Kids Book Review has published an interview with author Sandy Fussell.
Sandy has written a number of novels for children, including the popular Samurai Kids series.
The sensational CYA Later, Alligator (Children’s and Young Adult (CYA) Writers & Illustrators Conference) will be held in Brisbane on 4th September 2010 in partnership with the Brisbane Writers Festival.
For more .. http://bit.ly/boYIuB
Tomorrow, When the War Began (The Tomorrow Series #1)
by John Marsden
Australian teenager Ellie and six of her friends return from a winter break camping trip to find their homes burned or deserted, their families imprisoned, and their country occupied by a foreign military force in league with a band of disaffected Australians. As their shock wears off, the seven decide they must stick together if they are to survive. After a life-threatening skirmish with the occupiers, the teens retreat to their isolated campsite in the bush country and make plans to fight a guerilla war against the invaders. Writing in a distinct voice and showing rare intelligence and sensitivity, Ellie recounts their courageous battles against the Goliath in control of their land. She also records her feelings and observations about the romantic partnerships that develop within her small circle of friends, and shows how they mature and blossom during this time of crisis. Though readers are left wondering whether these heroes and heroines will survive (one is severely wounded at the end of the novel), Ellie's uncommonly honest and clear narration makes this coming-of-age adventure a story they won't forget. Fast-paced and provocative, it's a natural for book talking.
Jack Forman, Mesa College Library, San Diego
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
A gripping tale, told with Marsden's customary incisiveness.
The movie is due for release on September 2nd 2010
Teaching with Tomorrow when the war began
Introducing and teaching Tomorrow, When The War
Year 10 Context study: Close study of a novel and its author
Tomorrow When the War Began Booktalk
2007 Student Essays Tomorrow, When the War Began
The Children’s Books of Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, Chinua Achebe & Others
We Too Were Children, Mr. Barrie is a (relatively) new blog devoted to lesser-known, out-of-print children’s books by ‘adult authors’. New finds are uploaded each week by Ariel S. Winter, some of which include picture books by Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, Chinua Achebe and Theo Le Sieg (aka Dr. Seuss – not strictly an adult author per say, but he did use this pseudonym for several books which he wrote but did not illustrate).
... more=>
The Sandwich Swap [Hardcover] Newest Printing
by Queen Rania of Jordan al Abdullah and Kellie DiPucchio
Lily and Salma are best friends. They play together and stick together through thick and thin. But who would have ever thought that ordinary peanut butter or plain old hummus could come between them? Lily and Salma don’t quite understand each other’s tastes, but does that mean they can't be friends? They understand far better than a lot of gown ups that these things hardly matter and that friendship is the most important thing of all.
Her Majesty,Queen Rania’s children’s book is inspired by her own experience. As written by Kelly Dipuchio, it is a warm-hearted and gently humorous fable about two girls who become aware of their subtle cultural differences, only to have their friendship strengthened as a result. Her Majesty travels the world promoting children’s causes as well as cross-cultural understanding and tolerance
Amazon is selling the book for $9.49 reduced from $16.99
Charlotte's Web
E. B. White , Garth Williams
An affectionate, sometimes bashful pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. A prancing, playful bloke, Wilbur is devastated when he learns of the destiny that befalls all those of porcine persuasion. Determined to save her friend, Charlotte spins a web that reads "Some Pig," convincing the farmer and surrounding community that Wilbur is no ordinary animal and should be saved. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time, E.B. White reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest of things.
Amazon is selling "Charlotte's Web" for $7.99
Closed for the Season by Mary Downing Hahn has won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Juvenile Fiction
Another well-done, action-packed mystery from Hahn. This book starts off as seventh-grader Logan Forbes learns that a murder had been committed in his family's new house three years earlier.
Myrtle Donaldson, a bookkeeper accused of embezzling from the local amusement park, was found dead in her ransacked house and her killer is still at large.
Logan's next-door neighbor, Arthur Jenkins, a sixth grader with a bottomless stomach and a quirky personality, is convinced that Mrs. Donaldson was falsely accused, and he wants Logan to help him find the real perpetrator. The boys discover a letter and puzzle left among the woman's possessions that convinces them they are on the right track. Their investigation includes visiting the abandoned and overgrown Magic Forest amusement park, a reporter with secrets, shady property developers, a menacing convict, and purloined library materials.
It all culminates in a terrifying nighttime showdown among the kudzu at the Magic Forest where the truth is revealed. This is an enjoyable mystery with just the right amount of frightening and dangerous elements to entice readers. Logan is a sympathetic character—a new kid in town trying to find his place in the pecking order, almost immediately befriended by someone on the lowest rung who turns out the be the right friend for him.
It is available at Amazon for $10.88 reduced from $16.00.
This is Book Four in the Ranger's Apprentice Series by John Flanagan.
The Review in Booklist:
Following Will and Evanlyn’s escape from slavery in The Icebound Land (2007), Halt determines that the Temujai mean to attack Araluen and decides to help the Skandians defend their land. Rejoining Halt, Will and Evanlyn become warriors in the stronghold where they had recently been captives and use their wits and skills to fight the common enemy. The story plunges forward with irresistible narrative drive toward the climactic battle scene. Even readers drawn to the series for its deftly drawn characters and setting may find themselves caught up in the action. A fine entry in the increasingly popular Ranger’s Apprentice series.
Amazon has identified copies as "Bargain books" books that are new but could include a small mark from the publisher and an Amazon.com price sticker identifying them as such. They are selling the paperback for $3.20.
The Book ....
Guys Read: Funny Business
Authors: Jon Scieszka, Mac Barnett, Adam Rex, David Yoo, Paul Feig, Kate Dicamillo, Christopher Paul Curtis, Eoin Colfer, Jack Gantos
Jon Scieszka has been writing books for children since he took time off from his career as a teacher. He wanted to create books that boys would enjoy by enticing them with witty humor. He is the author of the crazy best-selling picture books The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and The Stinky Cheese Man. He has received several honors, including mentions on the ALA Notable Book and Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book lists, the Children's Choice Award, and the Caldecott Honor Medal. His original trade chapter book series, the Time Warp Trio, has sold over two million copies. Born in Flint, Michigan, Jon now lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children.
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Walden Pond Press (September 21, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0061963735
You can order it now from Amazon
How to Train Your Dragon (Heroic Misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III)
Cressida Cowell
Young Hiccup may be the son of Stoick the Vast, chief of the Hairy Hooligans, but he isn't exactly heroic Viking material.
When he and the other boys of his tribe are sent on a mission to fetch dragons to train, Hiccup comes back with the scrawniest creature ever seen. Toothless, as Hiccup names him, is also rude, lazy, and greedy, but when the tribe is faced with horrible danger, Hiccup's unorthodox dragon-training techniques prove successful and he and his unique beast become true heroes. Sprinkled throughout with funny sketches, scribbles, and ink blots, this is a goofy and exciting tale of an underdog who proves that brains can be just as important as brawn.
Kids will hoot at the ridiculous names and sympathize with Hiccup's exasperation with his truly obstinate but strangely lovable dragon. A delightful read that fans of Ian Whybrow's "Little Wolf" series (Carolrhoda) will particularly enjoy.
