers or grades 4-6 section at Well Read the other day when I came across today's book.  I usually can tell if I like something by reading the first few paragraphs.  So when I came across this book I was so intrigued by the title that I checked out the first chapter.  I haven't finished it yet but what I have read so far seemed fun and fresh.

What We Found in the Sofa and How it Saved the World is a the debut novel by  Henry Clark.  It is a great book for kids who like humorous stories with a little adventure sprinkle in.  I love the three main characters River, Freak and Fiona.  The book has a contemporary feel but at the same time reads like the books I read when I a kid.  The story centers around the mysterious sofa and the unique crayon they find in it....I would tell you the rest but that would ruin the story....this is a great gift for the holidays for any child who loves an adventure story laced with humor.  I am hoping this is the start of more adventurous with these great new characters......



Oh check out Henry Clark's website....lots of fun stuff to read and see.  Website

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by Jay Scarfone, William Stillman, Caren Marsh-Doll

Since the holiday season has officially begun I thought I would recommend a book for the whole family.  I loved watching the Wizard of Oz on TV when I was young.  It is one of my favorite memories growing up.  In fact I loved it so much it took me years to read the actual book.  When I did read it --- one slow Saturday night in the bookstore----I was amazed that except for a few details (silver shoes instead of ruby slippers and a few different  characters) the film was pretty close to the book.

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by Jay Scarfone, William Stillman and Caren Marsh- Doll is a commemorative collectible book that has new stories from cast and crew plus beautiful stills from the film and previously unpublished information and photos from the making of the film.  This is a must have for any Wizard of Oz fan.  

If there is a child who loves the movie this would be a great time to introduce the original Frank L. Baum book....here is one my favorite editions that I have written about before:

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum and illustrated by W.W. Denslow

There is also this favorite of mine that I wrote about from the master Pop-Up artist Robert Sabuda:

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum art by Robert Sabuda 

These make great gifts and would be a wonderful way to help with Small Business Saturday tomorrow....bookstores are like home to me which makes me think of Dorothy her famous line:

"There's no place like home...." 

For Veteran's Day--Book revisit: All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg

All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg (my sister) was published in 2009.  It was the first book I ever wrote about on this blog but I would like to revisit it again today---for Veteran's Day. It is the story of a boy from Vietnam who is adopted into an American family.  It deals with how he  comes to terms with his past.  It also deals with Vietnam Veterans and their experiences when they came home from the war...and much more.  this book is the perfect way to talk about Vietnam Veterans and their role in history.   My sister always speaks about how it is a very personal story for her because of what she witnessed of the Vietnam War as she was growing up.  I myself just remember images from the TV and how angry everyone was about the war.  Even though the book came out a few years ago she is still getting positive responses to the novel.  She recently wrote her monthly blog post about her most vivid memories of a Vietnam War Veteran.  She talks about seeing him in Washington Square Park in NYC and describes the feelings she felt that never went away and changed her perspective on history.  Below is an excerpt from her posting, to read the whole blog posting just click on the title below it is worth the read:

The Veteran of Washington Square ~ An Open Letter to Veterans Everywhere by Ann Burg

.....His appearance in my novel, All the Broken Pieces, was my way of honoring and thanking the Veteran of  Washington Square for sacrificing his youth and his innocence.

We lost a big piece

of ourselves in Vietnam,

and none of us will

ever be the same,

but we did some good too.

We made a difference.

  I wish my Washington Square Veteran could see this post or read my book. I hope that he has found some measure of peace. Whatever one’s opinion about Vietnam, or any war for that matter, all veterans deserve our respect and gratitude. From the deepest recesses of my heart, I wish them peace. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To all who have sacrificed for our country---Thank You! -- RM

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.   

Serafina's Promise by Ann E. Burg

So excited that my sister Ann's book is now available.  It has been so long since she first told me about the story of the Haitian girl who wanted to be a doctor. 

Serafina's Promise by Ann E. Burg (my sister) is not just the story of a little girl but of a resilient country and the power of hope. Written in verse, Serafina's Promise is a good read for a child who is interested in other countries and cultures. It would also make a great classroom read for teachers who are looking for something that will help students understand that no matter the place or circumstance, people are more alike than different. The verse novel helps make difficult concepts accessible to readers of all levels.  

Needless to say I love this book and not just because it is written by my sister.  That being said Serafina's Promise is a sweet and sensitive read.  I am so proud of my sister.....

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis is a great new book for middle grade readers that is sure to keep them laughing.  I was immediately drawn to the book when I saw it on the bookstore shelf.  At first glance the title suggests a character who is not sure of himself but it is just the opposite.  Timmy is full of so much confidence and self assurance that I laughed out loud thinking I know kids like him. He  is an endearing character too because he wants to become rich not just for himself but to help his Mom  pay the bills.  This is the perfect book for kids who like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series which is probably what the author intended.  I like when an author grabs onto a genre but doesn't copy it verbatim.  I also like how it is a sweet funny book that doesn't talk down to the reader.  I can't wait for the next book in the series.....

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.

Reference Sunday: US PRESIDENTS Oval Office All-Stars by Dan Green illustrated by Simon Basher

In honor of Inauguration Day I thought if would great to recommend a book on the Presidents of the United States.   There are quite a few on the shelves that have been updated to include the 2012 election but non as humorous and informative as today's book.

Basher History: US PRESIDENTS Oval Office All Stars created and illustrated by Simon Basher and written by Dan Green with Dr. Edward L. Widm a presidential historian is a great introduction to each of our United States Presidents.   I like that it is not overwhelming and tedious to read.   The information is  quirky and different.   I think children like to learn more than just the usual facts about anything.   While the illustrations are a bit cartoonish they do fit the style of the book.   I think this would be a great companion book to a more serious biographical book on the Presidents of the United States.   Sometimes kids need to see that not all history is just dry facts and figures.  

One Beastly Beast: Two Aliens, Three Inventors, Four Fantastic Tales by Garth Nix

One Beastly Beast: Two Aliens, Three inventors, Four Fantastic Tales by Garth Nix and illustrated by Brian Biggs was a wonderful thing to find while perusing the library bookshelves.   I was amazed I hadn't heard of it before since I am a huge Garth Nix fan.   These are great fantasy stories for younger readers.   These four stories have something for every child --- pirates, princess, aliens and incredible creatures.   The stories are filled with magic and adventure with lots of humor built in.   This is a great book for the reluctant reader because they are short stories that are quick reads.   So many children today love fantasy that this would be a great start to any child's collection.   Perfect too for this time of year!

Stat: Home Court and Stat: Double Team by Amar'e Stoudmire

I was catching up on last weeks The Daily Show with Jon Stewart when I was pleasantly surprised that he was going to do an interview about a children's book series.   One of the reasons I love watching Jon Stewart is because he interviews so many authors on his show.   Mostly he does political or history books and of course some celebrity books.   What always amazes me is that I really thinks he reads most of them.   Today's books are basically a celebrity book series.   I am not knocking this but just being up front about it.  I can't remember the last time Jon Stewart talked about a children's book.   What I liked about the interview was that Jon was really impressed with the books.   I am thinking he got the books for his son who is just the right age to be reading them.   It is so wonderful to see a guy really excited about books and that he is apparently trying to get his son to love them too.   I am not into basketball so I had never heard of this player.   After watching the interview I was very impressed and happy that he should use his celebrity to get kids to read.   Never a bad thing in my eyes.

Stat: Home Court and Stat: Double Team by Amar'e Stoudmire and illustrated by Tim Jessell is a new series for young readers ages 8-12.   Scholastic who publishes the series calls it "realistic fiction".   I like that.   It is the fictionalized account of Mr Stoudmire's childhood and how he discovered that playing basketball was his dream.  It is a great series for the reluctant boy reader who loves sports.   Anything to get a child to read is a positive thing in my mind.   I knew nothing about Amar'e Stoudmire before I saw his interview.  He is an all-star NBA player for the NY Knicks who wants to be a positive influence on children.  Here's hoping this influence brings a love of reading to children everywhere.