A look at the National Book Awards finalists / Young People’s Literature
This article from the Christian Science Monitor gives short reviews of the finalists for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta (0-375-82982-2)
Francesca attends St. Sebastian’s, a school that has just become coed. She has left behind her friends, because her mother insisted that Francesca needs to find herself and discover who she is. But now her ever-strong mother has collapsed into a debilitating depression, unable to even leave her bed. What is left for Francesca? She has no driving force behind her anymore, no friends, and is at a new school.
This is an incredible novel for teens. The writing is clean and crisp and Francesca is a vividly portrayed character. In fact, all of the teens and even Francesca’s parents are multidimensional and compelling. Even better, there will be little need to push this one, because of the great cover. Just face it out and it should move.

The New Yorker: Nancy Drew’s Father
A look at Edward Stratemeyer, the man behind Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys.
Via Blog of a Bookslut.

TheDay.com
This very brief article on the value of investing in books for children is simply wonderful. Best of all, it advises parents to visit their local library as well as purchasing books for their children because, “certainly no one can afford to buy all the books a child should read.”

A Litchfield County Times article on Mary Pope Osborne, author of over sixty children’s books, including the popular Magic Tree House series. The article focuses on Osborne’s travels that color and enhance her books for children.

CBC News: New prizes for kiddie lit, kiddie TV, announced
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre and TD Bank have announced a new award for children’s book authors that will be awarded next fall for the first time. The $60,000 in prize money makes it the highest prize for children’s lit in Canada.
Via places for writers.

Halloween Online
One of the largest Halloween sites online, this site offers decorating, food, music, and much more to make your Halloween even spookier.

Compy 386!!
Strong Bad is a phenomenon on the Net. He is featured in a serious of cartoons answering his email. In this one, Strong Bad has written a children’s book. A sad, sick children’s book, but what other kind would Strong Bad write?

Speak (2004)
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson has been made into a movie. I have heard good things about it, including that it is faithful to the book.