Tales from the Rushmore Kid

March Recommendations--Lynn Becker's Book Picks

Here are some of the best books I managed to read in February:

Novels:

ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES, by Jennifer Niven, gives readers a compelling look at depression and bipolar disorder through the eyes of two extremely engaging characters. We first meet Violet, less than fully functional and considering all options after the death of her sister, and Finch, obsessed with death but talking Violet into living again. These two make a connection and we join them on an exploration of life (and their home state of Iowa). It's charming, funny, sad, and a terrific read. YA

RAIN REIGN, by Ann M. Martin, shares the journey of Rose Howard, a girl on the autism spectrum who is obsessed with homonyms. Life isn't easy with a dad who doesn't understand her and classmates who are less than kind, but luckily Rose gets strong support from her uncle and her beloved dog, Rain. When a storm hits and Rain goes missing, events spiral out of control. Through it all, though, Rose stays true to herself and to her principles. This is one of a number of middle grade books with autistic girls as protagonists, along with Counting by 7s and The Categorical Universe of Candace Phee. All three are strong choices. MG

The Kite that Bridged Two Nations - Picture Book Trailer/Book Launch

My good friend, the talented author Alexis O'Neill, just released her new picture book from Boyds Mill Press, The Kite That Bridged Two Nations.  The book is getting raved reviews...

“Memorable and dramatic.”
-- Kirkus Reviews

“The style lends itself to a terrific read-aloud. Teachers can use this book to make curriculum connections in science, social studies and expressing emotion in narrative writing, to name a few.”
-- Bookitkids, Amazon Reviewer

This week Alexis has her book launch at Niagra Falls, where the story originally took place, but  I recently attended her local book launch in Ventura, California at a kite flying party with other kidlit authors. Alexis, Barbara Bietz, Mary Ann Fraser, Yuki Yoshino and I participated.

Not only did we have a hoot of a time flying kites, this photo made it into Publisher's Weekly!

Alexis's book is taking the kidlit world by storm, and her much aclaimed book trailer is drawing a lot of attention. I must say I am as pleased as punch to have produced it. Congrats to Alexis. She is an inspiration to all, and I know I am not alone when I say she deserves every success for her hard work and generousity to many in the Kid Lit and the SCBWI community.

West of the Moon--Lynn Becker's Book Picks

March's Book Pick is WEST OF THE MOON, by Margi Preus. This beautiful story elegantly blends Norwegian folklore into a historical fiction plot line. It's a lovely edition put out by Abrams/Amulet, with evocative jacket art and carefully chosen typefaces and interior art.

When Astri's aunt sells her to an odious goatman for two silver pieces and a package of meat, Astri bides her time until she can escape. Spring comes and the goatman means to marry her, but Astri runs away, taking with her a strange girl who spins wool into fine yarn, and all the "treasures" she can find in the goatman's house. She grabs the sister she was forced to leave behind at her aunt's, and the three girls head for the harbor and a ship that's waiting to take them to their father in America. Astri spins stories as they go, until their journey resembles a valiant quest to find a white bear (really a prince) in a legendary castle, aided by spells, curses, and a magical hairbrush.