tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18207119406874040062024-03-04T22:19:04.836-08:00Anatomy of Nonfiction: Writing True Stories for ChildrenRamblings from the mind of a writer of nonfiction for children. Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-983099897284999062020-09-04T08:18:00.000-07:002020-09-04T08:18:57.439-07:00MOVING!<p>Hi all!</p><p>It will come as no surprise that I am not a frequent or consistent blogger. Two elements of a successful blog. </p><p>What has made me a successful writer, however, is finding a group of like-minded authors who are generous, supportive, witty, funny, and excellent at their craft. We call ourselves the Nonfiction Ninjas. I want to share their expertise with you. The <a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/blog">Nonfiction Ninjas</a> blog every week. Consistently! And you won't find better advice anywhere online. </p><p>Thank you for your readership over the years. In the future, please join me, Pat Miller, Lisa Amstutz, Nancy Churnin, Stephanie Bearce, Christine Lui-Perkins, Wendy Hinote Lanier, Michelle Medlock Adams, and Linda Skeers at <a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/blog" target="_blank">NONFICTION NINJAS</a>. </p><p>See you there!!</p><p>Much love, </p><p>Peggy</p><p> </p>Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-84057579775086048682020-03-22T14:18:00.000-07:002020-03-22T14:18:13.741-07:00Children's Nonfiction for Newbies: Trade, Mass, and Educational MarketsAre you stuck in the house because of Covid 19? Have you ever thought, "I could write a children's book? "<br />
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Well this is the time to start.<br />
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To help you along on your journey I will post some of the basic facts you need to know about children's book publishing, writing for children, and in particular, writing nonfiction for children. Because as my mother used to say, "Everyone has at least one true story inside of them."<br />
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Today, we'll talk about the three main markets for children's books: the trade market, mass market, and educational (or institutional) market. <br />
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The trade market refers to bookstores. Trade books are typically hard covered and have a dust jacket (the paper covering with the front and back flap). Because these books are more expensive to produce, publishers tend to print a limited run. Perhaps a few thousand to start. No topic is excluded, but the titles tend to be more literary.<br />
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Mass market books are found in big box stores. Think of a little kid flipping through a joke book. These books are usually paperback which makes them less expensive to make, and so can be "mass" produced. These titles are usually fun, eye-catching and made for a wide audience.<br />
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Educational books are made for schools and libraries. These publishers crank out hundreds of books in series on every topic and for every age group. The books are usually hardcover or permabound which makes them extra sturdy for the wear and tear of a school library.<br />
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Over the years, these categories have shifted and blended, and sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference. Some publishers specialize in one or the other. The biggest publishers usually have three different divisions so they can sell to all the markets.<br />
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What does this mean to a writer? Not much until you get to the submission stage. Then you'll need to know in which market your manuscript fits. It will also matter financially. A trade publisher usually pays its authors an advance and royalties (10%). Any advance you get is "against your royalties" which means your royalties must earn up to and past your advance before you begin to collect.<br />
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Mass market may give advances and royalties, or they may pay a flat fee - one agreed upon price. You never make more than that even if the book becomes a best seller. <br />
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The educational publishers usually pay a flat fee. This is also called work for hire. Writers usually get assignments, and have to hit tight deadlines. You might have just a few weeks to write a picture book. <br />
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When you are able to wander free again, see if you can spot these three categories of books. Do you notice any differences? Do you prefer one style over the others? <br />
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Next time, we'll talk about books for different age groups.Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-83730491634287435122020-02-02T16:35:00.001-08:002020-02-02T16:35:16.178-08:00Congratulations to the 2020 Sibert Winner and Honor Books<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; color: #1c355f; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0.5rem 0rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year the American Library Association awards the Robert F. Sibert award to the best nonfiction book. Look to these titles as mentor texts as you work on your own stories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 2020 winner is Kevin Noble Maillard and his concept book </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story</i></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>.</i> Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, it was published by Roaring Book Press. </span></div>
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<i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honor Books include: </i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World</span></em>, written by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger, and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This Promise of Change: One Girl's Story in the Fight for School Equality</span></em>, written by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy, and published by Bloomsbury Children's Books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir</span></em>, written by Nikki Grimes, and published by WordSong, an imprint of Highlights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hey, Water!</span></em> written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis, and published by Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. </span></div>
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-59592173087945378592020-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:002020-01-15T00:00:02.484-08:00Nonfiction Fest 2020There is Rate Your Story, Storystorm, and 12 X 12 for fiction writers, but there hasn't been a place to inspire, educate and support the children's nonfiction writer -- Until Now!<br />
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Thanks to Pat Miller, director of several NF conferences and author of <i>The Hole Story of the Doughnut</i>, aspiring children's nonfiction writers have a place to go for the best advice from some of the best authors in the field. Pat, along with Lisa Amstutz, Stephanie Bearce, Susie Kralovansky, Linda Skeers, Nancy Churnin, and me, Peggy Thomas, dubbed ourselves the <a href="http://nffest.com/" target="_blank">Nonfiction Chicks</a>, and are proud to present the first annual <a href="http://nffest/" target="_blank">Nonfiction Fest</a>.<br />
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Registration opens TODAY, Jan. 15th and runs until Jan. 31st. To participate, go to <a href="http://nffest.com/">nffest.com</a>.<br />
Blog posts begin Feb. 1st.<br />
Join the growing and vibrant community of nonfiction writers.<br />
GO!<br />
NOW!<br />
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<br />Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-48483151766724374192020-01-08T08:58:00.000-08:002020-01-08T08:58:18.409-08:00Singing the Praises of a Local Hero - Hosea Plays On <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am so excited to share a new picture book hitting the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">shelves this week -- </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781454926832?aff=bookroo" target="_blank">Hosea Plays On</a></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> by a wonderful friend, author </span><a href="http://www.kmblasi.com/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Kathleen M. Blasi</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, and illustrated by </span><a href="http://www.shaneevans.com/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Shane W. Evans</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. The story is based on the life of Hosea Missouri Taylor, a beloved musician and community activist in Rochester, New York. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently, I asked Kathy what drew her to the story. She said, "<span style="background-color: white;">I learned of Hosea Taylor when I read a newspaper article about him when he passed away. Had this been a standard obituary, I never would have noticed, so I credit Sarah Taddeo of the Democrat & Chronicle for spotlighting the work, advocacy, and impact Hosea had on the Rochester community. When I learned of his connection to and outreach with children, I thought I could find that nugget to tell a story for young readers."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">That nugget or heart of the story is what transforms a "local" tale into a book that resonates with a larger audience. </span>You don't have to be a Rochester resident to love Hosea. From the bright colors on the cover to the author's note in the back, this is a gem. And yet it is the simplicity of the story that I marvel at. Kathy captures Hosea's spirit by walking the reader through one typical day in Hosea's life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But that seemingly simple structure took hard work. "My first draft was <span style="background-color: white;">the story of a fictitious grandfather (Poppy) and granddaughter (Georgia) who routinely visited the market," Kathy said. "The story was more about them, their interactions with various vendors, and how Hosea’s music bridged a connection to Georgia’s grandmother, who was sorely missed. But in that version, Hosea was not a focal point. So then I tried writing parallel narratives—Hosea and Poppy/Georgia—which eventually intersect. There was a lot of back and forth with those versions, and it felt like I was trying to cover too much ground. So, I decided to take out Poppy and Georgia, and keep the camera solely on Hosea.<b> </b></span><span style="background-color: white;">That’s the version that caught [the publisher's] eye. A-day-in-the life with characters who represent the spirit of the market and community afforded me the means to convey his impact in the space of a picture book."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">A great tip for anyone writing a picture book -- Keep your lens tightly focused. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sometimes that means you have to leave information out. "</span><span style="background-color: white;">One story I learned that did not make it into the story ," Kathy said, "was of the young daughter of a Market vendor, who placed coins in his saxophone case as he played. At end of his session, Hosea secretly returned the money to the little girl’s mother." </span>Even without this tender anecdote, the reader feels Hosea's generosity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kathy hooks the reader on the first page when she writes, "Maybe--just maybe-- he would earn enough money." Enough money for what? We wonder. The mystery is soon resolved in a heart-warming ending. In between, the text sings with sound. From the ka-plink of coins to the smokey notes of Hosea's sax. <b>Hosea Plays On</b> begs to be read aloud. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MEET THE AUTHOR: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">January 11, 2020 at the City of Rochester Public Market from 9-12. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">280 Union St N, Rochester, NY 14609</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">February 17th, 6 pm, at the Arnett Public Library </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">10 Arnett Blvd, Rochester, NY 14619 </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(listen to some of the musicians who played with Hosea) </span><br />
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-33584807597943445992019-12-22T13:14:00.002-08:002019-12-22T13:24:55.903-08:00The Gift of True StoriesThis holiday season give the gift of nonfiction.<br />
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Everyone loves a true story, especially a weird one that proves the adage <i>truth is stranger than fiction. </i><br />
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For the teacher, librarian, or young student in your life, wrap up a <a href="https://www.nonfictionminute.org/" target="_blank">Nonfiction Minute</a>. A 400 word true story written by an award-winning author. And like the fruit of the month club, this gift keeps on giving -- a new Minute is posted every school day throughout the year.<br />
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<a href="https://www.nonfictionminute.org/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="432" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwODvXuwvwNCfRcmWQXzeGPtBfp_P_2NB6ksy6W9h-eLY1cNYdIvMQLGjMHZQ5fqIXaa5DuvWJ1qKeVZ-EQzmNNVBxizp91P-L8zXnOXg5Go97WK-4cLQ3Pwszodo-T3qjBWsfPYjgf4/s200/nonfiction+minute+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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If you REALLY care, you can also bundle up the <a href="https://www.schooltube.com/channel/The+Nonfiction+Minute/144675662" target="_blank">Nonfiction Minute Channel</a> to go along with that big screen TV. Listen to the author read the Minute and watch photos that illustrate the story.<br />
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Do you know any writers? This year you can give them an entire month of expert advice as well as pertinent activities that are guaranteed to improve their craft. Sign them up for <a href="https://www.nffest.com/" target="_blank">Nonfiction Fest</a> coming in February. Join us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/NFFest/" target="_blank">Facebook </a>. You are personally invited!<br />
<a href="https://www.nffest.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="cover photo, No photo description available." height="177" src="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/73063787_10205729104183243_2855975727956754432_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_oc=AQlOd0K9IKRuK32OoWccn9H1iyRvFz3kN5aYc7Zgfb66zKAnhg1zpDgQqLx7A-jSL_Y&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-1.xx&oh=58d53bcfa3cb6a0ae3b4cc47a756c7fe&oe=5EB3A1D7" width="320" /></a><br />
The best part of is that these gifts are FREE!!! So splurge and get them all.<br />
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-25509590394928144412019-11-06T12:05:00.000-08:002019-11-06T12:05:58.080-08:00CRITICISM -- GIVE & TAKE<div style="text-align: left;">
On this week's Nonfiction Ninja blog, Stephanie Bearce talks about <a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/blog">HOW TO TAKE CRITICISM AND USE IT.</a> One of the more important lessons a writer needs to learn. Steph specifically talks about getting a critique from an industry professional and how to use that information. </div>
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I'd like to add to the convo by focusing on giving a critique. Another skill that every writer should learn. Here are just a few pointers you can start with.</div>
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1. Read the manuscript twice. I like to read through once as a reader would, just for fun, and get a first impression. And then read it again looking at key components like the lead - did it grab my attention. The flow of information - was it in a logical order? Did I get confused? Scenes - did they support the main idea? Were they vivid?</div>
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2. Start with a positive comment. It is just as important for a writer to know what they do well as what they need to work on. Explain, briefly, what you liked about the manuscript. Maybe you were impressed by the the way the writer used quotations, or wove in details to make a scene pop. It isn't helpful to just say, "This is amazing." </div>
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3. Be specific. Point to places in the manuscript that you felt needed attention. Being vague never helped anyone. So, if you felt the ending didn't work for you - explain -- was it too abrupt? Did it go off topic? Did it lack closer? And why?</div>
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4. In an oral critique, mention 2 or 3 elements and then let another member of the group speak. In a written critique, you can elaborate. </div>
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I'll add more to this list in the weeks to come. But basically, be nice, be helpful, and pay it forward. </div>
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-38155171535843736422019-09-30T05:43:00.001-07:002019-09-30T05:43:07.795-07:00Cut & Paste<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>“I believe more in the scissors than I do in the pencil.” </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">-- Truman Capote</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes I miss my scissors. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I first started writing, part of my revision process involved cutting up parts of my manuscript. I'd lay the pieces out on the dining room table and rearrange them. The scene where the guy is preparing two plants for breeding, for example, has to go <i>after</i> the explanation of why he's doing it, and a little history of plant breeding should go before that. Then I'd clip all the strips of paper together and go back to the keyboard. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="background-color: white;">I know there is the cut and past function on the computer, but that isn't as satisfying as physically cutting the paper, seeing <i>all</i> the parts, not just half a page at a time. And there's always that annoying glitch when the computer cuts more than you want, or pastes it in a weird place (maybe it's just my computer).</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="background-color: white;">But I think Capote is referring to the idea of brevity and clarity -- using just the right word rather than a string of near misses. This is when you have to "kill your darlings," find your focus, and ask yourself, "What am I really trying to say?" </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="background-color: white;">It's only when you can answer that question that you can put your scissors away. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="background-color: white;">Right now, on my current project, I'll keep the scissors handy. </span></span></div>
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-50734595085827769282019-09-16T05:48:00.001-07:002019-09-16T06:15:16.375-07:00Teachers - Inspire & WIN! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.nonfictionminute.org/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="432" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwODvXuwvwNCfRcmWQXzeGPtBfp_P_2NB6ksy6W9h-eLY1cNYdIvMQLGjMHZQ5fqIXaa5DuvWJ1qKeVZ-EQzmNNVBxizp91P-L8zXnOXg5Go97WK-4cLQ3Pwszodo-T3qjBWsfPYjgf4/s200/nonfiction+minute+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Ten years ago Vicki Cobb took a group blog INK (Interesting Nonfiction for Kids) and turned it into an organization dedicated to providing quality nonfiction in the classroom -<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://inkthinktank.org/" target="_blank">iNK Think Tank.</a></span></b> There are so many of us it is hard to keep count, but if it is nonfiction, it was likely written by an iNKEr.<br />
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My favorite aspect of iNK is the <a href="https://www.nonfictionminute.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">NONFICTION MINUTE</span></a>, the daily posting of a short, fascinating true story that is sure to get students buzzing. You can learn about the Montgomery bus boycott, Morris code, how to make a 3-D image, or how to take an elephant's temperature. That last one, I wrote. Some of the best writing in children's lit can be found in 400 words or less for free.<br />
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To celebrate our tenth anniversary we are inviting you to<span style="font-size: large;"> <i><span style="color: red;"><b><a href="https://www.nonfictionminute.org/10th-anniversary.html" target="_blank">INSPIRE US!</a></b></span></i>.</span> Have your students brainstorm what they'd like to read about. Send us your top 3 ideas to:<br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:CelebrateiNK10@gmail.com" style="color: rgb(249, 1, 1) !important; text-decoration-line: none;">CelebrateiNK10@gmail.com</a></span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;">If one of our award-winning writers chooses your idea, </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;">YOU WIN!!!</span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"> a </span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b>20 minute virtual classroom visit with the author. </b></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">(arrangements made between teacher and author). The luckiest classroom may win 3 author visits! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Deadline for all submissions is FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019.</span></strong></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Good luck!!</span></strong></span></div>
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-89803104292668299962019-09-02T01:00:00.000-07:002019-09-02T01:00:02.577-07:00Happy Labor Day, Farmers!This Labor Day look down at your plate and say thank you to the people who grew that corn, or raised that hamburger. More than 1 million people work in farming, ranching or other agriculture-related fields in America. Without them we'd be eating weeds.<br />
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I'm going to celebrate with a few good books that are new for 2019:<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.feedingmindspress.com/our-books/right-this-very-minute" target="_blank">Right This Very Minute</a></b> by Lisl H. Detlefsen is the perfect reminder that right this very minute a farmer is working to put food on your plate. It's the perfect read aloud book, too, with its repeated line. Kids from 2-7 will learn about cranberry farming, dairy farming, ranching, and more. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgfy7Baxm5tOO-2-uZpHIVEUth5VqlPEtTTiSJwXdVqIxplwzyOXTlVvSnFis8Yc9avfdNaXjLJGlpJmXh5vKnlVM34cggm1KTzUeguc_qKoYecKu-FrQKBDnKcZ5SObLnGhyphenhyphenSlRjFNw/s1600/RTVM_front-cover-900px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="900" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgfy7Baxm5tOO-2-uZpHIVEUth5VqlPEtTTiSJwXdVqIxplwzyOXTlVvSnFis8Yc9avfdNaXjLJGlpJmXh5vKnlVM34cggm1KTzUeguc_qKoYecKu-FrQKBDnKcZ5SObLnGhyphenhyphenSlRjFNw/s320/RTVM_front-cover-900px.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Popcorn-Country-Story-Americas-Favorite/dp/1629798924" target="_blank">Popcorn Country, the story of America's Favorite Snack</a> by Cris Peterson is a photographic picture book that will have you melting butter before you even finish. You'll learn the difference between field corn, sweet corn, dent corn, flint corn, Indian corn and popcorn. </div>
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For older readers, check out my activity book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/George-Washington-Carver-Kids-Discoveries/dp/0915864002" target="_blank">George Washington Carver for Kids</a>. I promise you'll discover something new about the guy everyone calls the peanut man. This book is great for book reports that need a display, too. There are plenty of options with 21 activities from setting up a welcoming committee in school to crafting a bowl from a dried gourd. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkjOGOl2G0t2iyFubBTac_SHrA4dJWgzZ5jj_kBg3B2X5jabxTdud2vFtESTyFQ-FLFL1cK8Jnxw7qQ8uBODnoSfGNvZYBIrygYYcgNR_7h3z9OxeqbGPe4YRDTTzIq52NbjKH6Nf6IU/s1600/GWC+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="425" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkjOGOl2G0t2iyFubBTac_SHrA4dJWgzZ5jj_kBg3B2X5jabxTdud2vFtESTyFQ-FLFL1cK8Jnxw7qQ8uBODnoSfGNvZYBIrygYYcgNR_7h3z9OxeqbGPe4YRDTTzIq52NbjKH6Nf6IU/s320/GWC+COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Those are just 3 of the 2019 ag-related books that should be on a shelf near you. </div>
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Happy Labor Day! YUM!</div>
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-91169321120854493482019-07-18T00:00:00.000-07:002019-07-18T00:00:08.961-07:00Drowning in Jane Austen - an Interview with author Nancy I. Sanders<br />
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I have the great pleasure of sharing an interview with my friend and fellow NF Ninja <a href="http://nancyisanders.com/" target="_blank"><b>Nancy I. Sanders</b></a>, the bestselling and award-winning
children’s author of 100+ books, as well as two wonderful how-to writer's guides that share the inside scoop on how to create a successful writing career like hers:<a href="https://yesyoucanlearn.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> <i>Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Children’s Books, Get Them Published, and Build a Successful Writing Career </i></a> and <i><a href="https://yesyoucanlearn.wordpress.com/beginning-readers-and-chapter-books/" target="_blank">Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Beginning Readers and Chapter Books</a>. </i>If you want more inspiration, check out her insightful blog posts at <a href="https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blogzone</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFgPgPcwbjaoUhNmTxxrl1pQj__BYeP-4Xajjb4_iwAqq5IeN-VmhnYyAPN8oD7U1RVBOELxjjhDi2xew6kxQtsISF7Jkldv1Xvubr5GhwPnCR7Ug0yJMW1BhjNFKC2Mk3Rm6TB9Ifw4/s1600/Jane+Austen+for+Kids+official+cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFgPgPcwbjaoUhNmTxxrl1pQj__BYeP-4Xajjb4_iwAqq5IeN-VmhnYyAPN8oD7U1RVBOELxjjhDi2xew6kxQtsISF7Jkldv1Xvubr5GhwPnCR7Ug0yJMW1BhjNFKC2Mk3Rm6TB9Ifw4/s1600/Jane+Austen+for+Kids+official+cover.jpeg" /></a>Nancy's newest title is <a href="https://janeaustenforkids.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Jane Austen for Kids</a> published by Chicago Review Press. It's an exciting introduction to
one of the most influential and best-loved novelists in English literature.
Often compared to William Shakespeare, Austen’s genius was her cast of
characters—so timeless and real that readers know them in their own families
and neighborhoods today. Her book’s universal themes—love and hate, hope and
disappointment, pride and prejudice, sense and sensibility—still tug at
heartstrings today in cultures spanning the globe.<br />
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Jane Austen lived through
some of the most important events in history—the American Revolution, the
French Revolution, British expansion in India, and the Napoleonic Wars. She
wrote about daily life in England as she knew it, growing up a clergyman’s
daughter among the upper class of landowners, providing readers with a window
into the soul of a lively, imaginative, and industrious woman in an age when
most women were simply obscure shadows among society.<br />
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This book is much more than just a biography. Like all books in the <i>For Kids</i> series it contains 21 activities that immerse kids and adults in the Regency period. You'll learn to dance the Boulanger, play Whist, host a tea party, perform a theatrical and so much more. This is a great resource for any reader looking for the woman behind the words.<br />
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Today, on the 202nd anniversary of Jane Austen's death, I wanted Nancy to tell us a little about how she came to write about Jane and about her writing journey.<br />
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<b>P: Why did you decide to write about Jane Austen?</b><br />
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<b>N:</b> As a teenager, I fell in love with Jane Austen when I read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pride and Prejudice</i>. About 2 years ago I
watched her novel adapted to movie, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Persuasion</i>,
starring Amanda Root. That movie instantly became one of my favorite movies of
all time. That evening, I devoured Jane Austen’s novel and started obsessing
about reading all six of them (some of them for the first time).<o:p></o:p></div>
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I actually felt guilty drowning myself in Austen’s novels instead
of doing my household chores and other daily commitments when suddenly a light
bulb went off in my head. I could let myself obsess about Jane Austen and write
my own biography about her too! So I landed a contract to write this book and
for the last 2 years while I wrote this biography, I lived, breathed, and ate
everything Jane. It was one of the most wonderful life experiences I’ve ever
enjoyed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>P: What was a highlight of your journey?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>N:</b> The most memorable event was taking a Jane Austen tour with
JASNA, the Jane Austen Society of North America. I got to walk in Jane’s
footsteps and attend a gala celebration in England in honor of the 200<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of her death. Also, meeting all the wonderful Janeites on this tour
as well as at their annual meeting really has given me such a richer life and
appreciation of Jane. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><b> P: </b></o:p><b>What do you hope to accomplish with your book?</b></div>
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<b>N:</b> Jane Austen was one of the greatest writers in English
literature of all time. She was simply a genius. And she was a woman writing
when women had few rights at all. I love introducing young people to such a
fantastic writer as well as such an amazing woman. I hope they’ll find in her a
great role model and also fall in love with her writing. In a world of cell
phones and gaming and technology, I hope to inspire a new generation of young
people to learn the joy of curling up in a comfy chair and losing yourself in a
great book.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>P: What word of advice do you have for other writers?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>N:</b> Sometimes we find ourselves obsessing about something. Instead of feeling guilty about it, turn it into a manuscript project. For example, are you bitten by a home-decorating bug? Write a book about it! Do you love the cooking shows? Write a biography about your favorite celebrity chef! Really dive into what you’re passionate about and turn it into a book project.</div>
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Thank you, Nancy! (and thank you, Jane)</div>
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<br />Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-21227466266937347712019-07-15T11:39:00.001-07:002019-07-15T11:39:52.029-07:00Sniffing Out Sensory DetailsToday, my blog is over at <a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/blog/sniffing-out-sensory-details-by-peggy-thomas" target="_blank">Nonfiction Ninjas</a><br />
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It's all about sniffing out sensory details that make narrative nonfiction so inviting.<br />
Check it out.<br />
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But come back on Thursday to remember<br />
<a href="https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/jane-austen-for-kids-products-9781613738542.php" target="_blank">Jane Austen</a> with author <a href="http://nancyisanders.com/" target="_blank">Nancy I. Sanders</a><br />
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<br />Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-39490806305026011322019-04-15T13:32:00.000-07:002019-04-15T13:32:12.136-07:00Nonfiction in Verse: An Interview with Susannah Buhrman-Deever<div dir="ltr">
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I'm celebrating Poetry Month with<a href="https://www.susannahbuhrmandeever.com/"> </a><a href="https://www.susannahbuhrmandeever.com/">Susannah Buhrman-Deever</a> and her debut book,<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/604786/predator-and-prey-a-conversation-in-verse-by-susannah-buhrman-deever/9780763695330/"> Predator and Prey, A Conversation in Verse.</a> Beautifully illustrated by <a href="http://bertkitchen.com/childrens-books/">Bert Kitchen</a>, this nonfiction picture book captures the dangerous dance of survival, and the way animals communicate in that moment. <br />
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Recently, Susannah was gracious enough to answer my many questions. Here's what she had to say about her work and her process: <br />
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1. Were you always a poet? What kinds of things did you write as a child?<br />
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I don't know that I can call myself a poet, but I do enjoy writing it. I like fiddling around with words, so writing a poem is a very fun (though at times frustrating(!)) challenge. Poetry has always been one of my favorite things to read. Shel Silverstein was an early favorite, and The Ox-Cart Man, which will forever and always be my favorite book, is really a book-length poem. I did write some (terrible) poems growing up, but mostly, I read poems and soaked them in. <br />
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2. How did the idea of a “conversation in verse” come about? <br />
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The idea of exploring how predators and prey interact had been bubbling around in my head for a while. Specifically, I was thinking about how sometimes prey actually talk to their predators, even though at first glance that might seem to be a strange thing to do. The "conversation in verse" format came to me while on a walk in the woods. A beginning line for a poem in the voice of a chickadee popped in my head, and what a hawk would "say" in reply. I had recently read Paul Fleischman's Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices, and the idea of a poetry conversation between two animals seemed like an interesting way to explore predator-prey dynamics.<br />
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3. As a trained biologist, how did it feel transforming scientific knowledge into a poetic form? And how important was it to include the prose sidebars?<br />
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One of the things I really wanted to be conscious of when writing the poems was to maintain accuracy, even when taking on the "voice" of different animals. It was important that any imagery I used was based in fact. Including both the poems and the prose sidebars was a way for me tell the same story in different ways, hopefully helping my readers better understand what was going on.<br />
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4. How did you choose the combatants? And what was it like trying to capture each animal’s “voice.”<br />
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Because of my background studying animal behavior, I already knew of a few cases where prey told predators the truth, or predators tricked their prey. Where I could, I wanted to find a examples of predators and prey using the same strategy (for example: a predator "listening in" on its prey to help it hunt, and a prey "listening in" on its predator to avoid being attacked). So I dug into the scientific literature to find more examples I could use.<br />
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Capturing each animal's "voice" was the fun part. I played around a lot with using different words and rhythms to get different effects for each "character." It took a lot of exploration and revision before I felt I got a good "voice" for each poem.<br />
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5. Did some poems take longer than others, and why?<br />
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I worked on the poems on and off for about two years. Some came quickly; others took much longer. Even though it's the shortest poem in the book, it took me over a year to get "PSST-HIDE!" into its final form. Previous versions were way too long, especially because the chickadee call the poem is describing is so short. Sometimes I have to let things sit for a while before the right idea strikes.<br />
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6. Which authors did you study while you were working on this project? And what did you learn?<br />
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Joyce Sidman's natural history poetry collections (such as Song of the Water Boatman and Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold) completely floored me when I first found them. I am in awe of her talent. Seeing her work opened up the possibility to me of using poetry and sidebars to explore nonfiction topics.<br />
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7. Is your next project also in verse? And can you tell us what it is?<br />
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My next project is a nonfiction picture book (If You Take Away the Otter, illustrated by Matthew Trueman) and is due out next year from Candlewick. That book actually started out as a poem, but eventually became prose. In the meantime, I'm working on researching and drafting some more nature based poetry ideas, because, well, it's something I love to do.<br />
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Happy Poetry Month!!<br />
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-63106375130577669162019-03-22T00:00:00.000-07:002019-03-22T00:00:02.684-07:00Rosenstock Hits a Homer with YOGI The Life, Loves, and Language of Baseball Legend Yogi Berra<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t5tnLi3Fb2RSpXIQEcvS_dSbOlXlOQs-XYpwACONfk0nE0wzpnsg0jW7gvt3ZAq_d40_b0cAIFPow5BkKlfFs4v3TZS48-B_2XeokcpPaqCjdPpLAqQJO3gIK-EPGB9UMDQCkJ99t04/s1600/YOGI+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1323" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t5tnLi3Fb2RSpXIQEcvS_dSbOlXlOQs-XYpwACONfk0nE0wzpnsg0jW7gvt3ZAq_d40_b0cAIFPow5BkKlfFs4v3TZS48-B_2XeokcpPaqCjdPpLAqQJO3gIK-EPGB9UMDQCkJ99t04/s400/YOGI+cover.jpg" width="330" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />I bet many folks are like me. I don’t follow baseball, but I’m a big fan of Yogi Berra. This hall-of-famer captured the heart of America with his ball playing and his banter. Now, there will be a new generation of Yogi fans thanks to Barb Rosenstock’s newest picture book biography Yogi: The Life, Loves, and Language of Baseball Legend Yogi Berra.<br /><br />Who wouldn’t love the friendly Bassett-hound face on the cover charmingly illustrated by Terry Widener (who also illustrated The Streak: How Joe DiMaggio Became America’s Hero, Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings, and Lou Gehrig, The Luckiest Man). Each page is a tribute to America’s favorite pastime, and Yogi, outlined in white like a halo, is the star.<br /><br />Barb let’s Yogi speak for himself right from the beginning, and I know there will be thousands of kids across the country waiting for someone to ask them, “How do you like school?” just so they can answer, “Closed!” Readers’ brains will churn trying to figure out some of Yogi’s best lines. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhkWsaIHvVkzCs6KoUpPym6FKvBbaG5pdwXC9O-4JE_H_EZK4HTbp3qv8uSj_H8Kagqq1AdrxOhIhK6Y7OGl2ZhUUI-Nknd4zZVih-QFhCUxKD3ZQNBFBHiE9F_ZN6It3FmdkC71d-t8/s1600/YOGI+spread+2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhkWsaIHvVkzCs6KoUpPym6FKvBbaG5pdwXC9O-4JE_H_EZK4HTbp3qv8uSj_H8Kagqq1AdrxOhIhK6Y7OGl2ZhUUI-Nknd4zZVih-QFhCUxKD3ZQNBFBHiE9F_ZN6It3FmdkC71d-t8/s400/YOGI+spread+2.jpg" /></a><br />Kids will also relate to a character that didn’t fit the mold. Yogi didn’t let other people’s opinions stop him from doing what he loved, and Barb uses this struggle expertly as the through-line to give the story momentum. <br /><br />Like Yogi, this book is “simple, honest, funny and wise.” It has heart. A hit for baseball fans, those who just want to read a great story, and for writers interested in studying a well-crafted picture book biography.<br /><br />Follow the rest of the Blog Tour --</span></div>
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-46423772570178004932019-02-06T13:19:00.000-08:002019-02-06T13:19:26.751-08:00You CAN Handle the Truth!Hi,<br />
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This week, my post - You CAN Handle The Truth - is at <a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/blog" target="_blank">Nonfiction Ninjas</a>. At night I am a total couch potato, but by day I am one of 11 kick-ass Nonfiction Ninjas finding facts and writing true stories.<br />
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I am humbled and blessed to be part of this group. Here they are...unmasked!<br />
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Check them out:<br />
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<a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/michelle-medlock-adams.html" target="_blank">Michelle Medlock Adams</a><br />
<a href="https://www.lisaamstutz.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Amstutz</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/stephanie-bearce.html" target="_blank">Stephanie Bearce</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nancychurnin.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Churnin</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/susie-kralovansky.html" target="_blank">Susan Kralovansky</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.wendyhinotelanier.com/" target="_blank">Wendy Hinote Lanier</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/christine-liu-perkins.html" target="_blank">Christine Liu-Perkins</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/pat-miller.html" target="_blank">Pat Miller</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/nancy-i-sanders.html" target="_blank">Nancy I Sanders</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lindaskeers.com/books" target="_blank">Linda Skeers</a></div>
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And while you are at it, sign up for<a href="https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/blog/one-sweet-giveaway" target="_blank"> ONE SWEET GIVEAWAY.</a> Sign up on our blog, and get a chance to win ELEVEN!!!! children's books, one from each Ninja. And come back here next week for a new post.<br />
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<br />Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-82048823059550339302019-02-02T07:29:00.003-08:002019-02-02T07:40:45.697-08:00The Journey of "George Washington Carver For Kids" <br />
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<a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780915864003" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Available now" border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="425" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtaDKjXi6j_gPWE0fRR0zsIE5XQiKcydqavUrXQdpfQMuL-bkS61yOYdN5_DnECa5Ip57VXUdfeDnu9H8PzC6NAgKgBOOAnaL9yEOxrRw959_nY4Mq8OCdzW-54zV6pTmBD8evaMGvXQ/s320/GWC+COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Many people don't realize how long it takes to birth a book. Gestation is longer than that of an elephant!<br />
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My newest book, <a href="https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/george-washington-carver-for-kids-products-9780915864003.php?page_id=21" target="_blank"><b>George Washington Carver for Kids</b> </a>and all of its 30,000 or so words, 72 photographs, and 21 activities was one of the faster projects I have worked on. It wasn't as fast as some work-for-hire projects that give you a few weeks to crank out a manuscript, but for me this was writing in the fast lane.<br />
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Here is the time line:<br />
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<b>October 2016</b> - I first queried <a href="https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/george-washington-carver-for-kids-products-9780915864003.php?page_id=21" target="_blank">Chicago Review Press</a> (CRP). Thanks to amazing advice from Nancy I. Sanders, a veteran CRP author, I knew to offer a few topics. The editor responded quickly saying he'd be interested in George W. Carver.<br />
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It took me two weeks to crank out a chapter by chapter proposal which included a list of 21 activities, a sample chapter, and marketing connections. Then I waited.<br />
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<b>March 2017</b> - The editor responded asking for a revision to the sample chapter, which I quickly sent in.<br />
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<b>April 2017</b> - I got an offer. While waiting for the contract to come, I made travel plans. I not only needed to see where Carver lived to inform my research, but I needed to start acquiring 72 photographs. The more I took, the fewer I would have to purchase. Hopefully, many would be free.<br />
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<b>May 2017</b> - I had an Ag in the Classroom speaking engagement in Salina, Kansas, so I extended the trip to rent a car and drive to the<a href="https://www.nps.gov/gwca/index.htm" target="_blank"> George Washington Carver National Monument </a>in Diamond, Missouri. The Park Ranger, Curtis Gregory, is a passionate Carver fan, and proudly showed us their collection of documents. Fran and I wandered the property, visited grave sites, and took photos of the creek he must have splashed in, the wild flowers he would have gathered, and more. The next day we drove to Neosho where Carver went to school. I like to get a sense of the landscape that surrounded a person. Did he walk through woods or fields to get to school? How close was the nearest neighbor? To get a sense of the town we visited the Historical Society and learned about that time period. Then I went home and wrote.<br />
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<b>August 2017</b> Trip to Tuskegee, Al. I had an appointment at the<a href="http://archive.tuskegee.edu/archive/" target="_blank"> Tuskegee University Archives</a>. Again, we found more people passionate about Carver. Dana Chandler, the Director of the Archives told us stories, gave us a tour, and fed us everyday. We spent hours reviewing period photos, and wandering around campus taking pictures.<br />
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<b>October 2017</b> - I submitted the manuscript and all the photographs.<br />
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<b>November 2017 </b>- The marketing department sent me the lengthy author questionnaire to fill out. Bookstores, media outlets, anyone who could help promote the book.<br />
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<b>December 2017</b> - a sneak peek at the cover art. Do I like it? YES!!<br />
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<b>March 201</b>8 - Edits arrived. Since October I had been working on another project, which I had to toss aside to address comments from the editor. The manuscript didn't look too bad. Sometimes a manuscript comes back bloodied with the editor's red ink. You're sure the book won't survive. Revisions continued off and on for a couple of months.<br />
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<b>July 2018</b> -- Revisions in galleys. Now the story looks like a book. Each page has the art work in place, but still there are things that need to be addressed. Sometimes a line has to be taken out to make everything fit on the page, or I have to catch typos. Each time, I try to make sure dates and other content is still accurate.<br />
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<b>January 8, 2019</b> -- Happy Book Birthday! George Washington Carver For Kids is officially available for purchase.<br />
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Two years, three months. I think I'll call my new wrinkles "stretch marks" from birthing a book.<br />
Well worth it!!<br />
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<br />Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-7629956767135655872019-01-03T06:28:00.000-08:002019-01-03T06:29:29.257-08:00Sneak a Peek: Full of Beans Wonder what my Fall 2019 book - Full of Beans - is about?<br />
The history of dried beans?<br />
Beanbags?<br />
Farting?<br />
Find out today at iNK's <a href="https://www.nonfictionminute.org/the-nonfiction-minute/henry-ford-grows-a-car" target="_blank">Nonfiction Minute</a>.<br />
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I am so proud to write for the Nonfiction Minute. It is an amazing resource for teachers and students to get a daily dose of fun, eye-opening, well-written true stories. And today kids can learn about ... Nope. I'll let you find out for yourself.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB2VO4sRUrLgcMnPb-scdgbAVYexGlptM2X8EYMnpW41TCZ-MvBPCatMiAt72PfP5TreP-m47lz_lhtwLT8fLvfB_BkB9IoNZK4H5Ia2hMhyphenhyphenLomun7s5wynSi3NmMlbQVKOL8vm-6Zps/s320/nonfiction+minute+logo.jpg" width="320" /><a href="https://www.nonfictionminute.org/the-nonfiction-minute/henry-ford-grows-a-car" target="_blank">https://www.nonfictionminute.org/the-nonfiction-minute/henry-ford-grows-a-car</a></div>
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https://www.nonfictionminute.org/the-nonfiction-minute/henry-ford-grows-a-carPeggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-81242124185032138312018-12-18T15:38:00.000-08:002018-12-18T15:38:05.629-08:00"Write now--Write well"In this week's Time, author Jennifer Egan addressed the importance of literature in a world where most people get their us-vs-them news from social media. "Literature, like democracy, is built of a plurality of ideas," she says. "By writing and reading, we remind ourselves of the value of empathy, subtlety and contradiction."<br />
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As writers for the youngest readers, we should be keenly aware of how our books mold the social consciousness of the future. All writers have a bias, and I've always felt that children's writers lean toward hope, acceptance, tolerance, peace, and love. In light of that fact, I can't imagine how I would write a book with our current president as the protagonist. He offers no hope. He does not accept facts,.He is intolerant of differing views. He stirs up discord and hate, and seems to love only himself and money.<br />
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Egan ends with this call to arms: "We need to write now, write well--tell the truth in all its messy complexity. It's our best shot at helping to preserve a democracy in which facts still exist and all of us can speak freely."<br />
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Or as the sign on my office door says:<br />
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-55568261685658160712018-11-20T14:45:00.001-08:002018-11-20T14:45:33.280-08:0012 Days of Children's Books Gala Giveaway ResultsTo find out if you are a winner, go to: <a href="https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">12 Days of Children's Books Gala Giveaway Winners</a><br />
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Congratulations to everyone who won a book, and a heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to enter.<br />
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After I get over my sinus infection which is preventing my brain from working, I will share with you why we did this book giveaway and who my fellow authors are and why we became the NONFICTION NINJAS! Till then, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! <br />
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-92072354814790084102018-11-16T11:18:00.000-08:002018-11-16T11:18:26.476-08:00DAY 8 - DON"T WAIT -- WIN!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is my turn to offer up a free book for the 12 days of Children's Books Gala Giveaway. Check out Nancy's Blog and Rafflecopter for a chance to win Thomas Jefferson Grows a Nation. A wacky way to look at our 3rd president.<br />
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<a href="https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com/2018/11/16/the-12-days-of-childrens-books-gala-giveaway-day-8/" target="_blank">the-12-days-of-childrens-books-gala-giveaway-day-8</a>Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-12563916052232700712018-11-14T14:19:00.000-08:002018-11-14T14:19:24.555-08:00DAY 6 !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP44aK05a4Gras1xZmDOHl88KQEdT-zpuuvzmBkK_1REA-kXsH7noDtAwY8WV6yXpgZovMRwfSpe6GuLSxl-fioXAeJVryViA5yfyl5ALxFOqh-Yl-0jWM6oNdqRKd92-c1mBVywHh_qg/s320/the-12-days-of-children_s-books-gala-giveaway5+%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /><a href="https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">12 days of children's book gala giveaway</a></div>
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You won't want to miss your chance to win Pat Miller's The Hole Story of the Doughnut.</div>
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Also -- interesting insight from <a href="https://twitter.com/madmoiselleclel/status/1060912494275948546" target="_blank">Clelia Gore on Twitter</a> about PB biographies (right up my alley). I guess I'll have to step up my game to bring new life into traditionally told bios. I wonder what she thinks about an agricultural slant!?!?!?</div>
<br />Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-74867368113431952162018-11-13T09:55:00.000-08:002018-11-13T09:55:05.929-08:00Day 5 of The 12 Days of Children's Books Gala Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="272" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP44aK05a4Gras1xZmDOHl88KQEdT-zpuuvzmBkK_1REA-kXsH7noDtAwY8WV6yXpgZovMRwfSpe6GuLSxl-fioXAeJVryViA5yfyl5ALxFOqh-Yl-0jWM6oNdqRKd92-c1mBVywHh_qg/s400/the-12-days-of-children_s-books-gala-giveaway5+%25281%2529.jpg" width="266" /><a href="https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com/2018/11/13/the-12-days-of-childrens-books-gala-giveaway-day-5/#comment-9702" target="_blank">https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com/2018/11/13/the-12-days-of-childrens-books-gala-giveaway-day-5/#comment-9702</a></div>
Day 5 of the Gala Giveaway, and today Nancy S. is celebrating Nancy Churnin's THE QUEEN AND THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE. Hurry to sign up to win this lovely book about Queen Charlotte.<br />
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Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-31101015925758766372018-11-11T12:42:00.003-08:002018-11-11T12:45:34.517-08:00The 12 Days of Children's Books Gala Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzjRI7SC0VHFCSmQwMJrHqyyE1_lxkBmOjBvAzA8_01Sld2Ufh09n-7_mJ2wxspg1xRmeyWjhIOGk8WU3MjdsgLwa1sBI9f16AdDS8TFCNY4MgsMpVl12DiENnX7flAW1nzkZQ8zMdao/s1600/the-12-days-of-children_s-books-gala-giveaway5+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzjRI7SC0VHFCSmQwMJrHqyyE1_lxkBmOjBvAzA8_01Sld2Ufh09n-7_mJ2wxspg1xRmeyWjhIOGk8WU3MjdsgLwa1sBI9f16AdDS8TFCNY4MgsMpVl12DiENnX7flAW1nzkZQ8zMdao/s320/the-12-days-of-children_s-books-gala-giveaway5+%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">As a proud Nonfiction Ninja, I am pleased to be part of </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">The 12 Days of Children's Books Gala Giveaway</a><span style="text-align: left;"> that Nancy I. Sanders is hosting on her </span><a href="https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">BlogZone</a><span style="text-align: left;">. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Today Nancy features Linda Skeers and her wonderful biography collection Women Who Dared. Check it out!</span></div>
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<br />Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-33224273465754877192018-11-08T14:30:00.001-08:002018-11-08T14:32:12.681-08:00A Book for Bird Lovers -- Finding a Dove for Gramps<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwD40VO7wempPIzZl44yQXXiE2HUKEfZSX2vgZJdVxcfNFYWBtuVMcHPelW6W8WZ2xXi06dq4Wt__6ybeERuBw9G_LaBTVI1gQEgUsQ3a0po2Zac3KS14H1sYakdis4krFR72GnJaG29o/s1600/findingadoveforgramps-cvr+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwD40VO7wempPIzZl44yQXXiE2HUKEfZSX2vgZJdVxcfNFYWBtuVMcHPelW6W8WZ2xXi06dq4Wt__6ybeERuBw9G_LaBTVI1gQEgUsQ3a0po2Zac3KS14H1sYakdis4krFR72GnJaG29o/s1600/findingadoveforgramps-cvr+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Dove-Gramps-Lisa-Amstutz/dp/0807512796" target="_blank">Finding a Dove for Gramps</a></b> by <a href="http://www.lisaamstutz.com/" target="_blank">Lisa J. Amstutz</a> is a sweet story about a boy and his mother carrying on a tradition that began more than 100 years ago -- the Christmas Bird Count. But this year is different. Jay is missing his Gramps and hopes to find his favorite bird, a dove. </div>
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Lisa's crisp narrative leads the reader through crunchy snow to find chickadees, a red-bellied woodpecker and other birds. Like a real birding walk we hear the blue jay before we see it, and search the page for the red-bellied woodpecker. </div>
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Maria Luisa Di Gravio's illustrations reflect the softness of a winter's morning-- muted greys, bright whites, and warmly bundled birders. Although the birds are stylized, they are easily identifiable and will help young readers add new species to their life lists. </div>
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As Jay and his mother wander the woods, we learn about the Christmas Bird Count and why it is so important. The back matter elaborates on the history of the yearly event and shares a two-page bird count checklist. I especially appreciate the invitation to join the Bird Count and websites for kids to access. </div>
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As a writer I admire the clean narrative. Lisa fills her story with sounds of crunching snow, hammering of the woodpecker and calls of flying geese. The language sings with words like skitter, raggedy, waggle and prickle, which will make it a fun read-aloud. Lisa is also a pro at weaving facts into a fictional story line without bogging down the pace or emotion of a story with heart. </div>
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<b>Finding a Dove for Gramps</b> will look lovely under the Christmas tree, and is sure to turn any child into an avid birder. </div>
Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820711940687404006.post-75437262258321655242018-10-27T13:59:00.000-07:002018-10-27T13:59:11.095-07:00Attending Writer's Workshops - Why I Bother.Holed up in my room waiting for a critique with an editor at the <a href="https://easternny.scbwi.org/events/falling-leaves-2018-masterclass-retreat/" target="_blank">Falling Leaves Writers Workshop </a>at Silver Bay. Not too nervous. I already know this particular editor does not take nonfiction. So, why am I here?<br />
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Although most writer's workshops are not geared to nonfiction -- some may have one tract or class, but not much else (I guess we nonfiction peeps don't need it!) there is still literary gold to be mined at these events.<br />
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1. I will have the chance to submit to the other editors attending who might be looking for nonfiction. That is why you should choose your conferences wisely. Check out the editors and agents who will be present. What are they looking for? If they have nonfiction on their list, dig deeper to find out whether they like current issues, biographies, science, narrative, funny, etc. Conferences usually give you a window of opportunity - a few months to a year -- to submit to participating editors even though their companies may have an agented-manuscripts only policy.<br />
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2. I can learn from fiction writers too. In critiques this morning, 5 fiction writers told me where their attention wandered which might indicate that I need to trim some of the information I presented. I could slip some of it into a sidebar, or maybe the reader doesn't need to know it at all. I learned what words or phrases jangled their nerves or didn't ring true, and what information I hadn't explained well enough for them to understand. If a table of adults didn't get it, 4th graders probably wouldn't either. These things are good to know. <br />
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Fiction and nonfiction writers also have similar problems to overcome -- choosing the right structure and voice for a piece. Writing a compelling lead that draws the reader into the story. Providing just enough information but not too much. etc.<br />
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3. I NEED TO GET OUT! Writing is a solitary endeavor, and although I have writer friends I email and keep in touch with on Facebook, every once in a while I need to rub elbows with fellow writers. With others who think about scenes, ideas, and sentences as much as I do. At first I always think, oh why did I bother. It feels like the first day of school. Will anyone like me? But then I see a familiar face across the room -- someone I met years before. And I meet new writers who stun me with their clever ideas. It reminds me that I am not alone in my angst over editorial comments, or a rejection, or those days when sentences refuse to flow. We're all in this together.<br />
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4. And I get to walk in the woods on a rainy day! <br />
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PS: my critique went well!Peggy Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17783764591208338610noreply@blogger.com2