Historical Fiction Pick: The Lacemaker and the Princess

After taking one month off from blogging to finish writing a novel, I figure I'd better get back to doing some recommending!

I just finished reading The Lacemaker and the Princess by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, a sumptious tale of a young girl who witnesses the French Revolution firsthand.

Isabelle is a poor lacemaker who, through an extraordinary turn of events, becomes the playmate of Therese, daughter of the King and Queen of France (better known as Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette).

Bradley does a wonderful job of painting a picture of the French Revolution both from the side of the disgruntled, starving citizens of France and the blissful ignorance and extravagance of the royalty. Isabelle is put in the interesting position of understanding both sides of the battle -- Therese is her friend who lavishes riches on her, but outside of the walls of Versailles, Isabelle's family lives in squalor.

I'm a great fan of literature set during this period, but this book presented such a unique vantage point that is rare in a novel for kids. We sympathize with all the characters in the book -- through the eyes of an innocent young girl who tries to see good in everyone. We are also left with a vivid picture of France at the time -- from the poorest sections of Paris to the opulence of Versailles with its blood-red marble walls.

What a wonderful book for any middle schooler through high schooler. I love it when an author can make history come alive -- and author Bradley has done just that in The Lacemaker and the Princess.

Tears and Hope: The Great Gilly Hopkins

I've just finished reading The Great Gilly Hopkins, by the Newbery Award winning author Katherine Paterson. I highly recommend this terrific novel for 9 to 13 year olds as a wonderful example of a great book for girls.

Beautifully told, funny and heartbreaking, this story follows the trials of Galadriel "Gilly" Hopkins, a sixth grader who has bounced from foster home to foster home.

We meet her just as she is landing at the home of Mrs. Trotter, a dedicated foster parent whose heart is as big as her sizable body. Gilly, who has learned not to count on anyone or anything, is at first resistant to Trotter's kindness -- but as the story moves along, she begins to trust her new family, including the blind next door neighbor and another younger foster child who lives in the house.

Tragically, Gilly sabotages her own happiness when she writes a letter to her mother desicribing the torture of living with Trotter. Although the letter is filled with lies -- when Gilly's maternal grandmother arrives in response to the letter, a series of mishaps occurs to convince her that Gilly is indeed in the wrong place.

By the time Gilly realizes that she is finally, truly happy, it is too late.

I cried myself silly at the end of this book -- you won't be able to help yourself, but you'll end up loving Gilly, Trotter and the whole gang, and when you close the book you'll believe that Gilly will be OK, after all.

That's a great book for girls in my opinion -- where the main character grows, learns to love a little more, and finds hope in the world.

It's a gray, rainy fall Houston day -- with a "cool" front coming through. I hope that you are warm and cozy wherever you are -- and that you and your girls can curl up with great books like The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Paterson (who also wrote the classic Bridge to Terabithia).

Happy Monday!

Back from Hiatus ... with Books for Girls Who Love to Write

Argh! Eleven days since my last blog!

I have no excuse except that I am exceptionordinarily (thank you, Clarice Bean) busy lately -- mostly with writing for money (aka freelance writing). I have been writing some weird stuff (not creepy weird, mostly just mind-numbingly boring weird).

Anyway, the irony of this is that while I am finally making money writing (I hear my parents cheering -- 15 years after receiving my bachelor's degree in writing) -- I don't seem to have enough time to write what I love -- which is the kind of stuff you read about on my site -- great books for kiddos -- and especially great books for girls.

So apparently, I'm going to have to start staying up later, drinking more coffee and focusing a bit more, because I have loved to write fiction for almost as long as I've loved to read.

Which brings me to my recommendations for today ... which are ... (I hope you'll be impressed after such a long-winded intro)... Books for girls who love to write, most especially Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly by Gail Carson Levine and What's Your Story?: A Young Person's Guide to Writing Fiction by Marion Dane Bauer.

Both of these books are excellent primers for girls who have a writer's heart beating within them (perfect for 10 years old and up) -- giving great advice and providing many fun writing exercises. Levine (who wrote Ella Enchanted) and Bauer (who wrote Runt and A Bear Called Trouble) both speak in a language writer girls will understand -- and won't make them feel like they are being talked down to....

These are books that I would have eaten up (and then licked the plate) when I was a writer kid. If you've got one of those girls with a fire in her for writing -- and dreams of having a book with her name on it on a library shelf -- buy her these books. Fan that flame -- no matter how many years it takes to ignite -- don't let it go out.

OK, I'm officially back. Another pot of coffee anyone?

Historical Fiction Pick: Fair Weather by Richard Peck

Us City Folk never stop moving, do we?

Case in point, I've got to leave for a dentist appointment in 18 minutes and if I don't get this post up by then -- what with everything else I've got going on today -- it will become a post for tomorrow.

City folk are crazy. Just ask Rosie Beckett, main character of Richard Peck's Fair Weather. This engaging historical fiction novel initially attracted me because of the years that I spent living in Chicago. That city's rich history has always intrigued me -- and this book centers around the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition -- where an entire "white city" was erected for the sake of this fair.

Rosie lives downstate on a farm -- she thinks going into her own small town is an experience! When the family receives train tickets from their Chicago aunt to visit and attend the fair, Rosie and her sister are sure their strict, hardworking mother will never let them go....

Never underestimate the actions of a mother when she wants to separate one of her daughters (Rosie's sister Lottie) from a no-good boyfriend.

The rest of the book is a non-stop adventure as Rosie, Lottie, little brother Buster and their cantankerous Grandad head north to the fair. Peck expertly weaves the history of the Exposition into the story -- where the family ride the frightening (newly invented) Ferris Wheel , attend Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and learn a few surprises about themselves and their Grandfather.

This book is funny and heartfelt and I loved every minute of it -- any girl with a hankering for history will do the same. If your girl is searching for historical fiction as a reading assignment, she'll enjoy this book and learn about an important event in history. The Columbian Exposition introduced new inventions (the hamburger, carbonated beverages), showcased amazing feats of science (widespread use of electric lights) and for the millions who attended, including the wonderful, independent-minded Rosie Beckett - the world was never the same.

Maybe that world is fast paced and crazy -- but as long as we slow down now and again to spend time together and enjoy a good book, like Fair Weather-- that's OK with me.

I'm off to the dentist ... just got this in under the wire! Have a great day!

Historical Fiction Pick: A Friendship for Today

School's back in -- and for many girls that means finding books of different genres as specified by their teacher.

This can be a difficult choice -- my own 4th grader has to read one realistic fiction book and one biography this month. Already she's stressing about possible book selections. So for my own peace of mind and yours -- in the next few weeks, I'll be recommending books from many genres that your girls should enjoy. AND hopefully these recommendations will help them fulfill classroom reading requirements with no stress.

Let's start with A Friendship For Today, by Patricia McKissack. This book would qualify as either realistic fiction or historical fiction, and is a fast-paced, thoughtful story recommended for 9 year olds through middle school age.

The setting is 1954, in the St. Louis suburb of Kirkland. Young Rosemary has always attended a "colored" school in her neighborhood. But as she prepares to enter 6th grade she finds herself affected by the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision that will desegregate public schools. Her school will be closed down and she will be sent to one of the traditionally white public schools.

In the midst of this turmoil in her life, she must deal with her parent's crumbling marriage, her best friend J.J. being stricken with polio, and racist white neighbors, especially her arch-nemesis, Grace.

When Rosemary finds herself the lone African-American in her new classroom, readers can feel her alienation. When she is seated next to Grace, her frustration and anger boil over.

McKissack weaves a fine story here -- one where we see that not every situation in life is ideal or fair. Rosemary's parents do split up, and J.J. returns from the hospital in a leg brace, but through it all, she perseveres, holds her head high and convincingly forms a true friendship with Grace.

This book addresses many important issues from the 50s that are still relevant today. The fight for civil rights, medical advances to eradicate disease, divorce, and growing pains are all aspects of life that kids face on a daily basis.

This story is a great book for girls -- entertaining, realistic, a real joy to read-- and they will learn about a part of American history that should never be forgotten.

Have a great weekend!

Young Adult Pick: Follow the Rules of the Road

If you are a young adult (or know one) in search of an author who is consistently producing great books -- you can't go wrong with Joan Bauer. Her skilled writing, entertaining plots, and funny, human characters will pull you in and leave you wanting more.

This inspiring writer (read her story) has eight young adult novels under her belt. I haven't read them all, but one that I adored was Rules of the Road. This book introduces the nearly 6 foot, 16 year old Jenna Boller and follows her on a road trip with her boss, the indomitable Mrs. Gladstone, from Chicago to Dallas.

I think any teenager can relate to Jenna, who feels most comfortable when she's working in her sales job at a shoe store. According to Jenna,

"I succeeded here. I made money here. I didn't feel big, awkward, and lost. I felt successful. I helped people. They looked to me instead of away."

The introduction of Jenna's family members (including her alcoholic father), and her quirky co-workers make this story sing with realism. The humor is perfect, the emotions are true -- the writing flows on the page in a fast-paced rhythm. You'll find yourself routing for Jenna every step of the way.

As a writer, I am a great admirer of Ms. Bauer's skill -- and as a mother of girls I appreciate that her books present teenagers in a positive light. There's a wonderful message in this book of hope in spite of adversity -- and Jenna emerges as a strong, compassionate human being. When considering the kinds of books I want my girls reading when they hit the teenage years, I will absolutely encourage them to read Joan Bauer.

I think you'll love these books -- give them a try -- and let me know what you think when you're done....

Enjoy!

Classic Books for Girls: Meet Trixie Belden

I first picked up a Trixie Belden book when I was about nine years old. The book had belonged to my mom when she was a girl. Now, after discovering a new edition at the bookstore, I'm passing on this great character to a third generation. My girls love Trixie!

This summer we read the first of the series, The Secret of the Mansion, by Julie Campbell as a read aloud at bedtime. Although my nine year old loved the character and plot, my seven year old enjoyed the story just as much.

In the first book a mystery involving a hidden treasure and a creepy old house is solved by Trixie, and her new best friend, Honey Wheeler. Girls can't help but get pulled into this adventure, as the girls uncover clues and constantly find themselves on the edge of danger.

Parents and girls will take note of the freedom Trixie is allowed (a midnight horseback ride?) that is all but obsolete these days -- remember, the original was written in the late 40s. But girls will love the story and they will relate to Trixie, who is both curious, independent, kind and respectful --personality traits that never go out of style.

If your girl is an independent reader, give her a copy of Trixie Belden -- think of it as a younger version of the Nancy Drew books with a tomboy-ish main character as opposed to the prim and proper Nancy. If you have an early reader who longs for adventure, read this one to her out loud, you'll have her on pins and needles waiting for the ending.

Girls will love reading this series -- and will no doubt pass on these stories to their kids!

On a side note, school starts around here tomorrow. My wish for my girls and all girls going off to school this year -- may your brains be filled with useful knowledge, your hearts be filled with kindness and caring and your imaginations continue to soar! And of course, may you discover many great books!

Princess Academy: For Girls Who Dream Big

If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world, try Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale.

You might think that this sounds like a fairy tale book filled with withering princess-types -- all waiting for their Prince Charming, but it is not. The main character, Miri, is from a mountain town where all the inhabitants work in the local quarry harvesting a precious stone called linder. Miri is small compared to the other teenagers in her village, and, to her great frustration, is forbidden by her father to work in the quarry.

Miri's fight to "be useful" to her family and village is sidetracked one day when an important visitor comes to town. The priests of the country's royal family have decided that the wife of the crown prince will come from Miri's small, unrefined village. A mandate is sent down that all the girls between 12 and 17 must attend a Princess Academy. The future princess will be selected in a year's time from this group of girls.

Miri and her friends are shocked, but they follow the order and each begins to see that the world is much bigger than they could have imagined. Miri's transformation, as she learns to read and wrestles with the notion that she may want to be the princess after all, is wonderfully portrayed

A suspenseful twist at the end will have you at the edge of your seat, and you will be cheering for each of the girls as they discover how to get what they really want from their lives.

Miri is a main character that girls can relate to, she's independent, funny, sensitive, smart, sweet and strong -- you'll be routing for a sequel after you read Princess Academy -- a great book for girls! Recommended ages: 5th grade on up....

Next on my list from this award-winning author (Princess Academy was a 2006 Newbery Honor Book): The Goose Girl -- I'll let you know what I think!

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Sahara Special: A Great Book for Every Girl

This is one of the books that I'd recommend to every girl between the ages of 11 and 14. Every girl should read it, but especially those who love to write and/or read. I also recommend this book to every writer I know, because it really is the story of an artist's journey.

Penned by the gifted author Esme Raji Codell, Sahara Special tells the story of a young girl who gets labeled by her school as a "special education" student.

Codell, however, makes sure that we, the reader, know better. We know that Sahara is misunderstood, sad, confused and lonely, but she does not belong in the hallway being tutored by the special ed teacher.

After her teacher discovers heartbreaking letters to her father (who has run out on the family), Sahara is sent to the school counselor's office where the counselor produces a jam-packed file. In the words of Sahara herself, the file...

"...is "the history of me. No, not the history. A history. A history that didn't include when me and my mom go to the bookstore. I can pick any book I want, even in hardcover. That's the way it's always been. We never have much money, but Mom doesn't blink when the numbers ring up. She hands over the big bills like she was buying milk or eggs, something we just can't do without."

Sahara is smart, but what she needs is for her mother to buck the system (she does) and she needs a teacher who believes in her.

Enter Miss Pointy (short for Poitier). She's a system-bucker herself, and sees the magic and promise that lies in Sahara. Miss Pointy has her own brand of magic -- she's the kind of teacher that every kid should have at least once in their educational life.

As the school year moves along, we get to watch Sahara heal and grow, make friends and convince herself that she is more than the daughter of a father deserted his family. She is a writer!

This is the kind of book that will leave a mark on everyone who reads it. Every character comes alive and the sweet relationships between Sahara and her mom, her teacher and her friends are unforgettable. Suitable for 4th graders on up, this book is a treasure.

I promise, if you pick up Sahara Special, you won't want to put it down until the pages run out.

Enjoy!

Celeste's Harlem Renaissance: A Trip to Remember

I love historical fiction and couldn't wait to crack the spine of Celeste's Harlem Renaissance by Eleanora E. Tate.

This book paints a vivid picture of African-American life in the 1920's, both in segregated Raleigh, North Carolina and in New York City's Harlem, but it's real strength is in its wonderful characters, especially 13-year old Celeste.

When her father leaves for an extended stay at a tuberculosis sanitarium (where victims of this highly contagious disease were sent to convalesce), Celeste begins a memorable journey from Raleigh to stay with her Aunti Val in Harlem. Armed with Dede (her precious violin) and her schoolbag, she heads north.

Tate does a brilliant job of getting us inside Celeste's head, where childhood fears are battling her desire to grow up and experience the world outside of Raleigh.

Once she arrives in Harlem, Celeste is full of hope for an eventual family reunion back home. As the months wear on, however, she realizes the improbability of this plan as her beloved Aunti turns out to be a less than perfect guardian.

A whole cast of fascinating, well-developed supporting characters surround Celeste as she embarks on this journey from girlhood to womanhood. You'll learn to love Aunt Society, laugh with Miss D., and enjoy Celeste's ever-growing circle of friends.

As her character evolves, we see Celeste learn to take care of others with kindness and empathy and still find the power within to follow her dreams. In her world, where characters fall into the category of either "butterfly" or "rock", she is determined to be both -- to spread her wings as a butterfly and be a rock to those she loves.

Celeste is the kind of girl I want my own girls to be -- a smart, compassionate dreamer -- who is also a wee bit sassy. You'll love her and her story!

*This book is recommended for 5-8th graders. One scene involves Celeste getting her period, so adults might want to be on hand to answer questions for younger readers.

Esperanza Rising: A Story of Hope

There's not a girl I know who doesn't love a story packed with adventure, tragedy, and of course, HOPE. That sums up the absorbing, beautifully written Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan.

Ryan, a prolific author who also penned Becoming Naomi Leon and Riding Freedomhas vividly recreated Esperanza's life of privilege on her father's beloved ranch in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

A tragedy on her 13th birthday alters Esperanza's life forever, and the lives of those she loves. She suddenly finds herself, her mother and three former servants en route to America fleeing from the evil hearted-uncles trying to steal her father's land.

Once in the new country, Esperanza realizes that her pampered lifestyle is gone forever, and that she will now be forced to work very hard. The difficult lives of migrant farmers in Depression-era California are described in great detail through the eyes of Esperanza.

Mix in the tension of a blossoming romance, the illness of her mother, and Esperanza's determination to see her Grandmother again, and you've got an unforgettable story. There's no putting this novel down once you start, it is an engaging tale from the very first lines to the uplifting ending.

As Esperanza's name (meaning "hope" in Spanish) suggests, even in the bleakest of situations, there is still a chance for a better life. Even when all seems lost, there is still family, independence, strength and hope.

Give Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan a chance, you won't regret it.

Read Aloud? Parent's are encouraged to read this book aloud to 3rd graders and up.
Recommended Age Level: 5th through 9th grade.