Patricia Reilly Giff
"I always start each day by writing. That's like breathing to me," says two time Newbery Honor Award winner Patricia Reilly Giff. In fact, this bestselling author admits: "I wanted to write from the first time I picked up a book and read. I thought it must be the most marvelous thing to make people dance across the pages."
Reading and writing have always been an important part of Patricia Reilly Giff's life. As a child, her favorite books included Little Women, The Secret Garden, the Black Stallion books, the Sue Barton books, and the Nancy Drew series. Giff loved reading so much that while growing up, her sister had to grab books out of her hands to get Giff to pay attention to her; later, Giff's three children often found themselves doing the same thing. As a reading teacher for 20 years, the educational consultant for Dell Yearling and Young Yearling books, an adviser and instructor to aspiring writers, and the author of more than 60 books for children, Patricia Reilly Giff has spent her entire life surrounded by books.
After earning a B.A. degree from Marymount College, Giff took the advice of the school's dean and decided to become a teacher. She admits, "I loved teaching. It was my world. I only left because I was overwhelmed with three careers-teaching, writing, and my family." During the 20 years of her teaching career, she earned an M.A. from St. John's University, a Professional Diploma in Reading and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Hofstra University. Then, one morning Giff told her husband, Jim, "I'm going to write a book. I've always wanted to write and now I shall." Jim worked quickly to combine two adjacent closets in their apartment into one cramped workspace and as Giff jokes, she "began [her] career in a closet."
Giff tries to write books "that say ordinary people are special." She says, "All of my books are based in some way on my personal experiences, or the experiences of members of my family, or the stories kids would tell me in school." Therefore, when she runs out of ideas for her books, Giff says, "I take a walk and look around. Maybe I spend some time in a classroom and watch the kids for a while. Sometimes I lie on the living room floor and remember my days in second grade or third. If all that doesn't work, I ask Ali, or Jim, or Bill"- Giff's children, whose names often appear in her books.
Giff and her husband reside in Trumbull, Connecticut. They have three children and six grandchildren. In 1990, Giff combined her two greatest loves: children's books and her family, and with her husband and her children, opened "The Dinosaur's Paw," a children's bookstore named after one of her Kids of the Polk Street School novels. This store is part of Giff's quest to bring children and books together. She and her family are trying to "share our love of children's books and writing and help others explore the whole world of children's books."
Throughout the year, Giff visits schools and libraries around the country and speaks to her readers about her books, and about writing. When discussing her work, Giff claims, "I have no special talent, you know. I never took a writing course before I began to write." She believes that "anyone who has problems, or worries, anyone who laughs and cries, anyone who feels can write. It's only talking on paper . . . talking about the things that matter to us."
Patricia Reilly Giff's novels Lily's Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods are Newbery Honor Books. In addition, her books have won numerous awards and accolades from educators, parents, and kids.
Internet resources that may be of interest:
www.kinsella.org./history/histira.htm - This site offers the point of view of American to the influx of Irish immigrants in the 19th century.
Irish immigration - This site provides a map and discussion about the Irish immigrant population in the united States in 1870.
Potato blight - This site explains blight and what happened to the Irish Potato crop in 1841.
Bio and some links provided by Random House
Patricia Reilly Giff entertained an audience at the Towson State University Children's Literature Festival by reading excerpts from the letters she gets from her fans. In response to the question about how she got started as a writer, she related that her interest went back to her days as a small child, when her father would read to her. While sitting next to him in the big brown chair she began to recognize words and soon she began to read.
In the first grade, she was inspired to become a reading teacher; then during her college years, she decided to become a writer. Now many years later, she has accomplished both. Giff taught reading for more than twenty years, and then at the "ripe old age of forty" she began writing books. Her first, Today Was a Terrible Day (1980, Puffin, Ages 4 to 6, $4.99) has young Ronald Morgan's day going from bad to worse. First he drops his pencil under his desk, then he eats a classmate's lunch, squirts water on Joy Farley's dress, and ends up breaking a flower pot ... but his "terrible day" does end on a happy note.
Since that initial book, Giff has written more than sixty, including the Polk Street School series (Dell, Ages 6 to 10, $3.25) for which she is a consultant. These entertaining and amusing stories have high interest, yet are easy to read. As a reading teacher, Giff was always on the lookout for interesting books to use in remedial reading classes. For older readers, Giff has written books such as Laura Ingalls Wilder: Growing Up in the Little House, and Mother Teresa: Mother to the Poor which are part of the series Women of Our Time (Viking, Ages 10 to 12, $10.95 or $4.50 pap.)
Giff summed up her presentation by saying that her experiences in growing up and teaching have provided a wealth of material. Her writing formula is quite straight forward. Create a person, put that person in a place, and present a problem. Then make the protagonist talk, move and worry about the problem until it gets worse and worse, and then end the story when the problem is solved. Her specialty is humorous books that explore familiar situations.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
Adiós, Anna
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrations by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
First in a series titled "Friends and Amigos," author Giff introduces children to a basic Spanish vocabulary in a challenging story setting. Sarah Cole is determined to learn to Spanish so she can share more fun activities with her friend Anna before Anna comes home from summer camp. As Sarah struggles through a book that her librarian suggested: "El Español in Diez Dias" or "Spanish in Ten Days," it seems everybody knows more Spanish than Sarah does. Even her little sister Erica corrects her Spanish. Sarah gets herself into all manner of entertaining complications that make learning Spanish more difficult as she tries to absorb all she can in just ten days. Each chapter has a full-page black and white drawing to illustrate the plot. A list of new Spanish words appears at the end of each chapter as well as a useful guide to pronunciation. At the conclusion of the book, activities are suggested that can increase Spanish language acquisition. In addition, a listing of other books as well as videos and web sites is provided. 1998, Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 7 to 10, $18.60. Reviewer: Gayle Hall-Christensen
ISBN: 0-8368-2049-5
All the Way Home
Patricia Reilly Giff
The setting for this story is Brooklyn in 1941, when baseball truly was "The National Pastime" and the Dodgers were on their way to winning the pennant. The nation was still suffering from the problems caused by the Depression and parents lived in fear of their children contracting polio. Although her mother dies before ever getting to a hospital, a little girl named Mariel recovers from the disease and is adopted by a loving nurse. Mariel moves to Brooklyn with her "almost mother" Loretta, but as she grows older she yearns to return to the hospital at Windy Hill to find out more about the mother she can scarcely remember. Brick also comes to Brooklyn after a fire wipes out his family's orchard at Windy Hill. His parents must find work elsewhere and they send Brick to stay with Loretta until they can save enough money to go back to farming. Mariel's vulnerability because of her withered leg and Brick's unhappiness at being away from his parents eventually lead them to form a friendship and together they find a way to get back to Windy Hill. A heartwarming story of love and tenacity offering a look into life in the early 1940s. 2001, Delacorte Press/Random House, $17.99 and $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-385-32209-7
ISBN: 0-385-90021-X
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Georgia Children's Book Award, 2003-2004 ; Nominee; Georgia
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2003 ; Nominee; Kentucky
Maine Student Book Award, 2002-2003 ; Nominee; Maine
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award, 2003-2004 ; Nominee; Pennsylvania
South Carolina Book Awards, 2003-2004 ; Nominee; South Carolina
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2004 ; Nominee; Texas
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2003-2004 ; Nominee; Texas
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2004 ; Nominee; Indiana
Dance with Rosie
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Julie Durrell
Rosie's grandmother was a famous ballerina, and Rosie wants to be one too. Unfortunately, she missed the deadline to sign up for classes and to make matters worse, she has had a falling out with her best friend Murphy. Her extended family, which includes parents, a younger brother and her grandfather, all seem to be supportive, especially grandpa. It is he who provides the comfort and encouragement that Rosie needs to solve her problems. A well paced story that launches a new series "Ballet Slipper". The second book in the series Rosie's Nutcracker Dreams tells of Rosie's desire to be Clara, the star of the ballet, and her struggles to maintain a friendship with Murphy and to establish one with her class rival. 1996, Viking, Ages 5 to 9, $13.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-670-86864-7
ISBN: 0-14-038559-2
A Glass Slipper for Rosie
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Julie Durrell
Most little girls love to dance on their toes and play dress up. Rosie O'Meara is no different. She dreams about becoming a beautiful ballerina and would be honored to follow in the footsteps of her late grandmother, Genevieve. Other than dancing, Rosie adores her grandpa and enjoys spending time with him. His birthday is less than a month away and she has planned a surprise ballet for him. There is only one problem! Grandpas travel plans interfere with his birthday surprise. What will Rosie do? Will grandpa make his trip? This is a lovely story that emphasizes strong family relationships. Children will love reading about Rosie in the "Ballet Slippers" series, and how she solves her problems. 1997, Viking, Ages 5 to 9, $13.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Melinda Medley Sprinkle
ISBN: 0-670-87469-8
ISBN: 0-14-130159-7
Good Dog, Bonita
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrations by Dyanne DiSalvo-Ryan
Favorite children's author, Giff, has once again written a jewel. This easy-to-read chapter book is a charming story about a young girl who goes to New York City with a neighbor, Senora Sanchez, to the opening of her art show at an art gallery. Senora Sanchez dog, Bonita, goes along also and a humorous adventure begins. This book is a great way to introduce young readers to Spanish. 1998, Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 7 to 10, $15.95. Reviewer: Sue Reichard
ISBN: 0-8368-2053-3
Good Luck, Ronald Morgan!
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
It's summer vacation and Ronald Morgan has two things to keep him busy: an impulsive new puppy and a new-age book about dog training. Getting to know his dog, as the book advises him to do, is something Ronald is having trouble with, since the puppy does not stay in one place very long. There's both humor and lessons learned here. But, better yet, there's another book for all those beginning readers who know Giff's books and delight in the comfort that a familiar author can bring. 1996, Viking, Ages 5 to 9, $13.99. Reviewer: Judy Katsh
ISBN: 0-670-86303-3
Happy Birthday, Anna, !Sorpresa!
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrations by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
Sarah's best friend Anna is having a birthday but not a party. Anna's mother has a broken arm and cannot bake a cake or decorate for a party. Sarah will have the party for Anna, although February is the busiest month of the year for Sarah's mother, who is a baker. Things get complicated when Sarah's mother wins a bakery contest and enters her creation in a national contest in Florida. Sarah is faced with canceling the party or making all the plans herself, with the help of Mrs. Sanchez, who speaks only four words of English. Planning for the party, and keeping up with Sarah's Spanish pen pal Luisa, makes for an interesting story. The author has found a creative, delightful way to introduce the Spanish language to young readers. In addition, she has introduced the concept of pen pals and offers additional reading suggestions. This is an excellent reading choice for multicultural units in the elementary classroom. 1998, Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 8 to 12, $18.60. Reviewer: Joyce Rice
ISBN: 0-8368-2052-5
Ho, Ho, Benjamin, Feliz Navidad
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
Benjamin wants a dog for Christmas and that is all he can think about-that and waiting for Christmas break to begin. Benjamin is basically a good kid who cares about his younger brother. He has plenty of friends in the neighborhood, and he even befriends the elderly Señora Sanchez. She is sad, being so far from her family and sunny homeland and not able to speak much English. Doing good deeds pays off and Benjamin gets a very happy surprise on Christmas Day. It is a warm-hearted story sprinkled with Spanish words. Part of the "Friends and Amigos" series. 1998 (orig. 1995), Gareth Stevens, Ages 5 to 10, $15.93. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8368-2051-7
It's A Fiesta, Benjamin
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
The neighbors want to raise money for a community pool. Senora Sanchez has suggested a fiesta. Benjamin is asked to be a limpieza. This is where this book offers a different reading experience; numerous words are in Spanish. The idea is to gently introduce the language as the story is being told. A vocabulary list precedes each chapter. While Benjamin is helping with the limpieza (clean up), some school papers are found that cause bad feelings between Anna and Sarah. But how can there be a fiesta and dancing if these two friends don't make up before the big day? And Benjamin's little brother is lost. All problems are solved and there is a surprise visit from Senora Sanchez's cousin. 1998, Gareth Stevens/BDD, Ages 6 to 9, $13.95 and $3.99. Reviewer: Kristin Harris
ISBN: 0-8368-2054-1
ISBN: 0-440-41089-4
Kidnap at the Catfish Cafe
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Lynne Cravath
As 11-year-old Minnie starts her own detective business, a scrawny but intrepid 'drop-in' cat called Max becomes her assistant. Together with her new friends, Cash, a new kid in town, and Kitty the Klutz, a policewoman, they eventually solve the mystery of the "everything thief." Very short, easy to read chapters with black and white drawings make this first book in the "Adventures of Minnie and Max" series suitable for those just beginning to read chapter books. 1998, Viking, Ages 7 to 11, $13.99. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
ISBN: 0-670-88180-5
Lily's Crossing
Patricia Reilly Giff
Lily, 10, spins yarns or what some might label "lies." It's her way of protecting herself. But during that summer of 1944 at Rockaway Beach, her favorite place, nothing is the same. She is so angry at her father who is going overseas that she refuses to say goodbye. Her best friend has moved away and to make matters worse, her grandmother introduces her to a refugee boy from Hungary. At first she is rude to him, but later they rescue and care for a kitten. Each child tells stories, but the tale Lily tells puts Albert in danger. This story is engrossing as Lily crosses over from self-absorption to being empathetic. 1997, Delacorte, Ages 9 to 11, $14.95. Reivewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-385-32142-2
Maggie's DoorPatricia Reilly Giff
Nory Ryan has a dream that one day her family will all be together again. They will be in Brooklyn in America, standing outside the door of her sister Maggie's house. Sean 'Red' Mallon also has a dream. He imagines himself together with his brother Francis and Francis' new young wife Maggie. Nory Ryan, his best friend and Maggie's sister, will be there with her family, and they will all be standing outside Maggie's door. These two children have this same dream but for now they have only hunger and misery in their lives. With no hope left, the Ryans and Mallons have decided to leave Ireland, and in small groups have set off on foot for the nearest port to get a ship to England, and thence another ship to America. Starving, weak, and not knowing the world beyond their own small community, the straggling travelers lose one another in the chaos of a famine-stricken Ireland. Sean finds himself alone and has to make his own way to American without a ticket or money. Slowly and painfully Nory and Sean converge on one another, finally reuniting. Patricia Reilly Giff keeps the children's stories in separate, alternating, chapters, maintaining a state of suspense as to whether the family members will in fact be able to find one another after all. The author's description of the horrors of the famine in such a matter-of-fact way makes her story very powerful. The people accept what is happening to them, which appalls us. Their poverty is almost beyond our understanding and their suffering unspeakable. Patricia Reilly Giff is also is a master of the use of imagery. For example, she frequently describes the potato crop as a stinking "ooze" in contrast to the pretty bluish purple flowers that one sees blossoming in a field of healthy potato plants. The companion to "Nory Ryan's Song" this is a book that most readers will find disturbing. At the same time, it reminds one of the strength and endurance of the human spirit, and how powerful love can be. No matter how much people suffer, they can rise above it and still find the ability to keep on going and even to be able to help others. 2003, Wendy Lamb Books, Ages 9 to 12, $15.95. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber.
ISBN: 0-385-32658-0
Best Books:
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, United States
Mary Moon Is Missing
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Lynne Cravath
What in the world has happened to Mary Moon? Minnie, Max, and Cash are determined to find out just what has become of the prize pigeon. But they soon discover that someone is trying very hard to keep Mary Moon's whereabouts a secret. Crazy things happen to the sleuths, as they become stranded on an island, and the Pigeon Prize Race inches closer and closer! With its "hip" dialogue and illustrations, Mary Moon is Missing makes reading mysteries great fun for young readers. 1998, Penguin, Ages 7 to 11, $13.99. Reviewer: Helen J. Gaush
ISBN: 0-670-88182-1
Meet the Lincoln Lions Band
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Another in the series about the Lincoln Lions band that seems to survive most mishaps without too much angst. Chrissie may have gone too far when she tells her friend Michelle that she is a member of the band, but hasn't really been selected. How she works her way out of a potentially embarrassing situation makes good reading. 1992, Bantam Doubleday Dell, Ages 6 to 9, $3.25. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-440-40516-5
Nory Ryan's Song Patricia Reilly Giff
As the stench of potatoes rotting in the field assailed their noses, Nory and Granda knew there would not be enough food to last the winter. For generations the Ryan family had lived on the west coast of Ireland eking out a living from the rocky soil. Sister Maggie had gone to America and Da was off fishing hoping to make enough for a passage for all to America. To twelve-year-old Nory fell the burden of keeping the family together. One by one farms fell to the English, neighbors died from hunger, and those that could, abandoned their homes and headed for Galway. Nory vowed to wait for Da and never let the fire go out in the hearth. But when baby brother Patchie and she were forced to eat grass and limpets, Nory knew there had to be another way to get food. Help came from old Anna who told her how to steal eggs from the nest of birds on the dangerous rocky cliffs. Every day was a struggle as Nory chanted her mantra--their sister's address in Brooklyn--and longed for the day her family would again be whole. Based on her own family's history and extensive research of the Great Hunger, Patricia Reilly Giff has written a tender and uplifting story of a remarkable girl who saw hope in spite of tragedy. The writing is as proud, strong, and dignified as the people who suffered through this difficult time. It is the author's gift and tribute to the courageous spirit of the Irish. Nory Ryan is an unforgettable heroine and her story is one to treasure. 2000, Delacorte, $15.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature)
Nory Ryan's Song
Patricia Reilly Giff
Acclaimed novelist Patricia Reilly Giff draws upon her Irish heritage to create Nory Ryan's Song. Twelve-year-old Nory scrimps and schemes to save her family from starving during Ireland's Great Hunger of 1845-1852, when the potato crop failed and the merciless English landlords forced the Irish from their homes. Nory dreams of food and safety in America--but passage costs money and they have nothing. This powerful first-person narrative, sprinkled throughout with Celtic terms, captures the rhythm and sound of Irish speech. This is historical fiction at its best. 2000, Random House/Delacorte, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature)
Nory Ryan's Song
Patricia Reilly Giff
Patricia Giff writes of Ireland during the great potato famine, in the years of 1845-52. Over a million people died of starvation and illness. Over three million people left Ireland for the United States. The author says, "Six of my eight great-grandparents lived through the famine. When they came to America, they must have been ashamed--as if it had been their fault that they had no food, no schooling, that the clothes they wore were torn and filthy." Patricia Giff tells the story of Nory Ryan from stories she heard from her grandmothers and people in Ireland. Nory might have been Ms. Giff's great-grandmother. Nory lives with her brother, sister, and granddad on Maidin Bay on the West Coast of Ireland. Her father has been gone for some time, working on a fishing boat to earn rent money for Lord Cunningham. During the worst of the famine, Nory summons the courage and ingenuity to find food and hope and survival for her family and herself. One by one, Nory sees her family leave for America until only she is left with Anna, a neighbor that she has grown to love. This is an incredible portrayal of a twelve-year-old girl's day-by-day struggle to stay alive. The story is filled with suspense and surprises. Young people and adults alike will gain new insight into the basic ideas of home, family, friendship, and hope. 2000, Delacorte, 148p, $15.95. Grades 5-8. Reviewer: Sally Meyers (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 13, No. 3))
ISBN: 0-385-32141-4
Best Books:
Best Books for Young Adults, 2001 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2001 ; Children's Literature; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2001 ; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2001 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 2000 ; Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc.; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, August 2000 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2000 ; Cahners; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2001 ; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
The Golden Kite Award Honor Book 2000 Fiction United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award Reading List, 2002-2003 ; Nominee; Arkansas
Colorado Children's Book Award List, 2003 ; Nominee; Colorado
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2001-2002 ; Nominee; Vermont
Great Stone Face Award, 2001-2002 ; Nominee; New Hampshire
Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 2003 ; Nominee; Wyoming
Land of Enchantment Book Awards, 2002-2003 ; Nominee; New Mexico
Maine Student Book Award, 2001-2002 ; Nominee; Maine
Mark Twain Award, 2002-2003 ; Nominee; Missouri
Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Award, 2003 ; Nominee; Pacific Northwest
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2001-2002 ; Nominee; Pennslyvania
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2003 ; Nominee; Illinois
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2002 ; Nominee; Texas
Volunteer State Book Award, 2004 ; Nominee; Tennessee
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2002-2003 ; Nominee; Kansas
Nory Ryan's Song (Audiobook)
Patricia Reilly Giff
Performance by Susan Lynch
Life is hard in Maiden Bay on Ireland's West Coast. Susan Lynch performs this audio book that chronicles the Ryan family's struggle to survive when blight hits the potato crop. Nory, a nine-year-old girl, must watch after her younger brother and help her grandfather while her father is away fishing to make enough money to pay Lord Cunningham the rent. Susan Lynch relates the story from Nory's viewpoint in a lilting Irish accent. She reads clearly, depicting Nory's sadness at her family and her community's plight. Even before blight hits the potato crop, food is scarce, and the family must take great care of clothes, household goods, and each other. The courage and love shown between the family members makes this audio book worth the listening. Total playing time for the three cassettes is three hours, thirty minutes. It would have been helpful if a warning about when to switch from side A to side B had been provided, a minor fault of an otherwise very well-done book on tape. 2000, Listening Library, Unabridged. 3 audiocass. 3hrs. 30mins. $24.00. Grades 3-6. Reviewer: Virginia Bailey (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 13, No. 3))
Nory Ryan's Song (Audiobook)
Patricia Reilly Giff
Performance by Susan Lynch
The year is 1845 and the place is Maidin Bay on the West Coast of Ireland. Nory Ryan's family struggles to get by. Her Da is gone for months fishing to earn the rent and the rest of the family plant potatoes so they won't starve. Life gets harder as Lord Cunningham seems determined to force the people from their land and blight hits the potatoes. Many immigrate to America, including Nory's adored sister Maggie. Nory longs for the day when the family can be together. The story is well read in an Irish accent by actress Susan Lynch. Her Irish brogue takes the listener to Ireland with Nory and her family. Other characters may speak with a slightly different accent, but Lynch consistently maintains Nory's lilt while at the same time revealing her deep familial love, fear, and hopefulness. This excellent story is well told and well read. KLIATT Codes: J*--Exceptional book, recommended for junior high school students. 2000, Listening Library/Random House Audio, 3 tapes, 3.5 hrs, Sturdy vinyl binder, author note, reader notes, plot notes, $24.00. Ages 13 to 15. Reviewer: Bette D. Ammon (KLIATT Review, March 2001 (Vol. 35, No. 2))
ISBN: 0-8072-8728-8
ISBN: 0-8072-6163-7
Best Books:
Capitol Choices, 2000 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Top 10 Historical Fiction Audiobooks for Youth, 2002 ; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Not-So-Perfect Rosie
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Julie Durrell
With school out, and summer vacation underway, boredom-like a new crop of mosquito bites-has Rosie itching to continue her ballet dancing. She hopes her cousin from Ireland, the one Grandpa says is "perfect," will resolve her dilemma. With accompanying kid-friendly line drawings, and a glossary of ballet terms, Giff's story lets the reader pause, think back to what he or she has accomplished in any field, praise oneself, and then, know for certain that imperfections are inevitable but shouldn't dissuade one from working toward bigger goals. A first-chapter book in a first-person style from a first-rate storyteller-perfect. Part of the "Ballet Slippers" series. 1997, Puffin Books, Ages 7 to 10, $13.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Patricia Timbrook
ISBN: 0-670-86968-6
ISBN: 0-14-130060-4
Pictures of Hollis Woods
Patricia Reilly Giff
Hollis Woods, abandoned as an infant, wants nothing more than to belong to a family. But none of her foster homes in New York work out for her, and so she develops a tough exterior while expressing her sensitive self through her drawings. When she runs from each foster home, no one asks to have her back, except one family--the Regans. Her eleventh summer is spent in upstate New York with a real family, including a mother, a father, and a "brother," all of whom want her to stay on as the longed-for girl. Yet, she leaves them too, feeling responsible for a car accident and for ruining everything. But her one other happy experience with the elderly artist Josie Cahill leads her back to the Regans, as she tries to protect Josie and their relationship. It is in these two homes that her artistic talent is recognized and encouraged. The book slips in and out of Holly's "pictures" of summer with the Regans while it tells the ongoing story of her time with Josie. Burgeoning artists, troubled children and thoughtful ones should find this fictional account meaningful and ultimately comforting. 2002, Wendy Lamb Books/Random House Children's Books, $15.95. Ages 10 to 13. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-385-32655-6
ISBN: 0-385-90070-8
Best Books:
Best Books for Young Adults, 2003 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 2002 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002 ; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2003 ; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2003 ; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2003 ; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Christopher Awards Winner Ages 10-12 United States
John Newbery Medal Honor Book 2003 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Beehive Award, 2003-2004 ; Nominee; Utah
The Nene Award, 2004 ; Nominee; Hawaii
Pictures of Hollis Woods (Audiobook)
Patricia Reilly Giff
Read by Hope Davis
Hollis Woods, named for the place where she was abandoned soon after birth, made toughness her defense as she passed through foster homes and classrooms where she had no friends. Coloring pencils and paper were her only comfort. She doesn't understand family, Stephen Regan says, but 12-year-old Holly knows he is like a brother to her. Inexplicably, she flees from the Regans who want her in their family. She finally meets and connects with the elderly Josie Cahill whose woodcarving is expert even though her memory is failing. Through descriptions of Holly's own drawings of memories and hopes, listeners gradually understand the girl who at last gains a family of her own. Successful stage and screen actor Hope Davis renders each voice artfully. Younger YAs will appreciate this emotional journey. Category: Fiction Audiobook. KLIATT Codes: J--Recommended for junior high school students. 2002, Listening Library, Random House Audio, 2 tapes. 3 hrs.; Author, reader, plot notes., $18.00. Ages 12 to 15. Reviewer: Maureen K. Griffin (Kliatt Review, January 2003 (Vol. 37, No. 1))
ISBN: 0-8072-0919-8
Best Books:
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, November 11, 2002 ; Cahners; United States
Ronald Morgan Goes to Camp
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrations by Susanna Natti
Giff sends Ronald Morgan to camp in this easy reader. Introverted Ronald uses a harmonica, two plaid Band-Aids, old sunglasses and a cracker to make friends, gain confidence and learn how to enjoy new experiences. 1995, Viking, Ages 5 to 9, $13.99 and $4.99. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr
ISBN: 0-670-86195-2
ISBN: 0-14-055647-8
Rosie's Big City Ballet
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Julie Durrell
This breezy, beginner chapter book is the latest addition to the "Ballet Slippers" series, starring the unsinkable Rosie O'Meara. Rosie dreams of performing in a big city production, just like her teenage ballerina friend, Amy. But it takes more than dreams: it takes practice-as her teacher Miss Deirdre might say, breathing ballet. Rosie's big chance arrives when Elise, the artistic director of a famous ballet company, comes to Miss Deirdre's dance studio to oversee tryouts for their summer production. Rosie sets her sights on winning the lead role, no matter how much practice it takes. At the same time, Rosie's best friend, Murph, desperately needs her help to finish building a tree house they've been planning. What will Rosie do? Young readers will delight in the story's spunky characters, contemporary dialogue, clever plot, and the funny line drawings sprinkled throughout this hardcover book. A glossary of ballet terms is also included. 1998, Viking/Penguin Putnam, Ages 7 to 11, $13.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree
ISBN: 0-670-87792-1
ISBN: 0-14-130167-8
Starring Rosie
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Julie Durrell
The latest in the "Ballet Slippers" series, this story once again features the lovable Rosie and her adventures with ballet, family and friends. Rosie is a fun-loving, exciting girl with a goal to be a ballerina. Starring Rosie is the story of how Rosie provides the props and the prince for a production of "Sleeping Beauty." Patricia Reilly Giff is well known in the field of children's literature for producing readable books with believable characters. She has once again accomplished this with Rosie. Children who like ballet, are looking for longer chapter books, and want humor, will enjoy this book. The 10 chapters are not very long, just a few pages, and will not frustrate the younger readers. Hopefully Ms. Giff will continue the adventures of Rosie for all her fans. 1997, Viking, Ages 5 to 9, $13.99. Reviewer: Ru Story-Huffman
ISBN: 0-670-86967-8
Yankee Doodle Drumsticks
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
This is a heartwarming story about the Lincoln Lions Band and their big chance to play at the upcoming Thanksgiving Day football game. Robert hopes his dad can come and share this proud moment, but readers must wait until the very end to find out if his dad made it home. 1992, Bantam Doubleday Dell, Ages 6 to 9, $3.25. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-440-40518-1
Updated 10/12/03
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