New Book Contract

One of my middle grade novels is being published by Royal Fireworks Press. They are an educational publisher for the gifted and talented. The book is called Most Beautiful. It's about a girl's struggle to discover true beauty set against the backdrop of September 11th. It's one of my special books that I hoped would one day get published.

I just finished reading Louisiana's Song, by Kerry Madden. It's a snapshot of life in the mountains of North Carolina in the 60s. The voice is fantastic and the plot is interesting. This would be a great book for a child that's interested in bluegrass music. I enjoyed reading it.

The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini is a story about the former and the modern Afghanistan through the eyes of a young boy. It's powerful and unforgettable. It enlightened and moved me. Khaled Hosseini gives an inside look at the violence that the Afghan people have been battling against for centuries. This is a YA/adult novel, not for young children.

The 39 Clues; The Maze of Bones

The first book in the 39 Clues series is called, The Maze of Bones, by Rick Riordan. He does a great job setting up the premise of the story. Two orphans must choose whether they want to take an inheritance or accept a quest. They accept the quest. There is peril and intrigue as soon as they begin the quest. Mysterious characters are introduced and little known history is woven seamlessly into the story. I found it very interesting.

Each chapter focuses on the perspective of a different character. This approach to the story occasionally interrupted the flow for me.

This is an excellent book series for any adventurous child that enjoys reading a good mystery.

Benjamin Pratt & The Keeper of the School

Benjamin Pratt & The Keeper of the School is the latest book by Andrew Clements, my son's favorite author. It's the first book in a series.

The book is a mystery set in a school about to be torn down to make a theme park. Benjamin and his sidekick, Jill, are trying to save the school by finding clues left by the founders of the school.

I enjoyed the book and will read the next book in the series when it comes out.

Landon Snow And the Auctor's Riddle

Landon Snow And the Auctor's Riddle, by R.K. Mortenson is the first book in a series of six or seven books. I think the message of the book is great, but I got a little bogged down with the fantasy details. I wondered as I read if all the detail was necessary.

Pictures of Hollis Woods

I finished reading Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff, a Newberry Honor book. It's because of books like this that I love to read and want to write. I could not put it down. Ms. Giff had me completely tied up with her character, Hollis Woods. The story is told in a unique and fascinating manner using flashbacks and drawings created by Hollis Woods.

I loved the book and recommend it to middle-grade novel readers everywhere.

Two New Book Contracts

I am happy to report that I received two new nonfiction picture book contracts this week with E&E Publishing.

E&E Publishing has a wonderful book out about being a freelance writer by Nancy Sanders, called Yes You Can . . . Write Children's Books. Check it out. If you want a career in writing for children, it's an excellent tool to help shape and guide your career.

I just finished reading Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli. It was a Newberry Honor book and I see why. It was thought provoking and uplifting. Maybe it should have been the winner.