Reluctant Readers, nErDcampKS, and Graphic Novels

I'm about to pack up and make my way to Kansas for nErDcampKS, a get-together of authors and educators I'm really excited about. I get to meet fellow middle-grade and picture book authors, and find out what's happening in the classroom straight from the source (teachers and librarians). It's so easy to get caught up in talking to each other as writers that sometimes we forget who we're actually writing for: the kids.

I'm leading a session on reaching reluctant readers, and I always end up talking about graphic novels when I do. They're not comic books, thought they look like it, and they're a great bridge for those visual learners who may have given up on books altogether.

Wimpy Kid, Raina Telgemeier are my standby recommendation, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol, a recent graphic novel about going to camp, and being different (she's Russian). This was such a great addition to the graphic novel MG department--it really gets how it feels to be different, and how sometimes you're not sure if you're still a kid or should act like a teen. Funny, and easy to read, I highly recommend it for your summer reading list, even if you're not a reluctant reader.

How about you? Have any reluctant reader books to share for me to take to Kansas?

MMGM Review: Spy on History: Victor Dowd and the WWII Ghost Army by Enigma Alberti & Tony Cliff

Publication date: Jan 23rd 2018

From the Publisher: 

Your mission: Find Victor Dowd’s missing sketchbook. And discover one of the most unusual stories of World War II.

Meet the 603rd Camouflage Engineers, better known as the Ghost Army. This group of artists and sound engineers were trained to deceive the Germans in World War II with everything from fake tanks to loudspeakers broadcasting the sound of marching troops. And meet Victor Dowd, a real-life sergeant who with his fellow Ghost Army troops fought his way from Normandy, through France, and eventually across the Rhine.

Second in the Spy on History series, it’s a compelling story of a little-known chapter from the war—and a mystery to solve. Using spycraft materials included in a sealed envelope, readers will discover and unravel the clues embedded in the book’s text and illustrations, and uncover the mystery of Victor Dowd’s missing sketchbook. 

My Thoughts: 

I can't say enough good things about the Spy on History series (first book was on Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring)--I wish it had been around sooner. I often do library/teacher convention talks on how to reach reluctant readers, and this is a perfect example of a non-fiction title that would bridge the gap between fiction and non-fiction for kids who may not like to read. 

The story is one of those footnote-in-history ones, about engineers tasked with deceiving the Germans in WWII. We follow soldier Victor Dowd and the Ghost Army as their missions are challenging, and seemingly too difficult to accomplish. 

I love how there are graphic novel-style illustration throughout, plus excerpts in bold, so the story visually moves along. The author does a brilliant job at building the arc of the Ghost Army's achievement, finding the thriller-like story in history, while not trivializing the sacrifice made by the people the Ghost Army was fighting for.  

There's a historical note in the back, plus a code for kids to crack, which is fun. This book, and the series, is an exciting addition for MG readers. I'll look forward to the next book. 

**NetGalley provided e-copy for review**

Where to find me this Fall

Fall! I know, aren't you irritated when you see fall-themed decorations in the store when it's eighty-plus degrees outside? Let us have our summer, people... I'm looking at you, Hobby Lobby: Christmas décor is just not on in August.

But I did want to share some places I'll be speaking/signing this fall, plus a podcast. In case you're looking for some writing inspiration, as most of these events are for writers. I'll be cruising around on my trusted ol' Honda Element.

Sept. 8-10, 2017, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference:  I'll be talking about marketing plans for writers, the kidlit market (everything you need to know if you want to write for kids), and I'll show you how to outline your novel using plot points.

There's even a podcast of me talking about all this stuff, in case you're interested...

Sept. 16th: I'll be signing books at the Lone Tree Library (Denver), along with all my Rocky Mountain Chapter Sisters in Crime friends. If you're into mysteries, this seems like the perfect way to get the scoop on your local mystery authors.

Oct. 7-8, 2017, Rocky Mountain SCBWI Conference: This is a conference for kidlit writers, so if this is you, come on and join in on the fun! I'll be talking about how to write a MG/YA mystery, and how to put together a marketing plan (yes, you need one). There are some awesome speakers there, including Matt De la Pena...

Okay, so this is where my self-promotion ends. Although to tell you the truth, these events are pretty awesome for all the other speakers and stuff...

Hope to see you there! Seems like Denver is the place to be this Fall.

Gulf Coast friends: hope to see you in Gulfport this weekend!

I'm continuing my blog tour today at Pragmatic Mom's blog: there's an interview where I give tips on pacing for writers, and I explain how the president in Double Vision: Code Name 711 got to be a woman. Stop by, and enter to win books and spy gadgets! Spy stuff is cool.

And I'm signing in Gulfport at the B&N this Saturday. Come say howdy if you're there... I'm bringing stickers, and love to meet new people.

Happy weekend, y'all!

Here's a great list of books for reluctant readers

I wish I could take credit for this one, but it's over at Unleashing Readers: Top Books for Struggling/Reluctant Middle School Readers. Such a good resource if you're looking for books your kids will actually want to read.

I'll add Babymouse to the list, you know, so I feel like I'm contributing.

Oh, and if you're a parent or educator looking for start-of-school book ideas, check out the #titletalk Twitter chat that was on last night. It was buzzing with brilliant book recommendations from teachers, ideas for sharing the book love in the classroom, encouraging community reading--a wealth of energizing ideas. The chats are archived, so you can read the bazillion Tweets by teachers. Very cool.

Makes me excited for the new school year...