I’m welcoming Alex Boles, whom I met through my critique group (she’s the sister of one of our members) and who has a very exciting and important website and book! I encourage everyone to check out the website here and then the book through the Amazon link at the bottom of the post. I will let her tell you about the book and the website because she took the time to answer some questions! This seems to be teen week on my blog this week because this is another book and website PERFECT for teens! Here we go:
Margo: Hi Alex! Welcome to Read These Books and Use Them. How do you describe the Unwritten Letters Project? When did you get the idea?
Alex: The Unwritten Letters Project (ULP) is a website dedicated to allowing people to release emotions in a cathartic, non-violent fashion. It’s a place where anyone can write a letter to those who they haven’t had the chance to say goodbye to, didn’t have the courage or resources to say these things to them before or just release feelings, or confessions about themselves or their lives. ULP is more than just a letter-writing, interactive website. It’s a place where people can come to release emotions they didn’t know they were feeling and use it to cope and heal. Reading the other letters helps people to realize that we’re not alone in this huge world, and chances are, someone else has gone through or is going through something similar. If you can’t connect with the people close to you, maybe you can through someone’s letter from across the world.
I came upon the idea for the Unwritten Letters Project in 2009. I was a junior in college; and once the book version was released, I became the youngest (and some say first) undergrad to publish a book at Truman State University. The idea was inspired by a number of films and a class I was taking at the time called “Family Communication.” After reflecting throughout the course on how I would communicate my feelings growing up, I realized I tend to write how I’m feeling in journals or through creative writing. I created the website to see how many others use the same writing method of coping. If others used writing or could see how writing can be healing, then I figured the website could help a lot of people through difficult times and overcome hardships.
Margo: So, it started as a website! What were people posting to the website? What did you post?
Alex: Yes, the Unwritten Letters Project is in its truest form, a website. At the beginning, professors at my university would use the site for classroom projects and assignments. I used those letters to create the original base of letters and then began a self-ran marketing campaign to solicit letters from across the globe. Seemingly overnight, I was receiving letters from countries like Japan, Germany, and Great Britain–sometimes in their native languages adding to each letters authenticity. People would write about current love interests, lost love, friendship, regrets, passion, their own lives and wishes. I would receive letters about bullying, suicide, and self-harm. It seemed to open up to somewhat of a confessional, and people began trusting me with their deepest secrets. I feel very overwhelmed and lucky to be trusted by thousands of people just trying to heal.
Truthfully, I have posted a few of my own letters. I posted my own letters more in the earlier years because I had some old letters from my past that I wanted to let loose. Nowadays, I let the readers’ thoughts make up the website. It’s always been more about letting others utilize the website than what I can get out of it.
Margo: What a wonderful service you are providing other people! Why did you decide to make it into a book?
Alex: I decided to make the Unwritten Letters Project into a book because I wanted people to be able to get as much out of this project as possible. It’s a “coffee-table” book–something you read to feel comfort and hope. It’s something to read to realize you’re not alone, and things will get better. I wanted something tangible that readers could cherish and pass down to their children as something that helped them get through life’s hardest moments. I also wanted to use the resources I had while I had them. My college experience was amazing, and my university was very welcoming of ambition. They let me saturate the campus with my dream and embraced my enthusiasm for the project and its message. I was able to go in to classrooms to spread awareness, and the University Bookstore even hosted a book signing where the president and provost attended with campus and local media present. I realized I had an amazing support system through school, family, and friends and wanted to take advantage of the resources at hand, so that I could continue to spread the Unwritten Letters Project.
Margo: How awesome! I went to TSU, too–way before you–it was still Northeast Missouri State University. (smiles) Anyway, what a great opportunity and what a great way you use that opportunity. So, how can teachers, parents, and counselors use the book with young adults?
Alex: Educators and professionals can definitely use the Unwritten Letters Project as a resource for learning or healing. It’s a great example of real life hardships and how people deal with, overcome, and react to these situations. Nothing is embellished or changed from the original letters. Every letter is pure raw emotion and real-life scenarios and actions. With so many fiction and fantasy novels becoming increasingly popular, we lose sight of reality and how people can really be affected by life’s decisions and our actions. Reading this book can remind us of our humanity. It reminds people that we feel, we’re alive, and we need to consciously make an effort to keep living our lives to the fullest each day. Because if we don’t, then we end up regretting the moments we didn’t have or wishing we would have done something when we had the chance.
Margo: WOW! That is powerful and so true and such an important message. Can people still post letters to your website?
Alex: Readers don’t post letters to the site directly. They submit the letters to a portal that sends them to a private e-mail. I then choose letters that are posted. I continue to receive letters on a daily basis and post as often as I can. I am definitely still accepting letters on the website. I encourage everyone to try writing at least one letter. I think you’d surprise yourself.
Margo: I hope some of my readers will consider it and use the website and book with their students/children. Do you have plans for future books?
Alex: I don’t have a second book planned for the near future, but I do have plans to publish more books with specific themes. As long as readership continues or improves, I will always run the Unwritten Letters Project. When the demand for another book increases, I will solicit publishers and agents. I’d like the second book to have a heavier following and possibly a blog/book tour if possible. Another book is definitely a possibility, but when it happens is up to the fans and future unknown publisher.
Margo: Thank you so much, Alex. I am just really in awe of what you are doing and think it is a wonderful idea and service. Readers, you can look inside the book on Amazon!
What if there was a great white shark behind you? Would you know what to do? Let's face it, we all could use a handy guide on how to handle that situation. Well, look no further! How to Survive Anything: Shark Attack, Lightning, Embarrassing Parents, Pop Quizzes, and Other Perilous Situations (National Geographic Kids)
is just the guide you need that will show you what to do when life throws you lemons.
This is such a fascinating book and something you'll find yourself picking up now and then when you want something to past the time. Not only will you learn to not panic, fight back and avoid things that attract sharks, you'll also learn how to survive your most embarrassing moment (we've all had those), how to survive a mean teacher (we've all had those) and how to survive being adrift at sea (okay, so we all haven't had that, but you gotta admit, it's pretty crazy to think about.)
And remember, as National Geographic points out in the beginning of the book, "Tornadoes and avalanches don't follow directions. And boats will pretty much drift wherever they want. Translation? No matter how careful you are, no matter how many rules you follow, bad stuff can happen. So even though this book is packed with advice from the experts, such advice isn't always guaranteed to work." But it is fun to read.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (April 12, 2011)
ISBN-10: 9781426307744
ISBN-13: 978-1426307744
This post is part of Nonfiction Monday! Nonfiction Monday takes place every Monday as various blogs throughout the kidlitosphere write about nonfiction books for kids and collect them all in one place. This week, check out the Nonfiction Monday roundup at
History with a Twist. To see the entire schedule, please visit the blog of
Anastasia Suen.
Teens are continually drawn to magazines, entertainment shows, and movies that feature Hollywood stars on the red carpet and they continually try to emulate their hair and make-up. Now teens can get the inside scoop on achieving those looks in The Look Book: 50 Iconic Beauties and How to Achieve Their Signature Styles
.
Author Erika Stalder has said, "No one inspires us to maximize our own beauty more than celebrities, so I wanted to compile the most stunning and enduring trends in beauty history in The Look Book." And Stalder has done just that in what can be considered an illustrated hair and makeup how-to that features celebs such as Farrah Fawcett, Naomi Campbell, and Uma Thurman.
For each celeb, you can read their bio, a famous quote then learn how to get their look. You'll find out who the look works best on, tools needed, time it takes and how to do it. You'll also find professional tips from celebrity make-up artist Cameron Cohen and celebrity hair stylist Christopher Fulton.
What I love about this book is that it's almost a history of iconic looks that range from Farrah Fawcett's hair to Kate Winslet's no-makeup makeup. It shows how celebrity looks affect our society and set off trends that girls of all ages attempt to emulate.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Zest Books (May 18, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0981973388
ISBN-13: 978-0981973388
Source of review copy: Publicist
This post is part of Nonfiction Monday! Nonfiction Monday takes place every Monday as various blogs throughout the kidlitosphere write about nonfiction books for kids and collect them all in one place. This week, check out the Nonfiction Monday roundup at
Great Kid Books. To see the entire schedule, please visit the blog of
Anastasia Suen.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You ca
Times are tough and teens need cash. Whether it be for gas, that new cd to download, or to pay for college. That's where Start It Up: The Complete Teen Business Guide to Turning Your Passions into Pay
can be of assistance.
Just reading the foreword by Chris Gorog, founder and CEO of HeadlineShirts.com will inspire any budding entrepeneur to start the business they dream of and readers will learn everything from figuring out what kind of company they want to run to picking out a name to filing all of their paperwork.
What I love about this book is that it inspires teens to think big! If they have dreams of designing their own clothing line or baking world-famous chocolate chip cookies, this book can set them on the right track to fulfilling those dreams. And let's admit it--there's a lot to think about when it comes to running a business, such as whether or not you need a partner, how to write a business plan, and how to come up with a projected monthly budget.
Quizzes are scattered throughout the book that will help teens find their niche, find out what type of boss they'll be and more, and teens will especially love to hear from teen business owners themselves about how they started their own businesses.
Who knows, perhaps this book will be just what your own entrepreneur needs to come up with the next "Facebook."
Additional Information:
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Zest Books (March 30, 2011)
ISBN-10: 9780981973357
ISBN-13: 978-0981973357
Source of review copy: Publicist
This post is part of Nonfiction Monday! Nonfiction Monday takes place every Monday as various blogs throughout the kidlitosphere write about nonfiction books for kids and collect them all in one place. This week, check out the Nonfiction Monday roundup at
Writing Nonfiction for Children. To see the entire schedule, please visit the blog of
Anastasia Suen.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I
I recently devoured Bloody Times: The Funeral of Abraham Lincoln and the Manhunt for Jefferson Davis
by James L. Swanson. It was one of those books I couldn't put down and read in just one day.
The book is a special adaptation for young readers of Swanson's adult book, Bloody Crimes: The Chase for Jefferson Davis and the Death Pageant for Lincoln's Corpse
. (which I definitely want to get my hands on) The book covers in fascinating detail, the events that took place as the Civil War drew to a close, with the focus on two men in particular--Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. Swanson, who is an avid follower of the life and times of Lincoln, recounts the assassination of Lincoln, and his amazing funeral procession--one no young adult has anything to compare to today (perhaps, the closest being the funeral of Michael Jackson?). At the same time he does that, Swanson also weaves together nicely, how Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America, fleed Richmond, and continued to believe the Confederate States could still fight. As the nation was convinced Davis was involved in the conspiracy that led to Lincoln's murder, Davis traveled further South, setting off a manhunt for the Confederate president.
I loved how the stories of both men were weaved together, giving one the sense of what was going on during a time without the mass media we have today. You don't hear much about Jefferson Davis these days, which is why it was fascinating to read about him. As Swanson says, "He lost, and history tends to reward winners, not losers. But there must be more to it than that." With historic photos scattered throughout, any young history buff will surely devour the factual information that's aplenty in this riveting read.
This post is part of Nonfiction Monday! Nonfiction Monday takes place every Monday as var
Danica McKellar
My generation knows Danica McKellar best as Winnie from The Wonder Years, and West Wing fans know her as Elise Snuffin (8 episodes). But that’s not why I chose to write about her on my blog on a Monday–it’s because she’s helping girls around the world (especially in the United States and Canada) improve their math skills, treat themselves and others with respect, and strive for high self-esteem and self-confidence. I am a new fan of Danica McKellar and her math series for girls. Here are the three books:
I had seen these books at Borders and Barnes and Noble and thought they looked interesting. But I never really had a reason to pick one up. Then, through my job reviewing books for The News-Gazette, I was lucky enough to review a copy of Hot X: Algebra Exposed a couple weeks ago, and I fell in love with this book. That’s hard to say about a non-fiction book that helps girls do math, isn’t it? But it’s the truth.
What I love about these books is how easy they make math–I was even working algebra problems I hadn’t solved in 20 years. But the best part of Danica McKellar’s math series is the message she is sending to tween and teen girls: “It’s OKAY to be SMART! Being SMART is WONDERFUL! Math is nothing. You have the power over math.” Love it! Love it! Love it! We need a beautiful celebrity spouting out this message, and Danica McKellar is doing just that. Besides math explanations that your daughters and students will actually understand, Danica provides advice and tips for dating, dealing with friends and low self-esteem, and lots of other problems that girls endure. She offers tips from her own life as well as quotes from REAL girls. She even has QUIZZES!! You know teens love quizzes.
If you have a daughter or a female student (the book really is for girls) who is struggling, struggling, struggling with math, then recommend any one of these books.
On a side note, Arlene from Adventure Salon (a blog about your Bucket List!), recently gave me this award: 
As part of the award, I am supposed to pick 5 blogging friends whom I can pass on the award to. All they have to do is mention my blog when they tell their readers about the award, and then pick 5 blogs that they enjoy. So, here are my five:
Thanks, Arlene. Readers, I hope you will check out these other blogs!
Note: this review is of the original 2000 edition; I haven't had a chance to see the new edition. As far as I can tell, it's unchanged except for the cover and a new foreword by the author.
Pedro and Me written and illustrated by Judd Winick. Henry Holt, 2000 (0-8050-6403-6); 2009 (978-0-8050-8964-6) $16.95
I started reading this nonfiction graphic "novel" less than thrilled with the heavily detailed, semi-realistic style of the drawings, but when I got to Judd's exquisitely grumpy portrayal of himself as "an unhappy kid," I was hooked. And though there continued to be elements of the artistic style that I found unattractive, overall it is a wonderful marriage of words and pictures, just what a graphic novel should be.
Pedro and Me is the story of how Judd Winick become involved in one of the most important relationships of his life: as a cast member of MTV's "The Real World," he found himself rooming with Pedro Zamora, a gay, HIV-positive AIDS educator, who did an excellent job of educating the tense and naive Judd about the realities of living with someone with HIV. Tragically, that reality also included Pedro's death at the age of 22.
I've never seen "The Real World" so I don't have much of a sense of how "real" any of it actually felt to viewers. (Winick highlights the falseness of the situation from the insider point of view by showing his first meeting with Pam, who would later become his fiance, and then showing the same scene from a further perspective which includes three hovering cameramen.) But Pedro and Me is both joyfully and painfully real. Winick skillfully uses cartooning technique to drive home emotions, sometimes with humor, as in his nervous vision of the AIDS virus walking around on two legs saying "Mornin,'" and sometimes with extreme pathos, as in the final scene of Pedro's death, a small white box against a background of blackness. Biographies of himself and Pedro help us understand how the two of them got to that particular place in time, with an especially germane depiction of the adolescent Pedro willingly being used by older men for sex because he so desperately longed for love. Finally, Judd shows how several chance encounters with strangers helped him grieve for Pedro and understand how important Pedro's short life had been. And he amply fulfills the goal of making even people like me, who had never heard of Pedro, understand and be touched by him as well. (14 & up)
© 2009 Wendy E. Betts
I’m welcoming Alex Boles, whom I met through my critique group (she’s the sister of one of our members) and who has a very exciting and important website and book! I encourage everyone to check out the website here and then the book through the Amazon link at the bottom of the post. I will let her tell you about the book and the website because she took the time to answer some questions! This seems to be teen week on my blog this week because this is another book and website PERFECT for teens! Here we go:.jpg?picon=1267)
ooohh~ i think this is a nice read:)
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