Blog
Correction
December 12, 2018Hello all, Please note the correct title is Polly Diamond and the Magic Book. It’s a great new series! BTW…all these books are linked to Amazon if you want further mailing ease and can’t get to an Independent!
The best books and YA novels of 2018 for younger readers
December 11, 2018(published in the News and Observer, December 9, 2018) (https://www.newsobserver.com/living/article222318090.html) Last week, I kicked off my annual Wilde Awards, the 22nd annual edition, with my list of favorite books of 2018 for children and young readers. This week, I look read more »
2018 Wilde Awards for Picture Books: The best children’s books of 2018 reflect today’s society, and our changing times
December 2, 2018(published December 2nd, 2018) Link: https://www.newsobserver.com/living/article221909055.html It’s time for my annual Wilde Awards, when I name the best books for children and young readers of the year. As I put together this list for the 22nd year and I reflect read more »
Graphic novels are more than just comic books. Here are some of our favorites.
November 4, 2018(published in the News and Observer, October 26, 2018) The book marketplace is exploding with graphic novels, a catch-all term for books with amazing illustrations and often more pictures than text.They’re not comic books, though the words and images are contained read more »
Review: Two novels’ audiobooks reveal insights into other cultures, stereotypes
September 26, 2018(published in the News and Observer, September 25, 2018 07:50 PM) I’m often aware of how often I find myself lacking an understanding of cultures not my own. I recently listened to the works of two Asian-American novelists and narrators, read more »
YA author draws upon adventurous spirit in writing her new novel
September 17, 2018Author Makiia Lucier recently moved to the Triangle from Idaho, and she may be one of the few who loves North Carolina’s characteristically humid summers. “It reminds me of Guam where I grew up,” said Lucier, who has settled in read more »
This children’s book on immigration comes as adults seek to guide and comfort kids
August 8, 2018(published in the News And Observer, August 7, 2018) https://www.newsobserver.com/living/article215920180.html Chapel Hill author Camille Andros’ new book “The Dress and the Girl” couldn’t be more timely. The book — a tale of a young girl separated from her dress upon moving read more »
Gut-wrenching ‘Educated’ is experienced through unusual, subdued vantage point
July 29, 2018(published in the News and Observer, July 29, 2018) (https://www.newsobserver.com/living/article215067875.html) I can’t drive by an accident without both dreading and being curious about what happened. I had that kind of listening experience with Tara Westover’s memoir, “Educated,” read by Julia read more »
These children’s books may not have words, but their images say so much
July 25, 2018(published in the News and Observer, July 7, 2018) (https://www.newsobserver.com/living/article212219569.html) In March I met with Mary Andrews and Nancy Zeman, the founders of Family Reading Partners (FRP) to share new wordless, or near wordless books. I’ve recommended wordless books for years. They read more »
Former teacher hit success with his first novel, ‘Nyxia.’ Then came the sophomore challenge.
July 20, 2018(published in the News and Observer, July 15, 2018) (https://www.newsobserver.com/living/article214735875.html) Ten months ago, Scott Reintgen published “Nyxia,” launching a YA science-fiction trilogy that netted him a mid-six figure advance and a lot of buzz. His second book, “Nyxia Unleashed,” read more »
