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Results 26 - 50 of 167Blog: Drawing a Fine Line (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Blog: PW -The Beat (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Finally, the long national nightmare is over as future GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY director James Gunn has apologized on Facebook for his unwise, unfunny and offensive comments that he wrote on his blog two years ago:
A couple of years ago I wrote a blog that was meant to be satirical and funny. In rereading it over the past day I don’t think it’s funny. The attempted humor in the blog does not represent my actual feelings. However, I can see where statements were poorly worded and offensive to many. I’m sorry and regret making them at all.
People who are familiar with me as evidenced by my Facebook page and other mediums know that I’m an outspoken proponent for the rights of the gay and lesbian community, women and anyone who feels disenfranchised, and it kills me that some other outsider like myself, despite his or her gender or sexuality, might feel hurt or attacked by something I said. We’re all in the same camp, and I want to do my best to make this world a better place for all of us. I’m learning all the time. I promise to be more careful with my words in the future. And I will do my best to be funnier as well. Much love to all – James
I find this apology covers the right bases—not only does it admit the original piece was dumb, but it admits that it was unfunny, and being funnier in the future which is a key aspect of moving forward and making a great GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY movie.
Blog: A Mouse in the House (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Sprinting towards the finish line of SkADaMo 2012!
Blog: RANDOM WRITING (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Just because everything’s turned gray, and the temps have dropped into the *shiver* 30′s, doesn’t mean I put my new lens high on a shelf until spring. Even if I was so inclined, my faithful pup Cookie would never let me hole up for the winter.
Taking wildlife pics with my new lens is still one of my favorite ways to de-stress. There’s no such thing as a “quick walk”. Sometimes I just like to stand still under the trees, listening, waiting for the wildlife to come to me.
I always end up down at the point to check for my eagles. I’m so relieved their fallen nest didn’t cause them to move from the island. Each time I see their new one, I take a bunch of pictures just because I can! I don’t see the eagles themselves quite as much this time of year, as they’re eaglets are off on their own, but I do catch site of the adults about once a week. Most days, they’re in the distance . . .
When the wildlife is elusive, I set my sites on some pretty scenery.
Did I mention that we had a pair of mallards still hanging out as late as last week? I hope they moved on, as the ice has begun to form.
These two were fun to watch. He stood guard as she fed with her butt in the air and her head in the water.
And then there were the geese. This year they hung out down by the State Park more than they did in our cove. I missed their chatter.
Lately I’ve been going through my loon and eagle photos (click the tags to the right) as I think about ordering souvenirs for the camp store. The photos I’ve taken this summer will also come in handy when I plan school visit presentations for next fall after Cooper and Packrat is released. I hope to take tons of photos of the loons next spring with this new lens!
Next on my wish list of photo ops, is owls. Anyone out there ever manage to take a good owl photo? If so, how’d you manage it?
Add a CommentBlog: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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I've recently shifted from reading mainly print books to having about half of what I read be in ebook format. My semi regular My Mailbox posts have only featured print books. I'm going to start featuring a few of the great ebooks I receive in Feeding My Reader Posts.
Michelle from Mom with a Kindle suggested I add a linky to these posts so others can link up and share their ebooks too. I'm going to try it and see if there is interest. I'll post each Thursday night before I head to bed and call it Feed My Reader Friday.
FEED MY READER FRIDAY
THERE ARE NO SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE.
- Just put up a post sharing the new ebooks you've added to your reader, computer, phone, etc.
- You can grab the graphic I have on this post, make your own graphic, skip the graphic, whatever works for you.
- I will put up a post each week that will include a new linky. The linky will be set as a blog hop so you can grab the code at the bottom of the linky to include with your post IF you want. These posts will go live on Thursday night so you can stop by on Fridays and link up your post IF you want.
- Again there are really no requirements. You don't need to link to me or credit me or anything like that. Just share all your great ebooks.
Graphics
I'm not a graphics person.... I'm sure almost everyone can do a better job than I do but here are a couple of graphics if you don't want to create your own.
Here are a few of the books that have been added to my Kindle recently.
I recognize I have an Ebook addiction. There is no way I will ever be able to read all the great ebooks I have but I love having my Kindle full of wonderful books that I can choose from. I will never be able to keep up and share all the great ebooks I receive but I'm going to attempt to share as many as I can.
Dying to Run by Cami Checketts (Amazon)
Cassidy Christensen wants to run. Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, Cassidy’s only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but Cassidy won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place. This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.
Scent of Magic by Maria Snyder (Netgalley)
As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomaniacal King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confidant, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.
Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon's opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon's most horrible creations yet: an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.
War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible…again.
Stone Demon by Karen Mahoney (Netgalley)
The stunning conclusion to the international mega-hit series
The just-unleashed demon hordes have delivered an impossible ultimatum to the Order of the Crow: produce the Philosopher’s Stone, or suffer a reaper storm of demonic tribulation. If alchemist’s apprentice Donna Underwood can’t recreate the mythical artifact, the world will be plunged into a devastating modern-day Dark Age. Pitting her dangerously unpredictable powers against a vengeful demon king, two maleficent faery queens, and an immortal magus with his own shadowy agenda, Donna must be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice—but this time, even death may not be enough.
Hysteria by Megan Miranda (Netgalley)
Another gripping psychological thriller from the author of the highly acclaimed debut novel Fracture
Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. She can't remember the details of that night but everyone knows it was self-defense, so she isn't charged. But Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more? In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where no one knows her . . . or anything about her past.But the feeling follows her, as do her secrets. Then, one of her new classmates turns up dead. As suspicion falls on Mallory, she must find a way to remember the details of both deadly nights so she can prove her innocence-to herself and others.
In another riveting tale of life and death, Megan Miranda's masterful storytelling brings readers along for a ride to the edge of sanity and back again.
Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black (Netgalley)
Vanessa Adler isn't so sure she really belongs at the School of American Ballet. But dance runs in her family. It's been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Her grandmother and mother were prima ballerinas, and her older sister Margaret was, too. That is, until Margaret mysteriously disappeared from school three years ago. Vanessa is heir to the family's gift and the only person who can fulfill her sister's destiny. She has no choice. But she never could have guessed how dangerous the school is. The infamous choreographer, Josef, isn't just ruthless with his pupils, he guards a sinister secret, one in which the school's dancers-prized for their beauty, grace, and discipline-become pawns in a world of dark, deadly demons.
Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem (Netgalley)
Stuck in her family's apple orchards, Kat's got plenty of work to do and only pesky Jeremy to help. But when Jeremy convinces her to run away, Kat will discover that nothing---and no one---in her life is quite what it seems. Wonderfully reimagined, this is the magical tale of Snow White as you've never read it before!
Talisman of El by Alecia Stone (From Author)
WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE?
One Planet.
Two Worlds.
Population: Human ... 7 billion.
Others ... unknown.
When 14-year-old Charlie Blake wakes up sweating and gasping for air in the middle of the night, he knows it is happening again. This time he witnesses a brutal murder. He's afraid to tell anyone. No one would believe him ... because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago - the day before his dad died.
Charlie doesn't know why this is happening. He would give anything to have an ordinary life. The problem: he doesn't belong in the world he knows as home.
He belongs with the others.
Blog: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Title: After Hello
Author: Lisa Mangum
What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?
Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.
Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.
When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.
Original. That's my word to describe this contemporary young adult book. I did not feel like I was rereading a story that had already been told. From the summary I was expecting something with paranormal or magical elements (seeker & finder) but there was nothing paranormal about this book at all. It's a fabulously written story with some depth to it.
FYI - There is a really cool Track Your Packet contest going on through the end of the year. I should be the cool mom and get my kids to take part in this with me.
Blog: Barbara Bietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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AJL has created “Hanukkah Read Up!,” a list of Hanukkah books for children recommended by the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee. The colorful 2-page flyer is available on the AJL website at http://tinyurl.com/AJLhanukkah. All the titles on the list have been recognized by the award committee as gold or silver medalists or as “Notable Books.” A special section is devoted to the Hanukkah works of prolific author Eric A. Kimmel, a past Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award winner.
The list should prove interesting and useful for families seeking Hanukkah titles for their children, to read together or buy as gifts, as well as for librarians who wish to purchase titles for their holiday shelves.
Blog: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Summary:
God Loves You. -Chester Blue is a sweet story. I loved the message of the book. It reminded me of this quote from Spencer W. Kimball - “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs". Chester Blue with his little suitcase travels from person to person working his magic to help those in need. A good reminder that one person can make a big difference to a lot of people.
Blog: Children's Illustration (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Children’s Book Art at the Bruce Museum
Hans Wilhelm Jolantha, 2011 Watercolor Collection of the artist |
Two Good Friends, 2011
From The ReaderInk, watercolor, digital media on paper
Collection of the artist
After the Ride, 2011
from The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever! , 2012
Pencil and watercolor on Arches paper
Collection of the artist
Sled Ride, 2011
From The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever!, 2012
Pencil and watercolor on Arches paper
Collection of the artist
Wendell Minor
Arctic Midnight Ride from Arctic Son, 1997
Watercolor on paper
Collection of Wendell and Florence Minor
Andrea Wisnewski
Little Red Riding Hood at Grandma’s Housefrom Little Red Riding Hood, 2007
Cut paper print, watercolor
Collection of the artist
from The Reader, 2012
Ink, watercolor, digital on paper
Collection of the artist
• Lauren Castillo, The Reader
• Barbara Cooney, Emily and The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree (from Northeast Children’s Literature Collection, Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, University of Connecticut Libraries)
• Helen K. Davie, Animals in Winter and Ducks Don’t Get Wet!
• Ezra Jack Keats, Snowy Day (from the Ezra Jack Keats Papers at the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS)
• Loretta Krupinski, Dear Rebecca, Winter is Here (from Northeast Children’s Literature Collection, Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, University of Connecticut Libraries)
• Barbara McClintock, The Mitten
• Wendell Minor, If You Were a Penguin, Arctic Son, and Snowboard Twist
• Lizzy Rockwell, Valentine’s Day
• Susan Roth, It’s a Dog’s New York
• Shadra Strickland
• Cyndy Szekeres, A Christmas Party Poem (from Northeast Children’s Literature Collection, Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, University of Connecticut Libraries)
• Jennifer Thermes, The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever!
• Walter Wick, Can You See What I See? Toyland Express
• Hans Wilhelm, Anook the Snow Princess and I Love Snow!
• Andrea Wisnewski, Little Red Riding Hood
• Pamela Zagarenski, Sleep Like a Tiger and Red Sings from Treetops
Blog: Read Alert (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle grade, paranormal, death, contemporary fiction, Book List, bullying, fairy tales, fantasy, Add a tag
While Adele was regaling us with stories from her American visit, I was intrigued by one of the talks she went to titled ‘Literary Friendships’. I was struck anew by the regard authors hold for other authors. The following is a list of books that are interconnected in different ways.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Just Listen by Sarah Dessen and Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
Speak is one of those novels that really sticks with the reader – and authors are readers too. Some Girls Are pays homage to Speak, and the scene where Miranda is sexually assaulted, by mirroring it in the first scene of the book. That scene is used as the spark for the rest of the plot. Just Listen has a similar sexual assault scene at a party. Much more muted than Speak and Some Girls Are, it still manages to retain Speak’s message and tone.
I think it speaks to how moving and essential Speak (especially that scene) is. It’s been brought back to life in all of these literary variations. I’m so glad the message is still being talked about and that each of the above titles offers a slightly different tone and reaction by the characters. It’s also interesting to see the many variations of the social fallout from such an attack. In Some Girls Are the sexual assault against the main character is used as a platform to begin an extreme and escalating bullying campaign.
Tithe Series by Holly Black and The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
These two literary friends cheekily wrote in scenes containing characters from the others’ work. The band Clary listens to ‘Stepping Razor’ appears in Tithe as a secondary character’s (Ellen) band. Clary and Jace also meet the Unseelie Queen, while Kaylee in Tithe catches glimpses of Jace and Clary throughout the series.
Sarah Dessen often has previous main characters make cameos in her later books, due to her setting. Dessen has her stories centered in the fictional town of Lakeview, and her characters will often vacation in Colby. They aren’t always known to our main protagonist of the moment, so sometimes it’s just a description or the way the character thinks and you are left with an ‘I know that voice’ feeling.
Melina tricks me every time. Don’t get me wrong, I knew The Piper’s Son was a companion to Saving Francesca, but did you know that Ben (the violinist) from Jellicoe features in Piper’s? (He is Justine’s crush). One of the mullet brothers ends up dating the kitchen hand who Tom works with at the pub. Jonah’s little brother, Danny (Jellicoe), is the protagonist of The Gorgon In The Gully.
Blog: So many books, so little time (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Reuters reports that an "author" is suing filmmaker Tyler Perry. She says he stole the plot of his 2012 movie, "Good Deeds," from her book. Terri Donald, who also writes under the pseudonym TLO Red'ness, says Perry based the film on her 2007 book, "Bad Apples Can Be Good Fruit." She says she sent a copy of her book to Perry's company before production on the movie began. In the movie, Perry stars as a wealthy businessman who meets a struggling single mother.
This kind of thing is the reason no one wants to get anything in the mail anymore. If the description of her self-published book (with 0 reviews on Amazon after five years) is as badly written as the book, then heaven help us all. Here is part of it:
"This mysterious secret must unfold in order for the woman to allow a committed vow. In this story her past unravels tragedy, murder and her secret. What the man isn t being honest about is that he also has a secret that materializes in the midst of the storm and the raging fury it holds. The two come to grips with the truths and decide for the future and what it has to offer them."
It reads like someone took a paragraph, translated it via Google Translate into Polish, and then translated the Polish back into English.
Or how about this self-description:
"Terri Vanessa Donald is a 36-year-old female writer who first began writing as a hobby. After meeting Steve Martin through casting agent Mindy Morin in Los Angeles during the shooting of LA Story, Steve showed her manuscript format. Two years later, she began writing for Artist Darrin O Brien, a.k.a. Snow, and had three-time platinum success. Terri plans to take the book industry by storm with her Maya Angelou-style of writing technique. She is a proud mother with family values and a native-born New Yorker who is now serving proudly in the US Army during this very exciting venture."
Words fail me. If anyone has a lawsuit here, it might be Maya Angelou.
Blog: PowellsBooks.BLOG (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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In Rebecca Stead's follow-up to her 2010 Newbery Medal winner When You Reach Me, Liar and Spy introduces us to Georges (pronounced George), a seventh grader who has just moved into a brand-new Brooklyn apartment and meets Safer, a 12-year-old self-appointed spy. The quirky story and super-precocious characters make this a quick but fun read. A [...]
Blog: Little Willow - Bildungsroman (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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The masonry of steel looks to the night for somebody it loves,
He is a little dizzy and almost dances... waiting... dark...
- from The Skyscraper Loves Night by Carl Sandburg
View all posts tagged as Poetry Friday at Bildungsroman.
View the roundup schedule at A Year of Reading.
Learn more about Poetry Friday.
Blog: Original Content (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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CBC Diversity has posted an Industry Q&A with author Tanita S. Davis. Yay, Tanita! There are some interesting questions here and one that looks as if it belongs on some kind of exam. "Please write an example of a paragraphthat is tone deaf when it comes to cultural diversity, then write the correct version. Explain the differences in the third paragraph."
Blog: DRAWN! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Pixar Story artist and creator, Louis Gonzales (The Iron Giant, Monsters Inc, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo) is offering Gesture Drawing classes in Vancouver in January.
MOMMIE DEAREST.
It's streaming on Netflix, and Kelly (Stacked, @catagator) and I (@bkshelvesofdoom) are very definitely in and watching and Tweeting, starting at 7pm EST:
Man, that is the longest trailer I've ever watched.
Anyway, join us!
(If you weren't involved with the Flowers in the Attic viewing, see this link.)
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National Contest Open to Kids in Grades K-3; Panel of Acclaimed Honorary Judges to Review Top Twelve Entries
ARLINGTON, VA, November 29, 2012 – Today, PBS KIDS announced its annual PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, a national initiative designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. The Contest, made possible in part by financial support from Easy Student Publishing and managed by member station WNED, partners with PBS stations nationwide and encourages children in grades K-3 to celebrate creativity by submitting their own original stories and illustrations.
“The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest offers a fun and exciting opportunity for kids to express their creativity while gaining valuable literacy skills for success in school and life,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children’s Media, PBS. “Together with local stations, we hope this Contest will spark a passion in children and inspire them to explore a world of possibilities.”
How the Contest Works
PBS stations throughout the country will collaborate with schools, public libraries and other community-based organizations to present the Contest in local communities. Each station will select local winners and award prizes.
These local winners will then be entered into the national contest where a panel of esteemed judges will select the top 12 winners. National winners will be announced during the summer of 2013 and the winning stories will be featured on pbskids.org/writerscontest.
The national winners will receive prizes, including tablets, e-readers and MP3 players. Additionally, Highlights for Children has joined the Contest as a new promotional partner and all participants will have the option to receive a print or digital version of Highlights magazine.
PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest Honorary Judges
A panel of America's foremost children's authors, illustrators and content experts will serve as honorary judges for the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest. The 2013 honorary judges include:
- Lisa Henson: As Chief Executive Officer of The Jim Henson Company, Henson serves as an executive producer of Sid the Science Kid and Dinosaur Train, both currently airing daily on PBS KIDS, and Pajanimals, a musical puppet series airing daily on Sprout.
- Jeff Kinney: As a New York Times bestselling author, online game developer and designer, Kinney has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. His seventh book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel, is the biggest print book of 2012. His book series has over 83 million in print worldwide, translated into more than 40 languages. He spent his childhood in the Washington, D.C., area and moved to New England in 1995. Jeff lives in southern Massachusetts with his wife and their two sons.
- Kate Klimo: As Vice President and Publisher of the Random House/Golden Books Group, she has been responsible for extending the Seuss brand into new formats including board and novelty books, and publishing non-fiction celebrations of Dr. Seuss's life and works. Klimo has nearly 30 years of experience at Random House; more than 15 of them spent working on All Things Seuss. She is also the production executive of The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That! Kate is the author of many books for young readers, including 12 titles in the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library series. She has also written for young adults (The Centauriad Series) and has a new series for children, Dog Diaries, launching in January 2013.
- Jarrett Krosoczka: Two-time winner of the Third to Fourth Grade Book of the Year in the Children’s Choice Book Awards, author and illustrator for sixteen published books – ten picture books and six graphic novels. He has seen his work recommended by national publications like Newsweek, The New York Times and USA Today. His Punk Farm and Lunch Lady series are also in development to be feature films.
- Susan Meddaugh: Author and illustrator of Martha Speaks, the best-selling book series, as well as a creative producer of the award-winning PBS KIDS series of the same name. Susan grew up in New Jersey, studied art and illustration, and now lives in Massachusetts with her family — including her dogs of course.
- R.L. Stine: As one of the best-selling children's authors in history, he has sold over 450 million books that have been read all over the world including Goosebumps - one of the best-selling children’s series of all-time. R.L. lives in New York City with his wife Jane and his dog Minnie.
Creative Writing Resources
The Contest is supported by a robust set of resources for children, parents and teachers. Story ideas, activity sheets, along with the previous winning entries are available on the Contest website to inspire children during the brainstorming process. PBS LearningMedia is also offering a collection of online teacher resources for use in classrooms nationwide.
PBS KIDS is a trusted guide nurturing young learners ages 2- 8. As America’s largest classroom, PBS inspires children to discover their full potential for success in school and in life and serves children wherever they live, learn, and play. More information on participating local stations, general entry rules and contest resources can be found on pbskids.org/writerscontest.
About PBS KIDS GO!
PBS KIDS GO! offers early elementary children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs. For more information on specific PBS KIDS GO! content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit PBS.org/pressroom, join our community online on Twitter and Facebook, or visit PBSKIDSGO.org.
About WNED
Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright and Well/WORLD TV, WBFO-FM 88.7 and Classical 94.5 WNED, member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto provides high quality programming and services to local, regional and national audiences that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate Western New York and Southern Ontario communities. Additional information about WNED can be found at wned.org.
About Easy Student PublishingMeet writing standards and motivate students using book-making tools and resources from Easy Student Publishing. With Classbook and Storybook options, free programs, online or mail-in production and expert resources, we have publishing solutions designed for educators. Enhance curriculum, support literacy and promote creativity. Every student can be a published author!
About Highlights for Children, Inc. (www.Highlights.com) Devoted to "Fun with a Purpose," family media brand Highlights for Children, Inc. has helped children become their best selves for generations. Its flagship publication, Highlights magazine, the most recognizable and widely read children's magazine in the nation, has printed more than a billion copies. Other Highlights offerings include a version for younger children, High Five magazine; a new magazine for babies and their caregivers, Highlights Hello magazine; Highlights for Children book clubs; and mobile applications like My First Hidden Pictures. Highlights can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at its blog for thoughtful parents, Highlights Aha. Corporate offices are in Columbus, Ohio, and editorial offices are in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Fun with a Purpose, Goofus and Gallant, and Hidden Pictures are trademarks of Highlights for Children, Inc.
Contacts
Melissa Mills, PBS; 703.739.8134; [email protected]
Caitlin Melnick, 360 Public Relations; 617.585.5775; [email protected]
Blog: The Well-Read Child (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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National Contest Open to Kids in Grades K-3; Panel of Acclaimed Honorary Judges to Review Top Twelve Entries
ARLINGTON, VA, November 29, 2012 – Today, PBS KIDS announced its annual PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, a national initiative designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. The Contest, made possible in part by financial support from Easy Student Publishing and managed by member station WNED, partners with PBS stations nationwide and encourages children in grades K-3 to celebrate creativity by submitting their own original stories and illustrations.
“The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest offers a fun and exciting opportunity for kids to express their creativity while gaining valuable literacy skills for success in school and life,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children’s Media, PBS. “Together with local stations, we hope this Contest will spark a passion in children and inspire them to explore a world of possibilities.”
How the Contest Works
PBS stations throughout the country will collaborate with schools, public libraries and other community-based organizations to present the Contest in local communities. Each station will select local winners and award prizes.
These local winners will then be entered into the national contest where a panel of esteemed judges will select the top 12 winners. National winners will be announced during the summer of 2013 and the winning stories will be featured on pbskids.org/writerscontest.
The national winners will receive prizes, including tablets, e-readers and MP3 players. Additionally, Highlights for Children has joined the Contest as a new promotional partner and all participants will have the option to receive a print or digital version of Highlights magazine.
PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest Honorary Judges
A panel of America's foremost children's authors, illustrators and content experts will serve as honorary judges for the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest. The 2013 honorary judges include:
- Lisa Henson: As Chief Executive Officer of The Jim Henson Company, Henson serves as an executive producer of Sid the Science Kid and Dinosaur Train, both currently airing daily on PBS KIDS, and Pajanimals, a musical puppet series airing daily on Sprout.
- Jeff Kinney: As a New York Times bestselling author, online game developer and designer, Kinney has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. His seventh book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel, is the biggest print book of 2012. His book series has over 83 million in print worldwide, translated into more than 40 languages. He spent his childhood in the Washington, D.C., area and moved to New England in 1995. Jeff lives in southern Massachusetts with his wife and their two sons.
- Kate Klimo: As Vice President and Publisher of the Random House/Golden Books Group, she has been responsible for extending the Seuss brand into new formats including board and novelty books, and publishing non-fiction celebrations of Dr. Seuss's life and works. Klimo has nearly 30 years of experience at Random House; more than 15 of them spent working on All Things Seuss. She is also the production executive of The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That! Kate is the author of many books for young readers, including 12 titles in the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library series. She has also written for young adults (The Centauriad Series) and has a new series for children, Dog Diaries, launching in January 2013.
- Jarrett Krosoczka: Two-time winner of the Third to Fourth Grade Book of the Year in the Children’s Choice Book Awards, author and illustrator for sixteen published books – ten picture books and six graphic novels. He has seen his work recommended by national publications like Newsweek, The New York Times and USA Today. His Punk Farm and Lunch Lady series are also in development to be feature films.
- Susan Meddaugh: Author and illustrator of Martha Speaks, the best-selling book series, as well as a creative producer of the award-winning PBS KIDS series of the same name. Susan grew up in New Jersey, studied art and illustration, and now lives in Massachusetts with her family — including her dogs of course.
- R.L. Stine: As one of the best-selling children's authors in history, he has sold over 450 million books that have been read all over the world including Goosebumps - one of the best-selling children’s series of all-time. R.L. lives in New York City with his wife Jane and his dog Minnie.
Creative Writing Resources
The Contest is supported by a robust set of resources for children, parents and teachers. Story ideas, activity sheets, along with the previous winning entries are available on the Contest website to inspire children during the brainstorming process. PBS LearningMedia is also offering a collection of online teacher resources for use in classrooms nationwide.
PBS KIDS is a trusted guide nurturing young learners ages 2- 8. As America’s largest classroom, PBS inspires children to discover their full potential for success in school and in life and serves children wherever they live, learn, and play. More information on participating local stations, general entry rules and contest resources can be found on pbskids.org/writerscontest.
About PBS KIDS GO!
PBS KIDS GO! offers early elementary children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs. For more information on specific PBS KIDS GO! content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit PBS.org/pressroom, join our community online on Twitter and Facebook, or visit PBSKIDSGO.org.
About WNED
Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright and Well/WORLD TV, WBFO-FM 88.7 and Classical 94.5 WNED, member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto provides high quality programming and services to local, regional and national audiences that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate Western New York and Southern Ontario communities. Additional information about WNED can be found at wned.org.
About Easy Student PublishingMeet writing standards and motivate students using book-making tools and resources from Easy Student Publishing. With Classbook and Storybook options, free programs, online or mail-in production and expert resources, we have publishing solutions designed for educators. Enhance curriculum, support literacy and promote creativity. Every student can be a published author!
About Highlights for Children, Inc. (www.Highlights.com) Devoted to "Fun with a Purpose," family media brand Highlights for Children, Inc. has helped children become their best selves for generations. Its flagship publication, Highlights magazine, the most recognizable and widely read children's magazine in the nation, has printed more than a billion copies. Other Highlights offerings include a version for younger children, High Five magazine; a new magazine for babies and their caregivers, Highlights Hello magazine; Highlights for Children book clubs; and mobile applications like My First Hidden Pictures. Highlights can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at its blog for thoughtful parents, Highlights Aha. Corporate offices are in Columbus, Ohio, and editorial offices are in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Fun with a Purpose, Goofus and Gallant, and Hidden Pictures are trademarks of Highlights for Children, Inc.
Contacts
Melissa Mills, PBS; 703.739.8134; [email protected]
Caitlin Melnick, 360 Public Relations; 617.585.5775; [email protected]
It’s Best-of season! It’s that time of year when review journals, newspapers, and book lovers of all kinds choose the best children’s books in a given year. I love it. Reminds me of Academy Award season in the movie business. Everyone talks about the best movie, actor/actress, director. And then everyone rushes out to see the talked-about movies. I’ve been doing the same with picture books, collecting the popular ones published this year. So much fun.
A few of my favorites: I Want My Hat Back, Fifty Cents and A Dream, Unspoken, Oh No!, Who Built The Stable, Green. I own all of these books except for a few, but I’m getting the others soon.
As an African American and debut picture book author myself, I’ve especially kept my eyes peeled to diversity among all these end-of-year lists. Some lists are refreshingly well balanced. When you consider that picture books written by or about African Americans make up such a fraction of the publishing pie, its good to see more than a few of these books on lists at all. I can only imagine what those lists looked like 20 years ago. Much to celebrate.
Below is a look at some of the 2012 Best-Of lists that include books written or illustrated by African Americans, or feature African American characters.
Kirkus (Out of 100+ books, this is wonderful. Also, Kirkus has a longer list than others)
Fifty Cents and a Dream
Who Built The Stable?
Jimmy The Greatest!
We March
Spirit Seeker
Drummer Boy of John John
Dreaming Up (Features an African American child on cover)
I Have a Dream
Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!
Hand in Hand (not sure if this title is considered a picture book, but listing here just in case)
It Jes’ Happened
Publisher’s Weekly
I, Too, Am America
I Have a Dream
Parents Choice
Fifty Cents and a Dream
Each Kindness
Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!
Twice As Good
National Science Teacher’s Association, Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12: 2013 (Books published in 2012)
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
What Color Is My World?
School Library Journal
I Have a Dream
Fifty Cents and a Dream
Each Kindness
Jimmy the Greatest!
For a more complete listing of the Best Books of 2012 lists, see Mr. Schu’s blog, Watch. Connect. Read. Also, I’ve compiled a list of 2012 picture books on Pinterest.
I haven’t seen much diversity among newspaper lists. Not much at all. Sigh.
Question: What other best-of lists have you seen that include African Americans as creators or subjects of picture books?
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Chapter Four
WORST. CHRISTMAS DINNER. EVER.
- Pip arrives home to receive this charming Christmas greeting from Mrs. Joe: "And where the deuce ha’ you been?"
- Speaking of Mrs. Joe, I'm starting to hear her dialogue in Alison Steadman's voice. This was the part that really, really did it: "Perhaps if I warn’t a blacksmith’s wife, and (what’s the same thing) a slave with her apron never off, I should have been to hear the Carols,” said Mrs. Joe. “I’m rather partial to Carols, myself, and that’s the best of reasons for my never hearing any."
- Heh. OF COURSE no one is allowed in the parlor except for when the Christmas guests are over. And here's a classic zinger: "Mrs. Joe was a very clean housekeeper, but had an exquisite art of making her cleanliness more uncomfortable and unacceptable than dirt itself. Cleanliness is next to Godliness, and some people do the same by their religion."
- In his Sunday best, Joe looks like "a scarecrow in good circumstances". And Pip is in a bad way, too: "Even when I was taken to have a new suit of clothes, the tailor had orders to make them like a kind of Reformatory, and on no account to let me have the free use of my limbs."
- Poor old Joe, by the way, was forced to spend his Christmas morning sitting outside on the kitchen doorstep while Mrs. Joe was cleaning.
- Introducing: Mr. Wopsle, clerk at church and guest at Christmas dinner: He's exceedingly proud of his skills of recitation. Like, REALLY, REALLY PROUD.
- Introducing: Uncle Pumblechook, another guest at dinner, and technically Joe's uncle, though Pip isn't allowed to call him that. (Of course, he calls him that multiple times in his narration.)
- Introducing: Mrs. and Mr. Hubble, guests at dinner: She's "a little curly sharp-edged person", (<--LOVE THAT) much younger than her husband, who is a "tough, high-shouldered, stooping old man, of a sawdusty fragrance, with his legs extraordinarily wide apart: so that in my short days I always saw some miles of open country between them when I met him coming up the lane." (<--LOVE THAT, TOO)
- Dinner is profoundly uncomfortable, what with Pip's fear about his thievery being found out, "the Pumblechookian elbow" in his eye, the corner of the table digging into his chest, the fact that he's not allowed to speak and that he's given all of the crappy pieces of meat. But most of all, it's uncomfortable because all of the adults (except Joe) give him hell for the entire meal. For instance, after grace: "Upon which my sister fixed me with her eye, and said, in a low reproachful voice, “Do you hear that? Be grateful.”" And it just goes downhill from there. I particularly liked Mr. Hubble's opinion: "Naterally wicious."
- Joe, of course, attempts to make Pip feel better... by spooning a half-pint of gravy onto his plate. (<--I continue to think that Pip is all about the exaggeration. Which is fine by me, as it's generally hilarious.)
- And Mr. Wopsle goes on about what he'd sermonize about at Church if HE WERE IN CHARGE, and Uncle Pumblechook suggests that PORK would be a great topic. PORK.
- AHAHAHAHA:
(“You listen to this,” said my sister to me, in a severe parenthesis.)
Joe gave me some more gravy.
- Oh, Mr. Wopsle is AWFUL. He's telling Pip about how great his life is, AND THAT IT'S WAY BETTER THAN A PIG'S LIFE. WELL, THANK YOU SIR. Every time he throws another verbal dart at Pip, Joe ladles more gravy onto Pip's plate.
- Oh, no, and now Mrs. Joe is giving Uncle Pumblechook brandy—the brandy that Pip watered down in order to hide his theft—but it turns out that he accidentally watered it down with TAR WATER, so Uncle Pumblechook runs outside and barfs, and then Mrs. Joe calms him down with some nice gin and hot water, BUT THEN she goes to get the pork pie (that Pip stole), and Pip TOTALLY FREAKS OUT BECAUSE HE KNOWS HE'S SCREWED, so he jumps up and runs for the front door... but then he runs into a bunch of soldiers at the front door, one of whom SHAKES A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS AT HIM. And... scene!
- MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE! WOOOOOO!
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Book source: Review copy from the publisher.
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Title: A Million Suns
Author: Beth Revis
Series: Across the Universe #2
Publisher: Razorbill
Released: January 10, 2012
Website: http://www.bethrevis.com/
Summary:
Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.
It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. Everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed.
But there may be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to act on his vision—no more Phydus, no more lies.
But when Elder learns shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a mystery that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier. Their success—or failure—will determine the fate of the 2,298 passengers aboard Godspeed. But with each step, the journey becomes more perilous, the ship more chaotic, and the love between them more impossible to fight.
Beth Revis catapulted readers into the far reaches of space with her New York Times bestselling debut, Across the Universe. In A Million Suns, Beth deepens the mystery with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.
A Million Suns is the sequel to Across the Universe (my review). Sequels are the worst to try to review. It's nearly impossible to write anything that doesn't contain a spoiler for those who have not read the first book in the series. For those who have read book one all you really want to know is if you should pick up and read the sequel. So here is my answer - If you enjoyed Across the Universe then yes you should keep reading.
This book picks up where the first book left off. It's full of twists and turns and leaves you guessing as to who is good and who is bad. People you think you can trust end up being not as trustworthy as they originally seemed and some of the bad guys may not be quite as bad as you once thought. It's that kind of a story where you are never quiet sure where your loyalties should lie. There is a mystery that needs to be solved and Amy & Elder seek to unlock the clues to save the ship. Learning more about Orion is probably my favorite part of this book.
I think I connected with the first book just a little more than I did with this one but I'll most definitely pick up book 3 Shade of Earth when it comes out to find out how this series wraps up.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Some language, violence, talk of rape, 16+
Source: Audible.com Download
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I love these...I hope they will be part of a whole picture book someday!
I LOVE these! I agree with Sarah about a possible book :)