The buzz is getting louder about my upcoming YA gothic fantasy, Tantalize (Candlewick, February 2007). In her post “a tasty treat,” The Goddess of YA Literature, Teri Lesesne, writes: “…delicious twists and turns to this story. Werecreatures, vampires, unsolved murders, and more are sure to satisfy readers who lust for blood lore and romance and mysteries. …a lovely tale…already causing the two teens here at home to argue about who gets to read it first. Cool, huh? ” I’d also like to thank the YA librarians who’ve of late written me personally with related hurrahs. Your support and enthusiasm are most appreciated!
My new picture book, Santa Knows (Dutton, 2006), continues to win hearts, too. Armchair Interviews says: “Little ones will love this one. The book is delightful, adorable, entertaining…everything you could want in a children’s book about Santa.”
In addition, I’d like to offer thanks to Children’s Writers in the Central U.S. for cheering the release Santa Knows (Dutton, 2006) and to Shaken & Stirred for recommending my recent interview with author-editor Deborah Noyes (Wayshak).
More News & Links
Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith: a recommendation from Debbie Reese of American Indians in Children’s Literature. Note: Debbie also makes a broader point, asking teachers to “consider teaching students about American Indians as we are today.”
“Self-serving students inspire a teacher’s teen novel:” interview by Heidi Henneman from BookPage. Featuring Jordan Sonnenblick on Notes from the Midnight Driver (Scholastic, 2006). Read a Cynsations interview with Jordan.
“Six Simple Ways to Make the Most of Any Writing Workshop or Class” from GenerationB58144.
“Speaking in Voices: Writing a Multiple Viewpoint Novel:” a chat transcript featuring Deborah Lynn Jacobs, author of Powers (Roaring Brook, 2006), from the Institute of Children’s Literature.
The Texas Book Festival is scheduled for Oct. 26 to Oct. 29 at the State Capitol in Austin. Authors will include: Brian Anderson, Dianna Hutts Aston, Avi, Brad Barkley, Sharon Creech, Kathy Duval, Keith Graves, Lila and Rick Guzman, Helen Hemphill, Heather Hepler, David Levithan, Laura Numeroff, Richard Peck, Jane Peddicord, Rick Riordan, Louis Sachar, Lola M. Schaefer, Tanya Lee Stone, Sarah Weeks, and Kathy Whitehead.