In Princess Posey and the Christmas Magic (Putnam, 2103), first grade protagonist Posey is beginning to mature. In this book, the seventh in the series, author Stephanie Greene and illustrator Stephanie Roth Sisson masterfully present some challenging emotional issues for Posey to ponder. Not only does she desire for Santa to bring her a highly unrealistic Christmas… Read more »
New & Noteworthy
Prisoner 88
PRISONER 88 by Leah Pileggi (Charlesbridge, 2013) In 2007, debut novelist Leah Pileggi toured the Idaho Penitentiary in Boise, Idaho. She discovered that the youngest prisoner incarcerated had been ten years old in the 1880s. Caught in a wave of disbelief, she was inspired by the boy’s story. She knew she wanted to write about… Read more »
Odette’s Secrets: Interview With Author Maryann MacDonald, Part 2
Earlier this week, we learned about the real Odette on whom the historical fiction Odette’s Secrets was closely based. Today, author Maryann MacDonald tells ReaderKidZ more about writing this book. How long did it take you to write Odette’s Secrets? A long time. I discovered Odette’s book in the autumn of 2006, and met Daniel,… Read more »
Teaching Diversity Through Oral Storytelling
Teaching with Story: Classroom Connections to Storytelling (August House, 2013) is a celebration of a family who has joined together to share their delight in oral storytelling and all of the diversity that comes with it. Author Margaret Read MacDonald has devoted her career to sharing the joys of storytelling with parents, educators, and librarians. Inspired by… Read more »
Carnivores and Frog Trouble
CARNIVORES by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Dan Santat (Chronicle Books, 2013) It’s not easy being at the top of the food chain. In fact, it’s downright depressing. And it hurts, too. After all, it’s not the lion’s fault that the gazelles don’t trust him. And the great white shark? Well, he’s just misunderstood. The timber wolf… Read more »
All That’s Missing by Sarah Sullivan
We spoke with author Sarah Sullivan about her journey from early draft to final revision and the aha moment that eventually became the evocative debut, All That’s Missing (Candlewick Press), set to hit bookstore shelves October 8th. *** Thanks to all who entered this month’s giveaway! Congratulations to Colleen Malley, winner of a signed copy of All That’s Missing!… Read more »
The Cart That Carried Martin
THE CART THAT CARRIED MARTIN by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Don Tate. Martin Luther King Jr. used his peaceful words to help bridge the cultural and racial divide between African Americans and American Caucasians. He dedicated his life to making the world a better place and to teach love, equality, and acceptance in the hearts… Read more »
