May 30th, DESTINY, REWRITTEN BY Kathryn Fitzmaurice

     One of the ways I reach my middle grade students and some beyond those years is to talk story.  I tell them you are writing the story of your life.   I find it gives them distance from pain and confusion and empowers them to make decisions on their character’s behalf.  Kathryn Fitzmaurice brings this concept to life in her latest middle grade novel.

 DESTINEY, REWRITTEN by Kathryn Fitzmaurice is the perfect middle grade novel that captures coming of age through the eyes of a young want-to-be romance writer whose given destiny is to become a poet.   Emily Elizabeth Davis is destined to be a poet, or so she is told.  When little cousin Mortie turns the page of her life to an unexpected chapter, Emily begins to allow herself to rewrite her story to be her own.   

Destiny can be a difficult topic to write about but Fitzmaurice does a remarkable job making it look simple while creating such believable and loveable characters.  Crossing two developmental stages, DESTINY, REWRITTEN moves Emily from the stage that spans late elementary school solidly into early adolescence in which the themes, plot, and characters seamlessly match.  Fitzmaurice thoughtfully brings to life identity through several themes including the Emily’s search for the father she does not know.  DESTINY, REWRITTEN invites, holds, and satisfies the reader, chapter by chapter.

This is a five apple book, cream of the crop. Excellent characterization coupled with a unique plot which clarifies writing one’s own destiny to kids who are developing independence and identity makes this 335 page, middle grade novel a wonderful read for kids ages 8-12. I also recommend this book as a classroom or family read aloud.  It offers up great points to ponder and discuss and includes several mysteries to solve. It is a high interest book for girls and will also appeal to some boys.

     The themes in this book are destiny, independence, mystery, identity, family, change, and friendship.

     DESTINY, REWRITTEN is published by the Katherine Tegen imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and was edited by Molly O’Neill.  It is available on Kindle and in hardcover and can be found at bookstores and online.  You can find out more information about this book and Kathryn at Kathryn’s Website.  
   DESTINY, REWRITTEN is being given away this month to a lucky winner who posts a comment on this blog or signs up as a follower or likes the Book Wisdom by Diane Facebook page.  If you sign up as a follower please let me know you did, I do not have access to your name or use your information as I value your privacy. Drawing happens June 7th.

KREX BOOK OF THE MONTH, MAY 2013, BEST OF THE WEST featuring LITTLE RED HOT, COWPOKE & DIRTY DAWG, AND COWBOY UP!

     What are the odds of having three newly released children’s’ books about the West land in your mailbox at the same time?  May has unfolded as an ace high hand of three very different and wonderful books.  COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DOG by Lori Mortensen, COWBOY UP! RIDE THE NAVAJO RODEO by Nancy Bo Flood, and LITTLE RED HOT by Eric Kimmel provide a trio of five apple books.

 

     Award winning author, Eric Kimmel is a master storyteller and re-teller.  LITTLE RED HOT with text by Kimmel and illustrations by Laura Huliska-Beith takes a classic and turns it into one creative hot read.  Set in Texas, Little Red Hot likes chili peppers.  Fearless and cleaver, she stands her ground with Senor Lobo.  What stands out in this book is Kimmel’s focus on his character’s uniqueness and strength allowing her to solve her own problem.  LITTLE RED HOT is a 1500 word, picture book. Heavy on the text like most classic tales, this book is for readers or is to be read aloud to school age children.  There are interesting facts about chili peppers placed strategically in the beginning of the book that make it clear the heat of chili peppers is serious business.

 I give this book 5 apples, outstanding. It takes a master storyteller to re-tell a story that has been over-told. LITTLE RED HOT feels new with just the right amount of heat.


     This book is a partial retelling of a classic tale, picture book that has a high word count. It is for children 6 and up.  It has high appeal for boys and girls.  The themes in the book are helping and helping your-self, and actions and consequences. 


     If you want to find out more about author Eric Kimmel, check out his website at: Eric’s Website.  LITTLE RED HOT is published by Amazon Children’s Publishing and is available online and through your local independent bookseller. 

 

     A cowpoke and his dog coupled with the rhythmic, rhyming, humorous romp of award-winning author Lori Mortensen and the dynamic, action oriented illustration of award winning illustrator, Michael Allen Austin energizes the reader in Mortensen’s latest book, COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG.  Mortensen is a first class, wordsmith with seamless rhythm and rhyme.   This fast paced, page-turner, pleases the eyes, ears, and hearts from children to adults, including cowpokes and dog lovers of all shapes and sizes.  COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG is a 32-page picture book for school age readers and is a fun and fast read aloud for adults.  Page after page, readers will smile and wonder what’s going to happen next.  How will Clyde solve his dirty problem? 

     I give this book, 5 apples, cream of the crop. COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG is a one of a kind, creative book with topnotch writing and illustration.


     This book is a picture book that has an average word count with complex language.  It is for children 6 and up and will appeal to boys and girls.  It could be used in teaching about poetry, rhyme and rhythm.

The theme is about sticking to resolving problems, humor, and knowing things will work out.


     If you want to find out more about author Lori Mortensen, check out her website at:Lori's Website.  COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG is published by Clarion Books and is available online and through your local independent bookseller.

     COWBOY UP! RIDE THE NAVAJO RODEO by award winning author, Nancy Bo Flood with photography by Jan Sonnenmair combines narrative poetry with detailed description of rodeo events that makes accessible a unique view of the Navajo rodeo.  COWBOY UP! is a non-fiction, story, picture book that captures what feels like the heart and soul of not just any ole rodeo, but a Navajo rodeo.  Bo Flood’s life on the Navajo Nation Reservation paired with research and skilled writing are precisely placed with poignant photographs that bring a charge to the page.  This nonfiction portrait is laced with narrative poetry and narrative from the rodeo announcer balanced with active description of the events.  Bo Flood not only carries out the task of writing from three different voices bringing them powerfully together She does it with the execution and confidence of the riders she depicts in her words. 

I give this book, 5 apples, cream of the crop.  COWBOY UP! RIDE THE NAVAJO RODEO is unique and beautiful in its’ depiction of this rodeo slice of life on the Navajo reservation.   The themes in the book are rodeo, family and community.


     This book is a story, picture book that has a long word count and complex language.  It is for school age readers.   It will appeal to boys and girls.  It could be used in teaching about rodeo, native cultures, and poetry.


     If you want to find out more about author Nancy Bo Flood, check out her website at: Nancy’s Website.  COWBOY UP! is published by the WordSong an imprint of Highlights and is available online and through your local independent bookseller.

A BEST OF THE WEST BOOK is being given away this month to a lucky winner who posts a comment on this blog or signs up as a follower or likes the Book Wisdom by Diane Facebook page.  If you sign up as a follower please let me know you did, I do not have access to your name or use your information as I value your privacy. Drawing happens in June.