Beth Stilborn: Books ~ Encouragement ~ Teaching ~ Hope
September 10, 2018
Actually, International Dot Day is actually September 15th-ish, but I figured the 10th was ish-ish enough to celebrate. International Dot Day grew out of Peter H. Reynolds’ wonderful book, THE DOT, which my friend Patricia Tilton reviewed here. If you haven’t read THE DOT, please do, and also read the companion books ISH and SKY COLOR which comprise Peter’s “Creatrilogy.” International Dot Day was the brainchild of teacher Terry Shay,…
July 2, 2018
In the first half of this year (how can we be halfway through the year already?) I benefited from several webinars about different aspects of writing. A few were free, a few had a fee, but all were worthwhile. Among them were an Agents Day hosted by SCBWI Wisconsin, a webinar about writing first pages in middle grade and YA novels hosted by SCBWI-SouthWest Texas, one on writing the middle…
April 23, 2018
I have been waiting impatiently to finish my alphabetical blog posts so I could share this book with you. Finally, I’m able to do so! It’s an important new book from my cousin, Beverley Brenna. I hope it will be widely read and taken to heart. Title: Fox Magic Author: Beverley Brenna Publisher: Markham, Ontario, Canada: Red Deer Press, 2017 Genre: Middle Grade Fiction for older middle grade kids Audience…
Title: The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist Author: Cynthia Levinson Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley Newton Publisher: New York: Simon & Schuster/Atheneum, 2017 Genre: Picture book, nonfiction/biography Audience Age: 5 to 10 years Themes/topics: Audrey Faye Hendricks, civil rights movement, protest marches, The Children’s March Opening Sentences: Whenever Mike flew into town, Audrey and her momma COO-OOOKED! (Note from Beth: “Mike” refers to Martin Luther…
March 12, 2018
Title: Unbound Author: Ann E. Burg Publisher: New York: Scholastic, 2016 Genre: Middle Grade historical fiction, verse novel Audience Age: 10 to 14 years Themes/topics: Slavery, escaped slaves, freedom, hidden community in Great Dismal Swamp Opening Sentences: When Mama tells me I’m goin to the Big House, she makes me promise to always be good, to listen to the Missus n never talk back, to lower my eyes n say,…
January 22, 2018
For the next few weeks, I’ll be reprising a few posts from the archives. I hope you’ll enjoy revisiting these posts, as I have. This was originally shared as a Perfect Picture Book post on October 26, 2012. This lovely book explores the way each of us sees things differently. We are both the same and unique at once, and that itself is something to celebrate! Title: No One But…
January 15, 2018
Today, since it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I am commemorating the man with a book about him. Title: Martin Luther King Jr.: A King Family Tribute Edited by: Angela Farris Watkins (niece of Dr. King) Publisher: New York: Abrams, 2012 Genre: Non-fiction, photo album, tribute Audience Age: 12 to as old as a person can get Theme: Dr. Martin Luther King’s life, private and public, told from the…
Bonus book today! I had intended to post about this book when I got to the letter S in my regular posts, but after I finished reading the book, I just couldn’t wait to share it with you. Title: Saints and Misfits Author: S.K. Ali Publisher: New York: Salaam Reads, an imprint of Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, 2017 Genre: Young Adult fiction Audience Age: 12 to 18…