WORLD READ ALOUD DAY 2012

8 Classrooms.

6  States.

1 AMAZING SHARED EXPERIENCE ON WORLD READ ALOUD DAY! 

Today, I had the great fun of Skyping with wonderful students, sharing my love for reading and an excerpt from my new book, Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen.  

Thanks to Kate Messner for connecting authors with classrooms as part of this special day!

And thanks to the wonderful educators and librarians for connecting me with your students.

These kids live where I used to live in Bensalem, PA.  We had a great time talking about the one thing I miss almost as much as my family -- PHILLY SOFT PRETZELS!

I managed to keep these awesome North Carolina kids in the dark.

This Western Pennsylvania book club shared their favorite books.  I have a lot of reading to do to keep up with them!

Loved the kids from this New York middle school. 

While it looks like I was speaking to only a few, this was a great group from New Hampshire.  They were part of a book club that regularly Skypes with authors.

Iowa is in the house!  Thanks Ms. McClintock Miller for connecting during your very busy day.  This is our second year working together during World Read Aloud Day.

Bad lighting.  GREAT kids from NY!

Ms. Tyo, we meet again.  These Ohio students are great readers and totally rocked World Read Aloud Day!

Being a Golden Kite Award Judge

The e-mail asking me to be a Golden Kite Award judge included this sentence:  "This year we expect approximately 200- 300 books in the Fiction category."

I felt honored to be asked.

Then I thought:  200-300 books!!!

Who could I talk to who has read lots of books?  Hmm.  Author and book reviewer Sue Corbett.  Sue generously suggested how I might organize so many books.  Then she said these seven words:  "For what it's worth, I'd say yes!"

I said YES!

Then I spent the early part of the summer giving away my own books.  I emptied a floor to ceiling bookcase to hold the expected Golden Kite books.

Then I waited for the avalanche of books to arrive.

And waited.

About a dozen books came in.  I read them.  Then a dozen more.   I read them, too.

The deadline to receive books was in December, so by early November I was sure there would be fewer than 200 books to go through.  I can definitely do this, I thought.

Then the books came.

And came . . .

I realized I had to stop reading any other books.  In fact, the people who work at our local public library asked my husband, "I haven't seen Donna in here.  Is she okay?"


I was okay.  Just a little booked up . . .

Buddha sits atop the pile of books to be read.

It became clear I not only needed to stop reading other books, I needed to stop writing them.  That was hard.  No writing.  Just reading.

And reading . . . 

Be careful what you wish for . . .

This process gave me an appreciation for what editors and agents do all day, every day.  My only requirement when I opened a book was that it demanded that I keep reading.  If it did, I kept reading.  If not, well . . .

It helped to know I wasn't alone in this Herculean task.

One of the greatest parts of this experience was working with the other judges in the fiction category -- Julia Durango and Steve Watkins, each of whom have won the Golden Kite Fiction Award for their books.  

I can't say enough good things about these talented, thoughtful, hard-working, fun people.  We'd send e-mails to encourage each other through the process.   And sometimes, I'd get an e-mail like this: "Did you get the Random House books?  Mine arrived today!!!"

Living in South Florida, I always got the books a day later than the other judges, so I appreciated the heads up about what would land on my doorstep.  We judges had thought we were nearly done reading when the 70 plus Random House books arrived . . .

Here's our oldest son schlepping in the boxes before his shift at Best Buy.

That floor to ceiling bookshelf quickly filled, and books began piling up everywhere.  Our kids would show their friends when they came over.  I would show my friends.  It was fun to watch their eyes bulge as they looked at the sheer volume of books.

I kept reading.

Eventually, the pile of completed books far outnumbered the to-be-read pile.

 
Julia, Steve and I worked hard to select the winners -- sharing our top three books with each other and working from there.  We've each been on the receiving end of that wonderful phone call -- them for winning the Golden Kite Fiction Awards, me for winning the Sid Fleischman Humor Award -- and we were so excited for the winning and honor book recipients to receive those magical phone calls. 

We wished we could give out several awards.  But we had to make hard choices.  Ultimately, we were proud to send in our selections.

Congratulations to the Golden Kite Fiction Award winner -- Ruta Sepetys for her gripping novel, Between Shades of Gray.  And congratulations to Trent Reedy for winning the Golden Kite Fiction Honor Award for sensitively portraying a young girl in war-torn Afghanistan in his deeply touching novel, Words in the Dust.  We are thrilled for all Golden Kite and Sid Fleischman Award winners!

So, it's over.  Except for the books.  About  450 in all.  

I kept some for my home library . . .

I gave several to delighted young friends.

And I was able to donate about 400 brand new books to the Palm Beach County School system.  That felt good -- not just being able to see our floor again, but knowing good books will get into the hands of kids who need them.  Thanks, Janeen Pelser, for picking them up!

Thanks Sue Corbett for encouraging me to say, "Yes!"  Thanks Julia Durango and Steve Watkins for sharing this amazing experience with me.  Couldn't have asked for two better cohorts.  Thanks to my family for putting up with all the books and all the reading.  And thanks SCBWI for honoring me with this request and for the wonderful, wonderful work you do!

Three Books for Kids That Are Great Fun for Writers . . .

I found these three books thoroughly enjoyable:

Henrietta doesn't let rejection slips and a terrible review from the "Corn Book" dampen her EGGcitement for getting her book into the hands of enthusiastic young readers.

This PUNtastic book teaches the right way to write writing.

A boy figures out his own problems through sustained correspondence with his favorite author.

What other kids' books would be great fun for writers to read?

Better, Stronger, Faster . . .

When I was a kid, I had a major crush on Lee Majors of The Six Million Dollar Man.  Major crush.  Lee Majors.  Get it?

Anyway, I realized I was not writing nearly as much as I should have been.  Whole days would pass and I'd look back and wonder, Why haven't I written anything?  I mean, the dogs got walked, I exercised, cooked the meals and took care of the promotion side of the business, but WHAT HAD I WRITTEN?

I needed bionic writing powers!  But since that wasn't an option, I had to become a bionic writer on my own.  Sheesh!

How did I create bionic writing powers?  I made one simple change that changed everything.

I put my writing first.  I gave it my best energy.

This is not me.

Every day for two weeks I got to my writing chair within fifteen minutes of waking.  (Including weekends and President's Day.  I might even work on important holidays like Groundhog's Day and Take Your Chihuahua to Work Day.  I'm that jazzed about being a bionic writer.) 

At the end of the two weeks, I discovered something startling.  The dogs still got walked.  The meals still got made.  (Just not always by me.)  And I had made significant progress on more than one book.  Since I showed up at the same place at the same time every day, that fickle Muse knew exactly where to find me.

I'm not alone in this bionic writing thing either.

Gail Shepherd of the awesome blog Paradoxy began rising at 5:30 when she got a full-time job.  She puts in 1-1/2 hours of writing every day before work.

Gary D. Schmidt has SIX children and a full-time job.  He writes two pages a day and continually produces amazing books.  Here he is talking at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Louis Sachar writes two pages a day, too.  And last time I checked, he won the Newbery for a little book called Holes. 

Two pages a day?  Oh yeah, I can do that.

Heck, I can write a dozen pages now that I'm all bionic about it.

There's only one thing missing -- that cool music that played in the background when Lee Majors (Steve Austin) was doing all his cool bionic stuff.  Now, if I had that playing in the background, just imagine how much I'd be able to write!

The Truth -- Failure IS an Option

I tend to share writing successes and the shiny parts of my life on this blog -- book sales, publication days and fun family moments. 

The truth is that most of my writing life and personal life is not shiny.  It's dull, mundane and heaped with unsuccessful effort and failed attempts.  

The path to success is messy, filled with failures.

A bit of wisdom by comic Demetri Martin

Sure, there's the occasional good news that I celebrate mightily.  And sometimes there's devastating news, like a family member's suicide last week -- the third to touch our family since the start of the year (the other two were a neighbor and a young man at our son's school).

And then there are the everyday difficulties. 

Every day, we deal with the truth that one of our sons has a serious mental illness.  There were dark, difficult years -- DARK, DIFFICULT YEARS -- until we found a diagnosis, medication and therapy.  In short -- help and HOPE! 

Why am I so publicly open about our son's illness?  Why is our son completely open about his illness? 

Because we understand it's not the illness, but society's shame and stigma that keeps people from seeking help.  We stand behind NAMI's (National Alliance on Mental Illness) mission to eradicate the stigma attached to brain illnesses.  We hope brain illnesses can be looked at like physical illnesses, like diabetes, so people feel free to seek treatment without worrying about being judged or discriminated against.  Would you give insulin to your child if she were diabetic?  Of course!  Brain illnesses, from depression to anxiety to bipolar disorder (which our son has) to schizophrenia, often require medication, too.

As far as my writing life, I'm just now allowing myself to embrace and accept my writing life without hijacking my own efforts -- thinking I need a "real" job, chasing small writing jobs for "quick" money, worrying about the future and a host of what ifs.  I'm just now able to embrace this writing life for its opportunity to connect with creative people, examine the endless complexities of life, people, nature and live a rich, fulfilling life of the mind.

It's been over two years since I finished writing Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen.  Two years of sending my agent a few picture books, novel premises and a completed novel that all weren't publishable.  There have been nine -- NINE -- failed projects since I wrote Olivia.

My agent -- bless her patient soul -- thought I was frustrated with her repeated "No"s.  I wasn't.  I'm not even frustrated with my repeated attempts and failures.  I've finally learned that failure -- repeated failure -- is part of the process.  I wish it wasn't.  I wish this writing life were easier.  But it is exactly what it is supposed to be.   We must try.  We must fail.  And we must try again.

This week I'm starting again.  I've got an idea I'm excited about.  And I hope this time I can push aside the fear of going deep emotionally and create my next publishable novel.

I hope.

Read It Forward and . . . Change the World

I LOVE when enthusiastic school librarians come up with nifty ideas to get kids jazzed about reading.

Kay Hawkins, a Texas middle school librarian, is putting 70-80 copies of a certain book around her school.  (Hint:  It has to do with a hamster, Jewish apple cake and The Daily Show's Jon Stewart.)  The students are encouraged to find a book, read it, sign their name in the front cover and leave it for another student to find.

Random acts of reading!   Who doesn't love that?

To culminate the reading adventure, Kay has invited me to do an author visit at her school and another school in the area.  Whoopee!

But does she stop there?  Nope.  Because uber-librarians never stop there.

She's put QR Codes on the books, then taught the students -- during morning announcements -- to scan the codes to be directed to my Web site or to this video trailer that she created:




I love this video.  I love Kay's enthusiasm and the Read It Forward program.  Can't wait to meet Kay and visit the kids.  And it has nothing to do with the fact that she promised me good food and bowling while I'm there.  Who doesn't love good food and bowling? 

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And one more great idea to make this planet a better place (Thanks, Marsha!) . . .

Okay, young people, here's your chance to CHANGE THE WORLD (or at least your corner of it):

Youth Service America Invites Young Change-Makers to Apply for Disney Friends for Change Grants.  Youth Service America and Disney are accepting applications for its Disney Friends for Change Grants program.  This program offers young change-makers in the United States funding to help make a lasting, positive change in their communities and the world.  Youth between the ages of 5 and 18 in all fifty states and the District of Columbia are eligible to lead a project and apply for a $1,000 grant.  (Applicants younger than 13 years of age must have an older person submit the application on their behalf.)
For complete program guidelines, the eligibility quiz, and the application form, as well as information on previous grant recipients, visit the YSA Web site.
http://www.ysa.org/grants/disney-friends-change-grants.
Deadline:  February 29

A Few Fantastic Resources and Some Super News . . .

There are two things I look forward to on Wednesdays -- a new Modern Family episode and a fresh podcast from Katie Davis's Brain Burps About Books.  Episodes provide industry information, book reviews, marketing tips from Dianne de Las Casas and enough inspiration that I feel like I've attended a mini-conference.

So far in 2012, I've learned about Julie Hedlund's blog, Write Up My Life, and her innovative picture book challenge 12x12 in 2012.  (Have you written your January picture book?  I have!)

I learned about creating picture books from editor, Emma Dryden.  Oh, and check out the popovers the size of one's head! 

In a previous episode, I discovered a new favorite author -- Erica Perl -- and her hilarious book, When Life Gives You O.J.

From Katie's weekly podcast, I also learned how much author Nancy Werlin makes per year.  There was the interview with Newbery winners Linda Sue Park and Rebecca Stead.  Let's not forget the episodes about school visit tips, how to make a book trailer and Bruce Coville's harrowing escape from Egypt.

2.  Did you read this interview with Marla Frazee?  She's one of my favorite illustrators.  And Mrs. Biddlebox is one of my favorite books that she illustrated.  (She mentions it during the interview.)

In the interview, Ms. Frazee shares hard-earned wisdom that applies to both illustrators and writers.

3.  Agent Jill Corcoran offers rock-solid advice in her blog post:  What Makes a Book Sell?.  This post offers a great reminder of what we need to keep in mind when we write the next book . . . and how to begin writing the next book.  Thanks, Jill!

Onto the super news . . .

1.  In addition to the starred Kirkus review for Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen:  “This tale will have readers cheering for the resilient, resourceful Olivia,” Publisher's Weekly just released a fabulous review of Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen:  ". . . this tender, triumphant novel . . ."

With these lovely reviews coming in, Ken Jennings' blurb on the back cover and my Jeopardy!-obsessed, 84-year-old dad's whole-hearted endorsement, I can't wait for Olivia to make her way into the world on March 13th!

2.  On Goodreads, a school librarian in Illinois, Mrs. B, posted this review of How to Survive Middle School:  "I definitely expect this to appear on the Rebecca Caudill list in the next 2-3 years . . .  I read it because a 6th grade girl brought it back in and said it was the best book she ever read."

Well, a few days ago, an e-mail (that landed in my spam folder!) began with one of my favorite words:  "Congratulations!" 

The e-mail went on:  "I am pleased to inform you that How to Survive Middle School is among the 20 books on the Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award shortlist for 2013."

The Illinois State Reading List for grades 4-8!  Could you hear me whooping and hollering at your house?  I sure was loud enough.  Our dogs heard me!

Five years worth of books are considered for this list.  A dedicated committee of hard-working professionals narrow the choices down to 50 books.  Finally, the committee meets at the end of January and selects the 20 books that will appear on the list.

Mrs. B, from Goodreads, I'm so glad your sweet prediction for my book came true.

I leave you with a quote from the late author Rebecca Caudill, for whom the award is named:

“The first essential in any book is that it have something significant to say --a book that leaves the reader with bigger ideas than when he began reading - that stimulates his thinking, stretches his mind, deepens his feelings. A good book sticks to your ribs.”  -- Rebecca Caudill

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

What dogs think about . . .

1.  Walking
2.  Sniffing
3.  Eating
4.  Pooping
5.  Scratching


What cats think about . . .

1.  World domination
2.  Catnip

Book Twins . . . Again

I've discovered two books with very similar covers.  If you read my blog, you know this has happened before.

I guess it's bound to occur occasionally, with hundreds and hundreds of books being published each year.

Here are the latest book twins:

 

And just for fun, check out this link -- 24 Books That Actually Got Published.

ALA Youth Media Awards . . .

This morning, I watched the Youth Media Awards live via Webcast.  For those who are not children's book junkies, these awards are akin to the Academy Awards for film, and people in the industry get very excited about it.

If you want to skip my commentary and go right to the awards, click here.

I'm delighted with the winner of the Newbery Medal:  Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos because it's FUNNY!  The first scene was so outrageously hilarious, I had to read it to Hubby then reread it myself a few times. 

It's fun to check the Amazon ranking of the winning book when the award is first announced (27,051) and the ranking as I write this (45).  Yeah, a little thing like winning the Newbery has a tendency to do that to a book's ranking. 

I love Jack Gantos' books from Rotten Ralph to the Joey Pigza books to A Hole in My Life.  And I'm delighted that his novel Dead End in Norvelt won the 2012 Newbery.  (I'll bet his speech this summer will be wildly entertaining.)

Here he is at the 2011 National Book Festival (being wildly entertaining) . . .

The two Newbery honor books were Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin (an absolutely terrific book that's highly illustrated) and Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai (which also WON the National Book Award).

John Corey Whaley won the William C. Morris Award for a first-time author writing a debut book for teens for his novel, Where Things Come Back.  This novel also won the Printz Award for excellence in literature for young adults.  Can't wait to get my hands on this one . . .

This from Kirkus Reviews:  "This extraordinary tale from a rare literary voice finds wonder in the ordinary and illuminates the hope of second chances."

I was so happy to see Wendelin Van Draanen's The Running Dream win a Schneider Family Book Award -- books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.  Wendelin's novel kept me up late one night because I had to keep reading to find out what happened next.  A beautiful book.

And fellow Florida writer, Greg Neri, snagged an Odyssey Award for best audio book for his terrific, highly illustrated book -- Ghetto Cowboy.  (Illustrations by Jesse Joshua Watson.)  Neri's dramatic story illuminates a part of Philadelphia's history I knew nothing about, despite being a native.  Neri's books fill a need.  They should get in the hands of as many young readers as possible.

There were many other awards announced and many exciting books to explore further.  You'll find the whole list here.

Now, I can get back to writing my own books . . . as visions of the awards dance in my head.

Basketball Season . . .

Our son loves playing basketball.

For years, he's played in the driveway with Dad, at neighborhood courts and at school. 

Here's Jake two years ago, when Dad was still able to beat him . . .

This year, Jake joined the inaugural class at a most amazing high school -- Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches.  Not only does the school provide exceptional educators and support staff, healthful meals and snacks, the latest in technology, a caring community and amazing opportunities -- like the chance to meet and interact with scientists, astronauts and Holocaust survivors -- they offer tons of sports, including the one Jake has enjoyed for years -- basketball.

Last night was the team's final home game of the season . . .

I'm happy to say they ended the game with a win.  Go, Thunderwolves!

It's not a game until the uber-talented Allison Taylor belts out her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.   Allie has a superstar voice!

Here's Jake and Allie after the game . . .

And here's Jake with his wonderful coach -- Dwayne McClain (who played on Villanova's National Championship team in 1985).

Can't wait for tonight's game -- an away game -- the final one for the season.  Looking forward to celebrating with the team and their families afterward.  What a great community.  What a great school.  Thank you, Oxbridge Academy!

Want to Write a Picture Book in 2012?

How about 12 picture books?

The inspiring Julie Hedlund has created a vibrant community of writers pledging to write 12 picture books -- one per month -- in 2012.

12x12 in '12

There will be an industry professional blogging at the beginning of each month, offering information and inspiration.  There will be giveaways that will help us reach our goals.  There is an active Facebook page.   A Twitter group. 

Want to join the fun?

Check out the F.A.Q. of 12x12 in 2012 to join.  And be sure to do it by January 29th so you will be eligible to win the great prizes.

How did I hear about this very cool community?  On Katie Davis's Brain Burps Podcast about Children's Literature, of course.

FL SCBWI Conference in Miami

One-word description:  Inspiring.

A few more words:  Even though I've attended the FL SCBWI Conference nearly each of the last eleven years, this year I hesitated.  Do I have the time?  Money?  Then I remembered that at one of the conferences, instead of taking notes during a speech, I began scribbling ideas that became my novel, HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

When my good buddy Jill said she'd drive, I was in!

To say that speeches by Lin Oliver, E.B. Lewis, Greg Neri and others inspired me would be a vast understatement.

There's something magical about the energy created by a room full of creative people.  I knew a quarter way in it was clearly worth the time and money. 

The Editors Panel Discussion

Sometime during Lin Oliver's amazing speech, while I was taking notes so fast my hand hurt, it happened again.  IT HAPPENED AGAIN!  I scribbled an idea I think will be my next middle grade novel.

Thank you Linda Bernfeld and the many hard-working, dedicated volunteers (I'm talking to you, Laurie Taddonio!) who helped make the magic happen for the 11th year in a row!

Fun Friday -- Four Truths and a Lie

Which of the five photos below was NOT something I saw on today's walk?

Care to share YOUR four truths and a lie in the comment section?  I'll try to guess.   Promise.

WORLD READ ALOUD DAY . . .

Psst.  Have you heard?

WORLD READ ALOUD DAY IS MARCH 7th!

On World Read Aloud Day, several children's book authors will Skype with students and read to them from their books FOR FREE!

I participated in this wonderful event last year, the event's inaugural year.  Virtually, I visited six schools in five states, without ever getting out of my bunny slippers.  Read about it here.

Enthusiastic students from Oak Brook, IL

If you'd like an author to read to your students via Skype on World Read Aloud Day, check out Kate Messner's blog, where she lists the authors who are available.

Who started World Read Aloud Day?  Why super hero, literacy advocate Pam Allyn, of course.  Read more at LitWorld.   Their motto is:  "Words changing worlds." 

How did I hear about Pam Allyn?  On author/illustrator, Katie Davis's, Brain Burps Podcast.  I love this podcast.  I've learned so much about the industry from these fun, informative podcasts, brimming with interviews.  Thanks, Katie!

And thanks to everyone involved in creating and supporting World Read Aloud Day.  So far, I'll be Skyping with students from five schools in five different states.  Can't wait!  Hmm, I know my bunny slippers are around here somewhere.

Seeing Stars . . . And a New Cover!

The first e-mail of 2012 from my editor:

Hi Donna,
Here’s a great way to kick off the new year—a starred Kirkus for Olivia!
Congrats,

M

Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen (March 13, 2012) begins it's journey into the world with a starred review from Kirkus, which is exactly how the journey with How to Survive Middle School began.  And that's been a fun ride!


Here's a peek at the Kirkus review, which will appear January 15th:  "This tale will have readers cheering for the resilient, resourceful Olivia."


And here's the brand new cover for Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen that will appear in stores this March:

What do you think?

Here's to star-studded, FUNTASTIC 2012 for each of us!