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If there's a shortage of clotted cream in the British Isles, feel free to blame my recent visit to London. As usual, I overdosed on Darjeeling and scones laden with liberal servings of my favourite (note the spelling) dairy product.
My husband suggested that we see WAR HORSE in the theater, and I reluctantly agreed, curmudgeon that I am when it comes to literary adaptations. Let the record stand: I didn't see the film. The curtain went up, and to my amazement, I was hooked within minutes. Much of my pleasure was derived from the creative puppetry provided by South Africa's Handspring Productions. These artists made it easy to suspend disbelief and cheer for the beautiful horses on stage.
I popped into Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford to buy a copy of the book by Michael Morpurgo and read it on the flight home. The novel is delightful, but the stage production takes it to a new level thanks to the added talents of directors, actors, stage designers, and most of all, the puppeteers.
I stand corrected about theatrical adaptations, at least when handled with excellence in craft and story. And I'm more hopeful and excited to see what the creative team at the Bay Area Children's Theater will do with their adaptation of my novel RICKSHAW GIRL, premieringApril 16, 2016 on the stage of the Creativity Theater in San Francisco.
We writers like to be in charge of our stories, but magical things can happen when we release the reins and harness the talents of others. Perhaps our stories will be able to gallop into the hearts and minds of a much wider audience. Fodder for thought? (Sorry.)
"If you were living in another country and heard that lots of Americans were hungry, would you leave behind your own safety and comfort to return here and serve?"
"If you asked a lot of people for help once you got here and they all said no, would you give up? Or would you try and come up with a way to solve the problem without their help?"
"What's the difference between a celebrity and a hero?"
Before reading TWENTY-TWO CENTS: MUHAMMAD YUNUS AND THE VILLAGE BANK by Paula Yoo (Lee and Low) to a group of fifth-graders, I might start by asking questions like these. Then I would launch into the story, letting their eyes linger on the beautiful paintings by Jamel Akib. I agree with Publisher's Weekly's review: "In detailed and inviting prose, Yoo shares the story of activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus, beginning with his childhood ... Akib’s grainy, jewel-toned chalk pastels contrast a sense of scarcity and deprivation with one of warmth and humanity. Yoo makes the significance of Yunus’s contributions understandable, relevant, and immediate."
Without overstating Yunus' humble and yet not impoverished background, Yoo and Akib make it clear that this world-changer didn't come from privilege. Children in all circumstances will be inspired by Yunus' life and by the difference he has made throughout the planet. I pay attention to cultural details about my own Bengali heritage, and Akib didn't disappoint with his accurate depiction of practices like giving and receiving with the right hand, squatting to chat, and sitting cross-legged to learn. In the final pages, he paints a panel of proud young brown women whose faces and postures speak volumes about empowerment and hope.
It's been a while since I read a biography aimed for children, but after enjoying this one so much I'm going to look for more. I remember discovering a series in the library when I was in fourth or fifth grade called “The Childhood of Famous American Series” from Bobbs-Merrill. Looking back, I'm surprised by how many world-changing women were featured: I read about Clara Barton, Susan B. Anthony, and Louisa May Alcott. All the books began with a person my age or so who went on to change the world, and as I devoured them I began to imagine trying to make my own mark.
I invited Paula to chat with me on the Fire Escape about creating the book and about the power of biography to inspire and inform. Read on to enjoy her brilliance.
Welcome, my multi-talented friend. Your website is a dizzying display of diverse talent—music, children's books, television writing. You're a celebrity in your own right. Okay, let's start with an easy question: why did you want to write this biography?
Jason Low of Lee and Low Books first approached me about the life of Muhammad Yunus as a possible children's picture book biography. He suggested I read Professor Yunus' autobiography, BANKER TO THE POOR: MICRO-LENDING AND THE BATTLE AGAINST WORLD POVERTY (Public Affairs, 2008). I read this book in one day—I was mesmerized by Professor Yunus' passion and dedication towards helping others left fortunate. His colorful childhood and awakening as an activist inspired me. I agreed with Jason that Muhammad Yunus would make for a great biography to inspire children to learn about compassion and generosity.
What kind of research did you do for the book?
I read several more books and newspaper/magazine articles about Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank. I also interviewed historians and professors who teach college courses about the history and culture of Bangladesh. Most importantly, I had the honor of meeting and interviewing Muhammad Yunus himself when he visited Los Angeles. It was such a privilege to sit down with Professor Yunus and hear his thoughts on how to eradicate world poverty.
A good biography is not dry and boring. A good biography is a compelling and engaging story about a person's life and what events inspired him or her to follow a certain path in life that would change the world forever. I love a good plot, but I love a good character even more. To me, a strong biography is one that embraces its main subject as a CHARACTER who faces obstacles and overcomes them with his or her clever initiatives, passion and drive. It's important for young people to read biographies so they can learn how one person CAN make a huge difference in our world. It's also fun for young people because they also are entertained by a suspenseful storyline that shows HOW that one person changed and grew as a result of overcoming their obstacles in life.
Could you sum up for us the dream response of a reader who knows little or nothing about Bangladesh's history and culture?
For me, a dream response of a reader who knows little or nothing abut Bangladesh's history and culture would be their admiration and respect for a country that has never given up, even in the face of war, famine and natural disaster. I would hope readers would be inspired to read more about Bangladesh and its beautiful and complex cultural history as well. And of course, to visit a restaurant and eat the awesome food, especially the many different kinds of pithas that Muhammad loved to eat as a child! :)
Now let's move to the journey of getting the picture book published. What was a high point? A low point?
I researched and wrote several drafts of this book that Jason Low read and critiqued. I revised it quite a bit before it was deemed submission-worthy. The high point was getting the email announcing the exciting news that it had been selected for publication. No matter how many books you write and publish, every new book that is accepted for publication always feels like your first book! It's an exciting feeling that never gets old. I also know picture books can take awhile because you also have to wait for the illustration/art to be completed. So the "low" point was me impatiently waiting and checking my emails obsessively for a sneak peek of the art work! But it was worth the wait - Jamel Akib's art work was phenomenal.
His pastels are gorgeous! I went to his website and want to buy all of his paintings. Okay, next question: what was the biggest change you made in response to an editorial suggestion?
The biggest change I made in response to an editorial suggestion was figuring out how to increase the presence and influence of both Muhammad's mother and father on his growth as a child learning how to become more compassionate and generous. I had focused more on his mother and then was asked to research his relationship with his father more. As a result, I feel the parents' portrayal is much richer and add more depth to what drove Muhammad to become such an advocate for the poor.
Yes, I completely agree. Could you describe a fear you have about this picture book that can keep you up at night?
As a Korean American, I wanted to make sure the portrayal of Muhammad Yunus and his country of Bangladesh were portrayed in the most accurate and authentic way as possible. I channeled into the universal themes that connected me as a human being to Muhammad's life—focusing on the universal themes of his life and his country's history helped me as I triple fact-checked everything. I also found it quite challenging to sum up the history of Bangladesh in such a short amount of text because this was written in the genre of picture books for children, which requires much brevity. Bangladesh has a complex and rich history and I did not want to cheat that historical depth or write anything that was too short and out of context. So I wold say my fear was really more of a concern to make sure Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh were portrayed in the most authentic light possible.
This book proves without a doubt that authenticity doesn't depend on having the "right" ethnic credentials (whatever that means), but I'd like to explore how much Jamal's Malaysian heritage informed his gut about life in a Muslim country. I'd love to find out what kind of research he did about Bangladeshi cultural practices before finalizing the art. Maybe I'll invite him out here someday. Last but not least: what's next for Paula Yoo in the creative realm?
I'm working on a bunch of manuscripts-in-progress, from a new YA novel idea I have to a couple adult novel ideas, as well as some new picture books (researching new biography topics). I'm also working on a special children's book project that I can't announce yet but stay tuned! :) I also am a TV producer so I'm currently writing for SyFy's DEFIANCE. As for picture books, I host the very popular NAPIBOWRIWEE (National Picture Book Writing Week) event every May 1-7 in which I challenge writers to write 7 picture books in 7 days to help defeat procrastination. (That way everyone has 7 rough drafts they can then pick and choose to revise for the rest of the year!) I feature fun Q and As with published picture book authors and writing advice, plus a fun contest featuring some awesome autographed books from myself and others. The next event takes place May 1-7, 2015.
Thanks so much for spending time out on the Fire Escape with me, Paula, and for writing this book. God bless you and your work in 2015!
Today I'm delighted to host Carol Antoinette Peacock, author of a new middle grade novel, Red Thread Sisters (Viking / Penguin). A well-paced, satisfying hero's journey, this moving book tells the story of Wen, an eleven-year-old girl who leaves an orphanage in China for a new home in Boston. Tween readers will root for the protagonist in her quest to find a home in America for Shu Ling, her best friend in China.
Red Thread Sisters doesn't gloss over the grief of adoption. Even as Wen fiercely advocates for Shu Ling, she battles for herself as well, grieving for what she left behind in China and taking stock of what she might gain—and lose—as she accepts her new family and home. A new friend Hannah, proficient with American culture and popular at school, is also processing a familial loss, evening out the power between the two girls and making their friendship credible.
The author skillfully switches from the narrator's fluent and honest internal voice, which we assume is in Chinese, to displaying Wen's emerging proficiency in English through dialog. This simile worked perfectly, for example, using a memory from the orphanage to describe the irritating struggle of language acquisition: "Wen strained hard to pick up any English she knew. The words seemed to buzz, like flies swarming over the babies' heads on the hottest days."
By the end of the story, this novel accomplishes the purposes of good "between cultures" stories: it widens hearts and builds bridges. I read it in one sitting and got choked up at two scenes (read the book to guess which ones). I hope you enjoy this chat with Carol as much as I did.
Could you sum up for us the dream response of a reader who knows little or nothing about international adoption?
For a reader unfamiliar with international adoption, I hope Red Thread Sisters will enlighten that reader about the challenges, but most important, the happiness of building a family through international adoption.
Although international adoption is far more common than years ago, some people still sense that these families are beset by racial prejudice and cultural differences. And of course, families created through international adoption do encounter these issues.
But what I wanted to convey to all readers was the joy of international adoption. Unexpectedly adopted, Wen must leave her best friend, Shu Ling, as close as sisters, behind. Wen promises she’ll find Shu Ling a family of her own, once she’s in America. But can Wen keep her promise? As the reader follows Wen’s valiant efforts to find Shu Ling a family, the power of Wen joining her own adoptive family emerges, too.
Later in the book, Shu Ling, begins to fear belonging to a family in America. Wen tells her, “Being with a family is better because if you get lost, they drive around in your car until they find you. If you feel sad, they try to cheer you up, even if they don’t really know what’s wrong. If you get sick, they sit by your bed and take care of you. And if things get hard, like maybe there’s less money, they still love you, no matter what, because they’re your family. That’s what’s better.”
I should add that I’m an adoptive mother of two Chinese daughters, so I have lived the joys and challenges of international adoption. As I wrote Red Thread Sisters, I realized I was actually writing about the power of connection, through families and through friendship.
Now let's move to the journey of getting the novel published. What was a high point? A low point?
Oh, what a good question! The high point of getting published was the day Leila Sales at Viking/Penguin, my editor, got the go-ahead to buy my novel. I’d done seven years of research and revising Red Thread Sisters. And now my book was going to be published! When I got that email from my agent, I screamed, I was so happy.
A low point? I wrote Red Thread Sisters, based on my own experience working with older children at my own daughters’ orphanage. I got input from so many helpful adoptive parents. And when the book kept getting rejected, I felt very discouraged. I wrote Red Thread Sisters from an inner passion. Each rejection felt like such a stab in the heart.
I'm glad you survived them. What was the biggest change you made in response to an editorial suggestion?
I gave the novel depth. My wonderful editor at Viking suggested I add more of Wen’s struggles to adjust to American culture. This was a very important change and improved my story enormously. Now I was writing not just a book about international adoption but a more nuanced novel, about cultural themes and a host of subplots. The scenes of American life broadened the book’s appeal and gave the book a much larger audience. Thank you, Leila!
Nothing like a good editor. Could you describe a fear you have about this novel that can or did keep you up at night?
I worried that no one will read my novel. I’m not kidding, even though Red Thread Sisters is getting good reviews, I still sometimes worry it won’t sell. I brood that I won’t be able to share my message and tell my story. Anytime readers tell me they loved my book, I feel so relieved and deeply gratified.
Please add me to the growing list of people who loved the book. What's next for Carol Peacock in the realm of children's books?
Another good question. I’m a practicing psychologist and have used my dog to help emotionally disturbed kids for years. I am thinking of writing about this experience, maybe including the perspective of the dog. I need to go walk the beach with my black Lab, Pepper, and immerse myself in my next book.
We'll have to walk our dogs together! I have a black Lab named Zipper! Thanks for joining me on the Fire Escape, Carol. I'm looking forward to your next book and will become your Facebook fan HERE (hint to my Fire Escape visitors).
Trailer:
Reviews:
“…provides a moving and engaging experience for readers. A fine addition to both the coming-of-age genre and books sensitively dealing with cross-cultural adoption.” — Kirkus Reviews
“….perfectly paced…heartwarming and joyous.” — School Library Journal
“This…intimate novel focuses on Wen’s difficult emotional journey…Wen’s selflessness and determination are poignant but not overly sentimental and the story’s truths about children in need are sensitively expressed…..” — Publishers Weekly
Looking for a girl hero in a middle-grade novel with a heart to protect
the abused? You'll find her in THE TROUBLE WITH HALF A MOON's Dellie
(Putnam | 2011). The author, Danette Vigilante,
grew up in Brooklyn's Red Hook housing project, and her "insider's"
mastery of the setting magically transports us there. We feel the blue
flakes on the playground benches, hear the sound of approaching sirens,
basketballs dribbling, and neighbors' fights, and smell the antiseptic
used by Dellie's mother to clean the elevators.
Vigilante's first person
tween voice effortlessly weaves in details about Puerto Rican culture
in this debut novel. Dellie honors her hard-working, loving, strict
parents, staying true to the culture's norms, even as she decides to
break a few rules for the sake of someone in need. Perfect read to illuminate for
tween girls that so-called "small" choices can make a difference in
their own lives and in their communities.
Today I'm delighted to host my über-talented friend Uma Krishnaswami, on blog tour for her recently released middle-grade novel, THE GRAND PLAN TO FIX EVERYTHING (Atheneum, 2011). But before we spend time with Uma, here's an introduction to her newest sparkling tale ...
"Full of references to Bollywood movie traditions and local customs, this is a delightful romp with a fresh setting and a distinctive and appealing main character." — Kirkus, starred review
"Krishnaswami perfectly captures movie-star infatuation, best-friendship, geographical displacement, and youthful determination in this exuberant blend of American tween life and Indian village culture." — PW, starred review
ABOUT THE BOOK: Eleven-year old Dini loves movies—watching them, reading about them, trying to write her own—especially Bollywood movies. But when her mother tells her some big news, it does not at all jive with the script of her life she has in mind. Her family is moving to India…and, not even to Bombay, which is the center of the Bollywood universe and home to Dini's all-time most favorite star, Dolly. No, Dini is moving to a teeny, tiny village she can't even find on a map. Swapnagiri. This joyful, lively Bollywood inspired story, full of colorful details, delicious confections and the wondrous, magical powers of coincidence, will have you smiling from ear to ear.
Book Trailer:
And now, let's talk with the lovely Ms. Uma.
Thanks for visiting the Fire Escape, my friend. Can you describe the experience of writing a book set in India as an Indian-American? Were you conscious of interpreting India for a non-hyphenated audience?
I wasn't overly conscious of trying to interpret India, because I figure my view of anywhere is going to be just that--one view. It's why we need many stories. I did realize that I was picturing a hilly region far from the hot cities, and that some people may find that goes against how they visualize India. Well, if I were to set a story in New Mexico, I imagine there'd be people who might say, "That's in America?" So I figured the best thing to do was to give agency to Dini, my hyphenated character in The Grand Plan to Fix Everything. She sees both India and America through her own Bollywood-tinted lenses, so the reader gets to see it that way too. And if it seems a little fractured and crazy--well, that's pretty much how it is.
I know we're both fans of author Chimamanda Adichie's talk, The Danger of a Single Story, so I appreciate your thoughtful answer. Okay,
I picked up the Grand Plan in my local B&N a few days ago and loved it! Uma, thank you for writing this wonderful book, and Mitali, thank you for this interview!
Doret, Vicky, and Sherry, thanks for stopping by on the blog tour. Jenny, I'm so pleased you enjoyed The Grand Plan. Thanks for hosting me at the Fire Escape, Mitali!
Cloud Tea Monkeys (Candlewick) by Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham is a tale about a compassionate, spunky, animal-loving girl about nine or ten. Know any girls like that? Then please invite them for afternoon tea and biscuits and read Tashi's story aloud.
More than a fairy or folk tale (even though it was an accolade book for the Aesop prize), this engaging child-centered story depicts clearly the source of our tea. Set in a Himalayan community, neither the story nor illustrations stint on the labor required from women and children to grow a product that many of us take for granted. Let your guests savor the glowing, gorgeous illustrations by Juan Wijngaard as you're transported to the faraway world of tea gardens, but you might also ask questions about how hard the women have to work and why Tashi isn't going to school.
One also wonders what might have happened to Tashi and her mother if monkeys hadn't come to the rescue. Real life doesn't have as many happy endings. How we consume in America makes a huge difference in the lives of girls like Tashi who don't have access to magic. (For example, Honest Tea buys 100% fair trade tea, Lipton is moving to this by 2020, but Snapple is far from that goal.)
Encourage children to learn about fair trade tea—it's a concept most of us can grasp at a fairly young age. Here are some free curriculum and great teaching suggestions from Equal Exchange, and enjoy this video from the people at Art of Tea.
Today's Writers for the Red Cross Auction swag bag is from me. It includes a signed hardcover of Bamboo People, a bamboo bookmark with pewter elephant from Thailand, a signed hardcover of Secret Keeper, and an alabaster candle holder from India. Browse the other items up for bidding—there are some generous donations.
Meanwhile, let's keep praying for Japan. In 1948, Nobel prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck published a children's book about a tsunami in Japan called The Big Wave. In 2005, NPR's Jacki Lyden read an excerpt from that "famous story of a Japanese boy who must face life after escaping the tidal wave destruction of his family and village." Has anybody read it since the recent tragedy? What are your thoughts?
I've been meaning to "follow" you for quite awhile. I'm good friends with Barbara O'Connor and I think we probably have many other MG writer friends in common. :-)
Wow, as a person who has had recurring dreams of "The Big Wave" Now what? The metaphor for the ocean as the unknown and then a tsunami as a destructive force that comes from that unknown....and in the destruction forces us to dissolve...
Thanks for your blog = a wealth of information
I am looking forward to reading and listening to your many books...And just wanted to say Hi.
Read the Harry Potter books in 4 weeks last year before watching the "Half-Blood Prince" movie. After the richness of the books, don't know if I can keepwathing the movies, altho they are okay for what they are.
Heaven to Betsy at the start of every fall because it's the start of her freshman year of high school! (this is in addition to my constant rereading of the entire Betsy Tacy series, natch).
Anonymous said, on 2/24/2010 10:26:00 AM
I reread the Betsy-Tacy series starting in the fall, because fall always means new beginnings to me. I have read Heidi at least once every five years since I was little, after I got my fill of rereading it in the beginning. It still makes me cry : )
Absolutely BETSY-TACY. And HEIDI is a great summer read, too. I read a bit of it recently at a church meeting with a reflection on the principle of transformation.
I am a chronic rereader. I even reread bad teen romances, just for the sense of nostalgia.
The major ones, though:
The library in my dad's town, where I spent every vacation growing up, had most of the Betsy-Tacy series. So, since used to traditionally reread the series during each visit, I tend to pick up one or all of the series now during summer vacation, winter break, spring vacation... Or, really, any time is good : ).
I also reread MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH, THE WESTING GAME and WATERSHIP DOWN at least once every couple of years.
I re-read the Tiffany Aching books by Terry Pratchett, and Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter. I know The Hunger Games trilogy will be added to the list (can't yet because 3rd isn't out)because I've read the 1st 2 twice already. And I re-read Huckleberry Finn and Mrs. Frisby.
Dicey's Song, Jackaroo, On Fortune's Wheel, Solitary Blue are the top Cynthia Voigt re-reads.
Camilla is top Madeleine L'E reread.
Jacob Have I Loved (esp. audio is top Katherine Paterson re-read)(Potential purchase)
Hoot (Carl Hiassan) on audio. (I might have to purchase it)
Thursday's Child by Noel Streatfield. Skating Shoes, which is hard to find, as it is out of print.
Mandy by Julie (Andrews) Edwards was my top re-read as a child. Mine was the only name on the card inside the book, about 11 times. I now own it, of course.
I think the key to a re-read is someone that is having a hard time but is dealing with it with heart and humor. A fairy tale ending always helps. (But I love Sara Louise in Jacob Have I Loved for being so darn grumpy...so every rule has its exception.)
xo, SL
(yes, my blog name is derived from Sara Louise Bradshaw, of Jacob Have I Loved.)
As the Waltz was Ending by Emma Macalik Butterworth. Not really a novel, since it's the author's real experience, but I first read it in 8th grade English class. Too bad it's out of print now, but well worth hunting down a copy.
Also The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass
As a child I read the following books several times each: Maida's Little Shop by Inez Haynes Irwin, and its sequels Maida's Little House and Maida's Little School. Others in the series are not as good. Little Women, Rose in Bloom and Eight Cousins Betsy-Tacy and Tib, Emily of Deep Valley both by Maud Hart Lovelace Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
Anonymous said, on 2/24/2010 1:23:00 PM
Favorite kids' books from my childhood that I still reread:
The Middle Moffat by Eleanor Estes
Paleface Redskins by Jacqueline Jackson
Miss Jellytot's Visit by Mabel Leigh Hunt
Daddy Long-Legs
Most of the Betsy Tacy books, esp. Heaven to Betsy, Betsy and the Great World, plus Emily of Deep Valley
Plus quite a few picture books, and I do want to mention, in particular, MB Goffstein's books.
I reread a lot of children's books, but probably not every year, with the possible exception of Emily of Deep Valley and Betsy's Wedding...I am not sure how often I reread Anne of Green Gables which I think I once had memorized! And Little Women and Eight Cousins. I reread The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books nearly every year. I often read The Kitchen Madonna around Christmas. I love the Little House books and most of L.M. Montgomery's books too.
You know, it's hardly possible to pick one, even though I don't get through all my favorites every year.
What a great question! When I was a kid, I re-read many times: the Little House books, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, King of the Dollhouse, A Wrinkle in Time, & Black Beauty. I still revisit these, but now I also enjoy re-reading anything by Andrew Clements, Brian Jacques and Kenneth Oppel (especially Darkwing).
http://susanbethstudio.blogspot.com/
Jen D-K said, on 2/25/2010 5:07:00 AM
Fun question! The Betsy-Tacy series, for sure, also the Joan Foster series by Alice Ross Colver (not well-known but quite wonderful), the Ginnie books by Catherine Woolley, and "One of Fred's Girls" by Elisabeth Hamilton Friermood.
I'm a huge rereader. I really don't get mindset of all the non-rereaders who commented on Mark Athitakis' recent post. There's definitely a comfort-food aspect to it.
Some of my kidlit rereads are Madeleine L'Engle's books, especially And Both Were Young (which is getting rereleased with a great new cover) and A Ring of Endless Light; Tessa Duder's Alex Archer books; Ann Rinaldi's ; Philip Pullman's Sally Lockhart books.
As a big fan of PaperTigers, I'm delighted to share the news about the recently launched Spirit of PaperTigers Project, an initiative to promote literacy and books that encourage empathy and understanding.
The Project will select a set of books, donate them to schools and libraries in areas of need, and report responses of children from all around the globe. (For details on how to get a set, visit the PaperTigers site.)
Thanks a million for helping us spread the word on the Spirit of PaperTigers project, Mitalli! If I'm not mistaken, the 2010 set includes one or two of the books you suggested?...
Pour yourself a cup of tea and join us as we find out more about the author (who is lighting up the Fire Escape with her beautiful smile, no?) and her funny, inspiring middle-grade book featuring an unforgettable guy protagonist.
Describe Gbemi at age fourteen.
Yikes! Trying to set a record for number of after-school activities. Obsessed with "A+"s. Tired of people suggesting that she change her name to something easier when she gets older. Certain she'd be a playwright and live in a very modern Central Park West apartment with lots of windows and stainless steel appliances. Lots of rubber bracelets, large and mismatched earrings, off-the-shoulder fashion, mini skirts and patterned tights. Enthusiastic participant in lip-sync competitions, and secret member of the math and debate teams. Voracious reader and painfully earnest journal-writer who desperately wished someone would know that she was a 'true princess', and a dreamer who was never quite able to mask just how out of place she felt.
I can just picture you, Gbemi. We would have been friends for sure. Okay, now about the book. What was the biggest (hardest) change you made in response to Cheryl Klein's editorial input?
Cheryl is such a gifted editor, and it was wonderful to work with someone who has such a passion for her work. She really understands story structure, and that focus really worked well for a character-driven story like mine, and we spent a lot of time moving chapters around to keep Reggie's story moving.
Just one example: Cheryl made this wonderful suggestion to move a segment that came in the later part of the book to the beginning, and I think that was a key change that helped Reggie's likeability factor. One of the hardest changes for me to make was the opening. I'd started with an opening sentence back in 2002, and was very much attached to it. I'd also spent a lot of time working on coming up with a *really* gross scenario on the opening pages, and I guess I succeeded; the verdict was that it was just a little too disgusting. But I was tremendously pleased with myself for going there, so it was hard to let that go. :-)
In general, I learned a lot about the importance of getting out of the way of my own work in the revision process. You can fall in love with a line, a passage, a character, and you want the world to know just how clever you are, what literary heights you can achieve (and by 'you', I mean me). I worried a lot about how I would be perceived, what image this book would project. There was a 'deep breath' moment in revising when I had to ask myself if I wanted to use Reggie and the other characters to tell my story, or if I wanted to listen and work faithfully to tell theirs.
Reggie was not an easy character to write. It took me a long time to love him; I spent a lot of time thinking variations of 'what a whiner/punk/irritant' this kid is! I can't believe him!' as I wrote. It was important for me to go back and re-discover his lovable moments, his positive qualities and revise with those things in mind, to add dimension
I so very much appreciated the earnestness of Reggie's exploration of faith in this book - so much heart, and so much soul, and so much of an encouragement to me.
Wonderful interview! I would definitely have been your friend in high school Gbemi =)
Ugh that's so annoying that people suggested you should change your name to something easier, it's beautiful! I should tell a Tom or Mary to change their name to something more interesting and original.
I think Reggies is such a lovable character and he rarely came off as a punk, never a whiner! He's adorable and is an inspiration that we can all help our communities regardless of age.
I have a copy that Doret (HappyNappyBookseller) was kind enough to send me and I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing SuperZero! I really enjoy reading interview such as this when one author interviews another. The questions you ask give such insight into a particular author and the writing/publishing process as well!
In honor of MLK Weekend, I secured permission to reprint an excellent list of books compiled by Laura Scott of Farmington Community Library through the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) list-serv. Please feel free to add more suggestions in the comments section. Thanks, Laura and ALSC!
Illustrated Books with African American Characters Published in 2009
Bryan, Ashley. Ashley Bryan: Words to My Life’s Song.Atheneum.
Greenfield, Eloise. Illus. George Ford. Paul Robeson. Lee and Low.
Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. Illus. R. Gregory Christie. Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bess Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall.CarolRhoda.
Shange, Ntozak. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Coretta Scott. Katherine Tegen Books.
I was sampling veggie burgers in a Costco aisle yesterday when I decided to check my email. My phone uploaded a message from Jennifer Hart of HarperPerennial; here's part of what she wrote:
... I was wondering if you would be interested in writing the foreword to the new edition of Emily of Deep Valley. I’m thrilled to be bringing this one back especially as so many fans cite it as among their favorites of Maud Hart Lovelace's books. I also think it touches on so many interesting themes that are still relevant today ...
I re-read the email, heart racing, tears blurring my eyes. The veggie burger guy watched with a look of concern as I managed to word this response on my iPhone:
Do you know how much I love Emily of Deep Valley? I have re-read it countless times since I discovered it as a newcomer to this country years ago in the Flushing library.
I am honored, thrilled, ecstatic, over-the-top, doing-a-Bollywood-Dance delighted.
I accept with gratitude and humility as I consider Ms. Lovelace's impact on me through the years.
Jennifer gave me permission to share this with you, so that's my Ta-Da announcement! Can you believe it? Anyone have a time machine? I want to find nine-year-old Mitali scouring the NYPL shelves for anything Maud Hart Lovelace and tell her the news.
That's fantastic, congratulations! It is a book which is totally new to me--I am only familiar with the Betsy-Tacy-Tibb books, so I look forward to reading it. And knowing now that you have this connection to the book makes it all the more appealing :)
Wow! Congratulations! I am a big MHL fan (I was just re-reading Emily over the holidays in fact, though that one always leaves me feeling faintly sad, compared to the rest) and I cannot wait to see what you have to say in the new reissue.
How awesome! Another reason for me to make up my Maud Hart Lovelace deficit.
Anonymous said, on 1/12/2010 10:28:00 AM
What wonderful news! Emily of Deep Valley is one of my favorite Lovelace titles, despite (or maybe because of) it being a bit "darker" than the sunnier Betsy Ray books. Maybe because I think of Emily as a late bloomer, and she gives hope to all of us late bloomers that it's never too late to "muster one's wits" when faced with a challenge! I can't wait to read your words in tandem with Maud's words!
Congratulations, Mitali. That's so great! I especially loved what you said about telling nine-year-old Mitali the news. That's how I felt (on a smaller scale) when I got an email from Zilpha Keatley Snyder. Things our book-loving nine-year-old selves couldn't have even imagined. I'm really happy for you.
What wonderful news, Mitali! I teared up, especially after reading how much the nine-year-old you loved the book. What an honor and dream-come-true. Congrats!
I am so pleased for you, and for all the readers who will find Emily for the first time thanks to you and Jennifer. I can't wait for the upcoming Read Emily campaign (which I know will accompany the reissue).
Truly an inspired idea of Jennifer's. I can't wait to read what you write; I know you'll be up to the task, but it must feel crazy intimidating. Congratulations!
Mitali, I was tickled pink to hear this news. I'll be writing the foreword for the Carney's House Party/Winona's Pony Cart reissue. My girls screamed so loud at this news you could probably hear it in Boston. :)
I don't know what I'm more excited about--that Emily, Carney, and Winona are coming back into print, or that I get to write the C/W foreword. And I can't wait to read yours for Emily! She is one of my favorites.
Radhika Breaden said, on 1/12/2010 9:19:00 PM
This is wonderful news! As an Asian-Indian BT fan, I have always felt drawn to Emily and her portrayal and love for another cultural group. Do us proud, Mitali!
Oh, how wonderful. I still recommend Heavens to Betsy to my students, and always tell them if they feel compelled to make fudge after reading it, they have to bring me some. I'll definitely be buying a copy of Emily!
Fran Manushkin said, on 1/14/2010 8:16:00 PM
This is wonderful news, Mitali! I'm so pleased for you--and for us! I can't wait to read what you say.
That's so awesome. Congratulations! I've never read Emily of Deep Valley though I've heard Melissa Wiley rave about it and wanted to. I love Betsy Tacy and I'm thrilled that I'm going to get a chance to own copies the series tie ins too.
Thanksgiving is my favorite North American holiday by far. It doesn't make new or poor Americans feel as left out as some of the other festival days. During winter break, why did the fat dude in red bring presents for everybody in my class except me?
Duck For Turkey Day, a new picture book from Albert Whitman & Co by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Kathryn Mitter, tells the story of Tuyet, a Vietnamese-American girl who worries about eating duck on "Turkey Day." A chorus of classmates reassures Tuyet at the end of the book, describing a diversity of food eaten at their tables as they too celebrated America's day of gratitude with their families.
The book is wonderful choice for classrooms and families this Thanksgiving. School Library Journal says, "This sweet tale is written in straightforward prose and provides a brief glimpse of another culture. Mitter's bright illustrations accented with cozy details draw readers into Tuyet's happy home and enhance the story's heartwarming message."
Even as I enjoy Thanksgiving as the ultimate immigrant holiday, I'm aware of the festival's mixed messages. In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, as I shared last Thanksgiving, Sherman Alexie's protagonist illuminates how strange Thanksgiving is for descendants of America's only non-immigrants:
I always think it's funny when Indians celebrate Thanksgiving. I mean, sure, the Indians and Pilgrims were best friends during that First Thanksgiving, but a few years later, the Pilgrims were shooting Indians.
So I'm never quite sure why we eat turkey like everybody else.
"Hey, Dad," I said. "What do Indians have to be so thankful for?"
"We should give thanks that they didn't kill all of us."
We laughed like crazy. It was a good day. Dad was sober. Mom was getting ready to nap. Grandma was already napping.
To find books and resources recommended by Indians about Thanksgiving, visit Oyate, "a Native organization working to see that our lives and histories are portrayed honestly, and so that all people will know our stories belong to us." I've included them below.
Deconstructing the Myths of “The First Thanksgiving” (short version)
[view] | [download]
Deconstructing the Myths of “The First Thanksgiving” (long version)
[view] | [download]
Recommended books from an Indian perspective
[view] | [download]
Primary sources from a colonialist perspective
[Add a Comment
Looking for a gift for that kid who seems to have everything? Make a book come to life by pairing it with a fair trade toy or other goodie. Here are three suggestions, followed by a list of places to find toys that battle poverty:
An American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people. A gift is about to be bestowed on the American men, women, and children, and he is there to accept it. A mere nine months have passed since the September 11 attacks, and hearts are raw. Tears flow freely from American and Maasai as these legendary warriors offer their gift to a grieving people half a world away.
As young Nora waits impatiently for her mother to come home from work and for her father to serve the long-simmering couscous that smells so delicious, her father tells her about his childhood in Morocco. During a famine, when Nora's grandfather had to travel far to find work and bring food for the family, her father learned the valuable life lessons of patience, perseverance, and hope.
Selavi is befriended by other children living on the streets in Haiti. They look out for one another, sharing food and companionship. Together they find the voice to express the needs of Timoun Lari, the children who live in the streets.
Places to Shop
The Fair Trade Federation lists 126 organizations selling toys made by the poor (go here, click on "toys" and "do search" to see them), but here are few recommended by my faithful twitter and facebook friends (if you know of more, please add them in the comments):
New technology can partner with (read: never replace) traditional books to inspire the next generation with the power of story and art. Here are three places to download digital books for wee ones on your iPhone:
I featured some info (and a giveaway I think) on MobiStories earlier this year at 5minutesforbooks.com.
I loved the idea that they were trying to encourage parents who are on-the-go to use that time to engage their kids with books, but I agree that it will never replace the real thing!
These days, even award-winning authors in our industry must invest time and energy to market a new book.
Last month, author and illustrator Grace Lin (WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON / Little Brown) tried some new strategies to launch her book online. I asked Grace a few questions about the experience, hoping that other authors and illustrators might glean a few ideas for their own virtual efforts.
Why did you decide to launch your book online?
This book, in particular, is really important to me so I really wanted to pull out all the stops to help it do well. Unfortunately, the book was launching at the end of June which I thought made it difficult to do many in-person events — almost everyone scatters for the summer around then. Doing something online seemed the most sensible route to take for this time; I'll probably start doing in-person events for it in the fall.
Could you sum up the elements of your online book launch?
4. Taped an audio of me reading an excerpt of the book.
5. Offered a one-day party favor of a special edition personalized autographed bookplate.
6. Promoted a 3-month contest where if you post a photo of yourself with my book on my Facebook Fan Page, you can win a $25 gift certificate for my store and the grand prize of your likeness in my next book.
7. Invented Facebook quizzes related to the book (see sidebar for a list of all the quizzes).
8. Created a book launch site and registered a customized domain name using the title of the book at blogger.com.
I have a friend who edited and put together the movie and trailer. I know that took him weeks. I hired Kirsten Cappy of Curious City to create the content for the activity book. And you, Mitali, helped me figure out how to organize it and get the word out!
But the rest was all my sweat.
If you had to pick one, which one was the easiest to do and why?
The easiest thing to do was to start a Facebook Fan Page. Once I found the links on how to do it on Facebook, it was a breeze. And it's been a great way to keep in contact with fans.
The most challenging?
Making the interview/movie was challenging. I am horrible on camera and I tend to stutter and talk a mile a minute. Not to mention all the technical problems — microphone issues, lighting, etc. To make that 4 minute movie we shot at least 2 hours!
But getting the word out, having people actually COME to the party — that is the trickiest and most challenging thing. Because, you don't really know — you just hope the word spread and people show up.
The most fun?
I got a big kick out of making my Facebook quizzes. They are just goofy fun. I still send them to my friends to take.
What did you do in person (offline) to promote the book?
I did one big launch party in June at the Porter Square bookstore.
I like to think of launch parties like birthday parties; I try not to think what would be the most effective marketing but what would make the guests have the most fun. So, compared to some it might have seemed a bit lavish. But, to me, it was a party I was hosting and I wanted to make sure everyone had a nice time.
So, for my launch, I gave a little speech, signed book and I gave elaborate goodie bags. The bags had a poster, an activity page, a paper flower and a boxed cupcake. On the bottom of 8 of those cupcakes, I taped a Chinese coin. If you got a cupcake with a coin, you got your likeness in my next book. The kids were thrilled and it was a lot of fun.
Would you do anything differently next time?
I would have started my Facebook Fan Page a lot earlier. I think it's a great communication tool that I've only just begun to understand. Also, I would've started twittering earlier too, I still have not really grasped it — I imagine if I had mastered it before my launch it would've been helpful.
Thank you, Grace, for sharing your creativity and energy. Not all of us are as talented as you, but I know you'll inspire others to take some risks for their next book launch.
gretchen said, on 8/14/2009 9:34:00 PM
Thanks to both of you for sharing! It is neat to see you thinking creatively about how to spread the word on your book. The videos are especially nice because it is a way librarians can see how an author IS and decide about whether or not to have them come visit their libraries (or schools). On shoestring budgets, we want dynamic and fun people to inspire our kids and seeing authors in online videos helps us get a sense of their personalities! More videos please! p.s. WE LOVE THE BOOK!
As an oft-displaced child, I borrowed roots from my favorite authors. L.M. Montgomery's novels made Prince Edward Island one of my many homes. Just got back from a recent sojourn to "Avonlea," Montgomery's pseudonym for her beloved Cavendish, and savored a few of her books all over again.
I adored the Anne books growing up (and still love them). One of my dreams is to go to PEI someday. Thanks for sharing your photos-now I know I really do have to go there!
So glad you guys enjoyed the photos! Shelf, mine golfed while I did the touristy Anne stuff solo (doesn't take more than a day), and then we biked around the island together.
Curious about how to throw a virtual book launch party? Stop by Grace Lin's launch of her enchanting new fantasy WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON (Little Brown). We're enjoying goodies, contests, giveaways, and the eternal hope of cupcakes.
Find out more about this lovely novel, which I want to read aloud to every upper elementary kid on the planet. Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Booklist all starred it, and Booklist said, "Children will embrace this accessible, timeless story about the evil of greed and the joy of gratitude."
"Reading makes immigrants of us all," said Hazel Rochman. "It takes us away from home, but, most importantly, it finds homes for us everywhere."
Check your nightstand. How far are you traveling in your fiction? Here's my border-crossing challenge.
Share the title of a children's or YA novel you've read recently or plan to read featuring a protagonist who (a) wasn't born in your country of origin.
Then tell us about a good book with a main character (b) who is someone most of your ancestors a hundred or so years ago might have been shocked and ashamed to see you marry or befriend.
For me, (a) is easy since I was born in India, so basically most of the novels I read qualify, but (b) means a good book featuring a Muslim young man, so Khaled Hosseini's KITE RUNNER (which I think is an upper YA read) fits the bill. What about you?
A. I read a good amount of manga, so this pick may be cheating, but I just read Very Very Sweet vol. 1-2 by Ji-Sang Shin and Geo. It's a Korean comic (manhwa) about a spoiled young Japanese man who is forced by his grandfather to move to Korea to "get in touch with his roots." While it is full of silliness, the book does have a lot of cultural details which, not being of either Japanese or Korean ancestry, I found fascinating. I also liked that the creators wanted to do a comic about being a stranger in a strange land, even in a light, silly romance.
B. Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice by Philip Hoose--Even though my grandfather helped work with the Civil Rights Movement in Georgia (he was friends with Dr. King's father), my relatives further back did own slaves and would have been shocked that I would want to read about such an admirable young woman. But they would have also been shocked by my co-workers, friends, and our current president, so that's good too.
Pooja said, on 5/6/2009 2:51:00 PM
A. I just read SECRET KEEPER ;). Though Asha and I share a cultural identity, she was born in India and I was born in the USA.
B. I also finished SKUNK GIRL, which features a Pakistani-American protagonist.
a) My YA reading has been very US-centric lately, so the most recent book about a protagonist from a different country is Sarah MacLean's The Season, which really doesn't count. I'll go for Donna Jo Napoli's Alligator Bayou, where the protagonist is a Sicilian immigrant.
b) Some of my relatives (and I don't have to go back a hundred years for this, sadly) would be pretty put out if I were to marry Sam from Kekla Magoon's The Rock and the River.
For A I'm going to go with a manga too, Fumiyo Kouno's Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms, which is set in Hiroshima in the 1950s, 1980s, and 2000s.
I thought B was harder, until I realized a hundred years ago my relatives would have been horrified, and maybe disowned me entirely, for marrying someone not Jewish--which like you for A, leaves open most but not quite all of the novels set in our world that I've read. (Come to think of it, maybe they'd have been horrified if I married non-Jews from other fantasy worlds, too, even if we were the only Jews in that entire world ...)
Mitali, have to write here because twitter won't let me direct message you if you aren't following me...and I just wanted to say this? Sometimes revisions are telling you something you need to know...but the timing can stink....! Try this: reread the "different direction" section and see if you think it is another, equally good or even better book trying to emerge too early....sometimes that happens to me. If so....promise the idea its own book...later...and revise this one first.
A- Gringolandia by Lyn Miller -Lachmann. I haven't read it yet but its high in the queue. The main character Daniel is from Chile. B- Thats easy, any White Male lead. Since I just started reading Cabot's Being Nikki, I'll say Brandon Stark.
And we are reading RED GLASS over at readergirlz. Beautiful book!
Then I went and married someone who might fit that ancestor-not-so-lovin' description (but then they'd meet him and fall head over heels, just like I did). Oh, books...how about PERSEPOLIS. Wonderful read!
I'll do 3 for A: SASS: The Great Call of China, by Cynthea Liu Does My Head Look Big in This?, by Randa Abdel-Fattah Climbing the Stairs, by Padma Venkatraman
a) if grownups books don't count, then I have to go with Secret Keeper, too.
b) Luther from Bucking the Sarge. It's hard to say what my ancestors would have objected to (Serbs, probably), but I can't resist any opportunity to plug that book.
a) It's not a novel, but I loved Afghan Dreams: Young Voices of Afghanistan by Tony O'Brien and Michael P. Sullivan.
b) I don't have to go back anywhere near 100 years, as the main character's best friend comes out to him: Two Parties, One Tux, and a Very Short Film about The Grapes of Wrath by Steven Goldman.
Want your children to develop a passion for social justice? The Jane Addams Children's Book Award is given annually to books that "engage children in thinking about peace, justice, world community, and/or equality of the sexes and all races." This year's winners are a must for families and classrooms who care about peace on the planet (annotations are from the Jane Addams' Book Award Committee's official press release).
Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai, written and illustrated by Claire A. Nivola, is this year's winner in the Books for Younger Children category:
Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai profiles the first woman from Africa to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2004). Environmentalist and activist Wangari Maathai founded Kenya’s Green Belt Movement (1977) in direct response to the devastated natural resources and poverty caused by the deforestation of her homeland for commercial purposes.
In a picture book that glows with orange and green landscapes dotted with bright blue, red, purple and yellow details, Nivola presents Maathai as a steady leader who saw community building as a way to resolve problems. She drew first on her own courage, then on the courage of many women, to sow seeds, nurture seedlings and plant trees. Together, they built a movement that continues to inspire people to take charge of their lives, their land and their future.
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle is the winner in the Books for Older Children category (this book also just won the Américas Book Award):
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom poignantly explores resistance to slavery and occupation in Cuba in the late 1800’s. Allied with the rebels fighting for independence, Rosa, born a slave and a healer, responds to bloodshed by healing compatriots and enemies alike.
Moving from cave to cave in the mountains, Rosa, her husband Jose and Silvia, a child they heal and nurture, commit to peace with each herb they gather, each wound they dress, each spirit they soothe.
Free verse poems in four distinct voices intertwine Cuban history, Engle’s own family story and historical fiction to create a searing, evocative portrait of healers who worked for peace so young people could “. . . have their chance/to dream/of new ways/to feel free . . .”
The Storyteller’s Candle/La velita de los cuentos, Story/Cuento Lucía González, Illustrations/Illustraciones Lulu Delacre was named an Honor Book in the Books for Younger Children category:
One of many immigrant children in New York City in the 1930’s, sprited Hildamar lives with her family in close-knit community as they face weather, language, food and customs so unlike those of their beloved Puerto Rico.
Their community widens and deepens when Hildamar and her cousin meet Pura Bulpré, the librarian at the local public library who not only speaks Spanish but invites families to the library to celebrate Three King’s Day!
With text in Spanish and English and sepia-toned illustrations with qualities of folk art, this picture book pays tribute to Pura Bulpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian for New York Public Library—a woman who instinctively understood the importance of culture and language in building community, acted upon those instincts and brought countless children into the circle of light and literacy shed by her storyteller’s candle.
Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad written and illustrated by James Rumford was also named an honor books in the Books for Younger Children category.
Ali, a boy living in Baghdad today, loves soccer, parent-rattling music, dancing, and, most of all, calligraphy. His lively life, extended family and thoughtful nature flow from pages that weave calligraphy, intricate patterns and backdrops of golden brown into their design.
Drawing strength from explicit visual and textual references to Iraq’s long history of literacy, the story of Ali’s passionate practice of calligraphy, first, highlights the power of literacy as a creative force in the midst of war, then, as a metaphor, invites reflection on the difficulty of practicing peace.
The Shepherd’s Granddaughter by Anne Laurel Carter, an Honor Book in the Books for Older Children category, is a realistic novel set in contemporary Palestine:
Firmly grounded in the values and love of her extended family, Amani rejoices when her grandfather wisely grants her wish to become the first female shepherd in a line of shepherds reaching back thousands of years. But, when the family pastureland is usurped by an Israeli settlement, Amani faces challenges different from any shepherd who has gone before her.
With immediacy and emotion, Carter’s novel purposefully centers on Amani’s family, its traditions and love of the land to give texture and meaning to an array of individual responses to violence and oppression. Amani’s struggle to come to grips with a world she cannot understand or accept creates a framework for addressing questions about peace, war and injustice that are of utmost importance in the world today.
Ain’t Nothing But a Man: My Quest to Find the Real John Henry, by Scott Reynolds Nelson with Marc Aronson, is also an Honor Book in the Books for Older Children category:
Ain’t Nothing But a Man tracks the real man behind the larger-than-life hero of folk song fame by following clues in the song, allusions in reference works, and discrepancies in historical records. With a text that embodies the excitement of its writers, Ain’t Nothing But a Man engages through curiosity and wonder to arrive at profound questions about the life of John Henry and the 40,000 African-American men who laid tracks for the railroad in the United States in the 1800’s.
Powerful photographs, cropped and enlarged throughout, underscore the importance of listening to the voices of those who have been unjustly silenced. This chronicle’s meticulous documentation bolstered by deeply-felt compassion make it clear that writing history can be a creative, humane way to address social injustice past and present.
The 2009 Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards will be presented Friday, October 16th in New York City. Details about the Award event and about securing winner and honor book seals are available from the Jane Addams Peace Association (JAPA). Contact JAPA Executive Director Linda B. Belle, 777 United Nations Plaza, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017-3521; by phone 212-682-8830; and by e-mail [email protected].
All 1000 or so Major League Baseball players in the United States are wearing #42 today to honor the great Jackie Robinson, who said, "A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives."
Why not read the story of this hero as told by his daughter Sharon Robinson in PROMISES TO KEEP (Scholastic)? Listen to excerpts from an interview Ms. Robinson gave to Time For Kids:
How did he find the strength to continue playing even when people were insulting him and threatening his life?
He was committed to his overall mission, and his goals for creating change. He had a strong spiritual foundation, a strong mother, a strong, loving wife, and strong faith. All of those helped give him the strength to overcome those obstacles.
How was the atmosphere for a black player different back then?
Back then African Americans didn't have the option of playing in baseball's Major Leagues. You had to play in a separate league and that was unfair. It wasn't fair not to be able to play in the big leagues where the conditions were better. It was the ultimate dream for all baseball players to play in the Big Leagues. To be kept out because of color and not talent wasn't right.
Interestingly, Jackie Robinson's big brother Matthew won a silver medal in the 200-meter dash—just behind Jesse Owens—at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. They were raised by a single mother, a hero behind the hero who wielded the proverbial "hand that rocked the cradle."
Branch Rickey, labeled the "Mahatma" for his strong faith, was also instrumental in Robinson's life. As President and General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945, he signed the first black player in Major League Baseball. "The thing about him was that he was always doing something for someone else," Robinson recalled at Rickey’s death in 1965. "I know, because he did so much for me."
As I was writing my essay for PaperTigers about raising compassionate children, Mary E. Cronin asked members of the Child_Lit listerv to recommend picture books depicting families experiencing economic hardship. I thought my fire escape visitors might appreciate seeing her compilation. Interestingly, most of the suggested books focus on life in North America, and shoes seemed to be a common theme:
Adler, David. The Babe and I.
Bunting, Eve. A Day’s Work.
Bunting, Eve. Fly Away Home.
Cooper, Melrose. Gettin’ Through Thursday.
Fleischman, Sid. Scarebird.
Gunning, Monica. A Shelter in Our Car.
Hazen, Barbara Shook. Tight Times.
Hesse, Karen. Spuds.
Hopkinson, Deborah. Saving Strawberry Farm.
Jimenez, Francisco. The Christmas Gift = El Regalo de Navidad.
Lindsey, Kathleen D. Sweet Potato Pie.
Lipp, Frederick. Running Shoes.
Miller, William. Rent Party Jazz.
Noble, Trinka Hakes. The Orange Shoes.
Palacios, Argentina. A Christmas Surprise for Chabelita.
Ringgold, Faith. Tar Beach.
Rylant, Cynthia. When I Was Young in the Mountains.
Great list, Mitali!! I'd forgotten about "A Day's Work" by Eve Bunting. I used to read that to my kids when they were little. I think it was probably one of the most influential books I read to them. The most influential one was probably "Why" by Nikolai Popov.
Anonymous said, on 2/9/2009 7:49:00 AM
Thanks. Regarding Running Shoes, please check: http://libeast.blogspot.com/ Wow! Fred Lipp
"Stories are powerful allies as we seek to raise a generation of compassionate children. I distinctly remember the moment when I grasped the beauty of sacrificial giving. I was nine years old and befriending Sara Crewe in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Little Princess for the first time ..."
Read the rest of my essay, Stories Can Shape a Child's Heart, in PaperTigers' February issue, a compilation of reviews, articles and interviews highlighting a "growing global awareness of the power of children to change the world."
Your essay in Paper Tigers was beautiful, and pointed out a few titles I hadn't seen before but are now on the family must-read list! Thank you for sharing, Mitali!
One of my all-time favorite Christmas presents from my husband and sons was a goat. Actually, I got a card with a photo of girl cuddling a baby goat, and the real creature was sent to a Guatemalan village.
I keep the picture of the girl and goat in my bedside drawer along with a few other treasures. Glimpsing it makes me smile as I imagine a family enjoying fresh milk, cheese, and yogurt from our goat. But what if I'd had to strive and plan and scrimp and invest in order to afford the goat? Wouldn't my connection to that faraway family be even stronger, and my delight even greater?
In GIVE A GOAT (Tilbury House, 2008), author Jan West Schrock taps into her family's heritage with Heifer, International to demonstrate the joy of working hard to give. With captivating, humorous illustrations by Aileen Darragh, GIVE A GOAT tells the story of a fifth-grade class deciding to join the war against poverty, and serves as the perfect how-to guide for any classroom, scout troop, youth group, or homeschooling family.
Schrock's book shows how embarking on a project like this in the tween years can teach valuable math, teamwork, brainstorming, and business skills. But best of all, raising money to send a goat or cow or pig to a family in need might inspire our children to become lifelong givers.
To celebrate the book's release, Tilbury house is giving away two copies. To qualify for this giveaway, leave a comment telling us about a children's book that inspired you or your kids to compassion. I'll pick two winners at random, and also compile a list of titles.
What a great gift to receive! I'm excited that this is such a how-to -- it's not a topic that would have occurred to most people to write about for a children's book!
There is a halfway house near our church, and a handful of homeless people who wander the streets. Answering the questions my son asked about them was often difficult. A few years ago I bought a book at a yard sale called Benjamin Brody's Backyard Bag. It's about a boy who has a bag he keeps his treasures in. When he meets a woman in the park who carries her life in her bag, he wants to help.
As a result of reading that book, William and I keep a bag that is filled and donated throughout the year. Sometimes we fill it with food for a local soup kitchen, this fall we filled it with socks, mittens and hats. It sits in the corner of pantry and is a gentle reminder to help those less fortunate who are our neighbors.
That's exactly what we gave this year - a goat! What a wonderful idea, to make it into a book. I hope it inspires many children to give with compassion.
After reading Four Feet Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams, my 11-year old daughter and I were inspired to lead her Girl Scout Troop in a shoe drive benefitting Soles for Souls. We collected over 500 pairs and filled two pallets of boxes of shoes. It was kinda stinky, but how gratifying!
This looks like so much fun. How was The Grand Plan to Fix Everything not on my reading radar already.
Mitali, thanks so much for bringing this to my attention and Uma for writing it.
Yes, this looks delightful. Glad to learn of it.
I picked up the Grand Plan in my local B&N a few days ago and loved it! Uma, thank you for writing this wonderful book, and Mitali, thank you for this interview!
I think I must check out this book since I love the movie Lagaan.
Doret, Vicky, and Sherry, thanks for stopping by on the blog tour. Jenny, I'm so pleased you enjoyed The Grand Plan. Thanks for hosting me at the Fire Escape, Mitali!