Conference Updates & KidLit News, Aug. 22

Last week I got carried so away with celebrating the release of Ana Maria Rodriguez’s new series, Animal Secrets Revealed, that I missed tooting the birthday horn for two other books by Book Friends authors. These books will be joining today’s celebration.

I’ve been steadily adding books to the Book Friends Bookshop, which now has over 400 books! More books and authors are being added every day. And Oh! We’ve got SIX giveaways for Book Friends authors this week!

Book Friends Bookshop: Spotlight!

Last week I highlighted four sci-fi adventures, but this week we’re coming down to earth. NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month) is two months away—time to start planning your project! Reaching your goal of a 50K novel in one month will be much easier if you’ve got your plot figured out. Our writing community is so fortunate to have many authors who readily share their knowledge through twitter, online chats and webinars, and local workshops. Here are four books from authors on the Writing Books shelf to help you create a successful plot:

Professional techniques for solving plot problems such as slow beginnings, sagging middles and flat endings.

10 self-guided workshops with over 100 different exercises to help you craft a solid novel.

Even if outlining isn’t for you, the book offers all kinds of important tips on plot, structure, and character.

WRITING BLOCKBUSTER PLOTS by Martha Alderson

Step-by-step strategies and visuals that turn plotting and scene writing into a no-stress endeavor.

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Happy Book Birthday!

Today’s birthday wishes go to a former high school teacher and baseball coach, dad, and all-around good guy who is widely known for his humorous MG adventures. This is his YA debut!

The second book is a tween romp told in seven points of view. I’ve followed some of the authors online for a long time—years! Their constant support and encouragement to other authors always brightens my day.

Book three is a delightful nonfiction picture book from one of my friends on the SCBWI Blueboard, where she helps out with critiques, participates in industry discussions, and cheers for everyone else who has good news to share.

MR. 60%

By Clete Barrett Smith

Published by Crown Books for Young Readers

Matt Nolan is the high school drug dealer, deadbeat, and soon-to-be dropout according to everyone at his school. His vice principal is counting down the days until Mr. 60% (aka Matt) finally flunks out and is no longer his problem. What no one knows is the only reason Matt sells drugs is to take care of his uncle Jack, who is dying of cancer.

Meet Amanda. The overly cheerful social outcast whose optimism makes Matt want to hurl. Stuck as partners during an after-school club (mandatory for Matt), it’s only a matter of time until Amanda discovers Matt’s secret. But Amanda is used to dealing with heartbreak, and she’s determined to help Matt find a way to give life 100 percent.

Buy the book!

BEST. NIGHT. EVER.

By Jen Malone, Gail Nall, Dee Romito,

Rachel Alpine, Ronnie Arno, Alison Cherry, & Stephanie Faris

Published by Aladdin

A story told from seven points of view.

Love Actually meets Adventures in Babysitting in this hilarious novel written by seven authors about seven classmates who are preparing for a crazy night at their middle school dance.

Lynnfield Middle School is prepped and ready for a dance to remember, including an awesome performance from Heart Grenade, the all-girl band who recently won a Battle of the Bands contest. Seven classmates—Carmen, Genevieve, Tess, Ryan, Ellie, Ashlyn, and Jade—intend to make the most of the night…or at least the five of them who are able to attend do. The other two would sacrifice almost anything to be there.

One thing’s for sure—this entire crew is in for one epic night!

Buy the book!

I’VE GOT FEET

By Julie Murphy

Illustrated by Hannah Tolson

Published by Amicus Ink

Animals around the world describe unique features of their feet and how they use them. From webbed feet to sticky feet, hooved feet to bright blue feet, young readers are introduced to animal adaptions in this nonfiction picture book.

Buy the book!

Giveaways & Kidlit News!

News!

Cyndi Marko

Congratulations to author-illustrator Cyndi Marko! BOO HISS!, an illustrated chapter book about a ghost and a snake determined to evict their new roommates, sold to Karen Nagel at Aladdin. The deal was made by literary agent Adriann Ranta Zurhellen at Foundry Literary + Media.

Giveaways

Terry Lynn Johnson

Enter a Goodreads giveaway for a chance to win one of 25 ARCs of SLED DOG SCHOOL, the story of a lonely 11-year old boy who starts a business teaching dog sledding to fulfill a class assignment, but his lessons don’t work out the way he expected.

Anna Staniszewski

Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of DOGOSAURUS REX, written by Anna Staniszewski and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Sadie might not be like the other dogs, but Ben knows she’s the best dog in the world. Now if only she could stop causing so much trouble!

Alane Adams

Enter for a chance to win 1 of 25 copies of THE RAVEN GOD (Legends of Orkney #3) by Alane Adams! The Red Sun is filled with exciting characters who struggle to find their true path. Sam learns so much about his past and how to overcome his anger, but will he continue to use his power for good or will he be drawn to the dark side?

Lindsay Currie

Enter a Goodreads giveaway for a chance to win a *personalized* copy of THE PECULIAR INCIDENT ON SHADY STREET! When a 12 year-old girl moves into a century old graystone and discovers it’s haunted, she must employ the help of some new friends to unravel how Chicago’s rich history plays into the ghost’s past.

Tim Green

Enter for the chance to win a copy of TOUCHDOWN KID from bestselling author and former NFL defensive end. Football fans will love this story about a boy who is given a chance to prove that wealth and privilege don’t matter on the football field, as long as he has the skills to compete.

Obert Skye

Enter for the chance to win an ARC of MUTANT BUNNY ISLAND, an offbeat, laugh-out-loud mystery complete with comic-style illustrations. Ten-year-old Perry Owens has learned everything he needs to know from comic books. So when he receives a troubling message from his favorite uncle, Zeke, he knows exactly what’s wrong. Obviously, evil newts wearing trench coats must have kidnapped Zeke. Now they’re holding him hostage somewhere on Bunny Island, the remote vacation destination that Zeke calls home.

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