Mary Casanova
Mary Casanova says that she always wanted to write, but it wasn't until she participated in a workshop under the direction of Marion Dane Bauer that she was truly inspired. The year was 1989 and she determined that she would give herself ten years to see if she could get published. Now on her eighth book, Mary has more than accomplished her objective.
Mary grew up in a family with seven brothers and sometimes it was difficult to make herself heard. Now she writes to have a voice and much of what she has written is based on personal experience. All of her fiction to-date focuses on good stories with a fast pace. Stories, which up until her latest book, Stealing Thunder (reviewed this page), featured male protagonists. They all face a difficult situation and find their own inner strength to solve problems.
Mary loves hopeful endings, a good story, spare prose, and characters who need to grow and change. She wants her books to grab readers--especially those reluctant readers--to keep them engrossed and turning the pages and these all fit the bill.
Moose Tracks (1995, Hyperion, Ages 9 to 12, $14.95) was influenced by her current environment. Mary lives near the Canadian border where she see plenty of wild animals and is very interested in ecology and conservation. Her story revolves around a young boy trying to save an orphaned moose calf from poachers. It is also the story of a boy growing up and learning who is really important in his life. Wolf Shadows (1997, Hyperion Books for Children, Ages 9 up, $14.95) deals with the controversy between farmers and wolf conservationists. Riot (1996, Hyperion, Ages 9 to 12, $13.95) was based on an actual event in her community when union and nonunion workers battled it out. Sixth grader Bryan's father is a staunch union man and Bryan's life becomes more complicated when he falls for a girl from a nonunion family.
Next year brings three new books from Mary. One Dog Canoe is a picture book due out from DK Ink. The Hunter, a retelling of a Chinese folktale to be illustrated by Ed Young, will be published by Atheneum. Finally, in a real departure Mary has a story about a werewolf set in 16th century France. For more information about Mary, visit her homepage at www.marycasanova.com
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
The Hunter: A Chinese Folktale
Retold by Mary Casanova
Illustrated by Ed Young
When you combine a gifted writer with an illustrator of Ed Young's talent, it is no surprise that a special book is the result. The author first heard this folktale related by a Chinese exchange student. It is a story of a young hunter. During a time of scarce game, he meets a magic snake who gives him the gift of communicating with animals in order to become a more effective hunter. After a long period of famine, he succeeds in feeding the people of the village. Ultimately, however, he must decide whether to save his own life or the lives of the villagers. The sketches in shades of gold and black set the mood for this simple and gripping tale. It is an excellent book for group discussion on character, values and altruism. Though it is a folktale set in a different culture, the role model-Hai Li Bu-is universal and powerful in this beautifully told story . It truly is a gift to the very young, as well as the very old. 2000, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Ages 5 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Kathleen Orosz
ISBN: 0-689-82906-X
Moose Tracks
Mary Casanova
Seth is basically a good kid, but when he takes his stepfather's shotgun without permission and shoots a rabbit (whose foot he keeps as a good luck charm), he is tormented by his action. The plot thickens when Seth tries to save a moose calf whose mother has been slain by poachers and ends up in their grip. He and his friend Matt face considerable danger, but in the end it all works out. Seth also comes to realize that his stepfather is the best father he could have. The story moves at a good pace and it should keep middle readers turning the pages.
1995, Hyperion, Ages 8 to 12, $14.95.
Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7868-0042-9
Riot
Mary Casanova
Through the voice of Bryan, the young teen protagonist, Casanova describes violence-domestic and union. She delivers an exposition on the history of the labor movement and the issues relating to the environmental impact of a paper mill. But that isn't all, she also reveals the tensions found in the complex relationships of marriage with children and has created a pair of parents who embody the opposites of violence and non-violence. Wow!. No pedantic answers, just drama to be experienced. It may have been more helpful to have the author's note at the beginning of the book rather than at the end, nevertheless, I'd like to have all literate America find and read this book.
1996, Hyperion, Ages 9 to 12, $13.95 and $13.89.
Reviewer: Carolyn Dennette Michaels
ISBN: 0-7868-0215-4
ISBN: 0-7868-2204-X
Stealing Thunder
Mary Casanova
Jolene left without saying good-bye, and Libby misses riding with her. Jolene and her husband own the stables next door to the apple orchards owned by Libby's family. With Jolene gone, Libby won't get to spend time with Thunderbird, her favorite horse. Thunder was skittish when Libby first met him, but now they are fast friends. Libby yearns for the horse, but her family cannot afford to buy him. Sneaking out of the house to see her equine friend, Libby comes to understand that Jolene's husband is abusing the horse-perhaps in a plan to collect insurance money. Libby must choose between following the rules and protecting Thunder. One of the relationships in the book, between Libby and a boy named Griff, is not well developed. Griff joins in Libby's plans without any clear motivation other than that they are both outsiders at school. Despite this concern, the book is a fast-paced read, and the dilemma of trying to do what's right even though it goes against instructions is an important issue for early adolescents.
1999, Hyperion, Ages 8 to 12, $14.99.
Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
Wolf Shadows
Mary Casanova
Seth Jacobson, son of a Minnesota game warden, is intrigued by the re-establishment of wolves in the area. Yet his best friend echoes a common sentiment among area farmers: wolves kill livestock. Seth is torn between his own knowledge of wolf behavior and his desire to remain friends with Matt. But when his pal commits an act of senseless violence, Seth must choose between what's right and what's easy. This intriguing short novel lopes along as gracefully as a wolf on hard-packed snow, and should interest city and country kids equally-particularly home-schooled children, since Seth studies at home.
1997, Hyperion Books for Children, Ages 9 up, $14.95 and $3.99.
Reviewer: Donna Freedman
Added 06/25/00
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