The Edge Chronicles
Random House is releasing a new fantasy series for children in the next month. I don’t know much about the quality of the writing, but the illustrations look to be wonderful if the website is anything to go by.
Best SF, Fantasy and Horror for Teens
bentleywg: VOYA’s 19th annual list of Best SF/F/Horror 2003
Bentleywg points to VOYA’s latest list of the best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror novels for teens.
JK Rowling
J.K.Rowling Official Site
Rowling unveils a brand new website with very slick graphics. Very cool.
Women Sci Fi Writers
City Pages: Between Planets
A group interview with Minneapolis’ top female science fiction and fantasy writers, including Patricia Wrede who writes books for teens.
Parents Aware
Parents Aware
Sigh. This site is one designed to warn people away from books that they consider “bad” for children and teens. Obviously from the lists they have, the teen books are the ones that really alarm them. Sadly, books are on the list solely for having gay characters or covering topics like self-mutilation.
Truly I think that there is a place for lists like this. They are not trying to remove books from libraries, but guide parents to books that fit their values. I have no problem with that. But then, provide a really complete and wonderful list of recommended titles. They only have 9 recommended titles for teens, and of those, I have many of them shelved in the children’s section.
Summer Reading
reviewjournal.com — Living: Children benefit from an early start with books
Nice article on the importance of summer reading for children. They even have quotes recommending going to the library to get a large variety of books for kids to choose from.
Ghost Girl
Ghost Girl by Delia Ray (0-618-33377-0)
In the remote Blue Ridge Mountains, April, called Ghost Girl because she is so blonde and skinny, lives with her parents. Her entire family is still grieving the death of her younger brother. When President Herbert Hoover builds a school for the children in her area, April desperately wants to attend, but her mother refuses. Luckily, April’s grandmother, Aunt Birdy, steps in and convinces her mother to let her attend. This is the first step in a series of changes in April’s life and future.
When I started this book, I had expected the normal poor girl off to school story, but this becomes something different part-way through. It becomes a story of courage, of individualism, and of honesty. The story has its own rhythm that is very natural and unforced. When picking it up again, it is like returning home. Lovely writing combined with interesting characters and a plot that has nice pacing, makes this a great book to recommend to kids. I only wish the cover was a bit more kid-friendly. It will take a bit of pushing to get kids to try this, but I expect that they too will tumble happily into April’s world.
Shadowmancer Interview
NPR : ‘Shadowmancer’ Touted as ‘Hotter than Potter’
Listen to the audio from NPR (you can listen using Windows Media Player or Real Audio) of an interview with G. P. Taylor, author of Shadowmancer. Added to the interview is a critic’s take on the book.
Nina Crews
Nina Crews
Official site for this author of picture books, including the new Neighborhood Mother Goose.
Waking Brain Cells 