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this is a true blog about a girl who loves books and the books that love her back. (okay, maybe they don't love me back but you get the point.)
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1. Last Call

It makes me very sad to say this, but this is my last blog post. My life path has shifted into a new direction and I do not have the time, energy or focus to keep my blog running. I have loved having a blog so much. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to keep up with my thoughts and occasional rants. Please keep writing and sharing the joy of reading. Until next time...................................

Love and Lollipops,
Jeannine 

4 Comments on Last Call, last added: 12/2/2010
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2. And the Little Ones Shall Lead Them

My daughter provided me with a huge boost of inspiration this morning. When she was about 4 I posted on the blog a story she'd written. It was about 10 words and involved her getting bothered by her brother. This morning at the ripe age of 5 and a half she wrote a story that actually had a strong beginning, middle and end. She used one of her favorite book characters (Olivia the pig) and her friend Nolan. It started with them playing at the playground. She detailed what they were doing and that they were having fun. Then they started for home when oh no they realized that Olivia's mom had left the house and they had no way to get inside. They decided to look all around for the key when one of them suddenly spotted a corner of the key peeking out from under the door. The day was saved and they let themselves in. It really brought tears to me eyes because a) she's my daughter and that story was flippin brilliant. b) because I've been so discouraged about not moving forward in my own writing that I'd forgotten what it was like just to write a story because you liked it and it didn't matter if anyone else liked it. This has seemed to be the message the universe has been sending me this week. That I have to learn to not be bothered by what other people may think of me. The only place I need to look for the affirmation that I'm okay is from within myself. Today it took my 5 year old to help reinforce that lesson for me. I'm a work in progress as we all are. Until next time, be kind to each other and yourselves!!!

0 Comments on And the Little Ones Shall Lead Them as of 11/19/2010 12:24:00 PM
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3. Book Review: Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim

 I'm usually not a fan of essays and short stories. I generally like to sink my teeth into a book and stay with the characters for awhile. However, with my ADHD kicking in lately (just kidding) essays and short stories have been a perfect fit. Thanks to my pal Molly I was able to enjoy
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. I'm a little late getting on the Sedaris bandwagon, but he is so funny!!! It was the perfect antidote for my super funky mood lately. It's also cool because Mr.Sedaris is a hometown boy. He grew up about 30 minutes form where I live. I went to high school in Raleigh, his hometown so it is fun to be familiar with some of the places he mentions. Corduroy and Denim is full of essays about his childhood and family. I can only imagine his family must be so proud of him, but also want to beat him up every time a new book comes out. Of course the stories are exaggerated but that is also part of the charm. I'm looking forward to reading a few more of his books over the Thanksgiving holiday. Eat.Read. Sleep. Those are my turkey day plans!!!

On a final note, I'm starting to feel just a little pissy at the Universe. Isn't the rule when God shuts a door he opens a window? Well, let's see he shut the Rutgers door, I didn't get into that and now he has shut the arts council grant door. No grant for me. Bummer!!! Not really sure what my next plan is in terms of writing. I really needed that grant in order to get into the program that would have helped me get to the next level. Because everything in my life is sort of up in the air right now I think my writing is going to have to be put to the side for now.
I'm not in a very creative space right now and definitely feeling discouraged on the writing front. I will continue to read and review books and also try to stay current on the trends in children's literature. So that's my little sad, cold corner of the universe. What's happening in yours? Until next time.

2 Comments on Book Review: Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, last added: 11/16/2010
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4. WHAT IF.......

I'm so behind on life in the blogosphere that it's shameful. Loyal readers I hope you won't jump ship. Stay with me, we're sailing somewhere (although our destination is a mystery).

Back in October on the Cynsations blog, there was a guest post written by Danielle Joseph author of Indigo Blues. She was inspired to write the book after hearing the song 'Hey There Delilah' by the Plain White Tee's. As the band became more well know it became know that there was a real Delilah and that lead singer Tom had written the song for her. Being a writer Ms. Joseph said what would have happened if Tom and Delilah had actually dated? What would be the impact of their lose of anonymity on their relationship? What if..... Well after all those what ifs Indigo Blues was born.

If been thinking about this what if game a lot lately. I've been trying to look at some of my own stories and tried to play the game. What if I changed this character into a duck? What if a character from this manuscript and that manuscript met? I've also been trying to pay more attention to things around me to look for creative places to dwell. I think this can be a helpful exercise especially when you are stuck at a dead end in your manuscript or even if you feel you have no ideas left. Play the what if game long enough and you have a completely new story. Just as an example think of something from the news lately. I'm attempting to be a runner so the first thing that comes to mind is the New York City Marathon. One of the Chilean miners was in the race. What if he has a daughter? What if she doesn't approve of her fathers new found fame? What if she is shy and doesn't like the attention. From just that bit of an idea I could write a story about a girl struggling to deal with her family's celebrity. What if she was the only one in the family that wasn't famous? I'm already intrigued. Can you come up with one? Try it, it's fun. Share what you come up with. Oh and Ms. Joseph if you'd like to send me a copy of you book I would love to read it!! Until next time!!!

2 Comments on WHAT IF......., last added: 11/12/2010
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5. Picture Book Reviews

I know you all thought I must have fell off the face of the earth, but here I be!!! I have two books I've been holding off on reviewing. One is about Martin Luther King, Jr. It seems more appropriate to look at it in January or February when we are allowed to have the black books front and center in the bookstores. (ouch, no she didn't!! yes I did!!!) The other is a Christmas book so of course December would be a great time to introduce it, however, both books are sitting here on my desk so why not just break all the rules this morning. Who's with me!!!!!!!!!!

Angela Farris Watkins has written a new book on Martin Luther King Jr.. She is writing from a unique perspective since she is his niece. My Uncle Martin's Big Heart is written through the eyes of childhood. Uncles (the good ones) always seem to have a magical quality so can you imagine having Dr. King as your uncle? Ms. Watkins describes Martin Luther King Jr., as a funny, generous man. A man who sometimes fell asleep on the couch with his shoes on which was a big no-no. This book is a great perfectly bite sized tastes of Dr.King for younger kids. IT briefly touches on the big things he did, but I appreciate the little details like him laughing at his niece when she is imitating her mother scolding her. I think especially in our culture our children are being raised to believe that everyone on TV is some sort of god to be worshiped, this book is a sweet reminder that yes there are amazing people out there that do amazing things, but they are still people just like you and me. It is a wonderful glimpse into the private family life of Dr. King. The book briefly touches on some of his accomplishments but mainly focuses on the man as a great, fun uncle.



Young Nina is not sure how this years  
La Nocha Buena(Christmas Eve) will go down. After arriving in Miami from New England, she is shocked to discover the heat. How will Santa ever deal with the heat and where will he land his sleigh? Little does she know that in Cuban homes La Nocha Buena is one of the most exciting nights of the year. For three days Nina helps the women of the family prepare for the big event. Chopping, stirring, dicing and lots of laughing. I love books that expose children to different cultures and traditions. This is certainly a book I will add to my family's Christmas reading list. (We read a Christmas related story every night during Advent.) Great work Antonio Sacre

I promise I will try to get back on the blogging bandwagon. I've neglected you guys so much. Mea Culpe. Until next time.

** Books courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.**

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6. Confession/Question

Hey writers, get ready to slap my hand cuz I've been naughty. I haven't written anything, not a sentence not a phrase, not a twinkly shiny word in months. Why you ask? Well because life is really serious and complicated right now. I ask you who are children's book writers, how do you write for kids when you are dealing with very grown up things? I feel like right now I could probably write a really kick-ass novel with deep and dark themes, but a picture book, not so much. Maybe I'm just psyching myself out by saying life is too hard to write right now so I get a pass. I know I need to just GBIC (get butt in chair) but every time I try, Craigslist starts calling me,or I need to update my Netflix queue or log into my latest addiction meetups.com(there are some weird groups out there). So how do you make yourself write when you just don't want to? Holla if you feel me!!! Until next time.

2 Comments on Confession/Question, last added: 10/30/2010
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7. Happy Saturday

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Life can sometimes get crazy. Neverfear, I'm here!!! Just thought I would leave you with a couple of quick quotes to ponder. Talk amongst yourselves until I can get back in my blogging groove.

"Life is not the way it's supposed to be, it's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."    Virginia Satir

"We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them."  Charles C. West

Discuss amongst yourselves. Until next time.

PS: I'm currently reading How to Be an American Housewife. Hope you're reading something good. If you don't have a book in your hands may I recommend The Book Thief!!! 

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8. Book Review: The Duff

I had to try really, really hard to not be a hater. Kody Keplinger author of The Duff is only 18 years old and she already has another book coming out next year.(don't be a hater, don't be a hater) So as I sit here with no inkling of a publishing contract coming my way, writing this review stings just a bit. What takes most of the sting away is that The Duff is a fantastic book. Smart and sassy Bianca Piper has been labeled the "Duff" by the school playboy Wesley. Duff stands for designated, ugly, fat, friend. Bianca can't stand this kid but we all know how those teenage hormones can get us into trouble. They quickly fall into  an enemies-with-benefits relationship. Bianca's home life is falling apart and Wesley has some issues going on as well. Can they become friends-with-benefits? Can they become a couple?

What I like most about this book is that because the author is so young she was able to write the story from current experiences. She wasn't trying to remember what it felt like to be in high school, she was living it. Everything about the characters feels very real and authentic. I love Bianca. She has an awareness that I didn't realize teenagers had. She realizes that she is using this boy to distract herself from real life. She's not trying to convince herself that it is love or trying to get him to take her on dates and be romantic (which is also kind of sad). There is a good bit of hot and steamy sex in the book so will it make the banned list? Seems like many parents and librarians frown on sex in books. I frown on it too if it's in an inappropriate medium. This book is YA so it will fall into the hands of teenagers who are already having sex or thinking about having sex.
I would be very interested in having a discussion about the book with a group of high schoolers to see if the story resonates with them. That would be cool, but I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to teenagers so that will never happen. Excellent debut Ms. Keplinger. I look forward to hating on you some more. Until next time.

2 Comments on Book Review: The Duff, last added: 10/21/2010
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9. Fear Factor

What are you afraid of? I'm pretty brave (I think) but I also have a very weird  fear of balloons. It's not that I hate balloons, I just worry about them popping. (I know it sounds ridiculous and it is.) I used to be afraid of thunder but I've come around. Snakes are definitely on my list of things I'm afraid of. My real fears however are all internal. I worry a lot about being "good enough". I have my theories on how this issue came to be but that's between me and me. I worry about being a good mom constantly. Now that I'm working hard to pursue this dream of becoming a published author, I worry about what if that doesn't come true. Lately I've had a story brewing in my brain (for months) but I haven't written anything down. Why? Because the last story I wrote was really certifiably bad. It's hard when you spend so much time on something then to finally at some point look at it and say "sorry dude, gotta feed you to the trash can." Blah, Blah, Blah, woe is me. I say all that to now tell you about something I just read that has been helpful to me in working to overcome some fears. This list is taken from a book by Debbie Ford and they are called Healing Action steps. I can't tell you the name of the book or else I will incriminate myself.(Don't worry though, it's not porn.)

Healing Action Steps: Find a quiet space and answer the following questions.

What am I resisting in my life?
What am I afraid of?
What will happen if I surrender to the situation?
What am I getting out of holding on to the resistance?
Who is getting hurt?
What obstacles need to be removed before I can surrender?

Then she suggests asking yourself "with this fear what is the worst possible outcome that could happen?" From there you ask yourself " what actions do I need to take to keep moving forward despite this setback."

It has been helpful to me as I am wrestling with some big questions and fears right now. Some days I've got my big girl panties on and I'm ready to kick-ass and take names. Other days I just want to hide in my bed forever. (Beds are good) But by staying focused and working to release the fear opens up space for good things to come in. Am I right or am I right!!! Leave me some comments. Please don't make me obsessively check my comments box to see if anyone loves me!!!! (Ahh, can you hear the tiny violins?) Until next time.

2 Comments on Fear Factor, last added: 10/14/2010
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10. Today.....

I need money!!!
I need more sleep!!!
I need more books!!!
I need a hug!!!

How's that for a post. Hey at least you heard from me. Until next time.

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11. Book Review: Room

Emma Donoghue, author of Room is a genius. After reading Room I had to sit in silence and stillness for awhile. It is an extraordinary story about a boy who has spent his entire life in an eleven by eleven foot room. His mother was kidnapped at the age of 19 and forced to live in a backyard shed. Seven years and one child later she is still there.

Room is told straight from the perspective of five-year-old Jack. If you have only lived in one room, with one person your entire life what is your reality? If you've never felt rain on your skin and only seen cars on TV which is make believe, what is real? Jack is very comfortable and happy in his world but his mother knows that there is a bigger world outside of their box. Now, I'm not spoiling anything by saying that they do get out and have to learn to function in our fast-paced world.

This isn't a horror story although what the character endures is a horror. It is partly about the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. It is partly a look at how as a society we become so hungry for the dirty details that we forget
about the souls of the people behind them. Room will make you look at the world in a whole new light. I don't know how Ms.Donghue was able to tap into the experience of actually seeing the world for the first time and becoming the voice of a young boy, but she nailed it. This is a phenomenal read. It is beautiful, heartbreaking, and eye-opening. I haven't read a book like this in a long time and I know it will be along time before it leaves my memory. Until next time.

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12. Happy Birthday Me!!!!




I expect my comment box to be full of beautiful birthday wishes!!!!

7 Comments on Happy Birthday Me!!!!, last added: 10/9/2010
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13. Triple Picture Book Reviews

Some fantastic books mysteriously appeared in my mailbox. The mailbox and I both thank Abrams Books for Young Readers.


Me being the honest, super kick-ass girl that I am, have to admit that the first book I'm reviewing is written by one of my BFF's. Tameka Fryer Brown has written a wonderful first picture book titled Around Our Way on Neighbors's Day.
Neighbor's Day celebrates diversity, community, family and fun. In Ms. Fryer Brown's neighborhood there are blue skies, no clouds, football games and double dutch, old men playing chess. Of course you can't have a block party without food. From rice and beans provided by Ms. Consuelo to grilled lime chicken from Ms.Fu. I think there was even some gumbo and oxtail stew. This is definetly a neighborhood day I would like to attend. Ms.Fryer Brown and her illustrator Charlotte Riley-Webb did an excellent job of not only capturing the spirit and energy of this close knit community but also the diversity that is (or should be) a natural part of our lives.

Me, Frida by Amy Novesky

On the warm cobblestone streets of Coyoacan, everyone knew her name. Frida Kahlo lived in the Blue House with her new husband, the famous artist Diego Rivera. Frida was an artist too. Okay, you had me at warm cobblestone streets. I immediately began hearing spanish music and smelling spicy salsa. I also could feel the passion between the two artists.Not really an appropriate response for a pb, what's my deal? Nonetheless you always hope your readers have some sort of response that makes the book memorable. This book will surely win some awards this season. I know that there have been several books written about Frida Kahlo but this one stands out. The writing is crisp and tasty like a samosa straight out of the oven. The writing is also simple yet captures the passion and love between the two artists. I also love the touch of feminism in the story as Frida who has always been the small one behind Diego comes to see herself as big too. Do I need to say anymore? 

Fort Mose
Author: Glennette Tilley Turner
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14. Comfort

Sorry it has taken me longer than usual to get back to the blog. Life has handed me a big pile of lemons that I'm trying to deal with. Actually I'm not sure if life handed me the lemons or if I gave myself the lemons, but nevertheless there are lemons everywhere. The only thing I know to do of course is to add some Vodka and make a kick-ass lemonade. I have to believe that if you live in truth the universe will take care of you. It might not be easy but it will work out in the end.

Of course when you are buried neck high in lemons that is always when you seem to remember or notice those little things that make you happy. Last night someone made me mashed potatoes. Total comfort food. I had forgotten how yummy buttery mashed potatoes are. I also went to the library yesterday. We all know how much of a sanctuary the library is for me. Maybe it is the quiet and the order and the thrill of thousands of books waiting to be read. Good people are also a comfort. For instance yesterday at the library I went to the information desk to ask a question. The librarian pointed me in the right direction and then later came and found me to give me some additional information. Maybe he just did it because he is a great librarian or maybe he did it cause I was a snotty, mascara running hot mess. Either way it brought me comfort. 

My life is going to be a bit crazy for awhile so forgive me if I don't post as often. I'm going to try really hard to be diligent. I'm also reading a lot slower now so the reviews may not make it out like I want them to. So to tied you over here is what is on my TBR shelf. We all know that having a stack of books by the nightstand is the ultimate comfort.

Female Nomad and Friends
How to be an American Housewife
Duff
Displaced Persons
Room

I can't wait to get back on my regular reading schedule. Send me happy, peaceful vibes folks!!! Until next time.

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15. Welcome Mr. Colato Lainez

Today dear readers you are in for a treat. The fabulous Rene Colato Lainez has stopped by Write On as part of his blog tour promoting his latest book From North to South. Mr.Colato Lainez is a father, teacher and master storyteller. For anyone writing picture books he is definitely an author you can study and learn from. So without anymore rambling from me, here we go.


1)    What book had the most impact on you as a child?

When I was a child in El Salvador, I dreamed with adventures. I always was the captain searching for new places. In third grade, I discovered the amazing book Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. Don Quixote was my favorite book, because the main character was like me, someone looking for adventures.


2)    Having also been an elementary teacher, I know the demands on your time are great. How do you fit writing into your daily life?

I write at night from 8 to 10 pm. Two hours of writing in my ideal goal but it is not always happened. At the beginning of the school year, there is a lot of paper work.  Things get better by the second month of the school year. But I love being a teacher. Many of the inspirations for my books come from my students. They are like a treasure chest.

3)    How do you balance serious topics like immigration and deportation yet still keep the perspective simple enough for children?

When I am writing a manuscript, I always become the child. I act and think like a child. I formulate many questions that my main character may ask. I always write with the child in mind. Writing a book it is like talking with my students. I use their language and vocabulary. You can write about any topic in a picture book but the child is always the heart. Jose wants to be with his mother just like any other child. His mother is in another country and he is eager to go to visit her even if he has to travel From North to South.

4)    In From North to South, Jose is separated from his mother while she is waiting for her official papers. How long does this type of separation usually last?

This is a hard question, because every immigration case is different.  Sometimes families wait for a year or less. Other times, it may be years of waiting. In the case of Jose, his father is already a permanent resident and he already

4 Comments on Welcome Mr. Colato Lainez, last added: 9/30/2010
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16. Picture Book Reviews


 Watch out Markus Zusak, you may have some competition for my heart!! Rene Colato Lainez has quickly become one of my favorite children's book authors. His books are the type of books I aspire to write. They make me laugh, cry and make me feel all tingly. His latest masterpiece is From North to South. It is a beautiful and timely story. Jose must deal with his mother being sent back to Mexico for not having proper papers. He visits his mother at the Centro Madre Assunta, a shelter for women and children who have recently been deported from the United States. Mr.Colato Lainez paints a tender picture of a child missing his mother and not really understanding the reason they are not together. 

"Papa's burnt tortillas are not very tasty," I whispered in Mama's ear. "When are you coming home?"

This is my favorite sentence in the book. Immigration and deportation are issues that we debate and argue about, but for the children it is not a political issue. It's a love issue. It's their mom or dad. They just want their family happily together again.

This is a great book to use in the classroom. I also recommend My Shoes and I.
Go out and get this book and come back tomorrow for my interview with the fabulous Mr. Colato Lainez. Until next time. 

** From North to South courtesy of Children's Book Press.**

2 Comments on Picture Book Reviews, last added: 9/29/2010
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17. Startling Statistics

Hey let's celebrate. In 2010 there were 40 YA books published by African American authors. Hurray, Yippe-Skipee. Now let's see how many YA books were published in all? 3,000. What the what???? If my math is correct (which it is cuz I stole this info from Zetta's blog) that is 2%. Does anyone else no longer feel like celebrating? Does anyone else feel really ticked off? Whose fault is this? Publishers, booksellers, readers? I don't know but it's really disgraceful. If you want to know more check out my BFF Zetta Elliott over at Fledgling. Until next time. 

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18. Write Right!!!!


 I love reflecting on the new baby writer I used to be. So green and naive. I thought all of my stories were absolute gold when really they weren't even a copper penny. But a few years later after trial and error, lots of studying and a willingness to accept criticism, I'm a much stronger writer. Not a perfect writer, not a published writer yet. But it's only a matter of time.

I recently discovered a great book for writers called Writing it Right by Sandy Asher. The subtitle is How Successful Children's Authors Revise and Sell Their Stories. It's a great resource for those of us who write for children because there are examples from picture books through YA. It is comforting and refreshing to see how successful authors began with a really bad 1st draft (just like we all do) and then through revision after revision turn it into a well-written creative piece of work. So as we all continue to work on our own stories here is a little cheat sheet to help you. Ms. Asher writes that each story should be able to pass the Nine Essential Questions test. Get our your death-red pen and your manuscript and let's see if you can come out still breathing.

1) Is this title the best choice?
2) Whose story is this?
3) What does the main character want?
4 )What's standing in the main character's way?
5) Does the main character drive the story forward?
6) What's important to this character at this moment?
7) Do the scenes build to a strong climax?
8) Is each character unique?
9) Does the main character change and grow?

How did we do? Are we still alive? For more information about the process and to see some great real life examples of books from beginning idea to finished product, I hope you will check out Writing It Right. And since I'm such a kick-ass girl, here are some great sites for writers that also may help you find the answers to some of your burning writing questions. Until next time.

Ask A Literary Agent
Evil Editor
Editors Blog
Rejecter

2 Comments on Write Right!!!!, last added: 9/23/2010
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19. Book Review: The Red Umbrella

 I don't remember ever learning about Operation Pedro Pan in school. Did I fall asleep that day or was it never covered? Who knows, but I'm glad Christina Gonzalez has made the topic accessible for adults and kids alike.


In 1961 most girls are dreaming about boys and parties. Lucia Alvarez is one of those girls, but she is also dealing with the Communist revolution. Soldiers appear in her small Cuban town. Neighbors disappear and her family is being watched. If you don't completely agree with Castro's ideals than you are an enemy and can't be trusted.

As the revolution gains momentum Lucia's parents make the decision(like many families) to get their children on a plane and send them somewhere.They had no idea where they would end up or f they would be cared for but knew it had to be safer than staying in Cuba. This became the reality for more than 14, 000 unaccompanied children.

The Red Umbrella is a fabulous book to read in your classroom (grades 3 and up) or at home with your child. So many layers to talk about. Ms. Gonzalez is a wonderful writer. I think it took me all of a day to read it, I couldn't put it down. As a mom it was gut wrenching to think about the decision her parents made to send her and her brother away. Not knowing if they would be alright or where they would end up. Ms. Gonzalez did a fantastic job of showing the different emotional sides of the story. Excellent book. I got it from the library but know I need to own it. I love when a book is so good it makes me spend my hard earned money. Until next time.

2 Comments on Book Review: The Red Umbrella, last added: 9/20/2010
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20. Interview Dos

I'm starting to get a big head and think I'm famous or something. I was interviewed on Tuesday and today I have a guest post over at Reading in Color. Come on over. Until next time.

2 Comments on Interview Dos, last added: 9/20/2010
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21. Baby Steps

I think I can. I think I can. It's always so hard to tell people you are a writer (which I still have trouble admitting to myself). The first thing they want to know is what have you published and what are you working on. If you haven't published anything it always seems like you have to apologize or be ashamed or something. As for what are you working on, sometimes like now, I'm working on a project that I haven't figured out exactly what it is. It could go up, down, sideways who knows. I need to work on a stock answer that I can give. How about "mind your own beeswax!!!" Just kidding. It's all about continuing to climb and reach for those goals. Today I mailed my package for the New Vision Award for a new baby writer. A few weeks ago I turned in my grant application for our local Emerging Artist Award. I think of my dreams as being big, round balloons. If one dream pops (like Rutgers) I take a deep breath and blow up another one. That images has really helped me not get too discouraged. So riddle me this folks, what are you doing to keep climbing? Until next time.

2 Comments on Baby Steps, last added: 9/19/2010
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22. TA-DA

Like the new look??? I wanted a different one that you have to download and install but I couldn't figure out how to do it and hubby and I have been on different schedules lately. I like this one, simple and cool like me. I also found all these cool gadgets like the twitter bird. Okay, I pretend I'm a cool and in the know but I'm so behind when it comes to technology. I've never even sent a text message!! I'm always looking at other peoples blogs and wondering how did they do that. And as my blogger friends know I never hesitate to email them and ask crazy questions.

Yesterday was a fab day. I hope you all saw my interview over at Love Ya Lit. I hope you also saw the photo of my boyfriend Markus Zusak and I. Thanks Em (although hubby wasn't too sure of what to make of it)!! You will never believe who wrote me on facebook. The fabtastic Zetta Elliott. How cool am I? I also heard from Rene Colato Lainez author of The Tooth Fairy Meets El Raton Perez. I emailed him to tell him how much I love the book and that I would love to interview him on the blog. He is now scheduled to make a cyber appearance on Oct 29. Kick-ass!!!! I'm feeling so loved right now. Until next time.

6 Comments on TA-DA, last added: 9/17/2010
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23. BBAW presenting Love YA Lit

Happy Book Blogger Appreciation Week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As we all know book bloggers kick ass!! As a small part of the festivities this week I signed up to interview and be interviewed by a fellow book blogger. I was matched with the lovely and fabulous Em from Love Ya Lit.  Of course she's my new BFF so check her out!!!


1) The best book you've read this year would be....

I am going to cheat a little on this one (you don't mind, right? it is too hard to pick one!). 

For "adult" books, I would have to say Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok (crossover to YA potential on this one) and Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. 

For YA books, I really loved "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi. I love dystopian fiction and this one was extremely well written, had diverse characters (in just about every sense of the word), and a lot of adventure. My co-blogger Nora and I did a joint review of this one: http://loveyalit.com/?p=480.

For junior readers, I thought The Popularity Papers: Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang by Amy Ignatow was adorable - sweet, funny, heart-warming. 

And for the early readers, "Good Night Garden Gnome" by Jamichael Henterly, Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber, and Bird by Zetta Elliott are some of my "new" favorites. 


2) The book you've most wanted to read

7 Comments on BBAW presenting Love YA Lit, last added: 9/15/2010
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24. Presto, Chango

My computer technician(AKA Hubby) and I will be working on sprucing up the blog just in time for Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Please be patient and get ready to be dazzled. (I hope!!) Until next time.

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25. Markus and Me


 So you know all those folks who faint or cry or whatever at the sight of Lady Gaga, Justin Biebier or back in the day Michael Jackson? Well that is how I feel about Markus Zusak. As I've said before I want to marry him and make beautiful word babies together. He is brilliant!!!!!! According to Publisher's Weekly, The Book Thief is gaining more and more momentum. Totally by word of mouth which must feel pretty darn cool. Mr. Zusak said he didn't even think anyone would read it. Okay so yes on the surface it does sound like a Debbie Downer book; Narrated by Death in Nazi Germany. But it's about books. It's about love. It's about family and it is written so beautifully that you will find yourself saying, "Can I get a witness!!!" Okay, maybe that part is just me, but it is an absolutely luscious book. More delicious and decadent than tiramisu. I've read it twice but think I'm ready to dive in for thirds. If you haven't read it by now, get to it!!!!! Oh and Markus Zusak, I'm here whenever you're ready. (Sorry hubby) Jeannine Zusak, sounds exotic, like I should be wearing kick-ass, stilleto black boots. Until next time.

4 Comments on Markus and Me, last added: 9/11/2010
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