Fan Mail Wednesday #125 (further thoughts on bullying)
Thursday, September 22nd, 2011 Posted in Bystander, Fan Mail, Readings, bullying | 2 Comments »As part of a late summer assignment, I received a terrific letter from Zander in Brooklyn, including his answer to the question, "What will happen to the characters in Bystander after the story?" Here's an excerpt from that letter . . ...
Fan Mail Wednesday #122 (Bystander Sequel)
Friday, August 19th, 2011 Posted in Bystander, bullying, the writing process | 3 Comments »Bryan writes: Can you please make a second book for "Bystander"? I loved the book and wanted to see more about eric and mary, griffin etc. It would probably sell. Thanks for considering. I replied: Bryan, - Thanks for your note. It's funny, I get asked ...
Fan Mail Wednesday #121 (re: Teaching “Bystander,” and Some Thoughts on Bullying)
Friday, August 12th, 2011 Posted in Bystander, In the Classroom | No Comments »I've been in summer mode, the quiet season for teachers and librarians, and taking a break from my weekly Fan Mail Wednesday posts. But here's a happy letter that might be useful to some of you out there, edited ever-so-slightly ...
Yes, Virginia!
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 Posted in Bystander | No Comments »Last week, Florida crumbled into submission. This week, it's Virginia tapping out under the brute force of my choke hold of a book. No, it wasn't you; I have no idea what I just said, either. Gibberish, mostly. I'm gibbering. Perhaps ...
“Bystander” Nominated for the Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award
Friday, July 22nd, 2011 Posted in Bystander | 2 Comments »I'm always happy to share good news. I learned this morning that Bystander has been selected as one of the books listed for the Sunshine State Young Reader's Award for grades 6-8. I'm not lying. Click here if you don't believe ...
Bad Words in Books: Censorship, and Self-Censorship, in Children’s Literature
Friday, July 8th, 2011 Posted in Before You Go, Bystander, the writing process | 1 Comment »I recently did an interview -- honestly forget where, but it was with a middle-school reader -- who asked the following question about Bystander: Q. What was the reason you added some questionable or inappropriate words? I replied: I don't understand the question. ...
Fan Mail Wednesday #113: Skype & Teaching in the 21st Century
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011 Posted in Bystander, School Visits | No Comments »Preamble: My friend, talented author/illustrator Matt McElligott, is a frequent presenter at schools. I saw him when he came to my local elementary school and he was spectacular. A total pro, funny, informative, and kind. For info on his author ...
Notes to Myself: Writing BYSTANDER
Monday, May 23rd, 2011 Posted in Bystander, bullying, the writing process | No Comments »I'd guess that all writers do it, but I can only speak for myself. During the course of brainstorming for a book, which for me usually involves a composition notebook and random observations, snatches of dialogue, character traits, ideas for ...
“Bystander” Named to Ballot of 2012 Charlotte Award Nominees
Thursday, April 28th, 2011 Posted in Around the Web, Bystander | No Comments »This is amazing good news. Great news, in fact. I'm happy and proud to say that my book, Bystander, is included on the ballot for the 2012 New York State Reading Association Charlotte Award. To learn more about the award, and ...
Too Much Awesome: Posters, Student Writing, etc.
Monday, April 4th, 2011 Posted in Bystander, School Visits, bullying | 5 Comments »I know, Dear Reader, I know. You are getting tired of my slipshod approach, the endless excuses about how busy I am. But! Yesterday I coached two baseball practices, for two different teams. Threw batting practice to twenty-two different boys who are at ...