Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Zilpha Keatley Snyder, beloved children's author has died.  A former school teacher, her first young adult novel was published after an editor told her she was writing the wrong story, and asked for a rewrite.  She had to rewrite it twice before publication, but then went on to write nearly fifty books, including the Newbery honor books, The Egypt Game, The Headless Cupid, and The Witches of Worm.  Read her full obit here, and remember three important writing axioms from her life:
1.  Good writing is rewriting.
2.  Know your audience.  (She credits her years teaching the upper elementary grades for her ability to write for that age group.)
3.  This is a business of rejection, and only those who persevere in spite of that rejection will succeed.

Happy reading and writing,
Christine

Teen Read Week

Although every week should be Teen Read Week, we are at the end of the Young Adult Library Service Association's official Teen Read Week.  Click here for tips on inspiring adolescents to read every day.

Happy reading,
Christine

People I Want to Punch in the Throat

Jen Mann's new book,  People I Want to Punch in the Throat is hysterical, and should be required reading for all overworked, exhausted moms.  You can learn more about it on her blog.

Happy reading,
Christine

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

This weekend I saw the movie version of Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  I loved the children's book, and the movie exceeded expectations.   Enjoy the trailer below:

Happy reading,
Christine

The Drop

I just finished reading  The Drop, by Dennis Lehane.  If you are looking for a quick read with suspense and a plot twist you won't see coming, try this book.  I liked that it was set in Boston, and I liked the author's references to landmarks in that city like the public library, Quincy Market, the river, etc.  So, although I can't wait to see the movie version, (I want to see James Gandolfini in one of the last films he completed) I was disappointed to see the trailer suggest Brooklyn as a setting.  I usually don't like when movies depart too far from the original, so I hope it is only the setting that has been changed, because the plot and characters were perfect.


Happy reading,
Christine

Book Picks From Someone You Don't Like

I am reading Shouldn't You Be in School? the third book in Lemony Snicket's All the Wrong Questions series.  In it, the protagonist mentions reading a book recommended to him by several people he doesn't like. It got me wondering, would you/could you read a book recommended by someone you didn't like?  Could you really enjoy the book if it was recommended by someone you didn't even like?

Happy reading,
Christine

Bullies, Victims and Bystanders in Teen Fiction

Here is a post on Bullies, Victims and Bystanders in Teen Fiction.  I hope these novels launch meaningful discussions during Bullying Prevention Month.

Happy reading,
Christine