Tiny Treasury

Unless you’ve been media deprived the past few days you’ve probably heard that J.K. Rowling outed everyone’s favorite wizard, Albus Dumbledore. Frankly, I’m a bit underwhelmed by the news. Since the series has been completed and Dumbledore’s sexuality never came into play, why does it matter now?

Here’s an article from the Harry Potter Fan Zone:

You can read more from Stacey, the new blogger at Hogwarts Herald.

The seven stories in Judy Blume’s “Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One” (which I finally finished) revolve around third grader Abigail, the Great One, and her little brother first grader Jake, the Pain. Written for ages 4-9, the target age group will definitely relate to the sibling bickering in this fun and easy to read chapter book. Abigail is afraid to ride a bike but too embarrassed to admit it to her friends. Jake is afraid to get his hair cut for fear the barber will cut off his ears. The situations are sweet and true to life and James Stevenson’s illustrations are delightful.

Judy Blume’s stories aren’t all so kid friendly according to parents. Blume’s books are some of the most challenged books in schools and libraries across the country. One of my father’s favorite stories is that when I was little I read books faster than he could buy them. By the age of five I was reading books well above my maturity level because I could. One night when I was five I was in bed reading “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and I called him into my room. “Dad,” I asked, “what’s a period?” My poor, flustered father had to try to explain menstruation to his slightly grossed out kindergartener.

When I was eight my aunt took me out shopping with her and we stopped to browse at a used bookstore. I recognized Judy Blume’s name on the cover and had her buy me a copy of “Forever” for a quarter. I got home and read the entire thing in one sitting, not quite mature enough to really understand what it was about, but old enough to know it was steamy stuff. It was only when I lent it to my best friend that I got in trouble. Her mother was outraged that I’d lent her a book with obscene language and sexual content. In retrospect, my “bad influence” may have been one of the reasons her parents moved out of the neighborhood.

While I don’t plan on purchasing young adult novels for my future early elementary grade children, I certainly hope that they’ll learn to appreciate Judy Blume’s stories about young love, friendship, and insecurities. Her books were groundbreaking at a time when books about love were either chaste or preachy, and the characters in young adult novels didn’t experience the down and dirty, uncomfortable moments that most actual young adults experience on a daily basis.

Five of Judy Blume’s books are on the ALA’s list of 100 Most Challenged Books of 1990 to 2000. She continues to fight censorship.

“[I]t’s not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers.” — Judy Blume

Judy Blume’s Tale’s of a Fourth Grade Nothing published 35 years ago still remains a classic. Younger readers from all generations can connect with poor Peter Hatcher who is completely overshadowed by his little brother Fudge. Fudge was so popular with young readers that Blume wrote four more books about him.

To celebrate the anniversary the complete set of Fudge books are being released in a box set with a new look. The set will be available in October. You can pre-order at Amazon.

Read more about Fudge and Peter at Judy Blume’s website.

Judy Blume, Fudge books, box set, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, young readers

And Tango Makes Three, a book about two male penguins parenting an egg topped the ALA’s list of most challenged books in 2006 by parents and administrators, due to homosexual themes. In fact, four of the top ten books were challenged due to homosexual content.

A challenge is defined as a formal, written complaint, filed with a library or school, requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness.

The “10 Most Challenged Books of 2006″ are:

1, And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell;

2, Gossip Girls series by Cecily Von Ziegesar;

3, Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor;

4, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler;

5, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison;

6, Scary Stories series by Alvin Schwartz;

7, Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher;

8, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky;

9, Beloved by Toni Morrison;

10, The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier.

At least not on Laura Mallory’s watch. And not in Loganville, Ga.

Laura Mallory, a mother of four in Loganville, Georgia, went to bat in 2006 to convince the Gwinnett County to ban all Harry Potter books from classrooms and school libraries. Despite the fact that Mallory has never read any of the books (perhaps the one thing that we have in common), she believes that the fiction series is an “evil” attempt to introduce children to witchcraft and the Wicca religion.

J.K. Rowling has previously responded to such allegations on CNN by saying:

I absolutely did not start writing these books to encourage any child into witchcraft. I’m laughing slightly because to me, the idea is absurd. I have met thousands of children and not even one time has a child come up to me and said, “Ms Rowling, I’m so glad I’ve read these books because now I want to be a witch.”

And yes, this is the same Gwinnett County whose library board initially eliminated $3,000 set aside to buy Spanish-language fiction after residents objected to using taxpayer dollars on books which might be read by illegal immigrants. Days later, the board reversed its decision amid accusations of racism.

But fortunately, the Gwinnett County board exercised some common sense here the first go round and refused to ban the Harry Potter series from its school libraries. Mallory next went to the Georgia County School Board, which likewise refused to ban the series. Not satisfied with that ruling, Mallory sued in Superior Court. In June of this year, she again lost her case to keep the series off of the shelves. Mallory is apparently considering an appeal to federal court, funded by donations from like-minded souls.

Parents in other states have staged less spotlight grabbing efforts to ban the series. The books have been banned successfully in Michigan and Arkansas.

Have any of you encountered attempts to ban the book? Do you think banning is an appropriate response? Do you agree with Mallory’s assertions that the dark behaviors in the book can lead to dark behaviors in real life, such as school shootings?

Harry Potter, book banning, censorship, J.K. Rowling, Laura Mallory, Gwinnett County

As previously reported, the Gossip Girls series will be make its debut on television this fall (September 19) on the CW. Lucky for us because many booksellers are promoting the book series with deep discounts in preparation for the show. This week, while on vacation, I picked up Only in Your Dreams (9th in the series) for less than $5 at Barnes and Noble. If you’re in the mood for some light summer reading - or know a teen that is (wink, wink) - check it out.

** I found the dialogue and talk about sex and drugs to be fairly mature, so I’d recommend this for older teens - not tweens. I don’t know that I’d want my junior high girls to be romanticizing pot and sex at this age…

Gossip Girl, CW, Only in Your Dreams

Even though I will admit to not having read any of the Harry Potter books (it’s on my list, I swear), I’d be remiss to not mention the latest book in the Harry Potter series - especially since it’s breaking all kinds of records. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has already sold 8.3 million copies in its first 24 hours on sale in the United States, according to Scholastic Inc.

I am curious to hear your take on the book. What happened? Was it a satisfying ending? Did JK wrap up loose ends, as promised? Any disappointments? Do you think this is really the end?

*** Spoiler Disclaimer ***

As I am specifically asking for feedback on the book, there may be information posted in the Comments that you might not want to read. If you don’t want to know how the book ends, who dies, or any other information that readers might post, just don’t read any further. You’ve been warned.

Scholastic, Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, JK Rowling

The notorious tales in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events are now available in paperback. To celebrate, HarperCollins is giving away free books. To enter, sign up here. The last entry will be accepted on July 26, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. (EST).

Lemony Snicket, HarperCollins, children’s book

But that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth reading.

When I think of summer reading, I think of light and fluffy. This story, written for tweens (ages 10-14) is anything but light and fluffy.

Burying the Sun focuses on fourteen year old Georgi who lives in the Russian city of Leningrad with his mother and sister. When World War II begins, Georgi and his friend Yelena are too young for the army and are given “patriotic work” to support the Russians. Anxious to contribute more, Georgi becomes part of a war relief effort to bring food across the frozen lake and into Leningrad.

The book is authored by Gloria Whelan, who has written a number of similarly-themed works including The Impossible Journey and Angel on the Square.

As a history buff, I found a lot to like about it. It had a “Little House on the Big Frozen Lake in Leningrad” feel to it. But, it is serious and dramatic and somewhat dreary in spots, which could be a difficult draw for the tween crowd. Personally, I’m glad that everything isn’t frou-frou and dating-oriented at this age. But that means that the competition for this book is tough. If you can get your child to give it a whirl, I think he or she will enjoy it. But the convincing in the first place may not be easy.

It’s the Friday Fifteen! Today’s guest is author Cecil Castellucci.

Cecil’s first novel, Boy Proof, debuted in 2005, and won a number of accolades including the ALA (American Library Association) Best Books for Young Adults; ALA Recommended Books for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, Quick Pick; New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age and Book Sense Children’s Picks List Selection.

And now, onto the Fifteen!

1. Where are you now?
In Los Angeles, on my couch watching Star Trek the Next Generation: Season 1

2. What were your favorite books as a kid?
Just the tip of the iceberg:

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Tripod Trilogy by John Christopher
The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatly Snyder
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
The Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum

3. What are you reading now?
Flora Segunda by Ysabeau Wilce

4. Do you have kids?
Not yet. But I hope to one day!

5. What projects are you working on now?
I have a picture book called Grandma’s Gloves coming out on Candlewick as soon as the art is done. And then I’m working on an early chapter book / easy reader, for young kids, with Candlewick as well. Also I’m tinkering away at a new YA novel.

6. What is your biggest writing or illustrating luxury?
Fountain Pens. Long stretches in cafes. Dreaming while looking out of windows.

7. Coffee or tea?
Both! I swear! I love them equally!

8. Name five artists on your iPod (or mp3 player).
Coco Rosie
Joanna Newsom
Dead Kennedys
Edith Piaf
Sam Cook

9. What would I be surprised to know about you?
While living on the street for six weeks waiting for Star Wars Episode I tickets, I slept next to a murderer on the lam. Is that too scary? How about, my first job, when I was 15, was as a girl friday for a nobel prize winning neuroscientist.

10. What college did you attend (in what subject)?
I went to NYU first for film production, then ran out of money to finish, so I went to Paris, France for a year and then finished my degree in Film Production at Concordia University in Montreal.

11. If you weren’t working with kids’ books, what would your dream job be?
Astronaut or earth bound space voyager (like at JPL)

12. What’s the best thing on TV right now?
Uh… I don’t have broadcast or cable TV in my house. So, I can’t say what’s great on TV right now, like this week, because I watch TV on DVD’s.

13. How did you get your “big break” into the field?
The first story I published was in the LA Times Kids Reading Room. It was a story called Moon Picnic. Also, I joined SCBWI and went to a working writers retreat where I met my agent and my publisher, Candlewick Press. Go, SCBWI!!!

14. Which celeb would you want most to meet?
Dead: Luis Bunuel
Alive: Dolly Parton

15. Who is the best book character EVER?
Too tough a question!
I’ll say Anne of Green Gables, since I didn’t put that up in my fave books for kids.

–

Thanks, Cecil (and thanks to Tracy at Candlewick Press for making the intro)! Be sure and check out Cecil’s latest book, Beige:

You can keep with Cecil on her blog.

Cecil Castellucci, Beige, Boy Proof, Candlewick Press

It dawned on me that you might be interested in what families other than mine are reading. So, I’m going to try and publish The New York Times best seller list each week.

The June 3 list for Picture Books:

1. Bad Dog, Marley! by John Grogan, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
2. Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
3. Thanks to You by Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton
4. Mars Needs Moms! by Berkeley Breathed
5. A Good Day by Kevin Henkes

The June 3 list for Chapter Books:

1. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
2. Summer Ball by Mike Lupica
3. Warriors: Power of Three #1: The Sight by Erin Hunter
4. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
5. Marley by John Grogan

Get the book.

In yet another example of Hollywood being too clever by half, the book about the Nancy Drew movie (which is, of course, based on the books) is out.

Nancy Drew Movie Novelization is available in bookstores now.

Nancy Drew

Simon & Schuster Books has announced that they have signed Steven Hawking to pen a new kids’ book.

Hawking’s book, George’s Secret Key to the Universe, will be a fictional work about the origins of the universe. He is co-writing the book along with daughter, Lucy, who has authored Plume and Run for Your Life. The book will be will be illustrated by Garry Parsons who has illustrated, among other works, The Trouble at the Dinosaur Cafe. A fall release is expected.

Steven Hawking, Lucy Hawking, Garry Parsons, George’s Secret Key to the Universe, Plume, Run for Your Life, The Trouble at the Dinosaur Cafe

It’s the Friday Fifteen!

Today’s guest is Troy CLE, who wrote the heavily anticipated The Marvelous Effect. I first met Troy when he was kind enough to help me out with a post or two about his book. The post summarizing the release of The Marvelous Effect remains the most popular post on my site to date, garnering more than one million hits in two days - and almost a quarter of a million hits in one hour. In terms of popularity, I’d say that Troy is making a name for himself!

Now, onto the Fifteen!

1. Where are you now?
On the New York train to East Orange

2. What were your favorite books as a kid?
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Superfudge

3. What are you reading now?
Wish I had time to read. I am deep in writing book 1.5

4. Do you have kids?
Yeah- Marvelous World

5. What projects are you working on now?
Marvelous World Movie
Promoting this book is a full time project

6. What is your biggest writing or illustrating luxury?
Apple Pro Book

7. Coffee or tea?
Lemonade Passion Fruit Iced tea

8. Name five artists on your iPod (or mp3 player).
Linkin Park
Fall Out Boy
50 Cent
John Mayer
Lil’ Wayne

9. What would I be surprised to know about you?
I was a Classically trained pianist

10. What college did you attend (in what subject)?
BA American Literature and English-NYU
MS Digital Design- NYU

11. If you weren’t working with kids’ books, what would your dream job be?
Visual Effects Artist

12. What’s the best thing on TV right now?
Come On! I have to choose between 24 and Entourage?

13. How did you get your “big break” into the field?
I faked being my own publicist.

14. Which celeb would you want most to meet?
Charlie Murphy

15. Who is the best book character EVER?
Don’t I have to say Louis Proof?

You can check out Troy’s web sites here:
http://www.marvelousworld.net
http://www.myspace.com/troycle
http://www.myspace.com/themarvelouseffect

And oh yeah, The Marvelous Effect is in stores now. Pick one up today!

Thanks Troy!

Some times a kids’ book comes along that makes you long to be a kid again. that girl Lucy Moon is like that - several times over.

that girl Lucy Moon is authored by Amy Timberlake, whose picture book, The Dirty Cowboy, was fabulous (one of my girls’ favorites) and yet very different from this one. The Dirty Cowboy focused on a loner who liked being a loner, a cowboy who was happy to be left in the wild with his dog.

that girl Lucy Moon is also about a loner, but not one alone by choice. Lucy Moon is that odd kid that we all knew in school - maybe that kid that was you - who marches to the beat of a different drummer. She cares about things that other people don’t. And when that makes her the most ostracized girl in town, she has a choice: she can conform or she can fight. She chooses to fight.

The book is all about making a difference and finding your own identity. It’s about prioritizing what’s important to you in terms of family and community. In other words, it’s about growing up.

It’s funny and sweet and well-written. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. It has won a ton of awards, including Friends of American Writers Literary Award; Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year 2007; 2007 Amelia Bloomer Book; NYPL Children’s Book 2006; and Fall 2006 Book Sense Pick.

I highly recommend it! And if you don’t have a child aged 9-12, pick it up for yourself. Shh! No one will tell.