Blog
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 »
As Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ turns 200, audiobook captures tragedy
June 8, 2018(published in the Raleigh News and Observer, June 03, 2018) http://www.newsobserver.com/living/article212218099.html This year marks the 200th birthday of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.” I began celebrating by renting the audio from the library, using the OverDrive app for read more »
Where are the strong women in children’s books? Here are some favorites.
April 30, 2018published in the Raleigh News and Observer 4/29/18 http://www.newsobserver.com/living/article208305924.html The series of biographies I read as a child had more heroes than heroines. Still I most relished the ones that featured women. They were some of few strong females I read more »
Award-winning author wants to add more diverse voices to children’s literature
April 28, 2018(Published in the News and Observer, April 22, 2018) http://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/books/article209168304.html I last spoke to Kwame Alexander in 2014, months before his book “The Crossover,” won the prestigious Newbery Award for his contributions to children’s literature. The novel read more »
