Stuck in the Middle

There is definitely an art to crafting a successful middle reader or early teen novel. Beyond juvenile humor this type of book has to resonate with its reader. That means capturing the voice and nuances of a preteen or early teen. They are tough judges but a few book have managed to pass their tests.

Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf: A Year Told Through Stuff"

By Jennifer L. Holm

For ages 10 – 13

I love books that take a chance. This creative story of a girl in seventh grade does just that with a non-traditional narrative that works. The "Regarding the..." series by Kate and Sarah Klise have successfully adapted a non-traditional narrative format with middle readers. But "Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf" takes it a step further. Reading this story is like looking through a scrapbook or journal and it all starts with a list.

Ginny Davis begins her seventh grade year with a list of things to accomplish. However, things don't always go as planned. Some might even say they don't usually go as planned. Her list, notes, IM messages, and much more "stuff" tells of the ups and downs of the school year. The "stuff" even delves into a few of Ginny's deeper issues. She gains a new stepfather, her brother has problems with alcohol and bad behavior, and her grades take a plunge. Don't worry, this tale isn't a deep introspective drama on the trials and tribulations of being a young teen. Ginny's year ends on a high note.

This book offers a glimpse of hope and resilience. The scrapbook style involves readers without seeming like a gimmick. But honesty and humor are what make this book work. It creates a believable and appealing voice that engages readers, especially young girls.

"Teddy Roosevelt and the Treasure of Ursa Major"By Ronald Kidd

Illustrated by Ard Hoyt

For ages 6 – 10

Adapted from a Kennedy Center stage production "Teddy Roosevelt and the Treasure of Ursa Major" is the first in a series of "Capital Kids" stories that follow the children of the White House on fun-filled adventures. Liberally sprinkled with historical facts and interesting White House folklore, children will be thrust into an educational story without even knowing it.

Told from 11-year-old Archie Roosevelt's perspective, "Teddy Roosevelt and the Treasure of Ursa Major" follows three of the younger Roosevelt children as they find a mysterious slip of paper pressed between the pages of "Treasure Island." Pretty soon the Roosevelt children are scampering from room to room in the White House following clues to a hidden treasure. Add a boisterous President, a bumbling Russian ambassador, and a mysterious new nanny and you have an entertaining mystery children won't want to put down.

"Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls" (series)

By Meg Cabot

For ages 8 – 11

Best known for "The Princess Diaries," Cabot brings her trademark, frank comedy to the world of a good-hearted, impulsive, and generally nice girl. The series begins with Moving Day. Allie feels her world is on the verge of collapsing because her family is moving across town. While all this happens she loses her best friends and becomes the dreaded "new kid in school." So Allie creates rules to help herself live in an increasingly complex world. With a new installment expected on shelves this September you may want to start reading the first three books now. Look for Moving Day, The New Girl, and Best Friends and Drama Queens at your local bookstore.

Each of the "Rules for Girls" books is a compulsive read that deftly captures the conflicted feelings of a nine-year-old girl as the politics of friendship begin to complicate the rules of life. Cabot handles this struggle with fun and humor, which allows children to connect with the characters and enjoy the stories.

For information regarding reprints and pricing contact mcgeath@mcgeathfreeman.com.

Is Anything Off limits?

Is anything off limits in today's children's literature? I guess that depends on your perspective. As far as I can see, as a reviewer, picture books and early readers still tend to shy away from certain topics — sexuality, violence and drugs top the list. Sure lighter forms of these topics are discussed. you can find books with a kiss or bullying. But very few deal with homosexuality, child abuse, or suicide. And maybe they shouldn't. I'm not saying children aren't exposed to these topics in there everyday life. Heck, most kids have can find it all wrapped into one exciting package if they have a Playstation or Xbox. So where does that put children's literature? How does the industry handle these topics?

The teen, or young adult, market seems to have no problem tackling even the toughest topic. just scan the shelves in the young adult section of your local book store and you'll find books that cover everything — suicide, rape, homosexuality, hard drugs, prostitution, gang violence, murder, abortion, and much more. Some of the stories have solid messages, but some are just considered "entertaining." Maybe. After all adults get a kick out of their own pulp fiction.

So again I ask... Is anything off limits? If you were a children's and young adult book editor what would you say? Maybe you are an editor or maybe you are a parent. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Wild on Books

Animal characters make a real impact in newly published children's books.

"First Dog Fala"

By Elizabeth Van Steenwyk

Illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery

For ages 4 – 8

After President Barack Obama took the oath of office americans turned their attention to one question — What kind of dog will his family bring to the White house? Van Steenwyk brings us a tale of another President's dog in "First Dog Fala." it is the story of Franklin D. roosevelt and his beloved dog. during the darkest days of World War II 

FDR had a loyal friend in his Scottish terrier. Steenwyk relates true anecdotes of their relationship including when Fala was left behind on a Pacific island and a destroyer was sent to retrieve him. It cost American taxpayers millions of dollars and kicked off a public outcry. 

 

Montgomery brings the story to life with rich oil paintings in a retro 1930s style. The color palette is subdued but textural and helps create a visual backdrop to this wonderful story of friendship and history.

"Critter Sitter"

By Chuck Richards

For ages 4 – 8

Henry is an industrious young boy who started his own critter sitting business. his neighbors are his first customers. With a house full of unruly animals including a cat, dog, bird, fish snake, and a frog it is really no job for a beginner. But Henry never loses his cool.

 

This book takes readers on a first rate thrill ride as the bird flies the coop, the snake makes a dash for the drain and the cat tries to free a jar full of crickets. Chuck Richards further draws us into the mayhem with his colorful and expressive action illustrations of Henry hard at work.

 

"Critter Sitter" is a fun-filled story tat may just inspire budding entrepreneurs — or maybe just scare them away.

"Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles"

By Rupert Kingfisher

Illustrated by Sue Hellard

For ages 8 – 12

Each and every summer Madeline is sent to work in her uncle's restaurant in Paris. he is a horrible bully of a man named Lard and his restaurant, the Squealing Pig, isn't any better. madeline loves food and cooking. One day on an errand to the market she discovers a tiny shop with wondrous and amazing delicacies — Sea Serpent Pate, Minotaur Salami, Pterodactyl Bacon, and Roast Piranha. Madeline even discovers the most incredible ever on the shelves.

 

Before long Lard is trying to steal the recipe for the most incredible edible ever tasted and Madeline is stuck in the middle, between the mysterious Madame Pamplemousse and her horrid uncle. She must learn to stand up and believe in herself and her talents before this modern fairytale can end happily ever after.

 

Children who enjoyed Disney-Pixar's Ratatouille will also enjoy this jaunt through the Paris food scene. Although the lead character is a girl this is not a princess-style book. Boys, girls and grown-ups alike will enjoy this tale.

You may also enjoy...

"The fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau"

By Dan Yaccarino

For ages 6 – 12

Yaccarino uses his bright and inviting illustration style to present a wonderful doorway into the life of Jacques Cousteau. Children and their parents will eagerly read and learn about the man who brought everything under the sea to the rest of the world. You will be amazed by his inventions and awed by how one man changed the way we explore and understand the sea.  

Thank you Dan Yaccarino for shedding color on Cousteau's life and making it accessible to a new generation.

For a copy of these reviews, reprint permission, or pricing guides contact McGeath at mcgeath@mcgeathfreeman.com.

3 Deadly Mistakes for Self-Publishing Picture Books

There are three basic mistakes writers who self-publish picture books make more often than not. These three mistakes can kill a good idea and lead a writer to publish something that should never have been allowed in print. What amazes me though, is the author never sees the atrocity they have committed. Like a new parent, their child is the most beautiful baby in the world. 

Maybe writers who want to self-publish can avoid the mistakes by knowing the problems.

1. Illustrations — The quality of illustrations in self-published books are generally weak and sloppy. They often present visuals that are nothing more that what is in the written word. This "See & Say" approach slows the pacing of the story and bores the reader. It doesn't matter how good your story is if your illustrations are mediocre or worse. They will effectively kill your story. On the other hand, great illustrations will encourage children to keep reading and identify with the characters.

2. Design and Layout — Font selection and art direction make a big difference in how readable a book is. The flow of a story through its pages is important to keep children engaged. Does the layout encourage a natural page turn? Does a reader know where the next line is? Illustrations and type should work together not compete. This causes confusion in the readers head and interrupts the flow of the story. It is kind of like going to a movie and having the person next to you continually asking you questions about the technical aspects of what you see on screen. I see this problem all the time — in all levels of publishing. 

3. Overindulgence — We could call this "verbal gluttony" because writers say too much. Since most self-published authors don't have an editor everything ends up on paper. The writer is king in the self-publishing arena and they are often too close to their work to see the flaws. Overindulgence often leads to a "See & Say" book that never involves the reader or asks the reader to think. These books tend to preach their story. The great picture books tend to include the reader almost as if they were having a conversation. The words offer just enough information, the illustrator is allowed to bring new information to the story, and the reader completes the conversation with their own thoughts. Overindulgence just leads to a bloatedand boring story. 

Graphic Novels Make a Big Push in Children's Literature

Graphic novels have had a cult following in the adult literature world for quite some time. With the adaptation of many graphic novels into movies the medium is growing. Now children's literature is getting a boost from the graphic novel medium, as well. Editors in all the big publishing houses are on the lookout for graphic novels written for middle readers and young adults. Here are a few good examples you can probably find on your bookstore shelves today.

"Rapunzel's Revenge"

By Shannon Hale and Dean Hale

Illustrated by Nathan Hale

For ages 7 – 12

You may think you know the story of Rapunzel. Girl trapped in a tower for years by an evil witch. she throws her ridiculously long hair down to a prince who then scales the tower wall to rescue her. You remember, right? Well, that's not exactly how this version goes.

The Hales have placed Rapunzel in a beautiful castle with a lush green garden. She lives there somewhat happily until, as a young teen, she climbs the garden wall and discovers everything she thought she knew was wrong.

With a wild western setting infused with magic the adventures include posses, giant serpents, jackelopes and fairytale references galore. Rapunzel discovers the person she thought was her mother is actually an evil witch and sets out to find and rescue her real mother. she and her amazing hair team up with Jack, as in beanstalk, and set off through the countryside. they right wrongs, change lives and bring a little joy to the world along the way. 

The Hales put an adventurous and magical spin on the classic Rapunzel story. The dialogue and banter is witty and quick. The adventures are perilous without being frightening. And where most graphic novels fall flat "Rapunzel's Revenge" is successful — the characters are well developed and interesting.

Nathan hale does a great job with the illustrations. He stays away from the mange-style illustrations and brings Rapunzel to life in a very American setting and style. Boys and girls will enjoy reading this story several times, even with the fairytale kiss at the end.

"Indiana Jones Adventures, Vol. 1"

By Philip Gelatt

Illustrated by Rick Lacy

For ages 8 – 12

Ready for a new installment of Indiana Jones? This one is pretty good. Set before Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indy has his first run-in with the Nazis. while in Northern Europe Indy must battle a blizzard, find an ancient monument and unlock its secrets before the bad guys.

As with all Indiana Jones stories there is a supernatural element, fighting and a little, not-so-racy innuendo. This kid-friendly story has fast action and thrills lightly peppered with interesting historical details. The illustrations and dialogue do a good job of capturing the look and feel of Indiana Jones. Parents may even enjoy it.

Although the last movie received mixed reviews, I'd be surprised if this new line of graphic novels did. It is an enjoyable read that may just hook a new generation of Indy fans.

Other graphic novel series you may enjoy:

"Nancy Drew #14: Sleight of Dan"

By Stefan Petrucha and Sarah Kinney

Illustrated by Sho Murase

for ages 7 – 11

Nancy Drew, girl detective, is on the case when a magician's assistant goes magically missing during a show. I know I only read one book in the series, but I feel safe in saying, if you love Nancy Drew or just a good mystery you'll enjoy this graphic novel series.

"Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone: Walking Distance"

By rod Serling and Mark Kneece

Illustrated by Doug McHargue

For ages 9 – 16

The Twilight Zone is back. I know, It never actually left since you can find reruns on late night cable. Now, however, the show's most enduring episodes have been re-imagined as graphic novels. "Walking Distance" finds ad executive, Martin Sloan, looking for redemption in his old hometown. But in the Twilight Zone what you find is never what you expect. Rod Serling was ahead of his time. He used the science fiction medium to get around the censors and openly discuss social injustice, communism and other fears of the time — many of which remain relevant today. 

"Warriors: The Rise of Scourge"

By Erin Hunter and Dan Jolley

Illustrated by Bettina Kurkosi

For ages 7 – 12

Based on Erin Hunter's popular, "Warriors" novel series, the story follows wild feline clans. Real ones, not the usual teenage humans wearing short skirts and cat ears manga-style. Fans of "Warriors" will enjoy the art and style of the graphic novels but be discouraged by the thin plot lines.

For information about reprints and pricing, e-mail mcgeath@mcgeathfreeman.com.

It's Creepy Time

From picture books to young adult fiction the macabre makes its mark in children's literature.

"Beastly Rhymes to Read After Dark"By Judy Sierra 

Illustrated by Brian Biggs

For ages 4 – 8

In 2005 Judy Sierra spoofed Mother Goose with a well-received book of rhymes entitled, "Monster Goose." Sierra revisits a combination of goofy and ghastly with her new book, "Beastly rhymes."

Children will want this book before they even read the first line. Covered in the faux fur of some unidentified green-spotted beastie, it is sure to get their attention. The fun continues between the fur-clad covers with 11 funny and macabre rhymes. Creepy crawlies strike back in Never Bully a Bug. The Lavatory Crocodile will make children think twice about using school toilets. And Parasite Lost teaches about unintended consequences. Don't worry, fits of giggles will stave off any potential bout with bad dreams.

"Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go"

By Dale E. Basye

Illustrated by Bob Dob

For Ages 9 – 12

"Heck" is an inventive and darkly funny tale about Milton and Marlo Fauster, siblings who die in a tragic marshmallow bear explosion. They are sent to Heck, an otherworldly reform school. Teachers like Lizzie Borden, President Richard Nixon, and Blackbeard the Pirate make the experience very heckish for everyone.

Milton can understand why his kleptomaniac sister is in Heck, but he thinks they must have made a mistake with him. After all he was a model citizen. Evidently the school principal of darkness, Bea "Elsa" Bubb, doesn't make mistakes though.

The plot revolves around the Fauster finding a way to escape. The sewers and a good deal of potty humor play a part in the tale. It is a humorous and fast-paced read that older children will enjoy. however much of the humor with names and infamous people of the past will be over their heads. How many preteens know who Milton  or Faust are anyway?

"The Devouring"

By Simon Holt 

For Ages 15 and older

Think Body Snatchers meets the boogie-man. this very creepy tale is a great Halloween or Friday the 13th read for teens that like to be scared by a good horror story. Be aware, there is violence and very scary content that begins in the first chapter — actually the prologue.

This tale follows Reggie, a high school freshmen and her 8-year-old brother, Henry. When Reggie finds and begins reading a strange old journal, she believes the contents are merely the ravings of a crazy old woman. It's not until her brother begins acting strange that she realizes the demonic beings mentioned in the journal might actually be real. The Vours (rhymes with hours) have inhabited her brother's body. Now she must figure out how to destroy her biggest fears before they destroy her. Hopefully she can save the people she loves form a living nightmare in the process. 

This is no children's book. But teens who like a tale of terror will enjoy "The Devouring."

For information about reprints and pricing, e-mail mcgeath@mcgeathfreeman.com.

Chapter One is Online!

Welcome to Chapter One Book Reviews. I will be posting regular book reviews on everything from picture books to young adult novels and pretty much anything in between. 

I have been reviewing children's literature for more than six years. My review column is regularly featured in Palmetto Parent, Upstate Parent and Lowcountry Parent magazines. It is also featured, on a not-so-regular basis, in other local and regional niche publications such as GS Magazine. Due to contractual obligations it will be a minimum of 30 days before first run reviews, published in magazines, can be posted here on my blog. Don't worry, I have more than enough reviews, that can be published here right away, to help any parent find a new book for their child.

It's not all about reviews, though. In the coming days I'll also share some thoughts and begin discussions about the state of today's children's literature market, the difficulties of getting discovered, self-publishing, finding freelance editors, and what kids think about the current crop of books at the book store.