December 16, 2009 by Emily
The fun continues today with more fabulous recommendations for holiday giving from authors we know and love! If you’re stumped on what to give your favorite kidlit reader, here are some suggestions from Kristin Clark Venuti, Greg Leitich Smith, and Lauren Baratz-Logsted!
We were already fans of Kristin Clark Venuti before she graced us with her presence this November, but 
after meeting the woman behind Leaving the Bellweathers, I think I can speak for all of BookKids when I say we’re in love! Not only is she a hysterically funny author, but she plays some mad-crazy ukulele. Come in and pick up a copy of her book, and check out some of her recommended titles as well!
Kristin’s faves for the holidays:
My favorite eight-year-old is receiving the first book in the Klise sisters‘ 43 Old 
Cemetery Road series, Dying to Meet You. Full of bad puns, ghostly capers (of the friendly sort – not the terrifying-Poltergeist-movie sort) and charming illustrations, it’s the perfect gift for any kid with a wacky sense of humor. The story is told in the form of letters, sketches and newspaper articles, so it’s a quick, yet satisfying read.
I was thrilled to discover that Tomi Ungerer’s Moon Man was recently re-released. The copy I have from my childhood is tattered and I am sorry to say, scribbled on. (I was THAT kind of a kid.) I picked up two copies of this now-retro — but always enchanting — picture book. One is for my favorite five-year-old, because I know he’ll enjoy the story of the Moon Man’s visit to earth, and his adventures among the strange and sometimes hostile people he meets here. The other copy is for me, so that I can once again enjoy Ungerer’s inky, dark, yet vibrant illustrations – without having to look at my own early attempts to write a book on those pages.
Finally, my favorite twelve-year-old guy is receiving Allen Zadoff’s Food, Girls and Other Things I Can’t Have. I could go on and on about what a great book I think this is. It’s funny, and although it has a message, it’s not one I feel clubbed over the head by. This tale of a kid who is the second fattest in his high school (which is evidently worse than being the fattest) is the closest thing to Judy Blume for guys that I can think of. Just don’t tell them that – they might not go for it. Zadoff’s book isn’t just for guys, though. Girls will be intrigued by the boy’s-eye view of the teen social hierarchy. Did I mention that it’s funny?
Greg Leitch Smith is one of our favorite Austinites. His most recent contribution to kidlit is a story in one of
our favorite books of the year, Geektastic, edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castelucci. If you can find a copy of his middle grade novel Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo, it comes highly recommended. Greg’s blog is a great source of book reviews and kidlit news, so be sure to check it out.
Here are Greg’s ideas for your holiday shopping list:
For middle-graders & tweens:
The Floating Circus by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer. Owen’s adventures on an 1850s circus boat as he tries to find his brother. Poignant and hopeful.
Antsy Does Time, by Neal Shusterman. How much is a month of your life worth? Antsy (first seen in The Schwa Was Here) is back, and this time is trying to deal with the terminal illness of a friend. But all is not what it appears in this funny sequel. 
Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris by R.L. Lafevers. Theodosia is back, trying to save her museum in Edwardian museum from Egyptian curses. A fun fantasy with a strong girl protagonist.
For young adults:
Squashed by Joan Bauer. Her first and one of her funniest. Competitions, nefarious deeds, and big giant vegetables.
The Pricker Boy by Reade Scott Whinnem
What is really going amidst the forest of thorns? An intense, creepy tale that’s sort of Stephen King meets On Golden Pond. (Longer review here.)
Soul Enchilada by David Macinnis Gill
How to beat a deal with the devil. And, really, is your soul worth a classic Cadillac Biarritz? (Longer review here.)
Lauren Baratz-Logsted is a prolific author with plenty of fabulous books to her name. Most recently she released a magic-free retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Crazy Beautiful, which captured my heart
instantaneously. Her Sisters 8 series, written with her husband, Greg Logsted, and her daghter, Jackie Logsted, is a fun, exciting early chapter book series. I’m thrilled to have Lauren’s favorite gift-giving books on our blog today!
Here are Lauren’s suggestions:
Freeze Frame by
Heidi Ayarbe. I’m giving this, my favorite YA book of 2009, to teens.
From the jacket:
No matter how many times Kyle rewrites the scene, he can’t get it right. He tries it in the style of Hitchcock, Tarantino, Eastwood, all of his favorite directors—but regardless of the style, he can’t remember what happened that day in the shed. The day Jason died. And until he can, there is one question that keeps haunting Kyle: Did he kill his best friend on purpose?
My take:
This is just an amazing book about the choices we make and how lives can change in an instant as a result. It’s also an intensely moving exploration of the long road back from tragedy to redemption.
Alibi Junior High by
Greg Logsted. I’ll be giving this one to all middle grade readers.
From the jacket:
Thirteen-year-old Cody Saron has never lived in one place longer than a few weeks, and has never attended a regular school. Growing up on the run with his father, an undercover agent for the CIA, Cody has traveled the entire globe; he speaks five languages, and he has two black belts. What Cody isn’t prepared for is…junior high.
When the danger surrounding Cody’s dad heats up, Cody is sent to stay with the aunt he’s never known, Jenny, in her small Connecticut suburb. Cody has no idea how to fit in with other kids, how to handle his first crush, or how to make it through a day of classes.
As Cody struggles to adapt to the one thing he’s never experienced — a normal life — he starts to fear that his father’s world has followed him and no one he loves is safe. Greg Logsted weaves together action, humor, and heart, building to a surprising revelation about what Cody has always believed to be true.
My take:
Yes, the author is my husband, but if I can’t tell you how wonderful his writing is, who can? Besides, it’s not just me. In fact, this exciting and fun book, which has received far too little notice, has been praised everywhere from
School Library Journal to
PBS Kids as being an ideal book to draw in reluctant readers. And isn’t getting kids to read something we all want?
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 43 old cemetery road, alibi junior high, allen zadoff, anthologies, antsy does time, Author Interviews, book reviews, chapter books, christmas shopping, crazy beautiful, david macinnis gill, dying to meet you, food girls and other things i can't have, freeze frame, geektastic, greg leitich smith, greg logsted, heidi ayarbe, holiday shopping, jackie logsted, joan bauer, kate klise, kidlit, klise sisters, kristin clark venuti, lauren baratz-logsted, leaving the bellweathers, local authors, m. sarah klise, mg, middle grade, midgrade, moon man, neal shusterman, peeled, picture books, r.l. lefevers, reade scott whinnem, rl lefevers, sarah klise, short stories, sisters 8, soul enchilada, squashed, Teen books, the floating circus, the pricker boy, the schwa was here, the sisters 8, theodosia and the staff of osiris, theodosia throckmorton, tomi ungerer, tracie vaughn zimmer, ya, young adult | 1 Comment »
December 14, 2009 by Emily
The days are ticking away, and you’ve still got a few people on your left to buy for, no? BookKids has the solution. With the help of some of our – and your – favity fave authors, we’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Check out suggestions from today’s features authors, Pam Bachorz, Lisa McMann, and Stacey Jay!
Pam Bachorz is the fabulous author of the smashing new book Candor, a Stepford-esque sci fi that will make your skin crawl and your brain explode (in a good way). If you haven’
t read Candor yet, get thee to BookKids so I can put a copy in your hands. And check out the Candor website, which will tell you all about the benefits of living in this small town in Florida. In the mean time, Pam was lovely enough to let her in on her favorite books to give this holiday season.
Here is her gracious gift-giving advice:
I am buying James Dashner’s Maze Runner for a certain omnivorous (adult) reader in my life. I want to persuade him to pick up more YA–there is so much outstanding YA out there that adults love. I know Maze Runner will keep him on the edge of his seat and it has enough 
intensity to keep any reader hooked.
I bought Harry Bliss‘ Luke on the Loose for the five year-old son of some hipster friends. This book is touted as a graphic novel for emergent readers, so it’s perfect for the kid who’s starting to read but still enjoys the support of pictures with a lot of narration in them. Plus it’s funny. And cool. I figure they’ll be feeding this kid a steady diet of graphic novels as he grows older, so why not get him started on the good path now?
Finally I’m picking up the first book in Suzanne Collins‘ Gregor the Overlander series for an 11 year-old boy who’s a bit of reluctant reader… but only because I think he’s having a hard time finding something that speaks to him. I was gobbling up this series before The Hunger Games exploded. It’s packed with action, humor, and it’s very original. I figure he’ll cut his teeth on this and then discover The Hunger Games when he’s ready.
This year at the First Annual Austin Teen Book Festival, I had the pleasure of me
eting Ms. Lisa McMann. Her warm disposition made me fall in love with her all over again, since I already adored her after reading Wake, the first in her sci-fi trilogy. Lisa’s books, including Fade and the highly anticipated Gone, are Austin favorites, so of course I was thrilled to have her on board with this holiday blog project. I think BookKids Blog readers will be equally thrilled with what she has to share.
Lisa’s Tips for readers of all ages:
I bought Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem by Mac Barnett and Adam Rex for a five-year-old friend because it is a hilarious story about Billy Twitters who has a pet Blue Whale and has to take care of it. I chose this because all five year olds should giggle. A lot.
I’ll be picking up Fat Cat by Robin Brande for my 13-year-old daughter because she loved Robin’s first book, Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature. Fat Cat is about a geeky overweight girl who does a months-long experiment for science class that involves her behaving just like the earliest humans — eating like they did, walking everywhere, no computer/phone/electronics — and there’s also some terrific boy/girl angst. Robin’s books have strong female characters and I’m a big fan.
And I just bought Nailed by Patrick Jones for…me. Merry Christmas, me! Er, I mean, I bought it for my 16-year-old son. Yeah. It sounds really good — I love a good artistic/creative guy story full of angst; bullying and watching characters deal with that all-too-common high school problem. Having artistic kids myself, this book is sure to be relatable. For my son. (And me.)
Stacey Jay writes books about zombies. Clearly, this is all the information you need to know that she is super freaking cool. Her Undead series has really
taken off here in Austin, and I can’t recommend You Are So Undead to Me highly enough. Seriously, come pick it up – it’s like Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Evil Dead. Stacey agreed to help us out with our holiday shopping, and I think you’ll enjoy what she has to offer in the way of gift-giving advice
Here are Stacey’s picks:
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein is one of my favorite books to give. The poems are hilarious, gross, pertinent, and sometimes even a little heartbreaking (in the good way). I read this book again and again when I was a little girl and this year I’ll be giving it to a special eleven year old girl with a big imagination and an unholy love for fart jokes. (No matter how hilarious farts can be, I’m hoping the poems will help expand her idea of what’s funny.
)
Gone by Michael Grant. This book disturbed me in a major way. I had a hard time getting through the first half because the descriptions of what happens when all the adults in this beach side town disappear were so graphic. That said, it was an excellent, haunting, thought-provoking read and I think a certain fifteen year old in my life will really enjoy it. (She 
has a higher tolerance for disturbing stuff than I do!)
Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex. This is a picture book and one I haven’t read yet. My five-year-old son is a BIG fan of Pssst by Adam Rex and of all things monster, however, so I’m hoping he’ll enjoy it. He likes to read his Halloween picture books all year long…hmmm…wonder where he got that from? 
Posted in Author Interviews, Chapter Books, Communtiy Recommendations, Graphic Novels & Comics, Holiday Shopping, Holidays, Picture Books, Teen Books | Tagged a light in the attic, adam rex, austin teen book festival, Author Interviews, billy twitters, billy twitters and his blue whale problem, book recommendations, book reviews, candor, chapter books, dystopia, dystopian, evolution me and other freaks of nature, fade, fantasy, fat cat, frankenstein makes a sandwich, gone, gregor the overlander, harry bliss, holiday shopping, holiday shopping guides, hunger, hunger games, james dashner, light in the attic, lisa mcmann, luke on the loose, mac barnett, maze runner, mg, michael grant, middle grade, my so-called death, nailed, pam bachorz, patrick jones, picture books, poetry, pssst, robin brande, sci fi, shel silverstein, stacey jay, suzanne collins, tear collector, Teen books, the hunger games, undead much, undead series, wake, wake trilogy, ya, you are so undead to me, young adult, zombies | Leave a Comment »
December 12, 2009 by Emily
Still wondering what to get your favorite people for the holidays? I’m thrilled to bring you shopping tips from some of our – and your! – favorite authors! Today I’ve got the inside scoop on what Melissa Walker, Lauren Myracle, and Jessica Lee Anderson are gifting this year. Enjoy!
Melissa Walker is one of the hard-workingest girls in the YAlitosphere. She runs/writes for seemingly a jillion blogs, from her own at melissacwalker.com to readergirlz and iheartdaily. Her Violet on the Runway series – three books about a newly-discovered fashion model – has 
captured the hearts of many Austin readers, so we were thrilled when her latest book, Lovestruck Summer was set right here in our home town! Melissa is a savvy shopper for sure, so you know you’re getting good advice from this lovely lady!
Here’s Melissa’s shopping list:
I’m grabbing Matt de la Peña’s We Were Here for my 15-year-old nephew. I love main-character Miguel’s authentic voice and tangled emotions. Lots of conflict will keep my nephew entertained, and lots of heart hooked me! [Emily's note - it hooked me, too!] I’m also giving him Gentlemen by Michael Northrop–hilarious and dark with lots of dramatic moments and a mystery.
For my best friend’s daughter, I’m picking up Lorie Ann Grover’s Bedtime Kiss for Little Fish. She’s still tearing up paper books, but a board book with fantastic illustrations and a soothing goodnight message is just what she needs.
My 10-year-old niece is getting the latest Allie Finkle book–she’s hooked already and Meg Cabot always makes me laugh, too!
Lauren Myracle, reigning queen of reader advocacy and writerly courage, is 
one of my absolute favorite authors of books for young people. From ttyl to Luv Ya Bunches, with books like Eleven, Bliss, and Peace, Love & Baby Ducks in between, you can bet she’s written something you’ll just adore.
A fab idea from Lauren:
I’m giving Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins to all of my third grade son’s friends, because he loved it so much when we read it together, and because everyone I’ve ever given it to loves it, both kid and parent. (It’s pretty much my standard gift for anyone, boy or girl, between the ages of 6 and 10.) Toys Go Out reminds me of the old-fashioned Raggedy Ann and Andy stories, and also the classic Wizard of Oz stories, but Toys is funnier, quirkier, and utterly more-delightful-er.
Local Author Jessica Lee Anderson is garnering great reviews with her latest book, Border Crossing, an edgy story about a Mexican-American teen battling schizophrenia and
issues of his own identity. Trudy, her debut novel, is both heartwarming and heart-breaking and the winner of the Milkweed Prize for Children’s Literature. Jessica’s big heart and warm smile brighten our day whenever we see her in the store, and I’ve loved every book she’s recommended to me. Her recommendations are delightful!
Jessica’s notes for holiday shopping:
I love the holidays, and I especially love giving books to my nephews and niece. I also love shopping at BookPeople as the selection is fantastic, and a large number of books have been signed by the authors.
Here is what is on my list so far:
Nephew #1, infant: All the World, written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Marla Frazee. My nephew is especially young, but I couldn’t resist getting him a signed copy of this timeless picture book. The language is so beautiful and soothing, plus the illustrations are stunning.
Nephew #2, toddler: Stanza, written by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Jack E. Davis. This picture book is such a fun and clever read aloud, and it will really appeal to my nephew’s sense of humor and artistic sensibilities. He’ll love exploring the details found on every page.
Niece, middle-grader: Confetti Girl by Diana Lopez. This novel suits my niece’s personality as it is a story filled with friendship, heart, and charisma.
Nephew #3, middle-grader: The Puzzling World of Winston Breen by Eric Berlin. The adventure and the puzzles will engage my nephew’s inquisitive and imaginative mind.
This list will be much longer by the time I finish shopping! Happy reading to all!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged all the world, allie finkle, allie finkle's rules for girls, bedtime kiss for little fish, border crossing, confetti girl, diana lopez, eleven, emily jenkins, eric berlin, gentlemen, iheartdaily, jack e. davis, jessica lee anderson, jill esbaum, kissing kate, l8r g8r, lauren myracle, liz garton scanlon, lorie ann grover, luv ya bunches, marla frazee, matt de la pena, meg cabot, melissa walker, michael northrop, peace love & baby ducks, peace love and baby ducks, readergirlz, rhymes with witches, stage fright, stanza, the puzzling world of winston breen, thirteen bliss, toys go out, trudy, ttf, ttyl, twelve, violet, violet by design, violet in private, violet on the runway, violet series, we were here, winston breen | 1 Comment »
December 10, 2009 by Emily
Here at BookKids, we really wanted to know what our most beloved writers of kidlit were shopping for this year when they headed out to their local bookstores for some holiday shopping. So far we’ve gotten some fabulous responses, and I am personally very excited to share these with you in the upcoming weeks!
But, of course, how could I kick this blog series off without my favorite person in Austin (sorry, Everyone Else, but she’s just amazing!), Cynthia Leitich Smith?!
Ms. Leitich Smith is the local best-selling author of the teen Gothic fantasies Tantalize and Eternal (book trailers here) and co-author of the Christmas favorite, Santa Knows (written 
with her husband, Greg Leitich Smith). She’s an incredible advocate for young readers and always there for her fellow kidlit writers. Of course, Cyn sent me a very comprehensive list of great gifts for all your holiday shopping needs – and believe me when I tell you this: this woman has taste!
Here’s what Cynthia Leitich Smith has to say to BookKids Blog readers:
If you’re shopping for picture books:
Cromwell Dixon’s Sky Cycle by John Abbott Nez (Putnam, 2009). This inspiring picture book biography is the story of a young adventure whose imagination took him to the skies.
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Marla Frazee (Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster, 2009) is a song, a poem, a prayer–an exquisitely written, gorgeously illustrated celebration of the ties that bind the human family. My highest recommendation.
If you’re shopping for chapter books:
My Rotten Life by David Lubar (Starscape, 2009) is icky, boy-friendly spooky fun. David is a comedy kingpin of children’s literature, and h
e’s in rare form with this new series. Great for reluctant readers and humor fans!
Joey Fly: Private Eye by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Neil Numberman (Henry Holt, 2009) speaks to my noir-mystery-lover’s heart. Imagine your favorite Bogie flick, brought to life in high hilarity with an entire cast of bugs! Yes, bugs, in full graphic format glory! Perfect for visual readers!
If you’re shopping for middle grade:
The Importance of Wings by Robin Friedman (Charlesbridge, 2009) is the story of Roxanne, a young Israeli immigrant, who idolizes Wonder Woman and wants so much to have a “Brady Bunch,” all-American life. Then Liat, also from Israel, moves next door, into a house that some claim is cursed. A quiet, thoughtful book that speaks to the heart.
Stonewall Hinkleman and the Battle of Bull Run by Michael Hemphill and Sam Riddleburger (Dial, 2009) is a whopper of a time-travel adventure story that addresses the horrors of slavery and war. The story seamlessly integrates a mega dose of history, somehow without making the book seem like a veiled social studies lesson.
If you’re shopping for young adult:
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams (St. Martin’s Griff, 2009) is the story of a girl seeking to escape a polygamist cult, where young girls are married off to much older men. By turns heartbreaking and suspenseful, this finely crafted novel is ultimately a hopeful read.
Watersmeet by Ellen Jensen Abbott (Marshall Cavendish, 2009) was one of my favorite entries in a year bursting with strong YA fantasy novels. Abisina is an outcast among her townspeople, but a desperate journey will cause her to face preconceptions of her own.
If you’re shopping for adult books:
Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children’s Book by Anita Silvey (Roaring Brook, 2009) is the 2009 release that I wish every grown-up would read. One of the grand ladies of youth literature asks famous folks-from Julianne Moore to Steve Forbes, “What children’s book changed your life in a profound way?” Wouldn’t it be heartening if every family had that conversation over the holiday dinner table?
Happy Holidays to BookKids of all ages!
Posted in Author Interviews, Chapter Books, Communtiy Recommendations, Graphic Novels & Comics, Holiday Shopping, Holidays, Local Authors, Picture Books, Teen Books | Tagged aaron reynolds, adult books, all the world, anita silvey, carol lynch williams, chapter books, chosen one, comics, cromwell dixon's sky cucle, cynthia leitich smith, david lubar, ellen jensen abbot, eternal, everything i need to know i learned from a children's book, fantasy, gothic fantasy, graphic novels, greg leitich smith, holiday shopping, jingle dancer, joey fly private eye, john abbott nez, liz garton scanlon, local authors, marla frazee, mg, michael hemphill, middle grade, midgrade, my rotten life, nathan abercrombie accidental zombie, neil numberman, picture books, rain is not my indian name, robin friedman, sam riddleburger, stonewal hinkleman, stonewall hinkleman and the battle of bull run, tantalize, Teen books, teen lit, the chosen one, the importance of wings, watersmeet, ya, YA Literature, young adult | 4 Comments »
December 9, 2009 by Emily
Better late than never, right? Here are my favorite books released the November. Come check them out!
Raven Summer by David Almond
In the eerie, literary voice David Almond is so well-known for, Raven Summer chronicles the life of Liam Lynch, a young man living on the English country side. When he and his friend follow a Raven on one lazy summer afternoon, they’re shocked to find an abandoned baby. What unfolds is a chain of events that all lead back to that day. The people Liam meets through saving the baby will change his life, and the life of his family, forever. Touching on current events, the human condition, and coming of age, everyone will see a bit of themselves in these characters. Part adventure, part drama, part contemporary folk tale, Raven Summer is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve read it.
Struts & Frets by Jon Skovron
Sammy Bojar is a musician. He plays guitar in a band that, unfortunately, is named Tragedy of Wisdom, since his lead singer, Joe, is the kind of terrifying dude that you just don’t mess with when he tells you Tragedy of Reason sucks. His best friend Rick is the bassist and TJ the drummer is one of the most solid musicians you’ll ever find. When a Battle of the Bands is announced, Sammy worries that it’s too commercial for their band, but once again Joe convinces everyone they’re going to play. Of course, this would require Joe to remember Sammy’s lyrics and Rick to play the right baseline. But priorities go out the window when Sammy’s grandfather starts acting strange. Further complicating matters is Sammy’s other best friend, the super cute but (up until now) one of the guys Jen5, is revealed to be in love with him. This funny, sweet, exciting novel is a sure-fire hit with indie-rock wannabes and veterans, as well as anyone who’s ever had to navigate the complex fields of first love.
WTF by Peter Lerangis
Told from alternating perspectives, WTF is the story of one night gone horribly wrong. Each of the five characters has a story to tell – why they are at the party or the club or in the car crash that kicks off the book. At first, no one’s story seems to line up with the others’ – how are a drug dealer, a waitress cramming for the SATs and a speech team nerd connected? From the Mafia to a party in Westchester, all the hihg-and-lowlights of the New York party life are present and accounted for in this fast-paced romp of a novel. If you’re looking for something edgy and original, WTF is a great pick.
Claim to Fame by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Lindsay Scott was a child star, revered by sitcom-watchers across the country. Now a teen, fallen from celebrity, and living in a small town, Lindsay would rather stay unknown than return to the Hollywood life. But it’s not easy when every time you step outside your house you can hear anything anyone in the world is saying about you. Add the fact that reruns of Lindsay’s old show are shown around the world at any given time, and you can see why Lindsay has become a recluse. But when the unthinkable happens, Lindsay is forced to brave the world she has hidden from all these years. This riveting novel is a wonderful addition to Haddix’s expansive repertoire, sure to impress her many fans.
Freaks and Revelations by Davida Wills Hurwin
What do a skinhead Neo-Nazi and a homeless gay teen have in common? Not much. Freaks and Revelations begins in the seventies, several years before the incident that will impact Doug and Jason for the rest of their lives. The two boys are both growing up in troubled homes, one with an abusive dad and another with an intolerant mother. The fact that the story starts long before the identity of the characters has begun to develop puts an intriguing spin on the characters themselves. Freaks and Revelations is a heartbreaking page-turner, and a must read for anyone who’s loved books by Laurie Halse Anderson and Ellen Hopkins.
Posted in Staff Rec - Emily, Staff Recommendations, Teen Books | Tagged book reviews, celebrity, child star, claim to fame, columbus, david almond, davida hurwin, davida wills hurwin, edgy fiction, england, english, english countryside, freaks and revelations, haddix, hate, indie rock, jon skovron, kit's wilderness, l.a., los angeles, margaret haddix, margaret peterson haddix, margaret peterson haddiz, music, neo nazi, new books, new york, new york city, nyc, ohio, peter lerangis, punk rock, raven summer, rock n roll, san francisco, shadow children, skellig, strusts & frets, struts & frets, struts and frets, tabloid, Teen books, teen fiction, the missing, tolerance, uk, wtf, ya, young adult, young adult literature | Leave a Comment »
December 1, 2009 by peterwesley
It’s that time of year. Between all the madness, stress, and eventual feelings of goodwill, take the time to visit our BookPeople Giving Tree, located in the children’s amphitheater (on the second floor in the BookKids section). The Giving Tree is a store tradition that helps connect our wonderful, altruistic customers with needy kids during the holiday season.
It’s simple: Just go to the tree and pull off a snowflake. On the snowflake, a child’s name and age will be printed. Choose a gift in our store and purchase it at our registers. We’ll take care of the rest- wrapping it and making sure the needy child recieves just what they wanted.
Posted in Holidays, Uncategorized | Tagged Giving Tree, Holidays | Leave a Comment »
November 2, 2009 by peterwesley
While adult book sales are down across the board, it’s nice to know a there’s a little bit of hope in the publishing industry. A recent Publisher’s Weekly article shows that YA and juvenile book sales are actually up a little over five percent.
Some have suggested that this rise in sales has a lot to do with Twilight fever, and the adult cross-over appeal the series has garnered. Regardless, it’s important to know who and what gets kids/teens interested in reading before we lose them all to a print-less future of touch screens and 24-hour Larry The Cable Guy-hosted news networks (ok, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but children are the future).
For more info on what these kids are reading, go to the article here.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
October 22, 2009 by peterwesley
Sometimes the Book Kids staff gets a little overwhelmed. Luckily two great Austin area YA authors, Jessica Lee Anderson and PJ Hoover, agreed to help us out. Anderson and Hoover interviewed each other for the blog, answering questions about their new books Border Crossing and The Navel of The World.
Anderson: Congratulations on your newest book in The Forgotten Worlds trilogy, THE NAVEL OF THE WORLD Tricia! I really enjoyed your first book, THE EMERALD TABLET, and it was such fun to reconnect with the amazing Benjamin Holt and his entertaining friends. How did you get the idea for this book?
Hoover: Thanks, Jessica! Oddly enough, the classics (and I say oddly because classics are not my standard genre). When I started brainstorming on where the story should lead Benjamin in THE NAVEL OF THE WORLD, I decided on time travel. Time travel has always been one of those fascinating plot lines to me when well done. As to where to time travel, it was easy. When asked the question “which historical figure would you like to meet,” I always answer Homer. So what better place to travel in time than the Trojan War? Which brings us full circle to the classics. The Iliad and Odyssey are two of my favorites! 
Hoover: Congratulations on the release of your latest book, Jessica. I loved reading BORDER CROSSING! Speaking of ideas, where did you get the idea for Manz’s story?
Anderson: Thanks too, Tricia! When I lived in Alpine, Texas, I learned about Operation Wetback, a government relocation program in the 1950s. This knowledge plus encounters with Border Patrol made me feel insecure even though I’m Anglo. These experiences led to the whispering of my protagonist’s voice years later.
Anderson: What type of research did you do for THE NAVEL OF THE WORLD?
Hoover: Sadly, I can’t time travel. But I can read other time travel stories, watch time travel television, and in general map out the specifics so it all makes sense. One of my favorite time travel stories is from a Star Trek episode I love: TIME’S ARROW. It’s the one where Data’s head is found in San Francisco hundreds of years later. When I can write time travel this well, I’ll be happy.
Hoover: I love the apples and the work Manz does throughout BORDER CROSSING. It makes him so human. What fun things did you do while writing to help with inspiration? Did you find yourself baking apple pies all the time or anything like that?
Anderson: I got some ideas after visiting Medina, Texas—a small town known for growing apples. Around the time I was writing the manuscript, my grandmother (on my dad’s side) sent me an old school apple peeler, corer, and slicer. I brainstormed a few times while peeling, coring, and slicing apples as well as baking apple crisps. I even tried making apple cinnamon couscous. Mmm…now I have a hankering for apple pie…
Anderson: For The Forgotten Worlds trilogy fans, what books would you recommend?
Hoover: The Forgotten Worlds trilogy is aimed at fans of the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books. I love mythology, and almost everything I write seems to be rife with it. So if you like fantasy or like mythology, then The Forgotten Worlds trilogy is for you! If you’re looking for other books in the genre, some I love include CITY OF EMBER, GREGOR THE OVERLANDER (the whole series), and FABLEHAVEN (the whole series).
Hoover: Let’s mention TRUDY, your first novel. I read it last night from start to finish and couldn’t put it down. With both books you have a wonderful way of making us care for the characters. Do you model your characters after people in your own life?
Anderson: You’re wonderful, Tricia! I’m so grateful we met at the Taylor Library Gala last year. Yes, I do model characters after people I know—this was certainly the case in TRUDY. The book is based on my family experiences, especially when my grandmother (on my mom’s side) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Last thoughts!
We’re looking forward to having our book release party at BookPeople (Editor: this event occurred on October 18th) and are so grateful for the support from everyone. Kudos to you, Emily, Mandy, Meghan, Madeline, and Michael plus the whole gang! BookPeople is such an amazing bookstore, and we love visiting. It’s like supporting a good friend. The environment is cozy and welcoming, and the support BookPeople shows to Austin SCBWI and the writing community at large is phenomenal! Thank you!
Editor’s Note: Jessica Lee Anderson will be appearing at the Texas Book Festival on November 1st, and PJ Hoover will be at the Red Dirt Book Festival in Shawnee, Oklahoma from November 5th til the 7th.
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
October 19, 2009 by peterwesley
The first Austin Teen Book Festival: Read Beyond Reality will be this weekend, on Saturday, October 24th at Westlake High School. From 10 AM until 5 PM, the school will be filled with a who’s who of YA authors signing and selling their newest books. 
The event will feature a number of key-note speeches and discussion panels, with topics ranging from Zombies vs. Vampires to Fantasy and Local Author conferences.
Plus, there will be food, drinks, and prizes at the festival with music provided by local teen bands. Amazingly, this is a FREE event. For the schedule and more info, go here.
Posted in Events, Local Authors, Teen Books | Tagged bookkids, fantasy, Teen books, teen fiction, vampires, ya, young adult | Leave a Comment »
October 15, 2009 by Emily
The latest from Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Crazy Beautiful, is a unique reimaging of the classic fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast.” Unlike many retellings, Baratz-Logsted approached her novel without magic or folklore, using the stark realities of high school to create her “Beauty” and “Beast” characters. I really enjoyed the book, and had a lot of questions for Lauren when I finished. Luckily, she graciously agreed to the following interview:
BookPeople: Fairy tale retellings have become a huge trend in young adult publishing. What made you want to take a crack at the genre?
Lauren Baratz-Logsted: I love re-visionings in both adult and YA work, so this is not the first time I’ve attempted to take something old that I loved and take it out for a fresh spin. But to more thoroughly address “Why a fairy tale?” which for me would translate to “Why this fairy tale now?” let’s proceed to your next question, which is…
BP: Of all the fairy tales, what attracted you to “Beauty and the Beast?”
LBL: “Beauty and the Beast” has long been a favorite of mine and I’d just been to see it on Broadway with my daughter. I began wondering why of all the Disney-fied fairy tales this is the one that’s translated best to stage and screen. What I decided was that it’s the only one where the male is more than mere window dressing, there to make the female look better. If anything, he’s the more compelling character, what with him being the architect of his own tragedy and now in need of redemption. So I decided to write a contemporary story about a boy with hooks for hands and a gorgeous girl who meet on their first day at a new school. You see my logic, don’t you?
BP: Your retelling is not a fantasy and doesn’t include magic. Was this a challenge?
LBL: Short answer: no. I didn’t want it to be a fantasy or have magic in the supernatural sense – not that there’s anything wrong with books that do! – but I wanted to create something that felt like it could happen in any school, and yet at the same time I tried to use a storytelling style that would read like a fable. I guess I wanted the best of both worlds: a real fairy tale.
BP: Tell us how you chose the names of your characters, Aurora and Lucius – they seem to carry a lot of meaning.
LBL: Belle is the original name for Beauty but it’s been so often used in recent fiction, I decided to ma
ke it my female’s last name, giving her the first name of another fairy tale character, Sleeping Beauty. As for Lucius Wolfe, well, he has those eyes and he is a lone creature in many ways, so if her name is Beauty X 2, his is The Wolf X 2.
BP: What are some of your favorite retold-story-novels?
LBL: Ack! I’ve gone deer-in-the-headlights here and can only think of adult ones! Oh, wait a second, here’s one I read this year and thought was huge fun, Devoured by Amanda Marrone, which is a bit of “Snow White” in a contemporary theme park.
BP: How is writing edgy teen fiction different from writing your series for young readers, The Sisters 8?
LBL: It’s the difference between trying to keep 6-10-year-olds and 13-19-year-olds entertained which is quite a tall order, doing both! And I absolutely love doing all of it. It keeps me fresh as a writer.
BP: Lucius is an especially interesting character. Did you do much research to get into the head of a teenage double-amputee?
LBL: I actually used to shoot pool with a man who had hooks for hands, so Lucius’s pool talents are authentic. I also did research on various prosthetic devices because an editor early on didn’t like the hooks and felt mechanical hands would be more accurate; my research proved her wrong. But in terms of getting in his head, really, like with all my other writing, it was just me and my imagination. I asked myself what it would be like to be a boy at such a vulnerable age, 15, to have known what it was like to have hands but then suddenly be in a situation where you realize that whatever else my happen in your life, certain special things like holding the hand of someone you like or touching that person will never happen in the way you imagined. I may have written Lucius but there were times he touched me deeply.
BP: What are some of your upcoming projects, if you can tell us about them?
LBL: 2010 is looking busy! Two more books in The Sisters 8 series will be out: Book 5, Marcia’s Madness (Apr) and Book 6, Petal’s Problems (Sep). My next YA, The Education of Bet, is about a 16-year-old girl in Victorian 
England who impersonates a boy in order to get a proper education (July). And there’s another YA set in Victorian times, The Twin’s Daughter, which is more of a suspense book, but I don’t have a date for that one.
BP: What would you recommend to readers who enjoyed Crazy Beautiful?
LBL: Freeze Frame by Heidi Ayarbe, Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick, Hate List by Jennifer Brown. Oh, and people who enjoyed Crazy Beautiful should also tell their slightly younger friends and siblings to read the middle-grade novel Alibi Junior High by Greg Logsted. He’s my husband. 
Thanks so much to Lauren Baratz-Logsted. I don’t know about you, but I’m super-psyched to read her upcoming novels!
Posted in Author Interviews, Chapter Books, Teen Books | Tagged alibi junior high, amanda marrone, amputation, author interview, beauty and the beast, crazy beautiful, devoured, drama, fairy tale retellings, fairy tales, freeze frame, greg logsted, hate list, heidi ayarbe, high school, jennifer brown, lauren baratz, lauren baratz-logsted, lauren logsted, lauren strasnick, nothing like you, sisters 8, teen, Teen books, the sisters 8, ya, young adult, young adult literature | 1 Comment »
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