For this week’s Road Trip Wednesday, YA Highway asks what was the best book you read in February? Compared to last month when I read 20 books, this month has been a bit pathetic. I only read six books. That’s a terrible total for me and my only excuse is that I’ve been writing quite a … More Road Trip Wednesday – February BOOK TWEETS
I love it when teens take on the status quo. I love it when they ask the big questions. So I was so delighted when I read about Gaby Rodriguez, who pretended to be pregnant at high school to gauge the reactions of her classmates and their behavior towards her and her boyfriend. This is … More TERRIFIC TEEN TUESDAY – GABY RODRIGUEZ AND TEEN PREGNANCY
I’ve never written a talking animal. I’m not inspired by reducing the natural limitations of characters. In fact more than once I’ve written a character whose ability to communicate is somehow impeded. This is more narratively interesting to me. That said, I’ve read many books with talking animals, and enjoyed them. I thought for this … More Marvelous Middle Grade Monday – SILVERWING and talking animals
So I’m in San Francisco, and pretty excited to see the theatrical version of Cory Doctorow’s LITTLE BROTHER, which I’ve sung the praises of here. Being in San Francisco, where I lived from 2001-2004, also makes me think of LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Stephanie Perkins, which I read a few weeks ago. … More WHERE ARE ALL THE CANADIAN CITY STORIES?
It started with this Far Side cartoon, about “luposlipaphobia” which has always been one of my favorites. In case you can’t read the below, luposlipaphobia is defined as : The fear of being pursued by timber wolves around a kitchen table whilst wearing socks on a newly waxed floor. Obvious right? I mean, we’ll ALL had it … More Caniconigenitweetophobia or Why You Should Tweet Your Favorite Authors.
For this week’s Road Trip Wednesday, YA Highway asks Who is your favorite African American author or fictional character? I’m pretty excited by this question, because I’m been thinking a lot about writers and characters of color, and what they mean to me, a white writer. I’m very conflicted about writing characters of color myself, which … More Road Trip Wednesday – African American Authors and Characters
It’s Tuesday again, and after last week’s ultra-negative rant against craptacular teachers, I thought perhaps something a little more heartwarming. Something with a little Canadian Content too, which is always good, especially if I ever apply for government funding. So, this story has a little bit of everything; it’s Canadian, it’s got a francophone Vietnamese … More Terrific Teen Tuesday – Rachel Mwanza
For this week’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday the obvious choice is C. S. Lewis’s Narnia Series. Of the series, the “first” book THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE is the one that first comes to mind to focus on as a standalone, and it IS a great book. But my favorite of the series is … More Marvelous Middle Grade Monday – THE SILVER CHAIR by C. S. Lewis
I was perusing my fabulous bookshelves the other day, and it occurred to me that I have an odd and interesting collection of books by people that I know personally or have met in person. I haven’t been to many book signings; they’re not really my thing, but I have a good pile of books, many signed, that I … More Friends, Authors, and Acquaintances
So, okay, that’s Canadian speak for “Why YA”? As some readers may have heard, YA (young adult literature) is a total THING now. Agents are clamoring for it, publishers are knocking each other unconscious for hot properties. It’s a scary scene. So, right now maybe you’re asking yourself what the hell has happened to teenagers … More WHY WHY EH?
gsprendergast.com 