Carpinello's Writing Pages

Meet the "Young Knights"

2012-01-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

I would love to have all of you stop by my publisher's blog on Sunday (Jan. 15) morning to meet the characters in my new book Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom. This is their first time in the public eye, and they are a little nervous, as well they should be. Their book is scheduled for release this coming May, and the public's introduction to them was set for April. Just goes to show that you can't predict what kids will do.

The link is http://museituppublishing.blogspot.com

I am the main blog on Sunday morning until noon. After that I will be the second one as another Muse author posts. Hope you are able to visit.

"Guinevere" at the Internet Book Fair

2011-10-25T00:02:00.003-06:00

Don't forget to stop by the Internet Book Fair - Today Oct. 25, 2011 only.

Great books, Great Authors, Great Holiday Buys!

Recent Praise Illustrates Why I Write

2011-10-25T00:01:00.001-06:00

Dear Cheryl -

Last year our Girl Scout Troop had the privilege of attending a workshop with you to earn a Try-It. The girls had such a great time! This year we are working a program called Flat Juliette. When I asked the girls to dream big a select 10 people that you admire that we could send a Flat Juliette too, your name was at the top of this list! Girl Scout Troop 3289

Mrs. Carp -

I haven't yet made the time to write a review for your book(Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend); but, I want you to know, that I absolutely ADORED it! It was just like sitting in your classroom, and being surrounded in your energy, simply by reading your words. And a cute story with great characters certainly helped! Thank you!! Shilah Hipps

Internet Book Fest

2011-10-21T17:58:00.001-06:00

Join Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend on the 1st Internet Book Fair! A great way to get Xmas shopping for the readers on your list.

One Day Only: Oct. 25, 2011

On My Reading Table

2011-09-24T19:56:00.001-06:00

I’ve got a stack of books to read and review, some from my fellow authors (Dasef and Russell) at MuseItUp Publishing.

I'm looking forward to spending time on the beach and getting my reading done.

Yeah, like that’s going to happen. But I am going to try to get them done by the end of the year.

Here are the blurbs:

Missing Assumed Dead by Marva Dasef

Prejudice, suicide, murder, insanity. Just the everyday happenings in a remote town in the Oregon desert.

When Kameron McBride receives notice she’s the last living relative of a missing man she’s never even heard of, the last thing she wants to do is head to some half-baked Oregon town to settle his affairs. But since she’s the only one available, she grudgingly agrees.

En route, she and her rental car run afoul of a couple of hillbillies and their pickup in an accident that doesn’t seem . . . accidental. Especially when they keep showing up wherever she goes. Lucky for her, gorgeous Deputy Mitch Caldwell lends her a hand, among other things. Her suspicions increase when she meets the probate judge, and he tries just a little too hard to buy the dead man’s worthless property.

Kam probes deeper into the town’s secrets and finds almost no one she can trust. With Mitch’s help, she peels away the layers of prejudice, suicide, murder, and insanity. Kam must find out what really happened to her dead relative before someone in this backward little town sends her to join him.

And she thought Oregon was going to be boring.

The Tales of Abu Nuwas by Marva Dasef

Abu Nuwas is a teller of tales. He sits in the bazaar, hoping a passer by will give him a coin for a story. A poor spice seller, Najda, trades a packet of herbs for a story to lighten her mood. Her mother is very ill and has promised Najda in marriage to an old man. Abu Nuwas proceeds to tell of the adventures of a girl and her genie. Like Scheherazade before him, he halts the tale in the middle to tempt the girl to return for the rest of the story. Plus, of course, he always starts another to keep her coming back for more. The old story teller blends his tales to fit the spice girl's sadness, to lift her spirits. And in the telling, he gives her hope . . . and away to both heal her mother and avoid marriage to the old man.

Zarena by Rebecca Ryals Russell

When 14-year old Zarena wakes in someone else’s bed and hears voices in her head, she’s understandably terrified. So imagine her reaction when she steps out of the sleeping quarters into a magnificent Great Hall filled with priceless carvings, beautiful frescoes, and translucent-skinned beings in pastel robes. It doesn’t take long for her to find out she has somehow traveled overnight across the Megaverse to the home of a holy order called the Conscientia. Here she is to train to fulfill her destiny. Her mentor tells her about the Prophecy of Solsyl and her role as leader of the Vigorios, children demon slayers. But no one knows that her first taste of evil is only one new friendship away.

Warriors in Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood

A YA historical novel, Warriors in the Crossfire looks at one boy’s experience of impending war – war fought by two nations, Japan and the U.S. – on the Pacific island of Saipan. The island’s families are caught in the crossfire of invasion. In order to survive, Joseph, the main character, must find a new understanding of being a warrior.

This novel provides a historical perspective on American involvement in the Pacific front during WWII, an aspect of American history seldom represented in children’s literature.

Warriors addresses important themes regarding survival of heart and spirit when family and culture are under attack. The novel is created through narrative but also includes verse and kanji, Japanese elements of writing.

The Elf Queen by Lyndi Alexander

When Jelani tries on a real glass slipper left lying on the sidewalk, it splits in half and out pours dozens of two-inch high creatures who scurry away into the shadows. As if that's not bizarre enough, she is soon approached by two men claiming (of all things) to be elves who need her help to rescue their queen.

If you've come across books for children, middle graders, or young adults that you want readers to know about, let me know.

Wish me luck with my reading and hope to be back next month with reviews!

Guinevere a Finalist!

2011-08-18T14:15:00.000-06:00

I am thrilled to announce that Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend eBook has been chosen as a Finalist in the Pre-Teen Literature category of Dan Poynter's Global eBook Awards!

The winners will be announced on Saturday, August 20, 2001 in Santa Barbara, CA.

Wish her luck!

Young Knights Contract!

2011-07-16T16:59:00.000-06:00

I am thrilled to announce a publishing contract for Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom. MUSEitUp Publishingout of Canada picked up the digital and print rights. Tentative date for its debut is May 2012. Young Knightswill first appear digitally.

I will keep you posted on its progress.

Review of The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

2011-06-16T20:15:00.001-06:00

Book Two in Rick Riordan’s Kane Chronicles is thoroughly entertaining. The Throne of Fire takes readers back into the world of Ancient Egypt and fills in the gaps left from The Red Pyramid.

The most remarkable part of this story is Riordan’s vision of the Journey of Ra, the sun god. Carter and Sadie Kane experience this fantastic Journey in their search for the aged Sun God to help defeat Chaos.

I had an easier time with the narrator shifts between Carter and Sadie, but still glanced up at the top of the pages for the current storyteller. However, some of the Kanes’ wordplay reduced the tension of the story in places as I, the reader, realized they had survived the current predicament.

I applaud Riordan’s inclusion in this book of a glossary of Commands used by the Kanes, additional Egyptian terms, and a list of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses. This was missing in Book One. I used these three resources frequently while reading.

The Throne of Fire makes a good read for ages 9 and up this summer. Can’t wait for Book Three to see how the Kanes deal with the new challenges.

Helping To Fulfill A Mission

2011-06-13T15:37:00.000-06:00

I'm moving away from children's book reviews with this post with a request for help.

A good friend of mine Dan Mulay has spent the last 7 years in Senegal, Africa as a missionary with United World Mission. Along with his wife and two boys, Dan has devoted his time to helping the people of Senegal and educating the children. With the economic problems around the world, donations to keep Dan and his family involved with their valuable work have come to a halt. Originally receiving $2500 US a month, they have been cut to just $800 US a month. If you feel that you can help, any amount, even $5, would be a help. Click here to be taken to the Giving page of United World Mission. Under Designation select Missionary and then select Dan and Patty Acct#31392. Include your donation amount and the fill out the rest of the page. Dan and Patty will be forever grateful for you assistance.

Below is a letter from the Mulay Family with their accomplishments over the last 7 years.

Dear Family & Friends:

After having spent Seven years in Senegal, we wanted to share with you the fruits of the ministry that God has allowed us to participate in. It’s been an incredible ride and we believe that God wants us to continue to minister in Senegal.

God’s Ministry through the Mulay Family…present day…Dakar, Senegal…

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. John 15:16a
•Dan is serving as the Principal/Assistant Director of the only Christian school in West Africa (Dakar Academy) offering an American curriculum and providing boarding homes for the children of missionaries who are serving in 27 different countries. We also the only school in all of AFRICA with an accredited Boarding Program.

•Dan has helped to build ten village churches, in Kouta, Farabougou, Sass, Koalack, and Djorbel! He also participated in the evangelism campaigns that have allowed local pastor’s access to 38 villages that were previously “closed” to the Gospel. The Gospel message has reached over 15,000 people that would otherwise have never heard of Jesus.

•Dan has led nine medical teams into the bush to help provide urgent care and first aid to the locals. During these visits, Dan and the medical team served over 2,800 patients. Our last medical clinic alone reached 617 people!

•Dan continues to preach at local churches and at the Family Christian Fellowship on a limited basis.

•Dan is serving as the team leader for the Middle School Youth Group at Dakar Academy. Each Wednesday evening, the team provides a spiritual devotion and teaching to help the students deepen their faith.

•Dan served as the Accreditation Manager for a Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He lead a team there to verify their curriculum and help prepare them to deliver a quality Christian education.

•Dan’ ministry in Yoff has exploded! Since the departure of Cal McIntire, Dan is one of only two missionaries ministering in the Yoff fishing village. Dan continues to work with the Lebou fisherman sharing the gospel and teaching them proper diving techniques. This year, Dan organized Christmas caroling (in Wolof) in Yoff, and just last month we distributed 100 boxes from Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s Purse) to children in Yoff. We look forward to having 500 boxes next year!

•Patty is serving as the kindergarten teacher at DA and sharing her love of God and His love for us with the elementary students everyday!

•Patty is volunteering at the local Franciscan (Catholic) baby orphanage. She holds, plays with, feeds and cares for a precious few of the 50 infants several times a month. She is sharing God’s love with His little ones at a time in their lives when physical contact means more than anything! Patty coordinates the involvement of DA people with the orphanage and has also introduced 6 different students from Faith Christian Academy (Arvada, CO) to the orphanage.

•Patty is actively involved in a Talibe ministry (ministry to the local street kids attending Koranic school). She helps catalog the children to ensure that they receive proper medical attention which is provided through UWM missionaries.

•This year we have played host to 3 FCA students who have participated in an exchange program developed by Dan while on furlough. Elizabeth, Jessica, and Anna all spent a semester living with our family. We are very excited to have two of these exchange students return for the summer to continue working in ministry. Elizabeth will be living with us and working with the Talibe children and at the Deaf school. We are so proud of her will to follow God’s leading. Next year we will be host 2 more exchange students from FCA.

•Dan coordinated the details for the FCA Outreach Trip to Senegal. In November, 32 students and staff from FCA joined upwith DA in an outreach campaign. The FCA kids worked with the Talibe center providing needed vaccinations, worked in an English languages school, and helped to build a church. Dan will be working with FCA again next year to host an event larger group!

•Dan and Patty will continue to lead a team to deliver the Vacation Bible School program this summer. Nearly 140 students have attended the two events with 22 students accepting Christ as a result of their attendance. We are looking forward to seeing more students turn to the Lord as they experience Pandamania!

God’s leading for our ministry…the future…Dakar, Senegal…2011 and beyond!

•We will be living and working in Yoff this summer in a quaint one room house…no electricity, no running water, but rather a shared toilet/shower with three other Lebou families. We will be working very hard studying the Wolof language. Dan’s goal is to reach a level 3 in Wolof by the end of the summer and be able to preach the Gospel.

•Now that both of our boys will be in High School, Dan will be moving to the high school level and leading Bible studies to help the boys continue their walk with Christ.

•Dan and Patty will continue to lead Vacation Bible Study for the missionary and embassy children.

•Dan & Patty will continue French language study to allow them to have a greater impact with the Senegalese people.

What a fantastic seven years! When we began this journey, we had no idea about the wonders God had in store for our family! We have been given the opportunity to impact hundreds of people and participate in “Kingdom Building” for the King of Kings! Part of what has made this past few years so wonderful, is the support we have received from our family and friends. Although we miss all of you; your love and your fellowship, we know we are in God’s will and that gives us great peace. Your prayer support has been SO INCREDIBLE that it touches our hearts and reminds us often of how faithful God really is! Please continue to pray for us!

Many of you have also joined us in ministry through financial support. The Apostle John urged the believers to financially support those who were going out on behalf of the Gospel because that made them “fellow workers in the truth” (III John 1:5-8). This ministry continues to grow because of your generosity and faithfulness. Thank you!

Our greatest need is to seek full funding for this ministry so that we may return to the field. When we departed after furlough, we had commitments for 110% of our support needs. That support has dropped to only 45% and just recently our salary was reduced by United World Mission to $800.00 per month. Our support requirement is $2,500 which means we must raise an additional $1,800 per month to meet our basic support requirements. Those basis requirements include food, medications, household goods, Internet communication, power & electricity, water, insurance, and much more. With the inflationary rate here in Senegal continuing to climb and the exchange rate of the US dollar, our current food bills exceed our UWM salary. Our ministry is “bearing fruit” and we DESPERATELY need your assistance to “water” the vine so that it will continue to grow and thrive! We are looking for family, friends and churches to help partner with us in spreading the Good News in Senegal! If you have not supported us financially in the past, Please consider a small gift of maybe $25 or $50 on a monthly basis. Your gift is completely tax deductible and will help to further God’s kingdom. Although one-time gifts are greatly appreciated, it is the monthly supporters that help us to maintain a working budget therefore allowing us to minister more effectively. Would you please spend time in prayer with God and ask him, “How and what would you have me contribute to this ministry?”

Thank you again for your friendship, your love, your financial support, and most of all for your prayers!

From Senegal with Love,

Dan, Patty, Ryan & Mark

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram

2011-05-17T19:07:00.000-06:00

Fiona Ingram's modern Egyptian adventure The Secret of the Sacred Scarabis a page-turner. The two young South African protagonists will capture young readers' attention and their ensuing adventure will fuel dreams of treasure hunts amid mysterious lands. Long has Egypt held young readers' attention because of its mystic, hidden treasures, and hint of marvelous adventures. Ingram captures the nature of an real Egyptian visit and follows the boys from their arrival in Cairo along with their journey south to Abu Simbel and back to the Valley of the Kings. In each site, readers are enveloped into the mystery, danger, and excitement right along with the characters. I loved reading this. It just seems that nowhere else on Earth calls to more readers than Egypt.

When I last corresponded with Fiona in April, she had just signed a contract for a movie option on The Secret of the Sacred Scarab. Fiona lives and writes in South Africa.

Guinevere Video - A test run

2011-05-13T20:52:00.001-06:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

"Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend" Nominated for Award

2011-04-21T21:34:00.000-06:00

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend eBook has been nominated for Dan Poynter's Global eBook Awards!

Finalists will be announced on July 20, 2011.

Review of King Arthur's Children by Tyler Tichelaar

2011-01-23T15:29:00.003-07:00

After teaching the Legend of King Arthur for over 20 years, I felt that I had a pretty good handle on the legend. But, Tyler Tichelaar has astounded me with the details and research about the actual sons of King Arthur!

His methodical research of the ancient texts, including The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Geoffrey's The History of the Kings of Britain, The Mabinogion, and Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur coupled with more modern texts like Celtic Myth and Arthurian Romance (1967) and The Book of Arthur: Lost Tales of the Round Table (2002), present readers with a validity for Arthur’s children that has not been shown before.

Tichelaar also explores current fiction in which Arthur’s children make their own path in the literary legend of Arthur. The reasons put forth by Tichelaar in King Arthur’s Children for this proliferation of heirs is logical and at the same time magical. Arthur’s legend continues to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds, and it only makes sense that authors feel modifying the Legend will allow more people to discover the honor and hope so many are looking for in today’s world.

The information about Arthur’s early sons coupled with Tichelaar’s in-depth analysis of the known son Mordred leaves readers wondering how much more Tichelaar will uncover of this magnificent legend. Tyler even explores the claims of the British royal family both past and present that they are Arthur’s descendants!

Tichelaar’s in-depth analysis of the plausibility of King Arthur’s children reaffirms the importance that the King Arthur legacy continues to have for society and the need of people all over the world to be able to connect to and believe in King Arthur and Camelot.

10 Facts about My First NaNoWriMO

2010-12-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

It's December 1st, and November and my first NaNoWriMo are behind me. Definitely an enlightening experience and more.

Having been asked not too long ago what my passion in life was, I would now have to say that Learning is my passion. The facts listed below illustrate a large part of my learning over the last 6 years and the last 30 days!

Facts:

1. I finished with 21,599 words.

2. I was short 28,401 words.

3. My initial outline for Tutankhamen was 4,000 words.

4. Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend ended up being around 28,000 words.

5. Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom is currently at 23,400 words and at the editor.

6. Guinevere took 5 years to write, edit, and publish.

7. Young Knights has taken 2 years to write, rewrite, and now edit.

8. Tutankhamen-An Autobiography took 8 months to research and outline, and 30 days to write the first draft!

9. My fundraising goal for Young Writers was $250; I raised $255.

10. I didn't make the 50,000 words, but I still came out a winner and richer for the experience.

Thank you all for your support.

And to my writing buddy, Alice. Let me know how you finished NaNoWriMo.

My NaNoWriMo

2010-11-18T21:43:00.006-07:00

After 19 days of writing and not writing, I have learned a lot about myself and my writing habits.

Writing on demand does get a word count down, but does not help creativity.

Just writing to write even when the story hits a wall does not always remove that wall.

Creating a need to write does not take the place of loving to write.

I enjoy the creativity that paces my writing and records my ideas.

I enjoy the time I spend processing my writing in my head.

I enjoy living what I am writing.

I don't write because I have to write.

I write because I love to write.

There are 12 days left in NaNoWriMo. I am behind in my word count, and I'm not sure whether I will be able to catch up. I am not giving up though and will continue to put words down.

My story of King Tut has tripled in size from the outline I started with. Whether I finish it this month won't be evident until Nov. 30. Here's to a determined try!!!

I also want to thank my supporters. We have raised $230 of my goal of $250! It's nice to know that young writers will be benefiting from your generosity.

You may access my home page link at the Office of Letters and Light by clicking on the title of this entry.

See you on December 1st!

Exciting News!!

2010-10-28T16:18:00.002-06:00

Wanted to share with all my supporters the exciting news. The article written by Junior Girl Scout Tess Baur about my Medieval Writing Workshop that she attended earlier in October has been chosen to be published this Tuesday, Nov. 2 in The Denver Post Colorado Kids section!

The link to the article was posted in my blog of October 24, 2010 (see below).

Here is the link again: http://nextgen.yourhub.com/NextGen/Stories/General/Story~668592.aspx

Join me in Celebrating Young Writers

2010-10-24T10:05:00.004-06:00

National Novel Writing Month

Once again, I am diving in head first into a new experience.

Please join me in my first ever participation in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) this November.

I will be starting fresh with just my research and my imagination to make my children's novel of Tutankhamen come alive in 30 days!

And as I do this, the money from my sponsorships will go directly to NaNoWriMo and its Young Writers Program which provides resources and support for writing programs for K-12.

If you can help, that would be great. If not, please think of me often as I work to hammer out 50,000 words in 30 days!

My goal is $250. I have absolutely no idea if that is unrealistically high or low!

Thanks for your support.

Here is the link to my personal web page in support of The Office of Letters and Light.

Girl Scout Workshops

One of the Junior Girl Scouts who attended my writing workshop in October 2010, is a writer for The Denver Post and wrote a neat article complete with pictures for the Kids Page. Here is the link to read her work and check out the pictures. I'm sure she would be delighted if you left a comment on her work!

Also, my work with the Girl Scouts would not be possible without my great volunteers: Shelley Hegge, Michele Carpinello, Barbara Carpinello, and Jodi Carpinello.

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend Book Signing

2010-10-07T20:58:00.003-06:00

Hello all,

Book Reviews will continue once October is over, and I am once again a retired school teacher!

Come and join me Friday, Oct. 8 at Borders in SW Plaza. I will be signing books from 4-8pm. during their Educator Night.

Stop by and say hi, eat an Exploding Frog, and pick up a recipe for Medieval Gingerbread!

Get 25% off all your purchases!

Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

2010-09-02T10:06:00.003-06:00

Here is the fourth review of the 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominees.

Sent by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Ages: 10 and up

I first mentioned Haddix’s new series Missing in my November 12, 2009 blog. Sent is the second book in this series.

This fantasy story opens by informing readers that Chip and Alex have been kidnapped from the past and brought into the present day. Hence the title of the series Missing. They travel back with modern day friends Jonah and Katherine to the fifteenth century to retake their place and fix this history.

The intriguing part of this series is that Chip is actually King Edward V of England and his younger brother Alex is Richard, the Duke of York. The complicated part of this is that Chip and Alex were murdered according to history!

For an entertaining read, I recommend starting your young reader with the first book in the series Found.

As always, Haddix gives readers a thrilling ride.

Virtual Interview on Sept. 3

2010-08-30T20:16:00.002-06:00

Join me on Friday Sept. 3, 2010 from 7-8pm MST for my interview on Voices of Reality Talk Show. Learn about my Medieval Writing Workshops for Kids. Sign in early and get a screen name to chat live.

Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

2010-08-17T19:29:00.003-06:00

Here is the fourth review of the 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominees.

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson, Mary Nethery
Ages: 0-Adult

Good Luck reading this picture book with dry eyes!!

Nubs tells the story of the friendship between an Iraqi homeless dog and U.S. Major Brian Dennis. Abused and abandoned, the dog Major Dennis named Nubs was the leader of his own pack of soldiers, many of them puppies. Befriended by Major Dennis, Nubs leads readers on his miraculous journey that ended in San Diego, CA.

Heart-wrenching are the scenes of Nubs running to catch up with Major Dennis’ departed Humvee and team. Heart-warming is the bond that immediately developed and continued between Major Dennis and Nubs. A sure reminder that little kindnesses are rewarded.

An added extra are the journal pages and pictures of Major Brian Dennis.

A brief explanation: I put the age level of zero on a lot of books because most are suitable for reading out loud to young people and that includes babies. If we don’t read to them from day 1, then we are depriving them of the enjoyment of words.

Live Internet Interview

2010-08-08T10:06:00.001-06:00

Mark your calendar and tune in Monday August 9, 2010 at 6:30pm MDT for my internet interview on the Voices of Reality Kids show. We will be talking about my Medieval writing workshops for kids and, of course, "Guinevere." If you can't make it, look for it in the Archives. The show is hosted by Denver child actor Jonah Lujan.

Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

2010-08-02T23:19:00.004-06:00

Here is the third review of the 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominees. The age range: 0-adult.

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah and illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez.

Memories of this event came back to me as I read. The story of the Maasai’s gift to the American people after 9/11 is not only beautiful, it is as Kimeli says for “all the little children who read this book. You are the peace the world has been waiting for. May you grow to be compassionate diplomats.”

Even the youngest will be enthralled with the generous gift of life from the Maasai people. It is a simple story of hope and compassion that brought tears to my eyes as I read.

Illustrator Thomas Gonzalez brings the Maasai people, the cows, and the country of Kenya to life on the pages of 14 Cows for America with his rich colors and detailed drawings.

14 Cows for America inspires hope when the reader realizes that the Maasai’s gift was not just 14 Cows, but life.

Read 14 Cows for America on your own or with your family and marvel at the Maasai's generosity. Visit the 14 Cows website to learn more about this story.

Review of Rick Riordan's The Red Pyramid

2010-07-13T21:37:00.002-06:00

Along with lots of Riordan fans, I eagerly awaited the debut of his new series The Kane Chronicles. The first book is The Red Pyramid.

As with his Percy Jackson series, Riordan introduces modern day characters with ties to an ancient civilization and mythology. In The Red Pyramid, siblings Carter and Sadie find out they have the blood of Egyptian pharaohs and are descended from powerful Egyptian magicians. How they come to terms with this is spread out over the course of the plot as they scramble to save their father, uncle and themselves from Egyptian gods long forgotten but brought back to life and now focused on destroying the world.

Riordan’s combination of action and Egyptian mythology keeps the story moving along with a couple of mummies. Readers shift back and forth between today’s world and ancient Egypt easily enough, but other concerns distracted me.

The story is told from the point of view of Carter and Sadie. To accomplish this, Riordan alternates viewpoints every two chapters. Even halfway through, I still found myself unable to remember which character was telling the story. Thankfully, at the top of each right-hand page was the name of the current storyteller.

Another concern is the lack of information on Egyptian mythology to let readers become familiar with the many gods and customs. Unlike Greek mythology which is taught in some degree is schools usually through Greek literature, Egyptian mythology is not well known. It is only through my research over the last year of Egyptian mythology and life that I understood the terms ba and maat which play major roles in the story.

Riordan does his young readers a disservice by not helping them understand this fascinating culture. I understand wanting to encourage readers to branch out and learn new ideas, but this may backfire and turn readers away.

Hopefully, Riordan’s loyal followers will give him another chance to engulf them in Egyptian mythology. I await the next book with that hope in mind.

Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

2010-06-30T11:55:00.001-06:00

Here is the second review of the 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominees. The age range is 0-adult.

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

The premise of this picture book is “What do you see: a duck or a rabbit?” A simple book with a more complex idea behind it, “Duck! Rabbit!” that appeals to older readers including adults.

Young readers (1st grade and younger) will enjoy looking at the pictures done in vibrant colors, while older readers will understand what the concept the author is depicting.

A delightful addition to a home library or as a short and fun summer read from your public library.

Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

2010-06-16T10:54:00.004-06:00

Here is the first review of the 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominees. The age range is 9-12.

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DeCamillo

The Magician’s Elephant is filled with just the right amount of hope, love and magic to hook and hold readers. Her use of the elephant as the catalyst in the story brought to mind the story I read eons ago The Old Wives’ Tale by Arnold Bennett. He also used an elephant as the catalyst but it didn’t come off as well as here.

DeCamillo’s many characters each possesses a part of us all. I particularly found the character of Vilna Lutz to be the most heartbreaking. The choice he made so many years before continues to haunt him even after all the other characters find the happiness and truth they have been seeking.

The flow and rhythm of DeCamillo’s writing moves her story along swiftly (I read the book in under an hour and a half!), and her words almost ring as you read. Like The Tale of Despereaux, her seemingly simple approach to complex ideas in The Magician's Elephant reaches across to fans and new readers of DeCamillo.

An excellent read for all ages. For younger readers, the elephant will be as memorable as Despereaux.

2010 Colorado Children's Book Award Winners

2010-06-06T22:27:00.004-06:00

Looking for great reads this summer for kids? Try these award-winning books:

Picture Books

Winner: Once Upon A Cool Motorcycle Dude by Kevin O'Malley, Carol Heyer, and Scott Goto. A boy and a girl have trouble working together when they make things up.

Runner-up: Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery with illustrator Jean Cassels. Two animal friends stay together in order to survive the hurricane.

Novels

Winner: Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn. In this mystery involving the supernatural, a 13-year-old girl tries to identify the person in an old photograph with her mother and her aunt.

Runner-up: How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor. Homeless and in need of money, a girl tries to steal a dog in order to claim the reward, but finds out that's not who she is.

The Laughing Dragon Children's Book and Literacy Festival

2010-06-06T22:16:00.003-06:00

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend will be exhibiting at The Laughing Dragon Children's Book and Literacy Festival.

The Festival is being held on

Saturday, June 12, 2010
Glenn Miller Ballroom
CU-Boulder
10AM – 5 PM
FREE ADMISSION

It will be a day of celebrating and promoting children’s literacy with live readings & demos by local children’s and young adult book authors and illustrators; book characters in costume; hands-on arts & crafts; prizes; 60 vendor tables, and more!

This full day of funfilled activities for kids and families includes: book characters in costume; facepainting; games; prizes; hands-on arts & crafts, and live readings from some of Colorado’s top children’s and young adult book authors. Admission is FREE.

Stop by and pick up your recipe for writing your own Medieval story!

Book Reviews Starting in June 2010

2010-05-28T10:02:00.001-06:00

School is out today, so I will finally get the time to read and write!

In June, I will start reviewing the nominees for the 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award. There are 10 novels and 10 picture books nominated. Should be fun.

Two Brief Book Reviews

2010-04-30T19:16:00.003-06:00

These two books make good companion reads for The Odyssey and Shakespeare.

Absolutely Normal Chaos

Sharon Creech's fast-paced novel immediately pulls in readers age 10-16. Mary Lou's struggle to come to terms with her cousin will bring laughter and tears to readers. This makes a great companion book for students reading The Odyssey as Mary Lou is also reading the book over summer vacation. She constantly compares her family and herself to the broad cast of characters. Readers can visit Sharon on her website.

Shakespeare's Spy

This story is just one in a series by Gary L. Blackwood. It gives young readers a good look at Elizabethan society during Shakespeare's time. Shakespeare's Spy is even a good companion for older readers struggling with Shakespeare. Blackwood's historical setting is realistic and vivid. The book moves slow and is predictable in places, but is still a good read.

Great News!

2010-04-30T19:09:00.006-06:00

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend is a finalist for the Colorado Author's League 2010 Award in the category Book-Length Children's Fiction!

The Lightning Thief Movie

2010-02-16T12:24:00.004-07:00

Leave comments below on the debut of The Lightning Thief movie. Should readers be ecstatic and ready for the next Percy Jackson installment or disappointed?

Review of The Chronicles of Prydain

2010-02-16T12:17:00.003-07:00

The Book of Three contains enough action and suspense coupled with Welsh legend and mythology to entice the most reluctant of readers.

Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper Caer Dallben, is learning to make horseshoes for horses Caer Dallben doesn’t have and watching after Hen Wen, a pig that can tell prophecies. What he wants is to be a hero like Prince Gwydion. Any chance he gets, he practices sword fighting.

When Hen Wen escapes on his watch, Taran goes out after the white pig sure he can catch her quickly. However, she has disappeared. To find her, Taran and the reader embark on a heroic adventure fraught with mysterious and dangerous elements and encounters with the evil Horned King and Taran’s hero Prince Gwydion.

Taran never feels like a hero on his quest. Instead, what he feels is his responsibility to recapture Hen Wen. What he ultimately discovers about himself and heroes will endear him to young readers.

Lloyd Alexander’s The Book of Three is the first of five books in The Chronicles of Prydain. Visit Alexander’s Author Page at Amazon.com to see his background and the complete selection of his books.

Review of "Court of Foxes" by Brian Lux

2010-01-26T09:29:00.003-07:00

Here is the review of the Welsh young adult novel Court of Foxes by Brian Lux

Young readers will be immediately drawn to thirteen-year-old Bryn as he suddenly finds his life turned upside down by a move to a small Welsh village where adults and children are not eager to welcome outsiders. Deep within the ancient Welsh village of Morredin lurks an evil that no one talks about.

When Bryn starts having strange dreams, sees people and animals that are not there, and hears voices, he has only two confidants: his dog Cadno (Welsh for fox) and Selwyn, a mysterious man that villagers avoid. It is Selwyn who knows that Bryn has been sent to Morredin to deal with the evil that inhabits the village and the Court of Foxes.

Bryn alone must make the choice that will condemn or save the village and himself, a choice that faces each of us at some point. And, sadly, young people today are not immune to difficult choices like Bryn faces.

Court of Foxes is a fast paced story that will keep young adults and adults intrigued until Bryn’s reckoning at the end. The believable situations that Bryn’s finds himself faced with will hit home for many young readers.

Lux sets readers down in Morredin and immerses them in the Welsh culture. Welsh language is sprinkled throughout the novel, and the reader experiences some of the same frustrations as Bryn in trying to pronounce and understand the language.

Young readers may stumble over the Welsh words and the British vocabulary that is unfamiliar, but that should not disrupt the flow of the story. For example, the word ‘biro’ (pen) appears often, but can be defined in context. All just part of the excitement in reading a story from a foreign author. If you or your young reader read the American editions of the Harry Potter series, then you missed the British vocabulary.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. The mystery and suspense kept me turning pages right to the end. Young readers should find this interesting.

Brian's book is available from Amazon.com

2010 Bring Adventures for Readers and Myself

2010-01-05T20:01:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year!

Here’s hoping that 2010 brings you and your young readers
many happy adventures between book covers.

As for me, I want to give you a preview of what is coming
for 2010 and some of the books I will be talking about.

2010 promises to be exciting for followers of author Rick
Riordan. In February 2010, The Lightning Thief
starring Percy Jackson will debut on the big screen. Pierce
Brosnan, Rosario Dawson, Catherine Keener and Uma Thurman
will be bringing Riordan’s Greek mythology tale to life.
And, In the Fall of 2010, Riordan’s new series, a Camp Half
Blood spinoff, will debut.

Riordan will continue his mythology focus with his next
series based on Egyptian mythology. The Kane Chronicles,
Book One: The Red Pyramid debuts in May of 2010. It
will introduce young readers to Carter, 14, and his sister,
Sadie Kane, 12, who are descendants of Egyptian magicians.
They will take on Egyptian gods released by mistake in the
present. I know I can’t wait to read it.

John Flanagan’s Book 7 of The Ranger’s Apprentice
series is out now. Erak’s Ransom went on sale January
5, 2010. I have to get busy because I still have Book 6 to
read!

In future blogs, I will review a little older series set in
Medieval Times by Lloyd Alexander. The Chronicles of
Prydain has recently been reissued in paperback. I’m
working on Book 1, The Book of Three. I think young
readers will be excited about this series.

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of a review copy of the
Welsh children’s author Brian Lux. His publisher is
currently working on getting copies of his books into the US
market. Court of Foxes, set in Medieval Wales is
currently on its way to me. I’ve included a picture Brian
sent of Welsh school children showing off his book on a
recent school visit.

Later this year, I will share with you my recipe for writing
a Medieval Story. Easy, simple, and fun for all to do.

I hope to write blog entries more often in 2010. It is the
lack of time not the lack of material that hinders me. I am
deep into my second book Young Knights of the Round
Table: The Kings’ Ransom. In this story a prince, an
orphan, and a blacksmith’s apprentice choose a dangerous
path when they swear by the Knight’s oath to save an
innocent man accused of murder and theft from death.

My writing workshops are also on the upswing. I have more
elementary school workshops coming up second semester. The
Girl Scouts’ workshops will be held again in Denver this
spring, and we also moving outward to Colorado Springs in
April. I am also working on more book signings.

It's great being retired!

Happy reading and writing to all.

New Books by Flanagan, Delaney, and Haddix for Xmas

2009-11-12T18:50:00.005-07:00

Christmas is fast approaching, and the time is getting short for buying those books for your young readers. My favorite authors have new books and a new series that are worth picking up.

First is John Flanagan, author of the Ranger's Apprentice series. The Siege of Macindaw, Book 6, continues the exciting saga of young Ranger Will and Warrior Horace. Not only does the survival of their homeland fall upon these young shoulders, the Renegade Knight Sir Keren has taken someone very dear to Will hostage!

Second is Joseph Delaney, author of The Last Apprentice series. The Clash of the Demons, Book 6, brings back Thomas Ward's mother to ask for Thomas' help to fight one of the most powerful of old witches! However, Thomas will have to choose: his mother or the Spook.

Third is Margaret Peterson Haddix. Her new series Missing has taken off with readers. If you know someone who loved The Shadow Children series, then introduce them to Found and Sent, the first two books.

Radio Interviews of YA Authors

Browsing through some of my regular internet haunts led me to a site called The Author Hour.
Author Matthew Peterson conducts a weekly online radio show where he interviews a wide variety of authors.

On Dec. 10, 2009, the radio show is dedicated to YA Fantasy authors. Favorite author John Flanagan is featured along with James A. Owen (Here There be Dragons, Starchild comics), Frank Beddor (Looking Glass Wars novels), and James Dashner (The 13th Reality series).

If you and your young reader can't make the live broadcast, Peterson archives the interviews on his site.

Book Fairs/Author Visits/Book Stores

2009-10-05T11:07:00.005-06:00

It’s Fall and time to start thinking about books. (Do we ever not?)

With Xmas on the way, Fall is a good time to start stocking up for Xmas gifts, birthday gifts, and any day that calls for a personal gift. The best gift: a book. Here are 3 top book buying venues.

One of the great bargains this time of year are the Scholastic Book Fairs at local elementary schools. Prices are usually 20% to 50% off. And the best part: a portion of all sales go back into the school. Librarians are happy to made recommendations if you’re not sure what to buy. Scholastic usually brings in a wide range of reading materials. If you don’t have elementary school age children, call your local elementary school and ask for information about their book fair. They always welcome community involvement.
Another offering at elementary schools are local author visits. In addition to presenting a program about their writing and their works, authors come prepared to sell autographed copies of their books, usually at a lower rate that at book stores. Most authors also donate a portion of sales to the school library. Here again, call your local elementary school to ask about author visits.
If you like autographed books, then watch the local paper or visit/call the bookstores in your area. Many offer signings by authors of all types of books. While there are no bargains here, you are able to meet the author and purchase an autographed copy. Bookstores tend to schedule authors more in the Fall in hopes of enticing buyers into the stores for the holiday season.

Books are always great personal gifts for any occasion.

Dom Testa: Author and Radio Personality

2009-08-11T20:51:00.006-06:00

When the name Dom Testa comes up in a conversation, most people think of the host of the Dom and Jane Morning radio show on Denver’s Mix 100. However, teenagers know a different Dom Testa. He’s an award winning YA writer of Science Fiction with his Galahad series which starts with The Comet’s Curse. He is also a frequent visitor to schools to discuss writing and the founder of The Big Brain Club.

Recently I had the opportunity to ask him about his writing.

CC: When did you start writing?

Dom: Like most writers, I've been creating stories since I was a kid. I began to get serious about it in my 30s, but it was the work that I began doing with students that inspired me to write a young adult novel. The Comet's Curse was the result.

CC: I read that you write what you liked to read as a teenager. What else influences your writing?

Dom: It's true. When I was a kid I was a big fan of The Hardy Boys, and a series called The Three Investigators. I enjoyed the combination of action/adventure, along with a bit of mystery, and felt like kids today might want the same thing in an updated version.

I'm also influenced by the science magazines and television shows that I'm hooked on. It seems like there's so much material in the realm of the unknown, especially in deep space, that it allows young people to really fire up their imaginations.

CC: The Comet's Curse has garnered lots of positive press. What do young readers tell you about the book when you visit the schools?

Dom: Kids love the concept of a group of teenagers on their own, without any adults around. It's truly a coming-of-age tale, but also a story that inspires kids to learn responsibility and cooperation. Technically the book is science fiction, but the characters are so strong that it goes way beyond its genre. I've had kids (and parents, too) tell me that they'd never really read science fiction before The Comet's Curse, and they were now hooked. That's a huge compliment.

CC: Tor has picked up the Galahad series. Is this the first publisher you have had?

Dom: The Galahad series was originally a product of my own publishing company. After publishing three books in the series, I reached an agreement with Tor, and they have re-issued the first book (The Comet's Curse) in hardcover. They'll follow with the second book, The Web of Titan, in early 2010.

CC: You have committed yourself to helping youth with your web site The Big Brain Club. In what ways has your dedication to youth brought you satisfaction?

Dom: As a society we sometimes dwell too much on the negative stories we hear about young people, primarily because that's how the news media make their living. Yet, once you work with young people, you see so much to give you hope, and make you smile. The Big Brain Club gives kids the confidence to pursue their love of learning, without worrying about any negative stereotypes that otherwise might have held them back.

The Comet's Curse, and the rest of the books in the Galahad series, features characters who essentially embody the spirit of The Big Brain Club. The stories highlight the very best in kids, and hopefully inspires young people to achieve great things.

CC: For all those writers of young adult fiction:
Please tell how long you marketed the book before signing with Tor.
Did you go the agent route or submit to publishers yourself?
Did you ever consider self-publishing?

Dom: I did publish the books myself at first, which is quite a lot of work. I didn't pursue a traditional publisher, or seek out an agent, because I was anxious to get the books into the market right away. There are certainly trade-offs taking that approach; you DO control the product completely, including the timeline, but you're also responsible for everything, including distribution, marketing, sales, etc. It really eats at the time you have left for writing. I'm thrilled that the Galahad series has a new home with Tor!

CC: What advice do you have for writers?

Dom: Well, that's difficult to answer, because all writers are different. Like most writing teachers will tell you, it's all about discipline, about carving out that time to write as often as possible. The competition is staggering, but until you get your butt in the seat and stare down that keyboard, all you have are dreams. And nobody's buying those right now.

CC: You have three full time jobs with the radio show, writing, and speaking. How do you balance them all? Are you able to write everyday as writers are told they must do?

Dom: Finding balance is a challenge sometimes, but it helps that I love all of the things that I do. I'm fortunate, because so many people are dissatisfied with their professional lives, while I enjoy multiple careers.

However, given that they are all careers, the reality is that at any given time one of those activities is hogging my time, which might mean that writing has to take a back seat temporarily. But usually not for long! It always calls me back.

The Comet’s Curse is available on Amazon.com and major booksellers can order it if they don’t carry the book on their shelves. Locally, in Colorado, many grocery stores are also carrying it.

PDB Interview

2009-08-07T23:15:00.001-06:00

My interview with PolkaDotBanner is now posted. Please stop by and read it. Invite your friends also. If you have read "Guinevere" then please leave a brief comment at the end.

Internet Interview

2009-08-01T21:34:00.002-06:00

Look for my interview with Polkadotbanner.com this month. PDB is a supportive site for authors and readers. Readers can register for free and sign up to enter a free book drawing. They have lots of good books listed. Please stop by and take a look. Watch for Guinevere's cover on the site and click on it for additional information.

Arthur's Story from Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend

2009-07-12T15:18:00.005-06:00

Many times, small stories are found in the material that an author must cut from a novel. Following is the story behind Arthur's visit to King Leodegrance and Guinevere.

Arthur's Story

The rider galloped his sweat-streaked horse over the bridge and amid a cloud of dust rode in the bailey (inner courtyard) of the castle. Dismounting, he led his horse to the water trough. The muscles of the broad-boned horse belied its strength. Once the horse was done drinking, the rider dunked his head into the trough. Shaking the water free from his light brown hair, he ran a hand down along the ragged scar on his left cheek. His hand stopped midway as if the scar was painful.

“Arthur!”

The rider turned and and a broad grin transformed his face and softened the scar.

“Leo,” he replied, striding over to shake the older man’s extended hand.

King Leodegrance pulled Arthur into his arms and hugged him, nearly smothering him in his embrace. Arthur patted the king on the back, his head barely reaching the king’s shoulder.

“It has been many months since these old eyes have rested on your face,” the king said.

“I know, Leo. The northern tribes have kept me and my knights running around a lot of territory just to try and keep up with them, let alone have a chance to conduct a parley.”

“Well, come on inside. Have something to drink and eat. We’ll talk there.”

Arthur glanced around at his battle horse, now breathing more normal.

“Sauder!”

A short barrel-chested man stomped out of a nearby doorway. His body was covered with a leather apron and he grasped a hammer in his right hand. He acknowledged the hail with a nod of his head and a quick smile on his narrow lips as he recognized the king’s companion.

“Arthur, good to see you again,” Sauder greeted him as Arthur extended his hand which fit easily in Sauder’s.

“Sauder, take care of Arthur’s horse will you?”

“With pleasure, sir.”

“You’ll spend the night?” King Leodegrance asked.

“Yes, if you will extend your hospitality to the knights that are following me. I have gathered several different clans from the southern kings. Somewhere close to two hundred,” Arthur paused.

“It’s not a good sign that you travel with so many,” the king replied.

“No, it is not.”

“Well, no trouble here. I’ll be right back. I’ll advise Brynwyn so Cook can prepare a proper feast for road-weary men.” With that, King Leodegrance left but returned shortly.

As he reentered the room, Arthur was looking out across the bailey. King Leodegrance took a moment to take stock of the young man. Though it had been several months, Arthur had not appeared to have changed much. At times, like now in the safety of friends, his broad shoulders sagged a bit with the weight of the responsibility he had taken upon himself with the death of his father Uther Pendragon. But it was his slight stature that people focused in on, an inheritance from his mother. Most who did not know him believed at first sight that he was weak and easy pickin’s. Those who knew him, like King Leodegrance, understood that that slight stature was deceiving. Rarely was there a warrior as strong mentally and physically as Arthur.

“Well, Arthur, how can I be of assistant in pulling the northern clans together?”

Arthur turned from the window, the sunlight framing him in shining light.

“What I need, Leo,” Arthur started, “is something to make them believe that my proposal is for all of England and not just for my ego. Something that will let them know that this plan, this dream will enable all of us to endure the times ahead.”

“That I agree with. I’m troubled, though, that even with our gathering the support of the southern kingdoms behind you, the northern kings have still chosen to continue their rebellion and their raiding. What do you think they are looking for?”

“I’ve given some thought to this. Maybe stability, a permanence, a sign that whoever pulls all of the kingdoms together will be strong enough to hold them together.” He paused, allowing King Leodegrance to think about his words.

“What do you think would offer this stability, this permanence, this sign?”

“I was thinking of occupying the deserted castle down at Camelot pass. Rebuild the outer walls and fortify the entrances. Also make the castle and other buildings livable. Make it my permanent headquarters. A place where garrisons from all of the kingdoms could live, rotating time of service. What do you think?” He anxiously looked to the king, eager to hear his approval.

King Leodegrance pondered Arthur’s words carefully before speaking. “It just might be what they are looking for, the sign that you are invested in this land like they have been for years. The sign that while you are your father’s son, you bear none of the meanness that he showed them before his death. Yes, it might be a start. But will they also need further assurance?”

“Possibly, but this would be a start. If we work hard, and draw extra men from the southern kings, the castle could be ready by this time next summer.”

“Then let’s do it. We’ll pass the word here tonight and send out messengers to the other kings tomorrow. By the end of the month, you should have an army at work on the castle. Good plan, Arthur.” King Leodegrance reached out and shook Arthur’s hand, sealing the bargain.

“Your highness!” A voice called out from the hall. “Your highness!” James the carver ran into the room. “Cook sent me to tell you,” he paused trying to catch his breath.

“Tell me what?” King Leodegrance demanded.

“Sir, your highness. It’s Guinevere! Look. Out there!”

King Leodegrance strode to the opposite window, Arthur followed. Below, beyond the moat, a crowd was gathering. And there at the edge of the forest ran Guinevere.

“Darn girl. If she were not my daughter and the likeness of my late wife, I could easily take care of her rebellious streak.” He turned and left, off after his daughter. Arthur started to follow, but stopped as the King was confronted by another man outside the room.

“Your highness, you have got to do something about Guinevere. She simply must spend more time on her lessons. It is really a waste of my time otherwise,” Professor Rhymes related.

“How about I decide what is a waste of your time, Professor,” the king answered gruffly as he pushed the professor aside.

“Maybe I’ll just stay here and watch from the window,” Arthur muttered to no one but himself, a smile upon his face. Although he had never met Guinevere, the tales related by the king told of a strong-headed girl on the eve of being a formidable woman.

Watching the scene unfolding below, Arthur continued his conversation with himself.

“What else I need, Leo, my friend and mentor, is a wife. And if I can overcome your objections, I do believe that I have found her.”

If you wish to purchase a signed copy of Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend, go to www.beyondtodayeducator.

2009-07-09T21:37:00.001-06:00

ri3fcgvhaw

Summer Writing Fun for Kids

2009-05-29T19:43:00.004-06:00

Journaling is an easy and simple way to improve writing skills.

Journals don't have to be lengthy or perfect, or even written. Some of the most exciting journals could be created by kids who aren't old enough to write.

Journaling is a good way for kids to record a special outing, event, vacation, or an entire summer. Because of their creative flexibility, the journal can be adapted for any age and ability. The most common forms are the weekly or daily journals and the lengthier vacation journal.

Weekly or Daily Journal

Have kids pick a week or a day; it doesn't matter. Some special times for the weekly journal could include

Summer day camp
Visiting relatives
Vacation Bible School

Some special times for the daily journal could include

Outing to the zoo, museum, ghost town, or....
Storytime at the library
A birthday party
Holidays like Flag Day, 4th of July, Colorado Day
Frontier Days

Journal entries can take several forms and all are great learning tools.

• Draw a picture of what they have done, or
• Cut and paste a picture from a magazine, newspaper, etc.
• Take and upload photos to a computer journal.
• Write an entry to go with the picture.
• Simply write an entry without any pictures.

Remember those cave and tomb pictures you've seen? Those were the first journals! So even if you have a child who cannot write a word, they can still create a picture. And if they want, you can fill in the words for them.

Vacation Journal

These journals use a combination of the weekly and daily journals. Several ways to have kids get involved with the journal can be used.

At the end of the day, record sights, travel, food, etc.
Tell about getting there.
Tell about each activity or sight
What the hotel/motel was like
Where we ate and what we ate
What does this vacation place look like

Final Product

Regardless which journal is used, help your kids make it special.

Put it on the computer and print it out.
Buy an inexpensive photo/scrapbook so kids can then mount their writings and their photos.
Encourage them to share with family and friends.

The key for getting kids to use journals is to make it fun. If you demand that they do a journal, then they probably won't. Let them decide what they want to record and how. Even if they know how to write, they may prefer a photo or drawing journal. Remember those cave and tomb paintings!

If your kids, or even you, do this over the summer, let all of us know how it worked. Leave your comment by clicking on the envelope below.

Thank you

2009-05-03T21:34:00.002-06:00

Thanks to everyone who attended the Book Signing Open House and to those who have purchased Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend. Your support is appreciated.

Book Signing Open House

2009-04-15T19:40:00.000-06:00

May 2nd is the day set for my Book Signing Open House from Noon until 5 pm. Here is your invitation:

At the dawn of Camelot, one young girl is about to take her place beside the greatest king in England’s history.

Come and meet Guinevere before she became a Legend.

Book Signing Open House:

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009

Time: Noon-5 PM

Location: 7101 W. Yale Ave.

Clubhouse

Buy a book here (10.95) or bring your own to be signed by the author.

Feel free to bring a friend(s).

I hope to see you there. Thanks to my daughter Shelley and my sisters-in-law Barb and Jodi for arranging this.

Web Sites for Middle Grade Authors

2009-04-11T14:33:00.004-06:00

I came across these fun websites for authors Riodan, Delaney, and Flanagan.

Riodan's site offers a section on Percy's Adventures as well as a section for More Worlds to Explore.

Delaney's website is suitably named The Spook's Mistake. The site offers visitors a chance to see if they have what it takes to be a Spook's Apprentice. There is also a place to sign up to receive the Spook's email newsletter.

Flanagan's website is The Ranger's Apprentice. The site offers in-depth accounts of the characters, heroes and villains alike, as well as maps of the different countries traveled through in the series.

Adults and young readers will enjoy exploring each of these sites.

Published!!!

2009-04-01T20:51:00.005-06:00

Guinevere: On The Eve Of Legend is now published and available for purchase.

To say I'm excited is an understatement.

Please visit my website (click on the cover in the upper left hand corner of my blog) to view sales options and to read part of the story.

There is going to be a release/signing party on May 2nd. Signed books will be available for purchase. If you live out of state or will be out of town that weekend and would like a signed copy, let me know, and we'll work out the details.

Hope you visit and enjoy.

Great Books for Young Readers

2009-03-27T18:05:00.004-06:00

With summer just around the corner, it's time to start thinking of books for summer for those young readers. Here are some excellent choices from the many middle grade novels out there.

Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson Series

These action-packed novels feature the young hero Percy Jackson, half Greek God courtesy of Poseidon, and his friend AnnaBeth, half goddess courtesy of Athena. Together they battle to save the world today from all kinds of threats from the still existing ancient Greek Gods. Mythology has always been a draw for kids of all ages, and Riordan's adventures pull students in immediately with the first chapter of each book. Chapter one in the Thief is titled, "I Accidentally Vaporize my Pre-Algebra Teacher."

The Lightning Thief
The Sea of Monsters
The Titan's Curse
The Battle Of The Labyrinth
The Demigod Files

Joseph Delaney's The Last Apprentice Series

Thomas Ward is twelve years old and the seventh son of a seventh son. As such, it falls to him to become the apprentice to the local Spook who fights evil and evil creatures. In Revenge, he becomes friends with Alice, the youngest of a witch family, and this complicates his learning because the Spook imprisons witches in a pit to keep them from hurting others.

Each book ends with the current journal entries of young Ward.

Revenge Of The Witch
Curse Of The Bane
Night Of The Soul Stealer
Attack Of The Fiend
Wrath Of The Bloodeye
The Spook's Tale and Other Horrors

John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice Series

Readers meet fifteen-year-old Will who is chosen to be apprenticed to the mysterious Ranger (a modern day spy) in this medieval series. He must learn how to move around the kingdom without being seen, fight for his life only when there is no other choice, and recognize dangers to the kingdom and its people. His enemy from Battle School presents his first challenge. Lots of adventure lurks between the pages.

The Ruins Of Gorlan
The Burning Bridge
The Icebound Land
The Battle For Skandia
The Sorcerer Of The North

All of these series are suitable for readers in the Fifth grade and up (even adults!). They are lively enough for children as young as seven or eight if read aloud.

And don't forget about Guinevere: On The Eve Of Legend due out in April 2009. Further details will be forthcoming.

Boys and Reading

2009-02-26T14:44:00.014-07:00

What happens to those boys and girls once enthralled with The Little Engine That Could?

What happens to those boys and girls whose dog-eared copy of Where the Wild Things Are seemed to magically appear in their hand each night at bedtime?

What happens to those boys and girls once they reach middle school? high school?

While I claim to be no expert, my 20 years of experience teaching these types of boys and girls in the high school classroom and being a parent of a boy and a girl has given me many insights.

In most homes, as in ours, raising children including fostering their interest in reading. An avid reader myself, this was enjoyable. Our children loved storybooks and stories. School book fairs and class library days were among the favorite activities. We even did summer reading programs through the local library.

Our daughter read animal stories, fantasy, and in middle school discovered Christopher Pike. At that point, she became a life-long reader.

Our son loved the "Choose your own adventure" stories. These were packed with action and characters around his own age. Plots ranged from mysteries to space travel. However, the greatest quality of these books was that readers were free to reread the books many times, each time picking a different ending.

Somewhere between the 6th grade and high school, his reading stopped. No more books from the library and no more book fairs. His interests had changed and there were few or no books that appealed to him. Also, technology had hit. He played Nintendo at every opportunity as did most boys at that time. In high school, he read only one book and that was written by Stephen King. Nothing else. His teachers referred to him as a non-reader.

So what happened? We, parents and teachers, didn't know then. It was only when years had passed and I begin encountering similar students in class that I began to understand.

I began to investigate how to get my high school students interested in reading. Eventually I had to change my philosophy on reading. I also began to question education's definition of reading and came to this conclusion: Reading could not continue to revolve around materials determined to be "literature." Reading had to encompass all materials read for enjoyment and/or information.

Remember Nintendo? I swear our son subscribed to or bought every Nintendo guide published. And, he read them from cover to cover, several times! He also poured over the Sports section of the daily newspaper, every day! In college, he started reading financial publications and textbooks. He read research on investment strategies and the financial pages of the newspaper were added to his sports page reading. Today, his reading is done online, and he doesn't miss a day. Now, I don't consider any of this as reading enjoyment, but he does! And he reads. As does nearly everyone. We all just read differently.

But what about literature? Our son and many others like him may not read literature, but they do know the classics of literature. They know the Three Musketeers, the Count of Monte Cristo, Odysseus, the Trojan War and Achilles, and King Arthur. He, and they, just prefer watching instead of reading, the opposite of me.

These boys are readers, and they need to be referred to as readers, their choice of reading materials valued.

Let me know your thoughts on this topic.

Why I Write Middle Grade Fiction

2009-02-13T18:56:00.008-07:00

A high school English teacher for 20 years, I repeatedly became frustrated when students, most often but not always boys, would not be interested in reading, not even when given a choice of what to read. At first, I decided that I was not using the right avenue to reach them. Many years later, I came to the conclusion that by the time these students reached me, there was little I could do to change them into readers. Mind you, some did change and thanked me later, but the majority of them just did not like to read, not even non-fiction.

That's when I decided to write for reluctant readers. These students can read, but along the way have made the choice, for whatever reason, not to. I knew that I would have to focus on the lower grades (4-6) and find some topic that would interest them at that grade level and maybe, just maybe, keep them reading beyond elementary school.

I chose the world of King Arthur because I am passionate about everything in that world. In my 9th grade English classes, I taught "The Once and Future King" by T.H. White. The students explored the ideals presented and eagerly searched to find those ideals in their worlds. They (boys and girls) loved the adventures of Merlyn and Wart. The ones who didn't read the whole book listened to their peers talk about the book and became involved that way. So, I knew that this would be where I would start my writing. My subject for this first book evolved when students did not know anything of Guinevere, or only knew that she cheated on King Arthur and caused the fall of Camelot.

I set about to write a story that would acquaint elementary students with Guinevere and show them what she was like at their age. The story leaves students understanding that Guinevere was not the sole or even main cause of King Arthur's failure. It teaches a lesson that I must have had buried in my subconscious and never realized.

Carpinello's Writing Pages

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"Guinevere" at the Internet Book Fair

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Guinevere a Finalist!

Young Knights Contract!

Review of The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

Helping To Fulfill A Mission

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram

Guinevere Video - A test run

"Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend" Nominated for Award

Review of King Arthur's Children by Tyler Tichelaar

10 Facts about My First NaNoWriMO

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Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend Book Signing

Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

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Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

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Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

Review of Rick Riordan's The Red Pyramid

Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

Review of 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

2010 Colorado Children's Book Award Winners

The Laughing Dragon Children's Book and Literacy Festival

Book Reviews Starting in June 2010

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The Lightning Thief Movie

Review of The Chronicles of Prydain

Review of "Court of Foxes" by Brian Lux

2010 Bring Adventures for Readers and Myself

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Dom Testa: Author and Radio Personality

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Arthur's Story from Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend

Summer Writing Fun for Kids

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Book Signing Open House

Web Sites for Middle Grade Authors

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Great Books for Young Readers

Boys and Reading

Why I Write Middle Grade Fiction