Stephanie R. Jones, my former T.C. professor, has a great list of books on her blog, Engaged Intellectuals, that will push your thinking about education and society. Unless you’re at the Univ. of Georgia, it’s going to be hard for you to take a course with Stephanie, since that’s where she’s teaching now. [...]
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By: Stacey,
on 3/9/2008
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: books, Stephanie R. Jones, critical literacy, Add a tag
By: Stacey,
on 3/8/2008
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: critical literacy, writing, Stephanie R. Jones, writing workshop, Linda Christensen, RIWP, peter h. johnson, powerful literacy, Add a tag
By: Kelly Herold,
on 5/24/2007
Blog: Crossover (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: book review, autobiography, bias in picture books?, George Ancona, Janet S. Wong, Jim Arnosky, Add a tag
By: Gina MarySol Ruiz,
on 3/19/2007
Blog: La Bloga (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: creative non-fiction, meet the author, george ancona, semillas del pueblo, Add a tag
By: Gina MarySol Ruiz,
on 3/19/2007
Blog: AmoxCalli (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: non-fiction, photography, George Ancona, Meet the Authors, children, Add a tag
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By: Stacey,
on 3/9/2008
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: books, Stephanie R. Jones, critical literacy, Add a tag
By: Stacey,
on 3/8/2008
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: critical literacy, writing, Stephanie R. Jones, writing workshop, Linda Christensen, RIWP, peter h. johnson, powerful literacy, Add a tag
I had the pleasure of hearing Linda Christensen deliver the keynote address at today’s RIWP Spring 2008 Conference. Linda wrote a book entitled Reading, Writing, and Rising Up: Teaching About Social Justice and the Power, so it was natural for her to speak on the subject of the “Politics of Language: Teaching About Language [...]
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By: Kelly Herold,
on 5/24/2007
Blog: Crossover (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: book review, autobiography, bias in picture books?, George Ancona, Janet S. Wong, Jim Arnosky, Add a tag
Whoever decided it would be a great idea to have well known children's writers tell their own stories 
in words and photographs is a genius. The concept behind the Meet the Authors series is sound: Children's writers know how to tell a story, and an autobiography--if told well--can be just as interesting as fiction.
I received three Meet the Authors titles--George Ancona: Self Portrait, Jim Arnosky: Whole Days Outdoors, and Janet S. Wong: Before it Wriggles Away. (The entire list is available here.) In just 32 pages, each author tells his or her life story for the K-5 reader.
George Ancona's life has been an international one--born in Mexico, he moved to New York as a child, then returned to Mexico City for art school. Now he works and lives in New Mexico. Ancona stresses his biculturalism and bilingualism when telling his story and how these aspects of life inform his work. Arnosky's autobiography focuses on his desire to live frugally, in nature, and on the back of a motorcycle. Janet S. Wong describes a happy, but normal, childhood, a suburban adulthood, and a life filled with travel as she loves "talking about my books" and "sharing my favorite books written by other authors."
Spouses, children, houses, and personal interests feature prominently in each autobiography, making their authors seem just like "normal people" who just happen to write books. This approach guarantees that children will see themselves while reading the story of an adult life.
Most central to each autobiography, however, is the creative process. Ancona goes into great detail about how he creates each new book, beginning with, "I'm curious about people and what they do. Whereever I go, I talk with them. What I learn I write down in my journal." Arnosky shares his journals and sketches, which are often composed outdoors: "Often when I'm afield, I'll abandon the camera and sit and write or sketch my impressions of where I am and what I am seeing. I carry a small pad in my shirt pocket for these scribbles and notes." These descriptions show a child how the creative process takes place all the time for writers--that they're always, in a sense, working.
To me, Janet S. Wong provides the best (and funniest example) of the writing process in this paragraph:
- "If I get to the dentist's office early, I might write a first draft of a poem. While my mouth is wide open and I cannont write, I will let my mind wander. Those 'wandering thoughts' are part of the process."
A large photo of Wong in the chair, mouth wide open while her teeth are being cleaned accompanies this text. A true and honest moment, though I am thankful she left the drill out of the picture.
The Meet the Authors series is intended for the grade school reader. I'd like to keep these beauties to myself, but I know of a grade school library who needs them more than I do. These are books should be enjoyed by as many children as possible as they comprise an accessible and welcoming introduction to the world of writing.
4 Comments on Review: Meet the Authors, last added: 5/25/2007
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By: Gina MarySol Ruiz,
on 3/19/2007
Blog: La Bloga (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: creative non-fiction, meet the author, george ancona, semillas del pueblo, Add a tag
Self Portrait by George Ancona
Publisher: Richard C. Owen Publishers (August 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1572748605
ISBN-13: 978-1572748606
I get a lot of email these days because of the blogs and websites I write for as well as from new people I meet each day. A couple of weeks ago I received a most interesting email telling me about a series of books I had never heard of. That in itself is unusual. I follow the trades, read for at least four hours a day on publishing stuff alone. So how could I miss this great sounding series?
The series is called Meet the Author and they are published by Richard C. Owens Publishing. There are currently 35 books in the series. Each one is hard cover, 32 pages long and designed to give children an inside view of the writing process. The books are geared for the 7-10 year old range.
I just finished the first of three new books in the series and was incredibly impressed. The book I chose to read first was George Ancona – Self Portrait.
I’ve been a fan of Mr. Ancona’s books for quite some time. Both his books and the photographs in them are arresting and gorgeous. I have my favorites like El Pinatero which I reviewed for La Bloga some time ago (check the archives). To find a book that he wrote for children telling them about his process of writing and photography as well as a little background on himself and what got him started was fantastic.
The book reads like a conversation and it’s just wonderful. Mr. Ancona talks about his days, how he takes a notebook with him and sketches out ideas. There are accompanying photographs and each one adds warmth and depth to the conversation.
I couldn’t think of a better idea and a better way to get children interested in writing. If the rest of the series is anything like the one book I read, then I want them all! Look for my reviews on the next two in the coming weeks. I can’t say enough good things about these marvelous little books. A must for any library and any parent’s list!
On another and very important note, Semillas del Pueblo the fantastic charter school in El Sereno, California that was under fire from racists is in danger of losing their charter. Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc is joining with them to march to the four directions and save the school the community so desperately needs. Please see the information below and if you're not in the area, email the folks at Dignidad.org to find out how you can help.
DIGNITY IN EDUCATION IN THE FOUR DIRECTIONS
Community Supporters join us for the Academia Semillas del Pueblo Charter Renewal Community Meetings
• As of our most recent communication, the LAUSD administration has made a verbal commitment to RENEWAL.
• Terms for renewal have been set by our proposal and are currently under consideration by their staff.
• If successful in negotiations, the LAUSD Charter division will write a new RECOMMENDATION FOR RENEWAL by Monday, 3/19/07.
• Because of continuous parental and community support, we have seen this positive turn-around in our charter renewal.
• We must continue to organize support and advocacy to make sure the LAUSD administration keeps its word and
The Board supports renewal on 3/29/07. This is the day of our March from Placita Olvera to LAUSD Building-Noon!
• Please confirm your attendance at (323) 342-0615 or [email protected]
Tlazokamatli*Thank You*Xie-Xie*Gracias-ASDP
East Side
East/Quizayan Tonali/ Este
East Los Angeles
Sunday, March 18, 2007 Noon
Self Help Graphics 3802 Cesar E. Chavez Ave LA, CA 90063
West Side
West/Cihuatlampa/ Oeste
Wed., March 21, 2007 7-8:30pm
The West
Virginia Avenue Park 2200
Virginia Avenue Santa Monica , CA 90404
South Side
South/Huitztlampa/ Sur
South Central
Watts Labor Community and Action Committee
10950 South Central Ave. LA, CA 90059
North Side
North/Mictlampa/ Norte
Valley Area-
Saturday, March 24, 2007 1:30-3pm
Pacoima Beautiful
11243 Glenoaks Blvd. Pacoima, CA 91331
Publisher: Richard C. Owen Publishers (August 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1572748605
ISBN-13: 978-1572748606
I get a lot of email these days because of the blogs and websites I write for as well as from new people I meet each day. A couple of weeks ago I received a most interesting email telling me about a series of books I had never heard of. That in itself is unusual. I follow the trades, read for at least four hours a day on publishing stuff alone. So how could I miss this great sounding series?
The series is called Meet the Author and they are published by Richard C. Owens Publishing. There are currently 35 books in the series. Each one is hard cover, 32 pages long and designed to give children an inside view of the writing process. The books are geared for the 7-10 year old range.
I just finished the first of three new books in the series and was incredibly impressed. The book I chose to read first was George Ancona – Self Portrait.
I’ve been a fan of Mr. Ancona’s books for quite some time. Both his books and the photographs in them are arresting and gorgeous. I have my favorites like El Pinatero which I reviewed for La Bloga some time ago (check the archives). To find a book that he wrote for children telling them about his process of writing and photography as well as a little background on himself and what got him started was fantastic.
The book reads like a conversation and it’s just wonderful. Mr. Ancona talks about his days, how he takes a notebook with him and sketches out ideas. There are accompanying photographs and each one adds warmth and depth to the conversation.
I couldn’t think of a better idea and a better way to get children interested in writing. If the rest of the series is anything like the one book I read, then I want them all! Look for my reviews on the next two in the coming weeks. I can’t say enough good things about these marvelous little books. A must for any library and any parent’s list!
On another and very important note, Semillas del Pueblo the fantastic charter school in El Sereno, California that was under fire from racists is in danger of losing their charter. Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc is joining with them to march to the four directions and save the school the community so desperately needs. Please see the information below and if you're not in the area, email the folks at Dignidad.org to find out how you can help.
DIGNITY IN EDUCATION IN THE FOUR DIRECTIONS
Community Supporters join us for the Academia Semillas del Pueblo Charter Renewal Community Meetings
• As of our most recent communication, the LAUSD administration has made a verbal commitment to RENEWAL.
• Terms for renewal have been set by our proposal and are currently under consideration by their staff.
• If successful in negotiations, the LAUSD Charter division will write a new RECOMMENDATION FOR RENEWAL by Monday, 3/19/07.
• Because of continuous parental and community support, we have seen this positive turn-around in our charter renewal.
• We must continue to organize support and advocacy to make sure the LAUSD administration keeps its word and
The Board supports renewal on 3/29/07. This is the day of our March from Placita Olvera to LAUSD Building-Noon!
• Please confirm your attendance at (323) 342-0615 or [email protected]
Tlazokamatli*Thank You*Xie-Xie*Gracias-ASDP
East Side
East/Quizayan Tonali/ Este
East Los Angeles
Sunday, March 18, 2007 Noon
Self Help Graphics 3802 Cesar E. Chavez Ave LA, CA 90063
West Side
West/Cihuatlampa/ Oeste
Wed., March 21, 2007 7-8:30pm
The West
Virginia Avenue Park 2200
Virginia Avenue Santa Monica , CA 90404
South Side
South/Huitztlampa/ Sur
South Central
Watts Labor Community and Action Committee
10950 South Central Ave. LA, CA 90059
North Side
North/Mictlampa/ Norte
Valley Area-
Saturday, March 24, 2007 1:30-3pm
Pacoima Beautiful
11243 Glenoaks Blvd. Pacoima, CA 91331
3 Comments on Meet the Authors and a March to Save a School, last added: 3/20/2007
Display Comments
Add a Comment
By: Gina MarySol Ruiz,
on 3/19/2007
Blog: AmoxCalli (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: non-fiction, photography, George Ancona, Meet the Authors, children, Add a tag
Meet the Authors
Self Portrait by George Ancona
Publisher: Richard C. Owen Publishers
ISBN-10: 1572748605
ISBN-13: 978-1572748606
I get a lot of email these days because of the blogs and websites I write for as well as from new people I meet each day. A couple of weeks ago I received a most interesting email telling me about a series of books I had never heard of. That in itself is unusual. I follow the trades, read for at least four hours a day on publishing stuff alone. So how could I miss this great sounding series?
The series is called Meet the Author and they are published by Richard Owens Publishing. There are currently 35 books in the series. Each one is hard cover, 64 pages long and designed to give children an inside view of the writing process. The books are geared for the 7-10 year old range.
I just finished the first of three new books in the series and was incredibly impressed. The book I chose to read first was George Ancona – Self Portrait. I’ve been a fan of Mr. Ancona’s books for quite some time. Both his books and the photographs in them are arresting and gorgeous. I have my favorites like El Pinatero which I reviewed some time ago (check the archives).
To find a book that he wrote for children telling them about his process of writing and photography as well as a little background on himself and what got him started was fantastic. The book reads like a conversation and it’s just wonderful. Mr. Ancona talks about his days, how he takes a notebook with him and sketches out ideas. There are accompanying photographs and each one adds warmth and depth to the conversation.
I couldn’t think of a better idea and a better way to get children interested in writing. If the rest of the series is anything like the one book I read, then I want them all! Look for my reviews on the next two in the coming weeks. I can’t say enough good things about these marvelous little books. A must for any library and any parent’s list!
0 Comments on Meet the Authors Series - Self Portrait - George Ancona as of 1/1/1970
Add a Comment
Neat. Haven't heard of these. You're right - that's an excellent idea for a series . . .
"...each author tells HIS OR HER story..."
Very nice books, Jules.
Thanks, anon.
We love these books! Our second grade reads them every year in a biography study unit. We'll have to add these three to our collection.