David Lubar
David Lubar is the author of many award-winning and critically acclaimed books for young readers. His debut novel, Hidden Talents, created a sensation as an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a Teen Newsweek Summer Reading selection. Other novels include Flip, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a VOYA Best SF, Fantasy and Horror selection; and the two short story collections In the Land of the Lawn Weenies and Invasion of the Road Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales.
David has previously served as a magazine editor, computer programmer, and video game designer. His program and design work for video games includes the popular Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, Ultima, Home Alone and Frogger 2 for Gameboy. He also writes a semi-regular column for VOYA.
Known for his humor and audience rapport, David leads over 30 writers' workshops at schools and libraries across the country every year. He has also served as keynote speaker at state conferences in New Jersey, Ohio, and Maryland.
In May of this year, David will receive the first Muriel Becker Literary Award from the New Jersey Council of Teachers of English [NJCTE].
David lives in Nazareth, Pennsylvania with his wife, daughter, and three cats. You can visit him on the web at www.davidlubar.com.
Q&A with David Lubar
Q: What was the inspiration behind Hidden Talents and True Talents?
A: Hidden Talents was inspired by a simple "what if" question. What if there were kids who had such amazing talents that everyone treated the kids as discipline problems? Basically, I was seized by the idea of kids who had been cast off by society as lost causes because nobody recognized their hidden talents. True Talents was inspired by a desire to toss these same kids into a rock tumbler and see what happened.
Q: How did you come up with the characters?
A: I needed kids whose talents could be mistaken for misbehavior. So I tackled the problem from two directions: I looked at what sort of psychic ability could cause trouble-but I also looked at what sort of behavior problems might be explained by psychic talents. For example, the character nicknamed Cheater came about because I realized a kid who read minds might be accused of cheating when his test paper always matched that of the kid next to him. While with Flinch, I started with the idea of a kid who is twitchy and distracted, and then invented a talent that would explain his actions.
Q: What have been some of the reactions to your books?
A: A young lady once approached me at a school event and said, "That book was da bomb! It was the first book I didn't mind reading." I hear from a lot of kids who express similar feelings. One of my favorite experiences came when a special ed teacher told me about reading Hidden Talents to her class. One of her students, who had never in his life bought a book, went to a book store to look for more of my books to read.
Q: What do you like about being a children's author?
A: I love writing for an audience that still believes in magic, and that is not afraid to laugh at the absurdity of life or gasp at the wonder of it all.
Q: What's the first thing you ever sold?
A: I sold a joke to a place that buys jokes and then sells them to comedians. I made 75 cents. I still have the check. I keep it in my bathroom. After that, I sold some magazine articles, and then started selling short stories.
Q: What's your favorite book?
A: I have to put Katherine Paterson's classic, A Bridge to Terabithia, at the top of the list. I've read it over and over. There are too many wonderful books to list, but among my favorites, I'd have to include Ender's Game, Matilda, A Summer to Die, Dragonwings, Jennifer Murdley's Toad, The Boy on the Black Horse, Cannery Row, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Bunnicula. I also really like short story collections. Chris Crutcher's Athletic Shorts is great. The movie Angus is based on one of the stories in that book. And I love funny picture books like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. As a kid, I loved the Freddy the Pig series by Walter Brooks. Freddy wrote poems and solved mysteries. Not bad for a piece of walking bacon.
Q: Who are your favorite authors?
A: Again, a long list, presented in random order: Katherine Paterson, Robert McCammon, Orson Scott Card, Roald Dahl, John Steinbeck, Robert Parker, Donald Westlake, Stephen King, Nancy Springer, Bruce Coville, Lois Lowry, C. S. Lewis, Calvin Trillin, and many, many others.
Q: Did you always want to be a writer?
A: When I was a kid, I wanted to be a comedy writer. I got that idea from watching the Dick Van Dyke show. I thought he had the coolest job in the world. Then I wanted to be a stand-up comic. I probably got that idea from television, too. Recently, I've sort of had a chance to do comedy since writers get asked to give a lot of talks. I try to make my talks fun. I figure there are already enough people out there sharing serious information. Besides watching a lot of television, I played a lot of pinball. Naturally, I wanted to be a pinball machine designer. I never got to design any pinball machines, but I did get to write a pinball game for the Atari 2600.
Q: What's next on the plate for you?
A: I'm finishing up my third story collection, The Curse of the Campfire Weenies. After that, I'll be writing a very cool series. I'm excited about it, but it's a bit too early to describe the topic since everything is subject to change.
Contributor: Starscape/TOR
For more Q&A with this author, click here or here.
Reviews
Dog Days
David Lubar
In this short gracefully told novel, Larry is spending the summer playing baseball with his buddies and hanging out. But he also is supporting three stray dogs that his parents let him keep if he provides all of the food, a task the boy cheerfully tackles by doing odd jobs and collecting aluminum cans and paper which he takes to the local junk yard dealer for money. But the costs of dog food have gone up, Larry's profits have gone down since the city started its own recycling program, and things look bleak. In addition, his pesky five-year-old brother Paul has discovered another stray dog standing in an alley by what looks like blood on the walls and ground nearby. When Larry figures out by patient observation what is going on when he sees the back door of a restaurant open, his observations earn him a real job plus another dog to care for. Interesting subtexts are the two brothers' relationship that reveals Larry as an exasperated but also caring older brother and Paul as a timid younger one who gains courage over his fear of dogs with his brother's support. It's rare to find a book in which someone under the age of fifteen earns money in so many ways and so persistently. Larry's great example of entrepreneurship seems to be from another decade, although nothing in the book indicates a setting other than contemporary small-town America. Large print and an artful layout invite older less able readers to tackle this short story laid out in under 80 pages. Other plusses are the baseball details (and Paul's annoying way of calling from the sidelines just as Larry is about to make the catch or hit the home run) that flavor the story without overwhelming it, parents who are supportive but absent from the story, and a satisfying ending of problems solved without adult help, plus another great dog to be added to Larry's canine corps. 2004, Darby Creek, $15.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 1-58196-013-1
Dunk
David Lubar
More than anything, Chad wants to work as a Bozo at the dunk tank on the boardwalk near where he lives at the New Jersey shore. Soon after school lets out for the summer, he observes a Bozo who, through his clever use of language, knows how to control the onlooking crowd, select a "mark"--a person he coaxes into paying to try to dunk him--and maintain his position as if he were a fine actor on a stage. Little does Chad know that the man whose position he covets will become his mentor and teacher, thereby giving him the opportunity to try his hand at the seemingly simple game. Other surprises and challenges await Chad, as his best friend becomes gravely ill and his mother tries to juggle work and school to support him as best she knows how as a single mother. Author David Lubar masterfully adds twists and turns to the story, building tension to the very end. Lubar shows a knack for getting into the head of a teenager and in using language that will appeal to his teenage audience. His unique setting and creative approach make for enjoyable reading. 2002, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Books, $15.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Susan Schott Karr (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, August 2002; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor Book 2003 Language Arts Grades 7-12 Novels United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Lone Star Reading List, 2003-2004; Texas
Sequoyah Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Young Adult; Oklahoma
South Carolina Young Adult Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; South Carolina
Texas Reading Club, 2004; Texas
Young Adult Reading Program, 2004; Grades 7-12; South Dakota
ISBN: 0-618-19455-X
Flip
David Lubar
Eighth-grade twins Taylor and Ryan respond very differently to a silver flash in the nighttime sky. Taylor believes it is just lightning and all but forgets about it, while Ryan is convinced it is an alien spaceship breaking apart and plans to look for evidence. When they investigate, the pair find a cache of strange silver disks. Taylor--logical, practical, and successful--wants nothing to do with the odd discovery. Ryan--daydreamy, disappointing, and a screw-up--can't get enough of it. When he discovers that flipping the disks gives him the power to transform into legendary figures of the past, Ryan is enchanted. Now he can be a hero any time he wants to! Spartacus, Einstein, Cleopatra, Babe Ruth--the possibilities seem endless. The only problem is he can't determine who he will become, what he will do as the hero, or how long the transformation will last. Still, it is a welcome relief to escape from being his screw-up self ... at least, it's fun for a while. Eventually both twins must learn an important lesson about themselves and their identities. David Lubar's story is an engaging blend of fantasy and teen life, humor and heart. 2003, Tom Doherty/Tor, $17.95. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-765-30149-0
Hidden Talents
David Lubar.
Martin has a bit of difficulty respecting authority, so much so that the court sends him to the Edgeview Alternative School, a place full of teenage misfits wreaking havoc among themselves. There is only one chance to get out, to get sent back home; he quickly blows that opportunity. Now he must navigate his days among such interesting personalities as Torch, Cheater, Flinch, Lucky, Trash, Lip and Bloodbath along with a peculiar menagerie of teachers. Lubar has crafted a believable tale set in a run-down school in a town where the school and its residents are not welcome. Characters are well-defined and exhibit a multitude of traits that come together in an exciting and unexpected way to unite the tempestuous rebel-rousers. As they discover their hidden talents (psychic powers) and learn to use them to their advantage, the solitary freaks become a confident and trusting group looking to a future for more than themselves. 1999, Tor Books, $16.95. Ages 11 up. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Books for Young Adults, 2000; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2000; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Grades 6 - 9; Maryland
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Illinois
Utah Children's Book Awards, 2001; Nominee; Young Adult; Utah
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Middle Grades (Grades 6-8); Indiana
ISBN: 0-312-86646-1
Hidden Talents
David Lubar
Lubar writes in the world and tradition of Louis Sachar's Holes and Julian F. Thompson's cult classic, The Grounding of Group 6. Yes, we've got another group of misfits in a sort of alternative reform school. The teachers are trying--very trying. The bullies are large and Neanderthal. It takes smart-mouthed Martin, the newcomer, to put two and two together and find the common thread that will create a group of winners from a disparate crew of losers. Lubar's characters are endearing, particularly "Torchie," Martin's roommate and hapless pyromaniac--not to mention "Trash," who helplessly destroys anything within his immediate environment. Martin narrates his story well, and this is a definite page-turner, hard to put down all the way to its most satisfying ending. 2000 (orig. 1999), Tor, $4.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Sequoyah Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Young Adult; Oklahoma
South Carolina Book Awards, 2001-2002; Nominee; Young Adult; South Carolina
Volunteer State Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Young Adult, Grades 7-12; Tennessee
ISBN: 0-8125-4170-7
Invasion of the Road Weenies: and Other Warped and Creepy Tales
David Lubar
It was a challenge to put this book down. I was drawn into the creative plots generated in short story format. Each of the thirty-five stories seems to take a fairly normal object or situation from the everyday world and then compels the reader to observe it in a new way. I was left with a grin on my face knowing the author had been able to influence my standard outlook on reality. Although not all plots involve the supernatural, many do. Science Fiction has a strong presence in this book. As there are some very powerful opening lines, this book would be perfect for teaching writers how to capture the reader's attention. Additionally, the author's choice of titles seems worthy of emulation. At the back of the book, the author kindly shares his inspiration for each story. This background information may be helpful in brainstorming before the writing process. Clearly, this author is just a regular person who turns an average situation into an enjoyable short story. 2005, Tom Doherty Associates, $16.95. Ages 7 to 14. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-765-31447-9
Psychic Zone: The Witch's Monkey and Other Tales
David Lubar
These stories are not for the faint of heart, and they are not for very small children. But kids nine and up will probably love them. Think of some of your worst nightmares, then bring them home. Cover them up, and put them to bed. At three in the morning, get up and uncover them. DO NOT TURN ON THE LIGHT! Oops! I told you not to turn on the light. Now They're free. And they're not happy. Neither are you... Hooked? Great stories! Have fun. 1997, TORKids, $3.99. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Judy Silverman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8125-5881-2
Punished
David Lubar
Logan knows he shouldn't play tag in the library, but he has no choice. It's totally impossible to sit still once you're tagged. And when his friend, Benedict starts a game of tag, Logan chases him until he runs into big trouble in the shape of an old guy--an old guy who says Logan needs to be punished. Now whenever Logan opens his mouth, an unintended pun comes out. After one or two groaners, almost no one finds this funny, but Logan can't stop. His best friend, Benedict, is angry. His parents think he's silly. His teacher has sent him to the principal's office. The only person who thinks he's funny is his little sister. Is there anyway to remove this punishment? Yes, says the old guy. All Logan needs to do is find seven oxymorons, seven anagrams, and seven palindromes. But can he do it before time runs out? This funny and fast read would be a wonderful addition to any language arts curriculum. 2006, Darby Creek Publishing, $15.95. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature).
What a fantastic way to teach language arts! Early readers will find that the story is strong and that they can learn "school stuff" in a fun way. The tale is simple and understandable. In it, Logan encounters Professor Robert Wordsworth and learns about "word" magic when he and his busy friend Benedict are racing around the inside of the library. The professor blows magic dust from the cover of a book into Logan's face. From there on out, Logan is being "punished." Ridiculously entertaining puns spill out of his mouth whenever he tries to comment and ask questions. Grown-ups and kids moan and groan in answer to his puns. Wordsworth agrees to cure Logan only if he finds some oxymorons and anagrams in his everyday life. Logan sets out to find the words and in so doing, he presents the reader with perfect examples of the word forms. The author has the ability to make the characters real, thereby allowing children this age to identify with Logan and even Benedict. This unique tale is sure to encourage even the most reluctant reader and to make teaching language arts much easier for teachers. It is best for a reader to read the book instead of having it read to them. It helps to see the words in sentences packed with a pun. Add several copies to a classroom or library so many students can read them for language arts. 2006, Darby Creek Publishing, $15.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2006; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 1-58196-042-5
Sleeping Freshman Never Lie
David Lubar
Read by Ryan MacConnell and the Full Cast Family
Shortly after Scott Hudson begins his freshmen year in high school, his mother announces that she is pregnant. Scott vents his frustrations in an advice journal to his unborn sibling. One morning he notices how gorgeous his kindergarten friend Julia has become. Conversely, Scott's stomach turns when he sees Lee, the new girl with green hair and multiple facial piercings. But Scott slowly notices that he and Lee share similar interests. Scott invites Lee to the last dance of the year. When Scott picks her up, he does not recognize Lee without her weird hair and facial metal. Lee encourages Scott to ask Julia for a dance. After their dance, he realizes that Lee is the girl for him. Later that night, Scott meets his baby brother. This unabridged recording by Full Cast Audio is a touching, amusing, and professional production with many beneficial aspects. Listeners will sense how the Hudson family members truly care about one another. Even though Scott's journal includes insults, it is obvious that his intentions are good. Since Scott's favorite subject is Honors English, the listener will be entertained while learning about poetry, short stories versus novels, and the value of books. On the other hand, Lubar addresses illiteracy through the difficulties that Scott's older brother faces. Scott is a positive role model for young adult listeners because he is sensitive, intelligent, motivated, creative, and a good friend. 2006, Full Cast Audio, $37.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Mary Jo Edwards (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-93332-251-9
Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie
David Lubar
Just as Scott is starting high school, he finds out his mother is pregnant. Determined that his little brother-to-be should benefit from his hard-won knowledge, Scott relates his experiences though his freshman year and writes down lists of survival tips for the baby: e.g., "Try to avoid the bus, even if it means catching a ride from a stranger with a chain saw." In pursuit of a beautiful girl, Scott joins all kinds of activities, only to find that she has dropped out of one after another and he's now committed himself to them. Most work out well, however; for instance, he ends up being a reporter on the school newspaper, and he has fun experimenting with writing sports columns in various styles. He has a great English teacher and somehow manages to survive the year, despite the school bus, cafeteria food, shifting friendships and other hazards, and in the end he makes some unexpected new friends and meets a girl who turns out to be just right for him. Lubar, author of Dunk, Hidden Talents, and other novels for YAs, has a wonderful sense of humor and Scott's story is both hilarious and touching. A real treat for YAs who, like Scott, love literature and loathe gym; and it holds out hope that high school can not only be endured but enjoyed, if you get involved. Category: Hardcover Fiction. KLIATT Codes: J*--Exceptional book, recommended for junior high school students. 2005, Penguin, Dutton, 256p., $15.99. Ages 12 to 15. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick (KLIATT Review, July 2005 (Vol. 39, No. 4)).
Best Books:
Best Books for Young Adults, 2006; American Library Association-YALSA-Adult Books for Young Adults Task Force; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2005; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Capitol Choices, 2006; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Choices, 2006; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog 2006 Supplement to the Ninth Edition, 2006; H.W Wilson Company; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2005; Cahners; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2006 Supplement, 2006; H. W. Wilson Company; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Beehive Award, 2007; Nominee; Young Adult Fiction; United States
Book of the Season Fall 2005, 2005; Nominee; Young Adult; New York
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Grades 4-8; United States
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2007; Nominee; Grades 9-12; Kentucky
Tayshas High School Reading List, 2006-2007; United States
ISBN: 0-5254-7311-4
True Talents
David Lubar
"If they find out about us, bad things are gonna happen. People hate anyone who's different." With this statement, one of the five talented boys in the group the novel's focus has no idea how right he is and will become. As the story opens Eddie, better known as Torchie because of his fire-starting power, is being held hostage by an unknown man who wants to exploit his abilities. It becomes a battle of wills between the man and Torchie as to what he will reveal and what he will not. Meanwhile, Torchie's four friends believe he is dead, and are trying to reconcile themselves to this fact while going on with their own lives and keeping their own diverse and supernatural talents concealed. But a strong mental connection forged among the five boys keeps Torchie at the edge of the other boys' consciousness, and it is through this connection that the boys realize that Torchie is in trouble. They slowly put together the clues as to where Torchie is being held, and plan a rescue mission to save their friend-and their secret abilities-from certain exploitation. The novel starts off a little slowly, but the novel's premise is interesting and unique enough to keep readers eager for more. Those who have not read the prequel "Hidden Talents" may be confused by the abrupt start to the novel, and the beginning action sequences may seem very disjointed. However, once a reader sorts out the characters and begins to become involved in the story, s/he will get an intriguing and socially conscious novel that addresses questions about exploitation, friendship, and taking a stand for what is right, no matter what the cost. 2007 Tom Doherty Associates Ages 13 up $17.95. Reviewer: Caitlyn Payne (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Book Sense Children's Picks, Spring 2007; American Booksellers Association; United States
ISBN: 0-765-30977-7
Wizards of the Game
David Lubar
Eighth-grader Mercer Dickenson has a love of the game. He and his friends are immersed daily in the land of Zule, part of a fantasy role-playing game called Wizards of the Warrior World. When asked to help come up with ideas for a school fund-raiser, Mercer proposes a gaming tournament and fantasy bazaar ala Wizards of the Warrior World. The idea is well received until a student writes an article in the school newspaper decrying the game's potential connection to devil worship. The local paper picks up the article and soon a crusading minister is picketing the school. While visiting the homeless shelter that is the beneficiary of the fundraising, Mercer is mistaken for a real wizard by some very strange folks who appear to be real wizards from another world and trapped on Earth while sightseeing. Apparently, the real wizards need help getting home. Spells are cast, portals are opened and brief chaos ensues until a surprising hero rescues them. Relatively short and a reasonably fast read, this novel may appeal to hard-core gamers. However, it seems as though Lubar has tried to sandwich plots from two books into one and neither story is fully fleshed out. When the wizards appear halfway through the novel, the reader is already invested in the "David vs. Goliath" battle between students and school board, which is abruptly wrapped up to accommodate the "return the wizards home" plot. A few characters suffer from a lack of development, most notably Ed, the protesting student who begins the story as a religious zealot and suddenly changes his opinions of the game after playing a brief session himself. The appearance of horrifying demons during the climax seems almost to reinforce the naysayers' point that perhaps these kids shouldn't be messing around with witchcraft. A serviceable novel, but not a must-have. 2003, Philomel Books, $16.99. Ages 12 to 15. Reviewer: Sharon Oliver (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2004, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-399-23706-2
Added 03/26/07
To stay up to date on new books by this author, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you’re interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.