Janet Had a Booth at the Reading Rocks in Rockford Festival on June 7, 2014

On Saturday June 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., I sold and autographed my books at the Reading Rocks in Rockford Festival. I brought my award-winning book for children about bullying, How the Moon Regained Her Shape (Arbordale), and my poetry books Traffic Stop (Finishing Line Press), Folk Concert: Changing Times (Anaphora Literary Press), and Exodus (WordTech Editions). This festival is free fun for the whole family across the street from Krause Memorial Library in downtown Rockford, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford, Michigan 49341. Because the Rockford Public Schools awarded books and certificates to students who had improved in reading or had read many books, lots of families with children came to the festival this year. There were also people dressed as Clifford, Word Girl, and other cartoon characters to entertain the children. I had fun talking with parents and young people, and I sold many copies of How the Moon Regained Her Shape at this book fair. Although it has often rained at the Reading Rocks in Rockford Festival in the past, the…

Continue ReadingJanet Had a Booth at the Reading Rocks in Rockford Festival on June 7, 2014

Literature for Children Should Break Rules and Defy Boundaries

How the Moon Regained Her ShapeIn 1999, I went to a writers’ conference where one editor claimed that books for children must have the child hero or heroine alone completely solve the problems raised. I was astounded by this narrow-minded claim, which would nullify the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle stories, the Harry Potter novels, the adventures of Curious George, and many other fine books for children. In real life, adults including parents, coaches, and teachers often help kids to solve problems. The editor’s rule does not stand up to scrutiny. (more…)

Continue ReadingLiterature for Children Should Break Rules and Defy Boundaries

No more posts to load