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One of the best things about working at Oxford University Press is finding older books you didn’t know about. A couple of days ago I came across The Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales: The Western Fairy Tale Tradition from Medieval to Modern, edited by Jack Zipes. I decided to put the volume to the test. Would it have the modern musical interpretation of fairy tales? It did! Below is the entry about one of my favorite shows, Into the Woods.

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Carl once again. Busy today, so I must be quick. We have a new comment from Colorado Writer:

Tony is the coolest guy in kidlit! I'm partial to Firegirl, but I can't wait for THE POSTCARD.
Hi Tony!

Wow---Colorado is a long way to come to get your free book. Well, if you're ever in Charlotte, come on in to Imaginon and look up Bill or me. What sort of things do you write, Colorado Writer? Tony is a cool guy; I wish I could have spent more time with him here. I'm still in the middle of Kringle and sure hope I can get some time to read more today. It's getting better every chapter!
Someone gave me a dollar-store DVD for Christmas last year called Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. I'll tell you all about it sometime after I get to watch it.
Tell us about your favorite books you read in 2007!

Mini-interview with Tony Abbott!

Why do you think it's cool for boys to read?

There is so much world out there, and none of us has the time or opportunity to know more than our own little space of it, unless we read. <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Reading opens our minds, and our experience becomes greater. The really important thing about reading is that – unlike movies or television – the reader has to work to uncode the words. Words on the page are just smudges of ink unless the reader brings them into his head. Once he does, he begins to see the scenes, hear the characters, and feel what they are feeling.

Is it cool for boys to write/draw? Why?<?xml:namespace prefix = o />

Absolutely! Boys are often shy or awkward socially (I sure was!), and writing and drawing can help them to express themselves. They can be a sort of open window for them. I also think it’s one of the most amazing powers to go through your life being open to what you see and feel and imagine and then using your creativity, your art, to make something, a story, a poem, a picture, a sculpture, a film.

Who was your favorite comic book character when you were a boy? Do you have a favorite character now?

I actually didn’t have a good time with comics. Something about the business on the page kept me from really getting into comics in a big way. However, there was never any question with me. Batman was and is the greatest hero. He doesn’t have powers. He is just a guy who wants to do the right thing. The thing I loved and love about Batman is that I could be him. I could do that. The only thing separating me (or anyone!) from being a “Batman” is that we are afraid. Batman all the way.

What is your favorite sport?

I like watching football and tennis, and playing tennis. I am not good at all, but it’s a great sport, and can be played by someone who is not super strong or big or hugely muscled. I played golf for a while, but it’s very slow; too slow for me.

What do you like to do for fun?

I read, but that’s probably part of my writing life. I love to mow the lawn. Does that sound silly? Other parts of yardwork are okay, but cutting the grass is the best. I like seeing the increasing progress of my work, and the fragrance of newly mown grass is one of the best smells ever.

What is the favorite book you have written?

Hard question. I love FIREGIRL because it’s very personal and may be my best book so far. I love KRINGLE because of its theme, combining Christmas with a fully imagined fantasy. I suppose these days, I’m in love with my upcoming novel, THE POSTCARD. It’s a comedy/mystery set in Florida, has two timelines, and is a bit complicated, but so much fun. I really came to think of the two characters, Jason and Dia, as part of my family. I can’t wait for it to come out!

Which do you like better--cheeseburgers or pizza? What do you like on them?

Again, hard question to answer. I don’t eat cheeseburgers as much as I eat pizza – I suppose because of the cholesterol in beef, so I’ll have to say pizza. I like plain cheese, but I also like margarita pizzas, with basil, and mozzerella. Mmm. Now you’ve made me hungry.

Thanks, Tony! Sorry I don't have a pepperoni--ground beef--mushroom--black olive one on me. Hmmm---now I want one! Well, I'm reading Kringle and will post about it when I'm finished. I'll tell you what--I can't wait to finish it! It's great! If you'd like to visit Tony's website, click here.

Title: Firegirl
Written by: Tony Abbott
Publisher: Little, Brown for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-316-01170-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-01170-9
Ages: 8-12
Paperback: 145 pages
Publication: 2007 (reprint edition)

The most important thing in Tom Bender’s life at St. Catherine’s School was to gain the attention of Courtney Zisky and to take that long awaited ride in his best friend Jeff’s uncle’s Cobra. However, Tom’s life was about to change in unexpected ways when a new student was introduced by the teacher, Mrs. Tracy.

“I felt as if everyone’s eyes were on me. I must have dropped a gallon of sweat into my shirt. I felt my arms, sides, and waist dripping wet. But with that curled thing held out in the air toward me, I couldn’t not take it. I had to hold it. My hand reached out to hers and took it. I held it lightly, and I think she helped by not squeezing. My hand must have been sweaty. Her palm felt pretty normal. The skin felt cool.”

Firegirl is presented in first person from the events leading up to the introduction of the new classmate, Jessica Feeney, through the small steps that Tom takes in establishing a friendship with Jessica.

This heartwarming novel will inspire you. Share this book with your students and/or children and show them that simple acts of kindness can go a long way in making people feel loved and accepted.

It is no wonder that Firegirl was awarded The Golden Kite Award by the SCBWI.

*********************
Reviewed by Donna McDine

Donna is a 2007 graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature, Writing for Children and Teenagers program. She is also a member of the SCBWI. Donna has published in Stories for Children Magazine, Kid Magazine Writers, and Long Story Short.