An Author a Day: Louis Sachar

January 9
Many of you will associate Louis Sachar (b. March 20, 1954- ) with his most popular Newbery Award winning Holes.  But I first got to know the writings of Louis Sachar when I read Sideways Stories from Wayside School.  It was hilarious and absolutely a great read.  I thought so, and so did Jim Trelease who championed this book in many of his speeches about great read aloud books.  To say Sachar was an instant success would negate his many years of hard work honing his writing.   During his studies at the University of California at Berkeley he had to find a 3 hour course to fill out his schedule and fortunately he learned about a volunteer school position that would give him three hours credit.  Perfect -- and soon he was not only volunteering but working as the paid "yard supervisor."  The students came to know him as Louis, the yard teacher.  The children he met and one of the teachers, a Mrs. Jukes was a model for
patience and caring.  So once Sachar graduated from Berkeley he took at job at a sweater factory in Connecticut.  The job lasted for seven months -- but Sachar was writing the beginning of Sideways Stories from Wayside School. So when he ended his job he decided to go back to school -- law school.  He had just begun law school when his book was accepted (1977).  Six years later he had graduated law school, taken the bar, and had written a couple more books.

One story that I love is that his editor came to California.  By this time Sachar was enjoying a large degree of popularity and his editor invited him to lunch but since she also had another author in the area she asked if she might include her in the lunch as well.  The other author was Mavis Jukes - a great writer in her own right.  It was then that a coincidence came to light.  Ms. Jewels - the wonderful teacher who makes her appearance in Sachar's Sideways Stories from Wayside School was based largely on
that patient teacher he had met at the elementary school way back when he was "Louis, the Yard Teacher."  That teacher, Mrs. Jukes, is Mavis Jukes mother.  In fact, sometimes Mrs. Jukes gives out copies of Sachar's book -- because she is in it, a fact, that does not go unnoticed by her author daughter, Mavis Jukes.

Louis Sachar went on of course to write more block buster books.  Holes was a National Book Award book and the Newbery Medal medal in 1999.  The two lower pictures in this blog are pictures of Sachar as he is in the reception line and accepting the congratulations of the hundreds of attendees at the year's Newbery/Caldecott banquet.  The red hat Sachar is wearing says "Camp Greenlake," a reference to the camp in his winning book, Holes. 

His most recent book is The Cardturner which is described on his website as, "A novel about a king, a queen, and a joker.  You can learn more about Sachar (including how a school visit played into his meeting his wife, Carla) by checking the reference sources below -- all of which contain more information about Sachar and his writing.

Louis Sachar and his family live in Austin, Texas.

###

Resources: 

Louis Sachar's Home Page (WEB) www.louissachar.com

McElmeel, Sharron L.  100 Most Popular Children's Authors.  ABC/CLIO/Libraries Unlimited, 1999;  pages 368-371.
McElmeel, Sharron L. Authors in the Kitchen: Recipes, Stories, and More. ABC/CLIO/Libraries Unlimited, 2005; pages 49-51.

Sharron L. McElmeel Papers, University of Iowa's Special Collections, Iowa City, Iowa.

www.mcbookwords.com
for author visits

It was a very good party - Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

How to Launch a Book in Style

Introducing Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin involved two great days and two great parties.  It's always interesting to me how setting (as in books and real life) really does have an impact on the events that take place.

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table is now available to purchase.  Since the time the book parties were announced this book has received a number of great reviews and accolades including a great review from Kirkus Reviews "This worthy collaboration reveals how one man’s vision of food for all has inspired an amazing life of service," and a starred review from Booklist.

Eric-Shabazz Larkin has created a video and posted it on Vimeo.  He takes viewers on a picture walk through the book and shares his thoughts about what he likes about the book and makes some comments about his own illustrations.  You can view this video Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table - Book on Vimeo at http://vimeo.com/70377470.

But back to the parties -- the first one was held on Saturday, October 13 and took place at the New Bo Bookstore in the New Bo District (The Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

There were books and cake and interested young readers and many adults present -- all to cheer on the new book about a man who began a movement to farm in urban areas.  He began his work in Milwaukee, and his daughter supervises another urban farm in Chicago.  Allen has traveled across the country and to other countries to share his ideas.  On this day, during this party, Jacqueline was able to talk to young readers (and their parents and friends) about this man through her book Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table.  

Jacqueline read the book to eager listeners and then shared an idea for a mobile that children could make to show off the vegetables that could grow in their own gardens.  After the children made their mobiles, and the adults had a chance to talk about the book.  We all enjoyed a piece of the cake, collected Jackie's autograph on books sold, and talked about books some more.

Enjoying the cake -- the first pieces.

Fellow book writers and illustrators: Claudia McGehee, Jackie, and Jeni Reeves

Posing for a picture after getting an autograph.

Thinking and talking and celebrating the new book.

The second party took place the very next day, but this party moved out to the country at the Abbe Hills Farm -- the atmosphere was a departure from the first party.  At this party we enjoyed tastes of the vegetables from the farm: salsa made from fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers; roasted new potatoes; tiny vegetable sandwiches.  Jackie shared the book with a hay rack full of children, and adults who listened too.  Books were available to read, children were able to visit the fields (traveling the distance on a tractor pulled hay rack) and gathered vegetables from the soil -- and then there was another cake.  A great time. 

Jen and Deb from the Bookhouse in Marion, Iowa talk to Jackie and Rich Martin -- The Bookhouse has a good stock of Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table.

Reading beside the farm wagon -- grassy fields, open air-- every place is a great place to read.

Earlier related posts:
Announcement of the parties:  http://bit.ly/book_farm
Review by Betsy Bird on the SLJ blog: http://bit.ly/Fuse8_WillAllen
Jackie Martin's book page for Will Allen:  http://www.jacquelinebriggsmartin.com/books/allen.html

McBookwords arranges appearances by authors/illustrators in libraries, school, other literature forums. We are now booking Jacqueline's appearances for 2013-2014, and in addition McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers. If you would like to investigate having Jacqueline or any other author visit your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords. Each of these authors often speak in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and books. Authors/illustrators can provide so much in terms of background and inspiration for reading and writing. smc

Book Launch Party - Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Book Launch Party - Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

In September 2013, Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table, by Mount Vernon, Iowa resident Jacqueline Briggs Martin, was released by Readers to Eaters.  Our corridor community will be celebrating the book's release with two launch parties - one a traditional book store party and the second, a farm party.  Both parties will be an opportunity to meet the author, interact with other readers, and learn about farming in urban areas (and in Iowa).  A brown bag vegetable pick will be part of the farm party.  Keepsakes at each party, and much more.

For more about the book read Betsy Bird's review on the SLJ blog.
And visit the author's book page on her website.

Book Launch Parties - October 12 & 13, 2013

 

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table
by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Illustrated by Eric Shabazz Larkin. 
Readers to Eaters, 2013.

The Book Store Party
and the Farm Party

You're invited to BOTH parties - come to one or both.  All events are free and open to readers of all ages.  

---

 

 

October 12th, 2013 (Saturday)
Book Store Party
10:00 a.m. 

October 12, 2013 (Saturday): At the book store launch Jacqueline Briggs Martin will read from her new book and answer questions about Will Allen and how she came to write the book.  New Bo Books will make copies of the book available for purchase, and Jacqueline Briggs Martin will autograph books that you purchase.  Keepsake for every attendee, including an invite to the farm party on the following day.  Everyone welcome and the event is free.
New Bo Books • 1105 3rd St SE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52401• phone:(319) 247-2665  

---

October 13th, 2013 (Sunday)
Farm Party
2-4 p.m.

Farm Party - October 13, 2013 (Sunday):  Jacqueline Briggs Martin and farmer Laura Krouse invite readers of all ages to visit Abbe Hill Farms, near Mount Vernon to hear Jacqueline Briggs Martin read from her new book.  A "Brown Bag Vegetable Pick" will follow the book reading.   Each attendee will be provided a brown bag and invited to pick vegetables from the farm's gardens.  Jacqueline Briggs Martin will autograph books that you purchase. Popcorn and cider.  Conversation and information about farming in the country and in urban settings, books and writing.  Everyone welcome and the event is free.  The Bookhouse (Marion, Iowa) will have Jackie's books available for purchase -- and of course, Jackie will autograph any books purchased.

Abbe Hills Farm is located at 825 Abbe Hills Road • Mount Vernon, IA 52314 • phone: (319) 895-6924.  For specific driving directions go to http://www.abbehills.com/contact 

McBookwords arranges appearances by authors/illustrators in libraries, school, other literature forums.  We are now booking Jacqueline's appearances for 2013-2014, and in addition McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers.  If you would like to investigate having Jacqueline or any other author visit your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords.  Each of these authors often speak  in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and  books. 
Authors/illustrators can provide so much in terms of background and inspiration for reading and writing.
 smc 

Getting ready for "Before the Boats" - Artist Jeni Reeves

Karen Hoyt created this section for the Village murals that

will be part of the museum exhibit.

This past week I was thrilled to be able to take a peek at the preparations for the upcoming exhibit at the African American Museum exhibit (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).

Jeni Reeves - the illustrator of dozens of children's books and a fine artist who is known for her landscape and portrait paintings uses her talents to create panels that will be included in the Rain Forest section of the exhibit. The exhibit will have a b&w guide that will help visitors identify the flora and fauna of this environment.

Jeni's work will be a major part of this exhibit that opens on January 12, 2013

and will continue through March 30, 2014.

Find out more about the exhibit by visiting the museum's website at www.blackiowa.org. Find out more about Jeni Reeves at her website at www.jenireeves.com.
Anyone planning a major children's literature conference or just wanting to have an inspiring author/illustrator visit your school/community for a day with readers might wish to invite Jeni.
Jeni Reeves enjoys sharing her art and her book illustrations with young readers and artists.
If you are interested in inviting Jeni Reeves to your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords.
Jeni will be part of a forum at the  Wisconsin State Reading Association Conference - Feb. 7-9, 2013.  The session will be presented on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 9:30 -11:00 a.m.
Authors Speak: Common Core State Standards and an Author's Role  Presenters: Sharron McElmeel, Dori Hillestad Butler, Michelle Edwards, Carol Gorman, Jeni Reeves.

 

McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers.  If you would like to investigate having an author visit your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords.  Each of these authors often speak  in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and  books.

 smc

Starting the Discussion - Anti-Bullying

-->
This is my promised blog entry that includes anti-bullying curriculum components utilizing Carol Gorman's Games: The Tale of Two Bullies and Dori Hillestad Butler's The Truth About Truman School.  The ideas involve all school reads, author visits, and much discussion.  But first a little background.

Forty-seven states of the fifty states are reported to have passed school anti-bullying legislation requiring a plan to deal with bullying.  Curriculum components aimed at curbing bullying, in some form or another, are mandated in these states.  As of now there are no federal laws dealing directly with school bullying.  However, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Education Secretary Arne Duncan have unveiled a revitalized Stop Bullying website– www.stopbullying.gov, — “to encourage children, parents, educators, and communities to take action to stop and prevent bullying.”But it seems clear that this is a problem that can not be ignored.  Sadly sometimes adults do not deal with the situation in the most effective manner.  Here are cases -- you decide.

CASE #1: Several bullies harass an overweight female (high school) student in the classroom.  Instead of dealing directly with the harassment, the teacher moves the female student to the other side of the room to separate her from the bullies.  This does nothing to stop the bullying behavior in the hallways and tends to perpetuate the idea that it is the fault of the person being bullied rather than putting the blame where it should land – on the bullies.

CASE #2: An intermediate student does not deal well with loud unexpected noises.  They frighten and cause her great discomfort and she visibly reacts to loud unexpected noises.  Fellow classmates delight in coming up behind her and make loud noises.  The teacher’s efforts to curb this is to have the girl work with a mentor who will regularly surprise her with noises and thus, eventually “condition” her to the loud noises.  While this might be a compassionate conditioning for other situations; the students maliciously making the loud sounds were not dealt with.  That should be a FIRST step.  Meeting the situation head on should be the norm not the afterthought.

CASE #3:  A sixth grade class had two female students in the class.  One had a congenital eye deformity and the other had a very scarred face and arm caused by a kerosene fire when she was a toddler.  The student with the scarred face never smiled nor was she a pleasant student to have in class.  The girl with the eye deformity smiled a lot (but it seemed to be a "put on a brave face" defensive move) –  neither girl was treated well by their classmates.  They teased, ignored, did not include them in playground games, did not choose them for games, in general they mostly showed that each of them was a big bother and too insignificant to be part of their “circle.”   The teacher in this case arranged to send the girls to the library (with instructions that they not be allowed to return until the all clear signal was sent).  Then she proceed to “read the riot act” to the remaining students. Of course, the one girl was not pleasant to be around – would you be if no one was ever nice to you?  How would you feel if you were ignored and teased and shunned throughout every day?  Once it was clear, that future incidents of the negative behavior was NOT going to be tolerated the class settled down to create a list of actions that they could take to include the girls positively.  When the girls returned the classroom, the teacher explained forthrightly that the class had been discussing their collective bullying behavior and that collectively they wished to apologize and hoped each of them (the girls) would accept the apology and allow each of the members of the class to begin to show their friendship as the days went on.  This forthcoming approach embarrassed the girls for a moment but even that day other members of the class were quick to extend a new welcome to each of them.  Students vied for the girls to be in their group.  By the end of the semester both were smiling daily and by the end of the school year each of the girls had made some lasting friendships.  And new students and students in other classes took their cue from these girls’ immediate classmates.  There was no bullying, no exclusion, no ignoring — each was treated as a valued member of the class and the school community.

Case #3 exemplifies the type of progress we can make if we just discuss and talk about the effect bullying has on those that are being bullied and if the group as a whole shows that bullying will NOT be tolerated within their learning community.
As a teacher you may not be able to pinpoint the subject as clearly as in Case #3 – the bullying was so concentrated on these two girls that the discussion focus was pretty clear.  However, there are other successful methods of starting a conversation about bullying.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A common experience can bring a discussion into focus.  Award winning authors have written books that deals with incidents of bullying.  These incidents, the personality of the bully, the vulnerability of those being bullied, the background of all of the incidents, and so forth can all play into the discussions that come about because of the focus on bullying.  

Several lists of books exist which contain ideas for starting discussions about bullying -- The Pirate Tree.  The blog is maintained by a collective of children's and young adult writers interested in children's literature and social justice issues.  Two posts by Ann Angel concentrate on bullying:

Annangel.  (5 April 2012) "We Can Learn About Ways to Stop Bullying from Teens in the Civil Rights Movement." The Pirate Tree. (WEB) http://www.thepiratetree.com/2012/04/05/we-can-learn-about-ways-to-stop-bullying-from-teens-in-the-civil-rights-movement/

Annangel.  (4 May 2012) "More Thoughts on Books, Bullying and Standing Up." The Pirate Tree.  (WEB).
http://www.thepiratetree.com/2012/05/04/more-thoughts-on-books-bullying-and-standing-up/ 

To find the other posts about bullying, use the search function on The Pirate Tree's blog.

Penguin Young Readers Group has published a booklet authored by Jerry Michel, titled Think Twice Play Nice.  The booklet is available from the Penguin Group teacher/librarians website at http://penguin.com/teachersandlibrarians or from this archival depository.
 
To start that process one successful method is to hold an “all school” read.  Each child would read, or have read to them--the same book as each of the other students in the school.  After the book has been read or throughout the reading discussions for the events in the book can be shared and solutions/ideas sought.  

One of the most effective culminations to an all school read is arrange for students to have the perspective of the author who wrote each book.  One author, Dori Hillestad Butler often uses a previsit bullying survey to elicit what is going on in their schools in regard to bullying.  These comments/facts are then incorporated into her presentation/discussions with those who have read her book.  Carol Gorman elicits discussion about the “games” that were being played in her book about two bullies.  Games played by all bullies as well as those who merely stand by and provide passive approval/encouragement to the bully are also discussed. 
An author appearance by either Carol Gorman or Dori Hillestad Butler is a powerful element in focusing on anti-bullying efforts.

Carol Gorman — Games: The Tale of Two Bullies
The story of Mick Sullivan and Boot Quinn is written from two perspectives in alternating chapters — From the publisher: "Mick Sullivan likes reading thrillers, daydreaming about Tabitha Slater, and teasing his archenemy, Boot Quinn.  Boot Quinn likes playing his guitar, daydreaming about Tabitha Slater, and punching his adversary, Mick Sullivan.  The two eighth graders are rivals in every way, and with two fights in the first week of school, they've set the stage for a yearlong showdown. That is, until a new principal arrives on the scene and forces Mick and Boot to spend an hour and a half each day playing games together. Two enemies, one small room, and no adult supervision--battle lines are bound to be crossed. As the wins and losses are tallied, the boys find themselves fighting for their classmates' attention, a cute girl's affection, and their own fathers' respect.  But how far are they willing to go to win? And who are they really fighting? There's only one way to find out.
Game on."

Carol Gorman is an exciting and accomplished author presenters who engages students in active and involved conversations.  Invite Carol to your school to be part of the anti-bullying discussions as part of your all-school reads and your anti-bullying curriculum.  Plan an all-school read, schedule a date for the author's appearance, and begin now to promote a no-bullying tolerance in your school community.

 

McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers.  If you would like to investigate having an author visit your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords.  Each of these authors often speak  in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and  books.

 smc

Frankenboy: An Original Opera

In the spring of 2012, author Jacqueline Briggs Martin met with a group of fifth graders in a writing  workshop.  The group discussed the topic of bullying.  They talked, they wrote, and talked some more.  The outcome of their discussions and writing when to a gifted and talented composer, Robert Lindsay Nassif.  He was commissioned to write an original opera for the Cedar Rapids Opera Theater.  On Thursday April 18, 2012 Rob Nassif presented excerpts from "Frankenboy!" A Monsteropera.  Nassif's one-act, anti-bullying work was showcased in a "Meet the Composer" event onstage at CSPS Hall, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The inspiration provided by the children led Rob to develop a story line featuring Frankenboy who, because he is "different" is bullied by the students at Transylvania Middle School.  As expected, there is an epiphany and in the end all see the error of their ways.  It is a very entertaining and informative opera.  But I particularly enjoyed Rob's story of the story.  
And I can not wait to see the opera when it premiers.
The opera will premier for the general public on June 22-24 at the CSPS hall.   

The opera will include a cast of talented actors/singers: Brian J. Kuhl as Frankenboy, Michael Penick as his nemesis Butch, as well as Jessica Mallow and Meredith Taylor DuBon.

Rob shared a few of the songs from the opera and explained the narrative that threaded through the production.  It is sure to be a smash hit.  The public will be invited to production in June:   

Ticket prices for the June performances at CSPS are $50 for the opening night gala performance, and $20 for adults and $10 for children for the remaining performances. “Frankenboy!” is sponsored by a gift from Nan Riley and the late Tom Riley -- long time patrons of the arts in Cedar Rapids, and supporters and patrons of the work of Rob Nassif.
Rob Nassif met Jacqueline Briggs Martin during the pre-"Meet the Composer" moments.  Both talented authors had a part in what promises to be a fantastic experience for young people.  In January of 2013, this opera is scheduled to tour middle schools as an entry into the initiative to curb bullying in our schools.

This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to tap into resources in the community to augment their efforts to create an anti-bullying curriculum.

Meanwhile Jackie and I (and dozens of others) enjoyed the evening immensely.  After the formal presentation there was wine and cheese and conversation.  I was able to meet Virginia Michalicek --
the Development Director of Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre who worked hard to get Jackie's visit to Johnson School of the Arts and those fifth graders arranged, and with the efforts of Melissa Summers this all came off wonderfully.  Author, Carol Gorman and a fellow teacher from Coe College (Laura) were in attendance.   Nan Riley was able to be there along with many other patrons of the arts.  A fun evening.  
Shoes are always a sign of the fun moments.  Here's a pair of shoes that was most fun.
And of course they belong to the lady with the red hat.  Jacqueline Briggs Martin has her own perspective of this "Meet the Composer" event -- you can read her thoughts on her blog at:  http://chirujournal.blogspot.com/2012/05/frankenboy-boy-with-heart.html

After the evening drew to a close we both walked to our cars but could not resist taking a picture of this statue in the entrance lobby of the CSPS hall.  (See below).

If any one knows what this is or has any story about it please let me know.  I think it is lovely.

Statue location: CSPS Hall,
1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

If you are interested in inviting Jacqueline Briggs Martin to your school for a presentation about being an author, her books, or for a writing/reading workshop she would welcome your invitation.  Jackie is a sought after speaker and easily speaks about her career as a writer and about her children's books.  Her latest book The Chiru of High Tibet, is a picture book that readers of all ages will enjoy (and learn from).
For an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords.  Each of these authors often speak  in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and  books.

And don't miss my May 13, 2012 blog entry featuring more ideas for anti-bullying curriculum components utilizing Carol Gorman's Games: The Tale of Two Bullies.  The ideas involve all school reads, author visits, and much discussion.

 

McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers.  If you would like to investigate having an author visit your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords.  Each of these authors often speak  in schools with young readers, and at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and  books.

 smc