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READING STYLE GUIDE

Let the Music Find You

7/31/2017

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Two young musicians. Two heartbreaks. Two journeys. 
​Two books to fill your heart and soul with music.

SOLO by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess

Meet Blade Morrison, a young man living under the shadow of his once-famous, now washed-out and trashed rocker father. When Blade's high school graduation becomes his worst nightmare, his most searing heartache, he decides to escape from it all. A search for his roots takes him on a pilgrimage to Ghana where he discovers truths about his family, himself, and the latent music buried deep inside him. ​This novel in verse is brimming with soul-stirring scenes, poignant poetic phrases, and a killer playlist. Alexander and Hess have crafted YA literature that hits all the right notes.
​"We are the sum
of moving parts 
​and adjustable hearts."
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Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia

Meet Clayton Byrd, a kid with a grandfather whom he adores and blues harp (aka harmonica) that he treasures. When his grandfather Cool Papa Byrd suddenly and unexpectedly dies, his mother is determined to remove every trace of Cool Papa from Clayton's life.  He makes a plan, stuffs a backpack with peanut butter crackers, $17, and his purloined blues harp. Then he takes off searching for the life he lost.  But life has a few surprises in store for this young adventurer and they are not at all pleasant. Clayton's struggle to honor his grandfather's legacy while accepting reality is a poignant tale. His story reaches deep into the heart, capturing the essence of grief and longing, understanding and acceptance, ​
​Williams-Garcia's writing style is filled with the rhythmic cadence and soulful longing of the blues. As the Bluesmen would say, "Amen to that."
"I'm going down
Down, down, down
I'm going down"
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Bonus: The Music Lives On

Enjoy these time-honored classics. They have captivated generations of listeners and performers. They inspired Williams-Garcia, Hess, and Alexander as they wrote.  Can you hear the echoes of the music in their books?
In her Author Notes, Rita Williams-Garcia mentions several blues artists who inspired her interest in writing this book. Listen to T-Bone Walker's Don't Throw Your Love for blues inspiration.
The great Tina Turner and Bryan Adams team up for It's Only Love. Alexander and Hess have included this 1980's classic in their SOLO playlist.
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Rock on!

7/25/2017

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Bob's Rock by Ann and John Hassett 

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Bob is back!
This message is for those who loved the story of Bob and his flashlight as much as I did. You are in for a treat.  Ann and John Hassett's latest book continues the saga of this winsome protagonist.  In this installment readers meet his new companion: a rock.
Yes, Bob has a rock.
​​​If you haven't read Goodnight Bob stop right now and read this charming picture book before continuing. I'll wait.
In Bob's Rock our young friend leaves the cozy confines of his bedcovers and ventures outside and onto the playground with his friend Max. Each boy brings a companion: Max has a dog. Bob carries his rock. A amiable competition ensues as each tries to prove that his sidekick is the better of the two. On command, which one will "Sit" "Stay" "Rollover"? Readers will quickly realize what is happening.  Anyone who has experienced the frustration of a pet refusing to perform when directed can relate to Max's dilemma. 
The simple text with controlled vocabulary makes this an excellent choice for emergent readers. But the gentle word play and charming characters will appeal to a wide-ranging audience. Thanks Ann and John Hassett for another wining book for young readers. More Bob stories please.

Rocks & Rocks

Rock Craft
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The Pet Rock craze continues to flourish in several iterations. Young crafters can purchase a kit with materials and instructions for creating a painted rock resembling an animal.
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Several retail outlets offer an assortment of unique hand painted rocks. I spied a few at the Arkansas Garvan Woodlands Gardens gift shop.

Message on a Rock

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The Kindness Rocks Project encourages individuals to paint rocks with inspiring messages and leave them for others to find. The website provides guidelines and tips for creating your own Kindness Rocks.  You will also find a photo album of Kindness rocks as well as a map for locating sites where kindness rocks have been deposited. Participants are encouraged to share photos of rock creations as well as add a pin to the U.S. map of rock locations.
​An engaging and interactive craft project!
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Companion Books

Want more picture books featuring rocks? Try out one of these delightful tales.
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Charlotte and the Rock
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Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
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Stick and Stone
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The Man Behind the Legend

7/17/2017

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Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatke

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My tale begins in another time and another place, Ben Hatke was a young artist breaking into the comic scene with the publication of a charming graphic novel about a spacegirl named Zita. I was to meet Ben at a train station and escort him to an author event held at a public library.
I arrived at the designated station, searching for someone who looked like a cartoonist. As I scanned the arrivals, I could not see anyone who seemed to be seeking a librarian. The train had left the station and few travelers remained on the arrival side of the tracks.
Finally a young man came into view, nimbly working his way around the tracks, appearing to be on a grand adventure. I wondered: could this be the author/artist that I was to scheduled meet?
Bag slung over his should and flashing a winning smile, I soon learned that he was indeed Ben Hatke.
​We hurried off to the library and a room jam-packed with youngsters. Ben is not only an incredible artist, creating amazing stories with both words and images, he is also a talented performer. He wowed the audience with some impressive juggling and acrobatic skills. Sadly, the library director vetoed Hatke's offer to breathe fire. Nonetheless, his presentation was a showstopper. Then Ben graciously sat and signed books, personalizing each with a brief sketch.
When we finally finished up at the library all agreed that this was one author visit that no one would ever forget.
If you have been following comic artist Ben Hatke you know that he has created an impressive body of graphic novels and picture books for young readers. His latest book, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King does not disappoint. This story continues the saga of Jack. As readers will remember, Jack's sister Maddy has been captured and taken to another realm. It is up to Jack and his friend Lilly to use the magic of plants, a healthy dose of courage, and their wits to locate Maddy and bring her safely home.
In true Hatke fashion there are some bizarre characters, high-powered action scenes with plenty of sword-play, and a take-no-prisoners heroine who will leave readers cheering. Careful observation will offer readers glimpses of familiar themes, tropes, and characters.
A hallmark of Hatke's books is his brilliant use of dialog. Each character has his/her/its own distinct speech pattern. The story begs to be read aloud with ample pauses to appreciate the many visual bons mots waiting to be discovered within the pages.
There will be no spoilers from me except this: I gave an audible gasp when I arrived at a certain juncture in the story. Then my eyes filled with tears. How I love his characters and their stories. I Just Love Them
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Look what I found hiding within the stems of  a large houseplant. Could it be magic?

​What to do while you wait for the publication of Mighty Jack and the Goblin King

  • Read Zita the Spacegirl, The Return of Zita the Spacegirl, and Legends of Zita the Spacegirl
  • Read Julia's House for Lost Creatures
  • Read Nobody Likes a Goblin
  • Read Mighty Jack
  • Read Little Robot
  • Start digging. There may be gold and other treasure hidden nearby and now is the time to find it.
  • Collect all the gold, doubloons, jewels, and whatever riches you find and take them all to your local bookstore.
  • Order as many copies of Mighty Jack and the Goblin King as you can. (A gazillion will probably be the right amount.)
  • Secure the everlasting gratitude of Ben Hatke fans by gifting them with a copy of his latest book.
  • If you have any money remaining you should seriously consider purchasing a packet of magic seeds. Because you never know.....
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Beautiful Mixture of Dreams

7/11/2017

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Young People's Poet Laureate
​Margarita Engle

​​Songs follow you
Of peace, love, and good fortune
Offered to the poet who kisses these waters
Virtue, inspiration, and strength

From “A LA LUNA”  Juan Francisco Manzano
The Poet Slave of Cuba 
1797 - 1853
Congratulations Margarita Engle, named by The Poetry Foundation as Young People's Poet Laureate "in recognition of a career devoted to writing exceptional poetry for young readers."  This Cuban American author is the first Latino to receive the award.  She will serve at Poet Laureate for a period of two years.
​
Here are some of my favorite images of Margarita Engle. They capture her gentle manner and her love of nature.​
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I distinctly remember my introduction to the work of Engle. While strolling through the book displays at an American Library Association conference, a small volume caught my eye. The title The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano and the stunning cover art by Sean Qualls intrigued me. I picked up a copy and was immediately entranced. What a remarkable man! I left that day with a copy of the book and a determination to seek out the works of Engle.
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I had the honor to serve on the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award committee for 2016.  Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir​ was selected as an Honor Book.  I had the opportunity to read this volume many times, taking copious notes. The more I studied this book, the greater my appreciation for the depth and strength this memoir and the elegant poetry she employs to tell her story.
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Look what's on my desk: Titles from Margarita Engle, Young People's Poet Laureate and all published in 2017. This trio of books explore and celebrate Hispanic literature, history and culture. Her work is indicative of her "passion, knowledge of nature, and curiosity about the world."
Here is a brief glimpse at these three exciting new poetic works. While each of these books have been published for children, the subject matter and the exquisite language and art are suitable for readers of all ages.

​All the Way to Havana
by Margarita Engle ill Mike Curato

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"Cara cara"
Cars! Beginning with the fabulous end papers, readers are treated to images of some amazing retro cars. But this book is about more than cars. It is a story of family and resourcefulness, a story of finding joy and pride in simple things. Take a trip to Havana in a blue 1953 Chevy. This is one ride you will want to take again and again. Mike Curato visited Havana to research this book and his attention to accurate detail shows on every page.
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Miguel's Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and His Dreams of Don Quixote
​by Margarita Engles ill Raúl Colón

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"No giant or dragon 
is bigger or stronger 
​than the human imagination
"
The life of young Miguel Cervantes is brilliantly captured in a series of poems highlighting his struggles and dreams. Engles does not shy away from including the painful episodes of his childhood: an absent father, a family struggling to survive, the threat of the plague, and limited opportunities for schooling. This is counterbalanced by Cervantes imagination, love to story, and desire to learn.
Colón's gorgeous ink and colorwash illustrations are the perfect blend of reality and fantasy.
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Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics
by Margarita Engle ill Rafael López

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"So many, so varied, such a beautiful
mixture of dreams!
"
This compilation of poems celebrating the contributions of Hispanic Americans highlights famous as well as lesser-known individuals. ​​Back matter includes additional information as well as a listing of "more amazing Latinos."  Strong colorful graphic art by López enriches the poetry. Kudos to the publisher for simultaneously publishing this book in Spanish and English.
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Enjoy the wide range of books that Engles has created for a variety of audiences
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Engle's poetry and prose are a gift to young readers everywhere.  They have timeless appeal and will remain classics for years to come.
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It Started with a Ball...

7/3/2017

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Rooting for Rafael Rosales by Kurtis Scaletta

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The cover intrigued me. I loved the soft aqua background and my eye was instantly drawn to the faces of the two children. I admit that initially I was puzzled by the inclusion of so much plant and animal life. Exactly what was the story about? The cover had me wondering...
As I begin reading I realized that the cover introduces the complex nature of a story told in the voices of two very different people born into distinct and very dissimilar cultures. Rafael is a boy from the Dominican Republic who discovers his life's passion in street games of baseball. Maya's sweet sensibility rests in nurturing the Minnesota prairie, including bees that pollinate her tender plants.
Scaletta finds a thread which connects individuals who appear to have nothing in common. Meet Rafael and Maya: kids who dare to dream, to overcome disappointment, and to make a way for the impossible to seem possible.

Mr. Scaletta, I have a Question 
Well, actually I have several questions

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During and after reading Rooting for Rafael Rosales, there were several questions floating around in my head about the book and its development. Albert Whitman & Company was kind enough to put me in touch with author Kurtis Scaletta. He graciously replied to my query, responding with some interesting observations about the process of creating such an intricate story. He also included a few comments about writing and the arts community in Minnesota. 
Your book covers a lot of territory: from impoverished neighborhoods in the Dominican Republic to middle class privilege in Minneapolis.  It also shifts between the present and the past. How did you plan the composition of your book? Did you use some type of visual organizer?
Yep, my most important project management tool is a good ol’ calendar. I write down what happens each day for a character over the span of a story. In this case I also needed to include a real baseball schedule for the teams Rafael is playing on. I feel it adds verisimilitude if I’m working from a real schedule.
This was more complicated for Rafael’s half of the story because it takes place over years, but I had to think about the DR baseball season, major holidays, school year, and even the sugar season. And I had to think about his age and where a boy would be in the process, coming up as a baseball player.
In terms of plot I use a skeletal outline for each character, showing their setbacks and successes. It is a zigzag, not an arc… ups and downs.

How did Rafael and Maya develop? Was each character’s story initially created separately or did they evolve together during the writing process?
I went back and forth between the two as I wrote, but was usually immersed in one or the other. I knew from the start it was a dual narrative, and where they would first intersect, but bringing them back together in an interesting way took some creativity.

I was intrigued with the first sentence in your acknowledgments: “It is audacious to write outside one’s own cultural experience.”  I have listened to several authors speak on this topic and they mentioned that in addition to the extensive research  that is required when writing about other cultures,  the “devil is in the details.” Each noted specific changes that were made to the manuscript after it was read and vetted by those with first-hand knowledge of the culture.  Were there elements which required modifying after others read drafts of your book? 
Yes, I got feedback from several readers from the DR and am very grateful for their input. 
One of the early “oops” moments was that I kept having Rafael’s family sitting down for supper at the end of the day, before being reminded that the big meal of the day in the D.R. is lunch and that was when they would have their family talks.
Another change was, it is very easy for North Americans to fall back on nuclear family as the basic unit for writing about family, and that’s not true for most of the world… the DR has a much more expansive idea of family, where uncles and aunts and grandparents and cousins are part of your daily life. It’s hard to manage a large cast of characters, but realizing that helped me shape the character of Rafael’s family and contrast him more with his friends.

I notice that you infuse the text with Spanish words and phrases, often in italics, which are not translated into English. What influenced your decision to include Spanish words and phrases? 
I wanted a sprinkling of Spanish to add color and remind readers that these characters are actually not speaking English; I especially used words that show a little slang and baseball terminology. That was a lot of fun to do. I spent pretty much the whole time I was writing it actively learning Spanish.

Sideline Observation: There seems to be an abundance of children’s authors living in Minnesota. Is there something in the water? Do the long winters provide ample writing time?  Is it the state’s vibrant literary community? What is it about Minnesota?
It’s a great state to be a writer in any genre, and I think it’s also a great state to be a visual artist, filmmaker, musician, actor… anyone connected to the arts. There’s a lot of support for the arts here, from the community and from the state government. I want to mention that specifically because the Minnesota State Arts Board helped fund the writing of this book, through an artist initiative grant.
But it’s also a great culture for the arts, and I think it’s one where people lift each other up and support each other. We turn out for each other’s events, talk up each other’s books, read each other’s drafts… it’s a wonderful community and I don’t think I’d have done much without them.
Learning more about the creation of Rooting for Rafael Rosales (Dontcha love all that alliteration?) enriched my appreciation for this fascinating glimpse into the lives of two very different individuals and the surprising way that their lives intersect. Great story of family, culture, hope, and the things that connect us.
Thank you Kurtis
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    Barbara Moon

    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

    Audio Publishers Association
    2013, - present  Audies judge 
    American Library Association Book Awards and Lists 
    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
    2016 Excellence in Nonfiction 
    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

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