A CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE

By Karen Centofanti

Jun

16

My four-and-a-half year old grandson, Gabriel, drew this picture for my husband (Papa) last week. It hangs with honor on our refrigerator.

In case you can’t make out everything, the picture is of Papa and our French bulldog, Holly. Papa is tall, so his head is up near the sun. The green at the bottom is grass. Gabe drew Holly directly under her name. That tall rectangular shape on Holly’s head is an ear—Frenchies have large bat ears that stick straight up.

After he drew the picture, he told his mother what to write at the top. Note, “This picture is brought to you by Gabriel,” something he hears on TV.

Don’t you love sneaking a peek at a child’s world from his/her unique perspective?

In our Cape Cod Children’s Writers group, we are fortunate to have parents of children from preschool to young adults; a substitute teacher; former teachers; and other members with grandchildren representing all ages. We are able to help each other pinpoint an age range for our manuscripts. We comment on dialog, word choices or scenes that don’t ring true. We share stories of what the children in our lives say or do to keep our knowledge current.

If your trying to write for children, but don’t have children or grandchildren, don’t fret—I’ll occasionally share my funniest, naughtiest, or sweetest experiences with mine. It will help keep the preschool child’s thinking fresh in your mind.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

Manners

By Karen Centofanti

Jun

3

My daughter-in-law Lindsey is an excellent mother to my three grandchildren: Gabe, four-and-a-half; Alessia, two-and-a-half; and now Sam, 4 weeks old. I appreciate how she teaches and models good manners.

“Thank you for _____” (dinner, lunch, or whatever) is a phrase I hear consistently by Gabe and Alessia. They ask politely for whatever they want—food, a drink, to play outside or watch a movie.

At no time does Lindsey allow them to talk back, or not do what she has asked. She starts counting, and if she gets to three, they sit in Time Out, which can be a quiet corner anywhere—in a Mall, a restaurant, or someone’s house.

Lindsey sings the “Clean up” song when it’s time for them to leave after visiting. As if under hypnosis, Gabe and Alessia start picking up the toys. The adults help them out so it’s not overwhelming.

Now Lindsey is working on not interrupting people when they are speaking or in a conversation. Young children struggle with this rule because it requires patience. Alessia is not a very patient child, although she seems to understand this rule pretty well for someone so young.

Last week, she didn’t want to go to bed. She wanted to play outside.

“No Mama, I go outside and play now,” she said, putting on her shoes.

“Alessia, it’s time for bed. Go upstairs with Daddy.”

“No, Mama, I don’t want to. I want to play outside.”

My son Brian piped in, “Alessia, let’s go. It’s time for bed.”

Like a police officer halting traffic, Alessia thrust her arm out toward her father and said, “Daddy, I’m talking to Mama now.”

“No, you’re talking with me now. Let’s go.” He picked her up and marched upstairs. Lindsey turned away so Alessia wouldn’t see her laughing.

Gabriel, the Rule Follower said, “Alessia should do what she’s told, right Daddy?”

Ahhh, such is the state of teaching manners to a two-year-old versus a four-year-old, a stubborn child versus a compliant one.

I wonder what Sam will be like.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

Newbery Honor, 2011: “Turtle in Paradise”

By Karen Centofanti

May

12

Jennifer L. Holm has already won Newbery Honors for two of her previous books, Our Only May Amelia and Penny from Heaven. She’s done it again with her latest book, Turtle in Paradise.

The story takes place in1935, and jobs were scarce. When Turtle’s Mama gets a housekeeping job for a woman who doesn’t like children, eleven-year-old Turtle is sent to live with relatives she’s never met. Without a tear, Turtle goes off to Key West Florida, a hot and humid place where kids don’t wear shoes, and green plants, palm trees, and pink flowers grow everywhere. It was completely different from New Jersey, where Turtle lived with Mama and her boyfriend, Archie.

Mama’s sister, Aunt Minnie, had not received Mama’s letter, so she had no idea Turtle was coming. Mr. Edgit, a traveling salesman and Archie’s friend, quickly drops Turtle off and leaves, before Aunt Minnie could refuse to take her.

Thus begins Turtle’s adventurous summer with her boy cousins, Beans, Kermit and Buddy.

Jennifer’s writing is so well done you can feel the heat, imagine every setting, and become immersed in the day-to-day life of Turtle and her cousins. The conversations among the characters are perfect for the time and deep south setting.

It’s easy to see why Jennifer Holm won another Newbery Honor with this book.

Keep reading, writing and

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

SCBWI-NE Conference 2011: Keynote Speaker Lin Oliver

By Karen Centofanti

May

5

This is what it says about Lin Oliver on the SCBWI website. She was interviewed by Anna Olswanger:

LIN OLIVER HAS BEEN producing quality family movies, most of them based on children’s books, for over twenty years. But she began her career as a writer of educational children’s books, and out of her own personal need for a conference to train young writers, co-founded the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators in 1971 with Stephen Mooser. As the executive director, she personally produces the annual national conference, and together with Steve, oversees the publication of the SCBWI bimonthly bulletin, supervises the national office, and works with the regional advisors to plan and support regional activities.

Lin also co-writes Hank Zipzer, the World’s Best Underachiever series with Henry Winkler. These hilarious yet heartwarming books are based on Henry Winkler’s life. Henry Winkler is dyslexic, and had a lot of difficulty in school because of his learning challenges. He is just one of many people with dyslexia who grew up to become a very successful adult.

When Henry and Lin write a book together, Henry dictates a story to her from his memory of rich New York City experiences in school, in his neighborhood, and in his apartment building. Sometimes he writes a story longhand and Lin types it into the computer for him, correcting his spelling errors. When the rough draft is completed, Lin and Henry edit and re-write each chapter together before sending it to their editor. They revise again when their editor sends it back to them with notes for revision. They make a great team.

As a reading teacher for students with learning challenges, I was thrilled with the Hank
Zipzer series. My students related well to Hank and laughed at the predicaments he got into.

I had the pleasure of listening to Henry Winkler read one of his Hank Zipzer books on CD, Niagra Falls, or Does It? Henry was a fantastic reader. I can think of no greater way to get kids interested in reading this series than to let them listen to Henry Winkler read any one of his books.

In 2008, I had the pleasure of meeting Lin Oliver at the LA SCBWI Conference. She was warm, friendly, and humble. I’m looking forward to seeing Lin again and listening to her keynote address at our New England SCBWI conference.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

SCBWI-NE Conference 2011: Janet Fox

By Karen Centofanti

Apr

8

Author Janet Fox will be presenting her workshop, “Plot, Don’t Plod, and Pace, Don’t Race: Crafting a Well-Paced Plot in Novels for Children and Young Adults.” at the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators- New England conference in May. When I first read the description of this workshop, I put three checkmarks and a star next to it.

Janet will refer to Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo, and Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, as examples of contemporary novels with successful plotting. I’ve read both of these excellent books. I highly recommend you put them on your “Must Read” list.

Janet has written a non-fiction book called Get Organized Without Losing It, a helpful book for middle schoolers written with great humor and fun illustrations.

Janet’s second book couldn’t be more different. Faithful is an historical novel that takes place between May 31 and August 10, 1904. It starts out in Newport, Rhode Island where Maggie Bennett is trying to prepare for her debut—when 16-year-old girls are presented to society as available for courtship. Maggie’s mother disappeared the year before, so only Maggie’s best friend, Kitty, can help her plan for this highly anticipated season of her life.

On May 31, Maggie’s father informs her they are going out west to Yellowstone, letting Maggie believe that her mother may be there. He promises Maggie they’ll return by the end of July, in time for her debut at the end of August.

Slowly, Maggie learns the truth that her father is broke and had to sell their mansion, her beloved horse, and let all their servants go. Maggie writes to her grandparents in Newport in an attempt to return. In the meantime, she looks for her mother.

Maggie meets and falls for a young man named Tom, and finds she is also falling in love with the beauty and wildness of Yellowstone. She changes her mind about returning to Newport and her old way of life, realizing that women had more opportunities out west, away from the pressure of high society. Maggie discovers what matters most to her, and has to stand against her father’s wishes to marry an older wealthy man who can provide for her and forge opportunities for her father.

Teenage girls may be surprised to read about how few rights girls had in 1904. They had to be obedient to their fathers, couldn’t speak their minds, often had arranged marriages and then had to obey their husbands. Young women were often married before they were twenty years old.

Janet Fox’s descriptions of the natural wonders of Yellowstone made me put it on my “bucket list” of places I want to see. You’ll feel the same way if you read Faithful.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

SCBWI-NE Conference 2011: Linda Urban

By Karen Centofanti

Apr

1

Linda Urban is another author who will be presenting a workshop at the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators- New England conference in Fitchburg MA, May 13-15. I had the pleasure of listening to her book, A Crooked Kind of Perfect, as I did errands in my car.

A Crooked Kind of Perfect is a middle grade novel packed with humor. Zoe Elias, the main character, is 11 years old. She desperately wants to learn how to play the piano and dreams of playing in Carnegie Hall. She is sure she is an undiscovered child prodigy who only needs a piano to get started on her path to fame.

Zoe asks her parents for a used piano and lessons. Her mother works long hours as a controller, so her stay-at-home father makes the family financial decisions.

Zoe’s father is afraid to leave the house. He panics when he has to drive somewhere and often gets lost. He manages to make it to the Mall, but becomes so overwhelmed by the crowd of people that he lets a salesperson talk him into buying a Perfectone D-60 organ. Zoe is very disappointed, but gamely takes the free lessons and practices diligently. Her teacher enters her into the Perform-O-Rama organ competition—a far cry from Carnegie Hall—but not as horrible as Zoe imagined it might be.

I loved the quirky characters Linda created in this story. Zoe’s mother and father, organ teacher, and friend from school were unique and memorable.

Actress Tai Alexandra Ricci did an excellent job reading this story. Her voice sounded young, but not annoyingly so, which has been the case in other middle grade and chapter books I’ve listened to.

Linda Urban is also the author of a picture book; Mouse was Mad, illustrated by Henry Cole. In this cute story, Mouse tries to find his own way to express his anger.

It’s not too late to start reading some of the books written by the conference participants. If you can’t get to them all, feel free to print out my reviews found on this website to refer to at the conference.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

SCBWI-NE Conference 2011: Keynote Speaker, Jane Yolen

By Karen Centofanti

Mar

24

When you look up Jane Yolen on Amazon.com, you discover there are 304 children’s books she has written. Three hundred four! Seventeen were published last year alone!

Seriously, does Jane’s imagination ever shut down? Is she able to sleep? She is 72 years old and shows no sign of retiring. I don’t think she can.

I think Jane is a truly gifted writer. She reminds me of 12-year-old prodigy Jay Greenberg who was interviewed on 60 Minutes in 2004. Jay was attending the Juilliard School in NY because he had already written five full symphonies. He was able to “hear” every instrument in his head, and sometimes heard more than one composition at a time. Jay could not turn off the music he heard in his head.

I’ve been following Jane on Facebook and what she accomplishes in a day is amazing. The story-writing part of her brain seems always to be ‘on,’ much like Jay’s music. Jane is able to stay on task, has great discipline and time management. She even wrote while waiting for her flight at an airport.

When I was 23 years old, I took a “Writing for Children” summer course at UMass-Amherst, and Jane was the instructor. I can barely remember those three weeks. What I do remember is Jane inviting us all to her farmhouse for the last class. What a treat! Jane was 36 years old and her children were 9, 7 and 5 years of age. How unfortunate that I was too young to realize I was in the presence of such a gifted author. My only consolation is that even Jane didn’t know what an iconic, prolific author she would become.

To prepare for this conference and Jane’s Keynote address, I read some books Jane has co-written with her children, now talented adults in their own right. Her son, Jason Stemple is a wonderful photographer. Their book, An Egret’s Day, is filled with gorgeous photographs of egrets, accompanied by Jane’s exquisite poetry, and a paragraph of information on each double-page spread. Jason’s “Reflection” photo on page 23 and “Egret in Flight” on page 13 are especially stunning.

Jane’s other son, Adam, is a novelist and musician. He has written The Rock and Roll Fairy Tales series with Jane, and did the musical arrangements for Jane’s book, This Little Piggy. Jane mentioned recently on Facebook that they’ve sold another book together.

Jane’s daughter, Heidi Stemple co-wrote Not All Princesses Dress in Pink, illustrated by Anne-Sophie Lanquetin. This book in rhyme shows girls, referred to as “princesses,” playing soccer, using tools, digging in mud, etc., all while wearing their crowns. Heidi and Jane have collaborated on a number of books. Did you know that Heidi is the little girl in one of Jane’s most well-known and beloved books, Owl Moon?

I am looking forward to hearing Jane’s Keynote speech. Talk about someone who has “Been there, done that!” She is sure to be inspirational to those of us still trying to get our first book published.

Believe,

Karen Centofanti

SCBWI-NE Conference 2011: Sarah Aronson

By Karen Centofanti

Mar

16

Do you know anyone who is a quadriplegic?

Many of us knew Christopher Reeve, famous for his roll as Superman, paralyzed from the neck down after falling off his horse. We saw the good he was able to accomplish towards finding new treatments for paralysis through his Christopher Reeve Foundation in spite of his limitations.

Twenty-two years ago, when my son was 11, a car struck a girl his age on her way to a nearby private school. Nancy was paralyzed from the neck down and suffered the same injury as Christopher Reeve. She could not speak, which made the injury seem that much worse because Nancy loved to sing.

Author Sarah Aronson will be presenting her workshop, “No More Subpar Subplots!” at the New England SCBWI conference in May. Her first YA book, head case, (yes, that’s correct, the title is in lower case), made me think about Christopher and Nancy, and other young people who have been paralyzed through sporting or motor vehicle accidents.

Sarah’s book is powerful and absorbing. Seventeen-year-old Frank Marder is paralyzed from the neck down after making one tragic mistake, driving while under the influence. He kills an elderly man out walking, and his girlfriend, Meredith. The judge in the case decides against jailing Frank when he watches a video of what’s involved in Frank’s daily care. Frank is a head, after all—a living, breathing, thinking head, trapped forever atop an unfeeling, unmoving, dead-yet-living body.

The story takes place over eight weeks, from the time Frank is discharged to go home six weeks after the accident. Author Sarah Aronson, a former physical therapist, writes this short novel from Frank’s point-of-view. Her opening chapter is barely longer than half a page, and she hooks you immediately. I can’t imagine anyone being able to put this book down and stop reading it at any point in this well-written novel.

Sarah realistically looks at how the accident affects Frank’s relationships with his best friend and his parents. To get beyond Frank’s POV, Sarah creates a web site that Frank’s classmates and townspeople write into, expressing their opinions about the accident. Most are angry that he was not sentenced to jail, feeling he got away with murder. Will Frank find a way to forgive himself for what happened and learn to cope with being a head?

Head case is a quick read, at 173 pages, which I feel is a plus for today’s time-pressured teens. They want to read great books, but have little time to devote to outside reading. High School English teachers should add head case to their reading lists.

I am very excited that I’ve signed up for Sarah’s workshop. If you are too, read her book! Be inspired, as I am. See you there.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

NE-SCBWI Conference 2011: Erin Dionne

By Karen Centofanti

Mar

3

Have you signed up to take Erin Dionne’s workshop entitled “Frankenstein’s Dog: Bringing Minor Characters to Life,” at the NE-SCBWI conference May 15, 2011?

Or, are you writing a Middle Grade (MG) novel for girls, and want to read a well-written book that has heart, humor, and a great hook? “Overweight thirteen-year-old Celeste begins a campaign to lose weight in order to make sure she does not win the Miss HuskyPeach modeling challenge, which her mother and aunt have entered her in—against her wishes.”

Erin Dionne’s MG novel, “Models Don’t Eat Chocolate Cookies” hits upon a topic that’s on every middle grade and young adult girl’s heart—weight.

Celeste never thought much about her weight, beyond knowing she was chubby. When a seamstress attempts to fit her in a junior bridesmaid dress for her Cousin Kathleen’s wedding, her size and shape come to the forefront. Her other cousin, tall, slim Kirsten, looks beautiful in the dress.

After the fitting, Celeste’s Aunt Doreen notices a flyer at the dress boutique announcing a ‘Models Wanted’ contest. The winner would receive a $5000 scholarship and a chance to meet an agent. Aunt Doreen wants Kirsten to apply, until they realize that the notice is for HuskyPeach, a line of clothing made for chubby teens.

Celeste’s aunt and mother want her to apply, but Celeste is horrified at the idea. She can just imagine the teasing she would take from her classmates, especially from Lively, the meanest girl in her class.

Aunt Doreen secretly enters Celeste into the contest and Celeste is chosen to compete. Reluctantly, she agrees to attend the first day of competition only, to make her mother happy. In the meantime, Celeste figures out that the best way for her to lose the contest is by losing weight, so she starts dieting.

Author Erin Dionne has Celeste experience many poignant, funny, and embarrassing situations. She excels in writing dialog that rings true between Celeste and her friends, classmates, and family members.

The author deals with a teenage girl learning how to go about losing weight in a healthy way. She did not have her become anorexic or bulimic, which I worried about when I first started reading the book.

I’m looking forward to meeting Erin Dionne at the NE-SCBWI conference.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

NE-SCBWI Conference: Donna Gephart

By Karen Centofanti

Feb

24

Almost everyone in my critique group has signed up for the NE-SCBWI Conference in Fitchburg, MA, May 13-15, 2011. We had a meeting last night, so I brought some of the books written by the workshop presenters that I had requested from my library network.

Many of us have signed up for middle grade author Donna Gephart’s Intensive Workshop entitled, 12 ¾ Ways to Tickle Young Readers’ Funny Bones. I have also signed up for her other workshop, Creating Quirky Characters.

Donna Gephart’s first, award winning MG novel, as if being 12 ¾ isn’t bad enough, my mother is running for president is packed with humor, voice, and a compelling plot. The title is unusually long, in lower case, and brilliant in my opinion. It made me want to read the book, and it did not disappoint.

Vanessa, the 12 ¾-year-old whose governor mother is running for president, is a bright, funny character with a wonderful, self-deprecating sense of humor. The dialog between Vanessa and her mother, grandmother, best friend, classmates and teachers ring true.

We read aloud Donna’s opening paragraph and first page to appreciate her craft.

Are we excited about meeting Donna and taking her workshop(s)? You bet we are!

Believe,

Karen Centofanti

Great Similes, Metaphors, and Adjectives

By Karen Centofanti

Feb

5

On the recommendation of my son and Entertainment Weekly Magazine, I just finished reading The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall. EW chose it as the number one Best Book of 2010. Sometimes I laughed so hard while reading this book, tears would leak from my eyes and I would snort. This is a problem when your exhausted husband is sleeping beside you in bed. Several times, I thought my head would explode as I tried valiantly to muffle my snorts and not wake him.

I downloaded The Lonely Polygamist to read on the Book Nook. As I admired Brady Udall’s ability to write about Golden’s 4 wives, 28 children, his mistress, work and church life with both hilarious humor and beautiful prose, I started “bookmarking” pages that stood out for me. Here are some of my favorites:

Eleven-year-old Rusty, one of Golden’s 28 children, sees where June lives: …they came over a rise where two silver-painted Quonset huts sat side by side like igloos on Mars. (“igloos on Mars” paints an awesome picture in my mind).

Golden’s innocence: Golden was a deeply virginal human being, one whose first kiss came at the age of twenty with a woman he was already engaged to, one who was so ignorant of sex in general, and his own body specifically, that he had never once masturbated to a successful conclusion, despite several valiant attempts. (Love the word “valiant”—it adds so much to the meaning and humor of this sentence, and made me laugh out loud).

Golden and his first wife on a picnic not far from a nuclear test site: …they didn’t notice the smudge of dark cloud that rose slowly over the tops of the trees from the west and began seeping across the pure expanse of sky like an oil slick. (“seeping like an oil slick” the perfect visual, especially after the recent oil spills; also love how it started out as a “smudge of dark cloud”).

Golden gets infested with fleas: By the time he made it to St. George, the fleas had begun to stir. They’d been laying low, like immigrants getting used to the neighborhood, but now they’d acclimated, picked up on the local language and customs, they were on the move and causing trouble. (Isn’t this a great simile? Comparing fleas to “immigrants getting used to the neighborhood—brilliant!).

Anywhere there was hair, they congregated: in the vast prairies of his chest and belly and the forests that covered his scalp. (Use of great metaphors—vast prairies and forests—for descriptive purposes. Golden is a hairy guy with a full head of hair. Prior to this we only knew he was very tall, 6’6” or more).

Same scene, next page: …he skidded to a hard stop, ratcheted down the emergency brake and jumped out of the truck, scratching at himself in a spasm of delicious violence. (Isn’t that exactly the way it feels to scratch with abandon at a bad itch?).

Golden confides in his Mexican friend, Nestor: This was why he liked Nestor so much; Nestor, who waved away sin and deceit as if they were nothing more than pesky houseflies. (Sin and deceit as pesky houseflies—another great simile. This demonstrates clearly the difference between Nestor and Golden’s way of life).

The constant tension and worry Golden is under mounts: This unraveling he feels is a distinctly physical sensation, the cords and fibers that hold him together splitting under the pressure, occasionally breaking with a twang like the brittle strings on an old guitar. (Another great visual image.)

Golden visits Rusty in the hospital: Rusty lay propped up in a bed, splayed out as if caught like a spider’s prey in the web of wires and tubes. It was worse than he could have imagined. The upper half of the boy’s head—including both eyes—was covered in bandages, while the skin of the lower half was so bruised and swollen it looked less like a face and more like an overripe melon left too long in the field, shiny and discolored and ready to split. (Poor Rusty—I can picture him—can you?).

I highly recommend The Lonely Polygamist. If you read it, let me know what some of your favorite lines were.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

The NOOK 3G + WiFi

By Karen Centofanti

Jan

7

My brother, Ken, and I decided to buy our 82-year-old mother the Barnes and Noble NOOK for Christmas. I have been using it to become familiar with how it works before I teach her.

My mother has been in a rehabilitation/nursing home setting since she had hip revision surgery in June. She enjoys reading books on the Best Seller lists, or ones with good reviews in Entertainment Weekly. Unfortunately, the print in most of these books has been too small for her to read, and the large-print editions are too thick and heavy to read in bed.

After some investigation into E-readers, I chose the NOOK over the Kindle because of the touch screen, which I thought would be easier for Mom to use than the small black-button keyboard on the Kindle. If she’s having a hard time seeing small print, that keyboard was not going to help. In addition, Mom is a terrible speller, so trying to type in a book’s title for download could be problematic.

After a week of use, here’s what I like and dislike about the NOOK:

PROS

1. Lightweight.
2. Ability to change Font size.
3. Ability to look up words in the dictionary.
4. Bookmarking to mark pages you want to refer back to.
5. Highlighting and Note taking (although I haven’t figured out how to access the notes yet).
6. Availability of many books in one small gadget.
7. Easy to transport everywhere.
8. Ability to share a book one time for 2 weeks to another NOOK owner.

CONS

1. I miss paper—the feel of it, the smell, the sound of turning pages.
2. I like using sticky notes to mark pages with notes on characters, beautifully written passages, great similes or metaphors, etc.
3. Some page’s fonts are not re-sizable. For example, I’m currently reading “The Lonely Polygamist,” by Brady Udall (a fantastic book, by the way). There is a Family Tree page that I would love to refer to on a regular basis (4 wives, 28 children—it’s hard to keep track!). On the NOOK, the print on that page is too small to read, even with a magnifying glass, and I’m not able to enlarge the font. That’s the only page I’ve had trouble with so far.
4. I like owning and looking at real books on my shelves. It makes me happy.
5. I like sharing books I’ve read with multiple people.

When Mom has finished the book she’s currently reading, I’ll teach her how to use the NOOK. She wanted to read “Freedom,” by Jonathan Franzen, so I’ve downloaded it. I hope the NOOK works out for her. Moreover, I hope no one steals it. I’ll let you know in a few months how it works out.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

PEOPLE AND THEIR DOGS

By Karen Centofanti

Dec

3

In the December 3, 2010 edition of Entertainment Weekly Magazine, I read an article entitled, “Dog Book Epidemic” by Keith Staskiewicz. In the article, he discusses his “pet peeve” (clever, that) regarding the many books about dogs inundating bookstores. He feels that John Grogan’s 2005 Marley and Me set off this dog book explosion, including ones written by celebrities like Barbara Bush, Dean Koontz, and Chelsea Handler. He finds the stories icky sweet, and not worthy of their subjects.

Keith recalls the compelling Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck as one of the few worthy dog books ever written. I remember loving Travels with Charley when I read it.

But what about Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls? Sounder by William Armstrong? Jack London’s The Call of the Wild and White Fang? Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford? Old Yeller by Fred Gipson? And I’ll never forget one of Stephen King’s most memorable characters ever, Cujo.

Keith says he loves dogs, but dislikes the latest crop of dog books. His mistake was not checking out books written for children, especially third to eighth graders. These are the people most passionate about their pets. He should read Kathi Appelt’s Newbery Honor and National Book Award finalist The Underneath (2008). Or Kate DiCamillo’s Newbery Honor book, Because of Winn-Dixie (2001). All of the books I mentioned above were written for children, except for Cujo. I wonder if Keith ever read any of them when he was young.

When these passionate young dog-lovers grow up, many continue to be adult dog-lovers. I know because I’m one of them.

As an asthmatic child, I was never able to have a pet. As soon as I married my husband, a veterinarian, we were never without one. For a week or so after getting a new pet, I’d have difficulty breathing, but then it subsided as my body adjusted.

I’ve had quite a few wonderful and not-so-wonderful pets over the past 36 years. One of the best, our 15-year-old yellow lab, had to put to sleep three days ago. Ever since I read Old Yeller, as a child, I couldn’t imagine a better dog than a yellow Labrador. My dream of having one finally came when we got King. There aren’t adequate adjectives to describe this sweet, loving, loyal dog. Our other dog and our cat are depressed without King around. Just like us.

Only other dog-lovers can understand the bond between dog-lovers and their dogs. Some people own dogs, claim to love dogs, but really aren’t true dog-lovers.

It’s because there ARE so many dog-lovers that there are so many dog books in bookstores. Publishing houses will not publish a book if they don’t foresee a profit. Obviously, people are buying these dog books.

Keith, however, is not.

Believe that someday you too will be published—even if it’s a dog story!

Karen Centofanti

Patricia Reilly Giff

By Karen Centofanti

Nov

25

Another Newbery winning author whose books I’ve been enjoying is Patricia Reilly Giff. She received the Newbery Honor for PICTURES OF HOLLIS WOODS and for LILY’S CROSSING, which was also a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book. NORY RYAN’S SONG was named an ALA (American Library Association) Best Book for Young Adults and an ALA Notable Book.

I have just finished listening to ELEVEN, for ages 9-14, in which eleven–year-old Sam discovers a newspaper article in the attic that says he was missing when he was four years old. Sam worries that he was kidnapped, but needs help to solve the mystery because he can’t read. He becomes friends with Caroline, a new girl in school, who is moving away soon. She helps Sam do some research and unravel the tangle of clues they discover. Meanwhile, Sam’s friendship with Caroline helps her to decide to make new friends after she moves, something she hasn’t done for a long time because she moves so often.

A HOUSE OF TAILORS is an historical fiction for ages nine and up. Patricia Reilly Giff tells a fictionalized story based on her great grandmother, who immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1870. In Germany, thirteen-year-old Dina Kirk and her older sister Katarina, sew to help their mother’s dressmaking business. Dina hates to sew.

When Dina journeys to America, she thinks she’ll be free of sewing. Soon she discovers that her uncle is a tailor too, and that he expects her to sew for him as payment for room and board. Dina starts saving her money to go back home, until a woman asks Dina to design hats and dresses for her, something Dina finds she enjoys. Dina needs to decide if she will stay in the USA or go back home.

I’m finding a love for historical fiction I never had before. It was fascinating to read about the 1870 smallpox outbreak in Brooklyn, NY.

Patricia Reilly Giff has written over sixty books for children. She was a reading teacher for twenty years. She lives in Connecticut, has three children and five grandchildren.

My favorite Patricia Reilly Giff quote is, “I have no special talent, you know. I never took a writing course before I began to write.” She believes that “anyone who has problems, or worries, anyone who laughs and cries, anyone who feels can write. It’s only talking on paper…talking about the things that matter to us.” (http://www.randomhouse.com/features/patriciareillygiff/patriciagiff.htm).

That gives hope to all of us! Keep writing and

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

Bad News for Picture Books

By Karen Centofanti

Nov

12

In the November/December 2010 issue of the NE-SCBWI newsletter, J.L Bell wrote about recent decisions made by market-savvy, sales-oriented Barnes & Noble. Due to steadily decreasing sales of picture books, B&N has decided to give far less space to picture books. They will be expanding their Young Adult (YA) shelf space, breaking it into three sections: Teen Paranormal Romance, Teen Science Fiction and Fantasy, and everything else.

B&N’s own publishing company, Sterling, is starting a new imprint called Splinter, which will soon be printing fiction for young paranormal romance readers. Each print edition of the Splinter books will have TAG codes imbedded that will allow readers with smartphones to scan the codes to access special material on the Web. The Splinter books will also have a “More in Store” feature, to promote visits to the B&N bookstores. Competing bookstores rarely carry Sterling books.

This is great news if you are writing for Young Adults, but terrible news for Picture Book writers.

J.L Bell also wrote about Agents and Publishers, in his “Market News.” Almost none of them were interested in receiving picture book manuscripts.

In October, I sent out my picture book story, TIME OUT FOR GABE, to several agents and publishers. Here is what McIntosh and Otis Agent Edward Necarsulmer IV wrote in his rejection letter to me:

“I enjoyed taking a look at your story about being a big brother to surprise twins and the natural mixture of jealousy and adoration that comes with it.
Unfortunately, I do not feel that I am the right agent to represent this project in today’s competitive market.

Currently, I am virtually taking on no new picture books as I try to focus more on Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction. With that being said I hope that someone will fall in love with your story and give it the time and attention it deserves.”

Sylvie F. Frank, Editorial Assistant of Holiday House had this to say in her rejection letter:

“Thank you for sending us your latest project. This is a sweet story, but we fear it doesn’t stand out against the many other new baby books.”

Sigh. It’s very hard not to get discouraged. Unless your picture book story is about princesses, pirates, unicorns, fairies, or dragons, you may as well stop writing now, especially if what you’re writing can be described as a “sweet story.”

Time to start a chapter book so I can still…

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

STARGIRL by Jerry Spinelli

By Karen Centofanti

Nov

4

Do you have an interest in writing stories for middle grade children or young adults? If so, you should read some of the many excellent books by Jerry Spinelli.

Jerry’s MANIAC MAGEE won a Newbery Medal in 1991, and WRINGER was a Newbery Honor book in 1998. Additional well-known books he has written are CRASH; WHO PUT THAT HAIR IN MY TOOTHBRUSH?; STARGIRL; LOVE, STARGIRL; and his autobiography KNOTS IN MY YOYO STRING.

STARGIRL is the most recent Spinelli book I’ve read. Jerry creates wonderfully unique main characters, and Stargirl is as quirky a character you’ll ever come across.

When tenth grader Stargirl arrives at Mica High School in Arizona after years of home schooling, she quickly becomes the object of rabid whispered discussion among the Mica High student body. She wears kimonos and pioneer dresses, she has a pet rat in her backpack, she plays a ukulele and sings “Happy Birthday” to classmates on their birthdays during lunch period. Stargirl dances when there is no music, and cheers for the losing Mica basketball team, causing so much buzz that students start attending the games just to see her in action.

Leo Borlock narrates the story. An eleventh grader, Leo becomes smitten by Stargirl’s kindness and refreshing non-conformity. They start dating, and all goes well until Stargirl cheers for, and then comforts an injured football player on the opposing team. Mica loses the game, and Stargirl is blamed for upsetting the team’s spirit and concentration.

Soon Leo notices that all the students except his best friend are shunning Stargirl and him. Leo tries to teach Stargirl how to conform in order to be accepted. Out of love for Leo, Stargirl re-invents herself. She starts using her real name, Susan, and tries to dress and act like the other girls. However, the shunning continues. Leo has to decide whose acceptance and affection he wants more—Stargirl’s or his classmates.

This story brings to the forefront how cruel and intolerant teens can be toward anyone who’s different. The book has become so popular with teens that Jerry wrote LOVE, STARGIRL, which picks up a year after STARGIRL ends. Stargirl Societies have cropped up across the country with objectives such as promoting individuality and self-confidence; becoming role models for younger girls; promoting tolerance; and encouraging and practicing sensitivity to others. The Stargirl Societies have a list of suggested activities based on the book. How wonderful to have this kind of impact on today’s teens with a book you’ve written!

Jerry Spinelli is married to Eileen Spinelli, who is also a well-known children’s writer. They have 6 children and 16 grandchildren.

Keep reading, writing and

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

Are Picture Books Dead?

By Karen Centofanti

Oct

22

On October 7, 2010, the New York Times published an article, “Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children,” by Julie Bosman. This article noted that bookstores are seeing a distinct drop in sales. Picture books cost more to make, and patrons are balking at paying up to $18.00 for one. Parents are pushing chapter books to children as young as four years of age. Best-selling authors are seeing their royalty checks shrinking. At Simon and Schuster, picture books make up only 20% of their sales, down from 35% a few years ago. This, despite the fact that literacy experts say picture books often contain more challenging vocabulary, cause readers to interact more with the story, and develop critical thinking skills.

If you write picture books, this was a depressing article, especially if you are not published yet. Is jumping into the expanding YA genre the only hope?

Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen is a picture book author who is trying to do something about the situation. She is the author of twelve picture books and sixteen non-fiction books for children, including THE MIN-O-SAUR, illustrated by David Clark; BALLOTS FOR BELVA, illustrated by Courtney Martin; and the HOG PRINCE, illustrated by Jason Wolff.

Sudipta spent her own money and made a hilarious book trailer about her most recent book, QUACKENSTEIN HATCHES A FAMILY, which is the story about a duck that adopts an egg to have something to cuddle. The egg is definitely not a duck when it hatches. Quackenstein thinks the little platypus is a monster and runs. A hilarious chase ensues. Can a duck and a platypus become family?

Sudipta is passionate about supporting zoos and their cross-species adoptions. She is hoping her investment in her book will make Quackenstein and Platypus mascots for cross-species adoption, as well as increase sales.

You can see Sudipta’s trailer and her guest post at www.constructions.joyceaudyzarins.com. Respond to her question at the end where she asks if doing a book trailer is, “selling out or market savvy?”

Here is how I answered her question and her response.

By: Karen Centofanti
Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 12:50:50 PM | Karen Centofanti
Dear Sudipta,
I vote “market-savvy!”
I hope QUAKENSTEIN HATCHES A FAMILY outsells all your previous picture books, and as a result, publishers will take notice. You may have single-handedly turned the picture book market around.
I plan to blog about what you’ve done on my critique group’s web site, http://www.capecodchildrenswriters.com. I wrote two previous blogs about your advice to picture book writers after attending your workshop at the 2010 NESCBWI Conference. Your honest advice was refreshing and very helpful to me as I revised my picture book story, TIME OUT FOR GABE.
Best of luck to you. I’ll be watching!
Believe!
Karen Centofanti

By: Sudipta B-Q
Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 5:30:24 PM | Sudipta B-Q
Thank you, Karen! I appreciate your support and your help in spreading the word about the book. After all, I’m a single mom and if I can’t get this author thing to work out, I’m going to have to get A REAL JOB. (Since, obviously, motherhood and writing don’t count!)
Sudipta

Middle Grade and Young Adult Books that Demonstrate “Voice”

By Karen Centofanti

Oct

13

In last week’s blog, I listed my favorite picture and chapter books that demonstrate “Voice.”

Here are some of my favorite Middle Grade and Young Adult books that immerse you into the lives of the main characters through “Voice,” in ways that are awe-inspiring. Some of the books listed are crossover books, i.e. are appropriate for ages 12 and up, MG or YA.

Middle Grade (MG)

  • Anderson, Laurie Halse; CHAINS, (National Book Award finalist), Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008. All of Laurie’s books are excellent.
  • Avi; CRISPIN AND THE CROSS OF LEAD, (Newbery winner, 2003) Hyperion, 2003.
  • Appelt, Kathi, drawings by David Small; THE UNDERNEATH, (Newbery Honor and National Book Award finalist)Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007.
  • Banks, Lynne Reid; INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD, Doubleday, 1985.
  • Byers, Betsy; THE PINBALLS, HarperCollins, 1977.
  • Gaiman, Neil; THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, (winner of Newbery Medal, 2008), HarperCollins Publisher, 2008.
  • Gantos, Jack; JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL, (winner of Newbery Honor, 2000), Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2000.
  • Goldschmidt, Judy; THE SECRET BLOG OF RAISIN RODRIGUEZ, Razorbill/Penguin Young Readers Group, 2005.
  • Haddix, Margaret Peterson; AMONG THE HIDDEN, (Shadow Children series), Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon and Schuster, 1998.
  • Lord, Cynthia; RULES, (Newbery Honor winner), Scholastic, 2006.
  • Martin, Ann M.; A DOG’S LIFE, Autobiography of a Stray; Random House, 2003.
  • Parry, Rosanne; HEART OF A SHEPHERD, Random House Children’s Books, 2009.
  • Schmidt, Gary; WEDNESDAY WARS and LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY, Clarion, 2007 and 2004.

Young Adult

  • Alexie, Sherman; THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, Little Brown and Co., 2007.
  • Asher, Jay; 13 REASONS WHY, Razorbill, 2007.
  • Collins, Suzanne; HUNGER GAMES Trilogy, Scholastic Press, 2008.
  • Donnelly, Jennifer; A NORTHERN LIGHT, Harcourt, Children’s Books, 2003.
  • Rylant, Cynthia; I HAD SEEN CASTLES, Harcourt Brace and Co., 1993.
  • Zusak, Markus; THE BOOK THIEF, Knopf Books, 2006.

 

 Keep reading, writing, and

 Believe!

 Karen Centofanti

Picture and Chapter Books that Demonstrate “Voice”

By Karen Centofanti

Oct

6

What is “Voice?”

According to Ask.com: The author’s voice (also known as writer’s voice) is the style in which a story is presented, including, among other thing, the syntax, diction, person, and dialogue.

About.com Definition: Voice has two meanings as it concerns creative writers:

  • Voice is the author’s style, the quality that makes his or her writing unique, and which conveys the author’s attitude, personality, and character; or
  • Voice is the characteristic speech and thought patterns of a first-person narrator; a persona.

Because voice has so much to do with the reader’s experience of a work of literature, it is one of the most important elements of a piece of writing.

Bet that cleared it right up for you, right?

Four years ago, I attended the annual NESCBWI (New England Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators) one-day Encore presentation. One of the presenters spoke about “Voice.” I had no idea what she was talking about, and I still didn’t get it after her presentation. When you are first starting out trying to write books for children, there is so much to learn!

From then on, I read every book chapter, article or blog that discussed “Voice.” More importantly, I read the books recommended by editors and agents that were exemplary examples of “Voice.” This, more than anything, helped me grasp what “Voice” was.

On my library’s website, I ordered several recommended books at a time. To save time, I ordered longer books on CD, so I could listen to them in my car while driving.

Our library is part of a large network of area libraries, so almost every book I ordered was available, except for newly published books. When that happened, I’ve was able to have our library order a copy, after showing them a review of the book.

In addition, our library has a room full of donated books. Several times a year I go through the children’s books. For less than a dollar, I have bought many Newbery and Caldecott books, as well as other books by well-known authors—what a bargain!

At this point, I’ve read many excellent books in all genres. Here are a few of my favorite picture and chapter books to get you started. I’ll post some of my favorite Middle Grade (MG) and Young Adult (YA) books in my next blog.

Enjoy reading and/or listening to these books. Some you may want to add to your personal collection to study, as I have.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

Picture Books 

  • Crowell, Cressida, illus. by Neal Layton; THAT RABBIT BELONGS TO EMILY BROWN, Hyperion Books for Children, 2007.
  • Henkes, Kevin; LILLY’S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE, Greenwillow Books, 1996. (I love ALL of Henkes books).
  • Meddaugh, Susan; MARTHA CALLING, Houghton Mifflin, 1994. (Also, MARTHA SPEAKS and her other Martha books).
  • O’Connor, Jane, illus. by Robin Preiss Glasser; FANCY NANCY, HarperCollins Publishers, 2006.
  • Pennypacker, Sara, illus. by Petra Mathers; PIERRE IN LOVE, Orchard Books, imprint of Scholastic, Inc, 2007.
  • Schachner, Judy; SKIPPYJON JONES, Puffin Books, 2003.
  • Teague, Mark; DEAR MRS. LARUE, Scholastic Press, 2002.
  • Willems, Mo; DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! Hyperion Books for Children, 2003.

Chapter Books

  •  Blume, Judy; TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING, Puffin Books, 1972. (Many of Judy’s books are great.)
  • Dahl, Roald; MATILDA, Puffin Books, 1988 (I am a huge Roald Dahl fan).
  • DiCamillo, Kate, illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline; THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE, Candlewick, 2006. (Kate’s other books are fantastic, too).
  • Kline, Suzy; pictures by Frank Remkiewicz; HORRIBLE HARRY IN ROOM 2B, and the rest of the series, Scholastic, 1988.
  • Park, Barbara, illus. by Denise Brunkus; JUNIE B. JONES series, Scholastic, 1990’s.
  • Pennypacker, Sara, pictures by Marla Frazee; CLEMENTINE series, Hyperion Paperbacks for Children, 2006.
  • Spinelli, Jerry; LOSER, Joanna Cotler Books, imprint of HarperCollins, 2002.
  • Winkler, Henry and Oliver, Lin; HANK ZIPZER, the Worlds Greatest Underachiever; Grosset and Dunlap, imprint of Penguin Group, 2005.
  • White, E. B. illus. by Garth Williams; CHARLOTTE’S WEB (Newbery winner), HarperCollins, 1970.

Submitting Your Manuscript

By Karen Centofanti

Sep

28

Last Sunday I spent eight hours sending out my picture book manuscript to four editors. Yes, you read that right—eight hours! Why does it take so long? Let me explain. 

First, I researched the editors to find out something about them. In my last blog, I wrote about my research of Molly O’Neill, Assistant Editor at Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books. 

After finding something personalized to say in each cover letter, I spent quite a bit of time trying to find out their addresses. One of my biggest complaints about the editors who attend a conference and allow attendees to submit a manuscript is that they don’t include their addresses with their information. For those editors from publishing companies that accept ‘Agented manuscripts only,’ it is especially difficult to find a mailing address.

It’s important to follow the submission directions carefully; as some publishing companies only accept online submissions, some don’t want an SASE or a postcard, etc. Be prepared to spend a lot of time to do everything right. Make sure you don’t have any typos, spelling or grammar mistakes. Read everything aloud before you seal that envelope.

Each envelope I mailed had my manuscript, a cover letter, an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope), and a postage-paid postcard addressed to me. On the postcards, I wrote the name of the publishing company as the return address, and on the back, I wrote “Your manuscript, ___(Title)__ has been received,” with another line for someone’s signature and the date.

As I receive the postcards, I’ll start counting the months from that point, giving up if I haven’t heard anything in six months. Many publishing houses don’t even send a form rejection letter. It can be very disheartening, after all the hours of work writing, revising and submitting your story. Don’t let it get you down.

When everything has been mailed, relish the feeling of accomplishment. You’re trying your darnedest to become a published author.

Now get busy writing your next story!

Believe,

Karen Centofanti

HOW TO RESEARCH AN EDITOR: Molly O’Neill

By Karen Centofanti

Sep

17

One of the many benefits of attending the New England SCBWI conference is that attendees are allowed to submit their revised manuscripts to the editors and agents who were at the conference.

Before submitting a manuscript, however, spend time researching the agents and editors. Google their names, go to their websites, read their blogs, or any interview in which they participated. Find out what they’re looking for and what books they’ve edited or agented.

One of the editors I researched was Molly O’Neill, Assistant Editor at Katherine Tegen Books, HarperCollins Children’s Books. She will accept unsolicited picture book manuscripts from conference attendees between June 15 and December 1, 2010. I intend to send Molly TIME OUT FOR GABE, my revised picture book story.

Molly has travelled extensively in the U.S. and Canada. She has been involved in youth ministry and looks for inspiring books about forming and building relationships, and seeing the deeper meaning in things.

She has worked on THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary Schmidt, THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY by Kathryn Fitzmaurice, and she has worked with authors Anne Hoppe and Patricia MacLachlan.

Molly O’Neill is also looking for middle grade (MG) with vivid voice and inventive storytelling; young adult (YA)—a good romance; and stories with a ballet/theater/or other artsy backstage setting; and anything with orphans.

Some of her favorite books are BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL by Robert McCloskey; THAT RABBIT BELONGS TO EMILY BROWN by Cressida Cowell and illustrated by Neal Layton; DIARY OF A WOMBAT by Jackie French; LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY by Gary Schmidt;  A NORTHERN LIGHT by Jennifer Donnelly; and I HAD SEEN CASTLES by Cynthia Rylant. The last three books listed Molly says she re-reads every year.

At our last critique group meeting, I read aloud THAT RABBIT BELONGS TO EMILY BROWN and everyone loved it. DIARY OF A WOMBAT received less enthusiastic reviews, and I discovered it makes a much funnier read-to-yourself book than a read aloud. Its humor seems geared more to adults or older children. My four-year-old grandson did not laugh when I read it to him. He loved THAT RABBIT BELONGS TO EMILY BROWN, however.

I have just finished listening to A NORTHERN LIGHT, based on the true story of 19-year-old Grace Brown, who was pregnant and drowned by her lover in Big Moose Lake in 1906. It’s a beautifully written historical account of life in the Adirondacks a hundred years ago, as the main characters deal with loss, poverty, racism and pregnancy.

Last year, one of my favorite books to listen to was THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary Schmidt. Now I’m listening to Gary’s LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY, which I’m also enjoying.

By reading some of Molly O’Neill’s favorite books, I feel as if I know her better. I get her sense of humor, and love the books she loves.

Maybe she’ll like a manuscript I submit to her now or in the future. I know I’d really enjoy working with her.

Keep writing, reading, researching and

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

Author Linda Sue Park

By Karen Centofanti

Sep

3

A few months ago, I listened to Linda Sue Park’s middle grade historical novel, A SINGLE SHARD, which won the 2002 Newbery medal. It was a beautifully written story about a 12th century, ten-year-old Korean boy, named Tree-ear. An orphan, he lived under a bridge with an elderly, crippled man named Crane-man. They both barely survived on scraps of food and grains of rice.

During the day, Tree-ear spied on a master potter named Min, and dreamed of becoming a potter. Tree-ear accidently broke one of Min’s pots, and had to work off the damage. The work was hard, but Tree-ear was eager to learn and never complained. He eventually became Min’s apprentice. Min was too old to travel, so Tree-ear had to make a long, dangerous journey to the King’s Court. Min wanted to be awarded the King’s large work order. The journey changed Tree-ear’s life forever.

A SINGLE SHARD was completely absorbing, and wonderfully narrated by Graeme Malcolm.

Last week, I listened to WHEN MY NAME WAS KEOKO, written by Linda Sue Park in 2004. This story takes place in Korea from 1940 to 1945. Did you know that Korea had been under Japanese rule since 1910? I didn’t. In this story, 10-year old Sun-hee and her older brother Tae-yul, narrate the story chapter-by chapter, telling about events from their unique perspectives.

Under Japanese law, Korean’s were not allowed to study their own language or culture. When WW II started, the Japanese made the Korean’s adopt Japanese names, and they were severely punished if they called someone by their Korean name accidently. They could not fly the Korean flag, and they had to dig up and destroy all Rose of Sharon trees, which are the symbol of Korea. In school, the Korean children had to learn Japanese, and spent hours memorizing speeches made by the Japanese Emperor. Sun-hee’s Japanese name was Keoko, and she had to go by her Japanese name until the war ended.

Tae-yul was fascinated by planes, and worked at the airport the Japanese were building. He decided to join the Japanese military because it would give his family extra rations of food, and he hoped to learn how to fly. When the Japanese accused the Korean’s of being too cowardly to volunteer for a special, dangerous mission, Tae-yul was insulted and immediately volunteered. Later, he found out he was being trained to be a kamikaze pilot. Tae-yul tried to focus on learning how to fly, and had a secret plan for what he would do when it was time to fly his mission.

Tae-yul and Sun-hee find ways to stay true to their Korean heritage without jeopardizing the safety of their family.

Linda Sue Park writes absorbing, historical fiction. I can see why she wins so many awards. At age 9, she had her first Haiku published in a children’s magazine. She was paid $1.00, and never cashed the check. It still hangs on her father’s wall.

Linda was the daughter of Korean immigrants, born in 1960. She grew up outside of Chicago. Now she lives in upstate New York, with her Irish husband, two children and her dog.

I can’t recommend enough reading or listening to children’s literature, if you are trying to write a book for children.  If you check out Linda Sue Park’s web site, and read her section on Writing, you will see it’s one of her recommendations, too.

Keep reading, writing and

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

Book review: Crispin and The Cross of Lead by Avi

By Karen Centofanti

Aug

23

In my last blog, I talked about listening to books on CD’s while driving, as a way to become familiar with many great children’s books. I have been working my way through Newbery prize-winning books, hoping to absorb the wonderful language, great openings, well-developed characters, pacing, humor, plot twists, and satisfying endings.

Last week I listened to CRISPIN AND THE CROSS OF LEAD by Avi, which was awarded a Newbery medal in 2003. The author, who only goes by the name Avi, has written over 70 books for children and two previous books won Newbery Honor awards, (TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE, 1991; and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, 1992). In addition, many of Avi’s books have won other prestigious awards for excellence.

Exploring Avi’s web site www.Avi-writer.com yielded interesting information about him. He was born in 1937, and his twin sister called him Avi when they were only one year old. He has gone by that name ever since.

Avi was not a good student, and was a poor writer. He failed all his courses in high school. He was sent to a small school with an emphasis on reading and writing, yet he still needed special tutoring.

By the time Avi was a senior in high school, he had decided to become a writer. He started out as a playwright, and didn’t write for children until he had children of his own. His first book was published in 1970.

CRISPIN AND THE CROSS OF LEAD takes place in a 14th century medieval English village. Thirteen-year-old Crispin, known only as “Asta’s son,” finds out from a priest his true name after his mother dies. The priest gives him a lead cross with a secret inscription on it. Before the priest can tell him about his father and his true name, the priest is killed and Crispin has to flee for his life. Every chapter of Avi’s historically accurate story leaves the reader in suspense.

Listening to Avi’s prose is a joy. His word choices fill your mind with vivid pictures, and you are completely transported into the medieval world he created.

There are not many writer’s known by one name. Now I know why, and will definitely want to read or listen to more of his books.

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

Getting Started: More Ideas

By Karen Centofanti

Aug

2

A year ago, I started writing a story that ended up becoming a short chapter book, similar in size to the Horrible Harry and Junie B. Jones books. The ideas kept coming, and I could hardly keep up with my thoughts as I wrote.

Prior to this, I was only writing picture books. Now I needed to learn more about chapter books, middle grade and young adult novels.

I went online and downloaded a copy of the Newbery winners and honor books, and I have been working my way through the list. The problem was the time it took to read each book. My solution? I listen to them on CD in my car. Everywhere I go, whether on a short errand, or a longer drive, I’m happily listening to a great book, hoping to absorb the language, pacing, and plot lines of these award-winning authors. I have read and/or listened to many MG and YA books this past year.

Right now, I’m listening to Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos. This book won a Newbery Honor award in 2000. It is the second book in his series about Joey Pigza, a young adolescent with ADHD and divorced parents. The recording is wonderfully narrated by Jack Gantos, which is a special treat, hearing him read the words he wrote.

Most of the books on CD are narrated by a stage actor or actress, and some are better than others. I have rarely been so unhappy with a recording that I stopped listening. Most of the time I’m lost in the world of the book, hoping not to miss my exit!

What are you waiting for? Get started and

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

Getting Started: Learning How to Write for Children

By Karen Centofanti

Jul

31

Three years ago, I decided I was going to try to write books for children. After all, I was a Specialized Reading Teacher for 22 years, I read to my children until they kicked me out of their rooms, and I read to my students from the huge collection of books I had in the classroom. Writing children’s books seemed like the perfect “second career” for me.

Of course, I knew nothing about how to go about this new endeavor, so I started by researching the Internet, looking for “how to” books. I was amazed and quickly overwhelmed with the amount of information available. I ordered several books, which I read cover-to-cover, and followed every suggestion, starting with joining SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators).

When I received the SCBWI information packet and their latest bulletin, I read, re-read, and highlighted, barely stopping long enough to feed my exhausted, hard working (did I mention ignored?) husband and have a glass of wine. Thank heavens for wine; it helped bring me out of my self-induced fugue state.

I also joined NE-SCBWI (the New England regional group), and found out about their 1-day Encore Presentation in October 2007 of three of the most popular workshops from their May 2007 conference. With great trepidation, I signed up and drove up to Nashua NH alone.

There I met 20-25 other writers, many of them well on their way with manuscripts. Everyone was friendly, and I came home excited about what I learned from the speakers:
• John L Bell, freelance editor, author, historian, Assistant Regional Advisor of NE-SCBWI, and blogger ozandends.blogspot.com, spoke about Dialogue and Character.
• Mark Peter Hughes, author of Lemonade Mouth and I am the Wallpaper spoke about Plotting.
• Sue Burgess, a children’s literature professor for 20 years at Framingham State College and coordinator of the SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grants spoke about “Voice.”

As the three speakers referenced many excellent examples from children’s literature, I became painfully aware of how much I had to learn. I was unfamiliar with almost every book they mentioned, other than Charlotte’s Web!

I decided that from then on, I would read at least ten picture books each week, and go to a bookstore or library monthly to see what’s new and on display. I used the list of books recommended by John, Mark and Sue as a place to start, and ordered up ten books from my library on their website.

I read, and sometimes bought, my own copies of books referred to for their excellence in the “How to” books I studied.
Now, before attending any conference, I read the books written by the Keynote speakers and the authors presenting the workshops I selected. After the conference, I have new lists of books to read through. You can’t imagine how excited I am when I can check off titles I’ve already read, or the joy I feel when the speaker refers to a book I’m familiar with now. Yahoo!

So, armed with some knowledge and a naughty French bulldog, I started writing—some of the stinkiest stuff ever. Egad!

That’s when I joined Joan Walsh’s critique group. It takes me an hour each way to drive to Falmouth twice a month, but it’s worth it.

Joan is a wonderful group leader. She met with me alone several times to get me up to speed—teaching me active vs. passive verbs, show don’t tell, and to cut adverbs and adjectives to leave room for the illustrator. We talked about first person vs. third, and present tense vs. past.

In the meantime, I kept studying, attending conferences, and joined the Cape Cod Writers’ Center (CCWC), and Children’s Book Insider. CBI is an online site by Jon Bard and Laura Backes that is overflowing with information, and their monthly newsletters are great—I highly recommend you join. (a few of my previous blogs were about a Laura Backes Bootcamp I attended in May, 2010 in Charlotte, NC—check them out).

If you’re going to try your hand at writing, be prepared to put in lots of time learning how. Am I published yet? No. Have I learned a lot? Yes. Do I still have more to learn? Yes. Is my life richer and fuller than before? Absolutely!

Believe!

Karen Centofanti

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