Writer. Book Critic. Editor.
Most of you are probably already aware of the award-winning author, Katherine Applegate. Her books include the 2008 Golden Kite Award-winning Home of the Brave, the chapter book series Roscoe Riley Rules (#1: Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs), and The Buffalo Storm, a picture book. She is also the co-creator (with her husband, Michael Grant) of the Animorphs series (#1: The Invasion), a publishing […]
This Sunday, January 15,marks the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In celebration, here are two fantastic new books—one covering the renowned figure’s life and legacy; the other, the fraught period in which King lived and died. Marching to the Mountaintop by Ann Bausum. Bausum, an award-winning children’s book author (Unraveling Freedom) who has published eight […]
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012, proved to be a groundbreaking day in the children’s and young adult publishing world. Walter Dean Myers was named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, a prestigious honor bestowed upon an author by the Librarian of Congress for a two-year term (past winners include Jon Scieszka of The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales fame […]
It’s almost a new year, but I hope all of you are busy still enjoying your holidays and squeezing out the last bit of goodness in 2011. I, for one, am taking a break from stuffing every last morsel of delicious food made by some member of my family into my mouth. A season of […]
Last minute gifts? I’ve got even more suggestions for you this week that will make middle-graders’ heads spin. The best part about this list is that it’s full of beautifully packaged educational books that make learning fun. From sports to creepy monsters to the 100 scariest things on the planet, these brainy titles are 2011’s cream of […]
It’s that time of year again. The weather’s getting nippier (well, slightly). Christmas trees are for sale on every street corner. (I live in New York where this kind of thing is a real treat. “Something green and nature-like! Wow!”) Kids are getting excited to light candles on Chanukah (early this year, eh?). And hordes […]
Three days ago on December 5th, a pretty righteous event occurred in the annals of literature where art and prose meet. Fantagraphics, the esteemed publisher of alternative comics, graphic novels, and classic comic-strip anthologies by some of the world’s finest illustrators and cartoonists, launched its much-anticipated, multi-volume collection Pogo: The Complete Syndicated Comic Strips. This book, subtitled Through […]
I know, I know. I came on the “Letter Blocks” scene two weeks ago, advertising my weekly post. But where was I last Thursday? Nowhere to be seen! Truth be told, I was buried under pots and pans, chopping cilantro, squeezing lemons, and kneading homemade bread dough for a 35-person Thanksgiving pot-luck feast. Needless to […]
Hello, fair readers and fellow enthusiasts of all things literary for middle-grade readers! I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the newest blogger for B&N’s “Letter Blocks” blog. I’ll be joining you every Thursday, bringing you (hopefully) helpful tips and friendly suggestions (nudges, perhaps?) regarding what to read and/or buy for the […]
This title highlights major destinations within Japan and the people who shape the nation's culture. Readers will learn about the geography, wildlife, history, people, and economy of Japan, gaining an understanding of what life looks like in the country today. Features include a glossary, a map, … [more]
Books are a popular form of media, and today it is easier than ever for people to write their own. This title explores the history of printing and publishing, as well as the equipment, skills, challenges, and marketing strategies involved in writing and releasing books. It also looks at book … [more]
Read an interview with me for Literary Hub’s cool "Book Marks" feature HERE.
Alexis Burling 