For Writers

A Kit and Caboodle of Middle-Grade Cat Books

By on March 28, 2016   /   Book Lists, Fiction, For Librarians, For Parents, For Teachers, For Writers  

I’m sure those of you with cats know all too well that every day is pretty much Respect Your Cat Day. But, believe it or not, today is officially National Respect Your Cat Day.

vintage-cat-clip-art-three-playful-kittens-under-rugSo, in honor of those feline companions who cuddle in your laps while you read, keep you company at your keyboards when you write, and generally ignore you when you’re talking to them, today we celebrate these “purrfectly” (I had to do it) wonderful books starring cats.

If you have any feline favorites you’d like to share, please tell us about them in the comments section.


9780803740563Cat in the City by Julie Salamon, author, Jill Weber, illustrator

A city savvy stray cat named Pretty Boy has always managed to make it on his own. He’s as vain as they come, and he won’t admit to being dependent on anyone. But as he discovers the pleasures of friendship, he learns that home really is where the heart is. Or, at the very least, home is where his friends are. And with friends all around New York City, Pretty Boy will always have a place to call home. The author and illustrator team who brought us the New York Times bestseller The Christmas Tree introduce an animal adventure in the tradition of A Cricket in Times Square and The One and Only Ivan.


9781492620808Ava and Taco Cat (Ava and Pip) by Carol Weston

When Ava Wren hears about an injured yellow tabby with mismatched ears, she becomes obsessed and wants to rescue him. She even picks out a perfect palindromic name: T-A-C-O-C-A-T. But when Taco joins the family, he doesn’t snuggle or purr—all he does is hide. Worse, Ava’s best friend starts hanging out with Zara, a new girl in fifth grade. Ava feels alone and writes an acclaimed story, “The Cat Who Wouldn’t Purr.” What begins as exciting news turns into a disaster. How can Ava make things right? And what about sweet, scared little Taco?

9780553535037The Cat Who Came In off the Roof by Annie M.G. Schmidt, author, David Colmer (translator)

In the tradition of The Cricket in Times Square comes this tale of courage, friendship, and what it really means to be human. This classic, which originated in Holland and has withstood the test of time worldwide, will appeal to readers young and old—and dog and cat lovers alike. An act of kindness brings shy reporter Mr. Tibble into contact with the unusual Miss Minou. Mr. Tibble is close to losing his job because he only writes stories about cats. Fortunately, Miss Minou provides him with real news. She gets the juicy inside information from her local feline friends, who are the eyes and ears of the neighborhood. Mr. Tibble is appreciative, but he wonders how she does it. He has noticed that Miss Minou is terrified of dogs and can climb trees and rooftops with elegance and ease . . . It’s almost as if she’s a cat herself. But how can that be?

9781619638402How to Capture an Invisible Cat by Paul Tobin, author, Thierry Lafontaine, illustrator

Every Friday the Thirteenth, sixth grade genius and inventor extraordinaire Nate Bannister does three not-so-smart things to keep life interesting. This time, he taught a caterpillar math, mailed a love letter, and super-sized his cat Proton before turning him invisible. As Nate and his new (well, only) friend Delphine race to stop Proton from crushing everyone and everything in town, they come face-to-face with Sir Jakob Maculte (the twenty-seventh lord of Mayberry Castle and leader of the nefarious Red Death Tea Society). Known for its criminal activity, killer tactics, and impressive tea brewing skills, the Red Death Tea Society will do anything to get in their way. Nate and Delphine must pull out every mind-blowing gadget, half-perfected invention, and unproven but theoretically sound strategy they’ve got up their sleeves in order to survive to see Saturday the Fourteenth!

9780553511239The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs by Cylin Busby, author, Gerald Kelley, illustrator

Captain Natick does not want to take a kitten on board his ship when it sets sail in 1837, but his daughter convinces him that the scrawny yellow cat will bring good luck. Onto the ship the kitten goes, and so begins the adventurous, cliff-hanging, lucky life of Jacob Tibbs. At first, Jacob’s entire world is the ship’s hold, where the sailors heave their heavy loads and long-tailed rats scurry in the darkness. But before long, Jacob’s voyage takes him above deck and onward to adventure. Along the way, Jacob will encounter loss and despair, brave thunderous storms at sea, face down a mutiny, survive on a desert island, and above all, navigate the tricky waters of shipboard life and loyalties.

9781596439771Bad Kitty Goes to the Vet by Nick Bruel

When Kitty is happy and healthy, everything is perfect. She jumps around, eats everything in sight, and has the energy to keep slobbering puppies in their place. But when she’s sick, all she can do is lie in her bed. Looks like it’s time for this sick kitty to go…to the vet. When Kitty’s family finally manages to get their clawing, angry pet into the doctor’s office, it’s a wild adventure for Kitty, who has to get the most dreaded thing of all…a shot. Once the shot is administered, Kitty is cast into an ingenious dream within a dream sequence in which she has to make right by Puppy or risk being shut out of PussyCat heaven forever. This ninth installment of the popular Bad Kitty series from Nick Bruel is chock-full of brilliant supporting characters and, of course, the crankiest bad kitty you’ve ever seen.

9780385744515Ninja Timmy by Henrik Tamm

Timmy the cat, his pal Simon the mink, and the pig brothers Jasper and Casper are inventors, and they’re hoping to sell their fabulous new contraption to a local merchant. With high hopes, they haul their machine through the crowded streets of Elyzandrium—and are promptly robbed by a gang of bullies. With the help of two new friends, Alfred, a kindly old toymaker, and Flores, a skilled cat pilot, Timmy and his pals set out to get back what is rightfully theirs. As it turns out, they’re not the only victims of these dastardly criminals. But what can this band of misfits do? In this action-packed adventure, the intrepid Timmy and his wily friends transform themselves into crime-fighting ninjas—and quite possibly heroes!

 9781250043238Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

 In her first novel since The One and Only Ivan, winner of the Newbery Medal, Katherine Applegate delivers an unforgettable and magical story about family, friendship, and resilience. Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There’s no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again. Crenshaw is a cat. He’s large, he’s outspoken, and he’s imaginary. He has come back into Jackson’s life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything?

9780062291479Warriors Super Edition: Moth Flight’s Vision by Erin Hunter

Set after the events of the Dawn of the Clans prequel arc, this Super Edition follows WindClan’s first medicine cat, Moth Flight, on a quest that changes the shape of the warrior Clans forever. The five warrior Clans are newly formed, and the forest is at peace—but in WindClan, one young cat is troubled by strange visions that will lead her to a destiny no cat could have predicted. Join the legion of fans who have discovered the epic adventures, fierce warrior cats, and thrilling fantasy world of the mega-bestselling Warriors series. This stand-alone entry is perfect for new readers and dedicated fans alike.

9781619634725Apocalypse Meow Meow by James Proimos III, author, James Proimos Jr., illustrator

Brownie, Apollo, and their ragtag group of strays have raided the grocery store and defeated some very mean mutts—but now they’ve run out of food. So when the crew discovers a nearby Twonkies factory, and all the Twonkies they could ever eat, they think they’ve got it made. The only catch is the cat guarding the factory—and this “cat” is MUCH bigger, and far more sophisticated, than any feline they’ve ever met. Can the dogs and their friends defeat their foe and claim the Twonkies for themselves? The Proimos father-son team returns with another irreverent, dog-filled take on the apocalypse, told in a graphic novel paper-over-board format. The instantly accessible artwork and laughs on each page will charm everyone from the most reluctant reader to the coolest of cats (humans and animals alike)!

9781481424882Little Cat’s Luck by Marion Dane Bauer, author, Jennifer Bell, illustrator

When an indoor calico cat named Patches spots a golden autumn leaf fluttering past her window, she can t help but venture outside to chase it. But soon, Patches feels something tugging at her, telling her to find a special place, one she won t know until she sees it. Why must she go on this search? She doesn t know yet.
Along the way, Patches finds herself in dire circumstances, but with the help of the other neighborhood animals, she faces off against the scariest dog in town and continues on her journey to her special place. Beautifully told in verse and accompanied by adorable illustrations by Jennifer A. Bell, this heartwarming novel from Newberry Honor winner, Marion Dane Bauer, is a timeless, touching, and fulfilling story about finding your way home.


5177AGWEbSL._SX341_BO1,204,203,200_Upside-Down Magic #1 by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins

Technically, only part of this book is about part of a kitten, but I think it counts as a cat book. So here are the details: For Nory, this means that instead of being able to turn into a dragon or a kitten, she turns into both of them at the same time–a dritten. For Elliott, the simple act of conjuring fire from his fingertips turns into a fully frozen failure. For Andres, wonky magic means he’s always floating in the air, bouncing off the walls, or sitting on the ceiling. For Bax, a bad moment of magic will turn him into a . . . actually, he’d rather not talk about that. Nory, Elliott, Andres, and Bax are just four of the students in Dunwiddle Magic School’s Upside-Down Magic class. In their classroom, lessons are unconventional, students are unpredictable, and magic has a tendency to turn wonky at the worst possible moments. Because it’s always amazing, the trouble a little wonky magic can cause . . .

Dorian Cirrone has written several books for children and teens. Her middle-grade novel, The First Last Day ( June 2016, S&S/Aladdin) is available for preorder. You can find her on Facebook and on Twitter as @DorianCirrone. She gives writing tips and does occasional giveaways on her blog at: http://doriancirrone.com/welcome/blog/

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A conversation with Mitali Perkins, author and writing mentor

By on March 13, 2016   /   Author Interviews, For Writers, News, Writing  

Do you have a middle grade manuscript–and some spare time during the summer? Are you looking for a mentor to provide editorial feedback and guidance? Check out the summer programs at The Highlights Foundation in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. In addition to a middle grade whole novel workshop taught by M. T. Anderson and N. Griffin in August (and now accepting applications), they’re running other classes, including Summer Camp at the Barn: A Week of Creative Mentorship 2016 (July 17-July 23 2016).

One of the faculty mentors participating in the Highlights Foundation’s Summer Camp will be Mitali Perkins, celebrated author of middle grade and YA fiction (Monsoon Summer, Secret Keeper, among other titles). As she looks ahead to her “camp week”, she graciously took some time for an interview with Barbara Dee.

How did you become involved with the Highlights Foundation Summer Camp?

I taught there a few years ago and fell in love with the place. It’s a five-senses experience (the taste of organic, fresh food, lovingly prepared, the sound of laughter around meals, and birdcalls in the woods and a rushing creek, the sight of quiet trees and kind faces, the smell of good coffee, and the feel of your keyboard tapping under your fingers as you write, and write, and write). Highlights Summer Camp is saturated in a deep love for children’s books, which makes it the perfect venue to recharge our creativity and commitment to a unique and important vocation.

What do you hope to accomplish in the one-on-one sessions with your mentees?

My goal is to bring out the best in my mentees, give them the courage to champion their own voices, and challenge them to go deeper and wider in craft. Recently I found myself tagged in a Facebook post by one of my former Highlights mentees, so I’ll excerpt her words as my hope for this summer’s relationships:

“It was my time with Mitali that made me think ‘Maybe I *could* do this….’ She helped guide and hone the story and she said, “Writing a story requires certain things, not just good writing, but characters, and conflict.” Now I had known all this, but not really known it. I didn’t really pay much attention to the craft of telling a story–the method, if you will–of writing an interesting narrative. Our conferences did, in fact, change my life, and helped me clarify what keeps me sane–and that’s writing. Mitali entered my life precisely when I needed her, and in reading my work she gave me a bit of confidence no one else could. When the demons show up to criticize and shout: “What does this matter?”, “This is crap!”, or my least favorite, “Who cares????” I am reminded of Mitali’s words: “You write well…. and you have just as much right to speak as everyone else.” These words don’t slay the demon, but they do shut him up for a bit. I can think of no greater gift to a writer than those words: You have the right to speak.”

What topics will you cover in breakout sessions?

I plan to offer a session on crafting good dialogue as well as one on creating a sense of place. I will also offer tips on using social media as a pre- or post- published writer.

Did you ever have a writing mentor? How did he/she help you with your work?

Not really, but I wish I had. I’m still looking for one! Maybe I’ll find one this summer at Highlights! Essentially, my wonderful agent Laura Rennert has served as my mentor, as have my brilliant editors, like Yolanda Leroy of Charlesbridge.

What’s one thing about being a professional author you think writing students should know?

It takes grit. You have to take risks and make mistakes. Also, if you’re full-time, like I am, it’s like running your own business with you and your work as the product.

What’s the hardest thing about writing MG?

You have to forget about the gatekeepers (parents, teachers, librarians) who have purchasing power and keep writing for the child reader, but that’s hard given that you’re also trying to butter some bread in this profession.

In your view, are there some plots that are overrepresented in MG? Underrepresented?

No, because voice matters. A fresh, unique voice can breathe new life into that same old hero’s journey, making it a page-turner.

Do you feel white authors should avoid writing from the POV of a character of color?

No. I’m alarmed that this question is increasingly asked. As adults who write for and about children, ALL of us have to confront the intersections of our privilege before telling a story. As we honestly explore how we are crossing different kinds of power borders to tell a story, it should become more clear to us whether or not we should proceed with that story. For example, take my RICKSHAW GIRL. Naima, my main character, and I do share the same cultural origin, skin color, and gender — we are both brown-skinned Bengali girls. But she is an uneducated daughter of a Muslim rickshaw puller while I was and am the overeducated daughter of a Hindu engineer. Do Naima and I REALLY have the same POV, as some readers might reverentially gush? It’s tricky, though, as some power differentials shriek with pain in our culture thanks to the realities of American history while others are more muted. Tread carefully, friends, as all of us must in this powerful, mind-shaping vocation, but don’t set up some crazy apartheid system in the realm of stories. Last but not least, ethnicity is a social construct: in a world where we are mixing and melding more than ever, are you going to decide who is a Muggle and who is Pureblood enough to tell a story?

When you read MG, what do you respond to?

Unforgettable characters and a strong sense of place. I want to slip into the skin of my hero and be there, with all five senses (can you tell this is a motif for me?), in his or her life.

Which MGs of the last few years have stood out for you, and why?

I’ve recently read and enjoyed CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate, ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia, A TIME TO DANCE by Padma Venkatraman, A LONG WALK TO WATER by Linda Sue Park, and THE CROSSOVER by Kwame Alexander. I like heroes who must overcome obstacles that aren’t typical “first world problems.”

Barbara Dee’s sixth novel for tweens, TRUTH OR DARE, will be published by Aladdin/S&S in September 2016.

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The Writing Barn in Austin, TX

By on March 4, 2016   /   For Writers, Writing  

Last weekend, I went out of my comfort zone (and my little writing space in a Chicago suburb) and journeyed to The Writing Barn in Austin, Texas for a “Mastering the Middle Grade” workshop. Before I arrived, I  knew that The Writing Barn was owned by author and writing teacher Bethany Hegedus, and set on seven and a half wooded acres about 20 minutes from downtown. But what I didn’t know is it’s a place where magic happens.

No, really. I’m not making this up. It might sound cliche but that’s why we have cliches–they’re so often true.

WB 11

The Writing Barn in Austin, TX

Twelve of us writer people arrived as strangers and left as friends, already planning our retreat reunion. We bared our souls, dug deeply into our works in progress, and learned invaluable lessons about craft from middle grade author Donna Gephart and agent Tina Wexler, our fearless program leaders.

The Thursday evening to Sunday morning retreat consisted of critique sessions for each participant, lectures, free writing time, a visit with authors Nikki Loftin and Kathrine Catmull, walks on the beautiful property, plus delicious food, lots of snacks, and abundant chocolate.

WB 12WB 8We ended the weekend by painting rocks, each of us choosing a word or phrase to represent our experience. They ranged from “trust your story” to “humor rocks” to “tribe.”

I’ve thought a lot about the word “tribe” and what it means to writers, who spend so much of our time as solitary, sometimes crazy creatures, bent over our keyboards, wracking our brains for just the right word, often doubting ourselves. During the retreat, I not only found a “tribe,” I also was reminded that writing takes courage. Sharing the story that only you can write takes courage.

WB 9Stepping back — so hard to do when we all have busy, complicated lives — can make a huge difference in your energy, your perspective, and of course, hopefully, your work.

For more info on upcoming retreats as well as classes and events at The Writing Barn, check the website. More photos from the retreat weekend can be found on The Writing Barn Facebook page.

 

Michele Weber Hurwitz is the author of The Summer I Saved the World in 65 Days and Calli Be Gold, both from Wendy Lamb Books/Penguin Random House. Both books are on state award lists. Find Michele at micheleweberhurwitz.com.

 

 

 

 

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