Q&A with Ann Martin
Q: What inspired you to write Main Street?
A: My editor tempted me with the idea of writing about sewing, which is my favorite hobby. So I began to think about sewing, then sewing stores, then towns with sewing stores in them, and finally about small towns, which I love. I was also inspired by a British author whose books my mother used to love. The author is Dora Saint, and she wrote under the pen name Miss Read.
Q: Is Camden Falls like the town in which you live?
A: Woodstock, New York, is definitely the inspiration for Camden Falls, just as Tinker Street in Woodstock is the inspiration for Main Street. The two towns are not exactly the same, but there are many similarities.
Q: Are any of the characters in Main Street based on people you know?
A: Yes. Min is named for the mother of one of my friends. She really is called Min by her granddaughter because she so often says, "In a minute." The Willets are based on my own parents and their experiences after my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Flora and Ruby are based on two sisters I know. The younger one is very much like Ruby. She loves to be onstage. The older one is quieter, more serious, and a bit introspective.
Q: Which character in Main Street do you relate to the most?
A: Although I see bits of myself in many characters, I most relate to Flora. Flora's interests are mine, and so is her personality—quiet, shy, introspective, and as desperate to avoid the spotlight.
Q: How is writing a series different from writing a stand–alone novel?
A: Once I started creating the town of Camden Falls and the people in it, I realized there were lots of stories to tell. Although I love the challenge of creating new characters and new settings for stand-alone novels, I also like living with my characters for a while. That's one of the luxuries a series affords.
Q: What's in store for Flora and Ruby in future books?
A: I know what's in store for them in the near future, but not much beyond that. I want their lives to unfold organically and spontaneously.
For more on Ann M. Martin and Main Street visit the fantastic site that lets you visit Camden Falls: http://www.scholastic.com/annmartin/
Interview provided by Scholastic
Reviews
The Baby-Sitters Club: The Truth about Stacey
Ann M. Martin
Illustrations by Raina Telgemeier
This series has always been a favorite of my students. The story deals with many issues that this age group often has to face. Stacey and her parents are trying to deal with her diabetes. Her mother becomes over protective and Stacey has moments of anger and questions why me. Stacey has to leave her old school and friends when her family moves to a new town. This is difficult for any student who has to say good-bye to their friends. Fortunately she quickly makes two new special friends and they form a bond that is both needed and helpful to the three of them. Stacey also has to cope with very busy parents who are not always there when she needs to talk. The emotions felt throughout the book are real and understandable. I was impressed with how well the new friends take on the rival babysitting club and do so by making decisions based on what is right and wrong. I particularly like the honesty of feelings that are found in this book. It is a difficult age for young adults, and the characters are believable and provide good role models. This book is written in graphic form that has always been a favorite of mine. It opens the door to reading for ESL students and reluctant readers and provides high interest at a lower level. Young adults who want to read anything they can get their hands on will also enjoy the graphic format and fast paced text. The black-and-white graphics make an enormous impact on the story. I highly recommend this book. 2006, Graphix/Scholastic Inc, $8.99. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-73936-5
ISBN: 0-439-86724-X
ISBN: 978-0-439-73936-8
ISBN: 978-0-439-86724-5
Belle Teal
Ann M. Martin
Set in the South--maybe the Ozarks--during the early 1960s, this is the story of the changes that come upon ten-year-old Belle Teal Harper in the course of fifth grade. Dirt poor and living with her Gran and widowed mother, Belle first has to come to terms with the changes in her beloved grandmother as senility sets in. Her next challenge is dealing with the court-imposed integration of her school. Belle is far from a bigot. She has, in fact, the mindset of an adult liberal forty years in the future. Soon she has taken their class's token black boy, Darryl, under her wing and with her best friend Clarice, sets out to make her classmates welcome Darryl as well. It is a hard row to hoe amidst constant browbeating and occasional threats of violence. The ending is promising, even though an abused white boy falls through the cracks along the way. Martin's book is nicely written, and Belle's voice is vivid, even if she does seem too good to be true. 2001, Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Children's Book Sense 76 Picks, Winter 2001; Book Sense 76; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 2001; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2001; Cahners; United States
Young Adults' Choices, 2003; International Reading Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades 4 - 6; Maryland
Great Stone Face Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; New Hampshire
Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Iowa
Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Master List; Grades 4-6; Massachusetts
The Nene Award, 2004; Nominee; Hawaii
Nutmeg Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Connecticut
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Illinois
South Carolina Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; South Carolina
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Kansas
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Indiana
ISBN: 0-439-09823-8
A Corner of the Universe
Ann M. Martin
The summer of 1960 is quite a life-changing experience for eleven-year-old Hattie Owens who lives in a small town named Millerton. Her parents own a boarding house. Hattie thought she would have the same old predictable summer of spending time with her family's boarders, reading books, and enjoying other favorite pastimes until she meets her Uncle Adam. She didn't know her uncle existed until her Nana and Papa tell her that he is coming to live with them because his "school" has closed down. Hattie is confused and curious as to why she never knew about Adam and can not wait to meet him. When Hattie meets Adam he is excited to see her and quickly starts quoting lines from the "I Love Lucy" show, which Hattie thinks is funny. While she spends time with Adam she begins to understand that he has a mental illness, but Hattie does not pay much mind. They develop a friendship on Adam's level, which means a lot to Hattie because she has only one friend who is gone for the summer. Hattie also befriends Leila, whose family owns the traveling carnival in town for the summer. For Hattie's 12th birthday, Adam and Leila want to give a special birthday party. One night during a dinner party, Hattie encourages Adam to sneak out and join her at the carnival, which is the night that changes everyone's lives. Before Adam realizes his fate, he tells Hattie that she is the only one who truly understands him. Ann Martin has written with such compassion, grace, and consideration that the reader can feel Hattie and Adam's endearing friendship. This book is wonderful for those seeking understanding of how individuals with mental illness live and view their lives. It is a gentle book that young adults will tearfully enjoy and walk away from with a new view of people who are different and the importance of accepting them for who they are. 2002, Scholastic Press, $15.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Christy Oestreich (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Dec. 1, 2002; 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
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2002; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Fanfare Honor List, 2002; Horn Book; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, October 1, 2002; 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
Notable Children's Books, 2003; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2003; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 2002; Cahners; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 22, 2002; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2002; Cahners; United States
Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2003; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Young Adults' Choices, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2003 Young Adults United States
Dolly Gray Award for Children's Literature in Developmental Disabilities Nominee 2004 Picture Book United States
John Newbery Medal Honor Book 2003 United States
Kentucky Bluegrass Award Winner 2004 Grades 6-8 Kentucky
NAIBA Book of the Year Award Finalist 2003 Fiction United States
Thumbs Up! Award Nominee 2003 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arizona Young Readers' Award, 2005; Nominee; Teen Books; Arizona
Blue Spruce Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Colorado
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award Reading List, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Arkansas
Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Colorado
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Vermont
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, 2007; Nominee; Juvenile Fiction; North Dakota
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Juvenile Fiction; New Jersey
Iowa Teen Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Grades 6-9; United States
The Nene Award, 2005; Nominee; Hawaii
Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 7-12; Wyoming
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Kansas
ISBN: 0-439-38880-5
ISBN: 0-439-38881-3
A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray
Ann M. Martin
Squirrel was born in a wheelbarrow along with big brother Bone, the two being named by their mother for things important to her. Without warning one day, Mother trots off and never returns, forcing her puppies to seek another home. The two are taken in by a young couple, but only until the man loses his temper at their bathroom habits, loads them into the car, and tosses them out onto a parking lot. Bone is rescued by a passerby, leaving Squirrel on her own. She learns to survive on garbage-can scraps and to avoid the slow-moving truck containing men who use nets to catch unwary strays. She even finds a traveling companion, Moon. The two are together until Moon is killed by a truck while trying to cross a highway. Squirrel settles into a pattern of wandering, living unnoticed in barns during the winter and in various towns the rest of the year. Once she even becomes a "summer dog" but is abandoned at the end of the season. Life becomes harder as she ages, but she hits the jackpot when she is given a true home by Susan, another "old lady" living independently. The two suit each other perfectly. Despite tragedies, Squirrel maintains a gentle, trusting nature. Martin flavors the story with sweetness but never overly so, moving smoothly between adversity and contentment. The result is an admirable portrayal of life as understood by a very resourceful dog. It is an undemanding read but a thoughtful tale. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2005, Scholastic, 244p., $16.99. Ages 11 to 15. Reviewer: Pam Carlson (VOYA, December 2005 (Vol. 28, No. 5)).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Book Sense Picks, Winter 2005-2006; Independent Booksellers Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Book Sense Book of the Year Award Honor Book 2006 Children's Literature United States
Henry Bergh Children's Book Award Finalist 2005 Fiction Companion Animals United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Blue Hen Book Award, 2007; Nominee; Chapter Book; Delaware
Emphasis on Reading, 2006-2007; Book List; Grades 4-6; Alabama
North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2007; Nominee; Junior Book; North Carolina
ISBN: 0-439-71559-8
The Doll People
Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin
With pictures by Brian Selznick
Kate inherited her dollhouse with its handmade porcelain dolls from her mother and her grandmother. The dolls have lives of their own inside that hundred-year old doll home. While the dolls do not age, they do play and work and have adventures when the humans are away from the house or asleep. Annabelle Doll lives in the house with her mother, father, brother, baby sister, Nanny, and uncle. Her aunt used to live there too, but about forty-five years ago, she disappeared! When Annabelle discovers her aunt's old diary, she becomes determined to solve the mystery of her aunt's disappearance; modeling her behavior after the detective Nancy Drew that she hears Kate talking about all the time with her friends. Fans of such little people books as The Borrowers or The Littles will enjoy reading about Annabelle Doll and her family and neighbors gallivanting around the human house trying to find the missing Auntie Sarah. Black-and-white drawings turn up often lending just the right old-fashioned touch to the tale. 2000, Hyperion Books for Children, $15.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Judy Katsh (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best of the Year, 2000; Child Magazine; United States
Capitol Choices, 2000; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 15, 2000; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2001; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 2000; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2000; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2000; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2001 Middle Grade Readers United States
Maryland Children's Book Award Winner 2002 Intermediate Level Maryland
Massachusetts Children's Book Award Honor Book 2005 Michigan
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award Winner 2005 Grades 3-5 Minnesota
Seal of Approval Winner Holiday 2000 Children's Books United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Cochecho Readers' Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Colorado
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Vermont Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Wyoming
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Kentucky
Maryland Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Intermediate; Maryland
Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Massachusetts
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Pennsylvania
Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Rhode Island
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2002; Nominee; Texas
Volunteer State Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Tennessee
Young Reader's Choice Award, 2003; Nominee; Junior Division-Grades 4th-6th; Pacific Northwest
ISBN: 0-7868-0361-4
ISBN: 0-7868-2372-0
Here Today
Ann M. Martin
The year 1963 proves to be a traumatic one for sixth-grader Ellie. President John F. Kennedy's assassination is only the beginning of bad things that force Ellie to cope by willing herself to a private place of escape. Ellie's life takes a dramatic downturn as her mother begins a selfish journey to realize personal dreams and in the process leaves her family behind. Living in Spectacle, New York, presents ongoing problems for Ellie as she contends with other children who look down on this socially unacceptable neighborhood. Ellie understands that everyone there is a little different. Best friend Holly lives with her single mother; the Lauchaires are foreigners who speak only French at home; the Levins are bohemian Jews; and at the very end of the cul-de-sac, two elderly ladies live together presumably as more than friends. While the patchwork of personalities is amusing, the problems faced by this young girl are not. Ellie is ostracized and harassed by classmates, as are all the other children from this unique neighborhood. Author Ann Martin tackles these and other painful issues with a captivating plot and very real characters. There are important insights here for the reader with an open mind. Ellie struggles to survive being different and eventually finds that while things often get worse before they get better, life does go on. "Ellie looked at the Witch Tree at one end of the street, then at the kids at the other. In the space between was her whole life." 2004, Scholastic Press, $16.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Francine Thomas (Children's Literature).
"Doris' presence was huge, as if she were an inflating balloon, taking up all the air and space." That sums up one of the most self-absorbed mothers to appear in children's literature. Modeling at the department store and being a local beauty queen whets her appetite for the big time, and Doris takes off for New York. Ellie, the eldest daughter, long ago assumed the responsible mother role in the family and she continues to care for the house and her younger brother and sister. Meanwhile, Ellie and her best friend endure cruel hazing at school. This is a bittersweet novel where the characters you root for emerge strong and able to face the future. Ellie is completely engaging. The father seemed under drawn at first but as circumstances require it, he does what needs to be done. At just over 300 pages this is a real family saga with room for characters to grow and plots and subplots to develop. 2004, Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Beth Guldseth (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Aug. 1, 2004; United States
Capitol Choices, 2005; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Vermont
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2007; Nominee; Fiction; New Jersey
Georgia Children's Book Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Book; Georgia
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2006; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Kentucky
Volunteer State Book Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Grades 7-12 (YA); United States
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Middle Grades; United States
ISBN: 0-439-57944-9
Kristy's Great Idea: A Graphic Novel
Ann M. Martin
Art by Raina Telgemeir
The first of the "Baby-sitter's Club" series is now in graphic novel format. Following Kristy's lead, her three friends Mary Ann, Claudia, and Stacy, promise to accept all babysitting jobs and pool their resources. Each of the girls has problems to work through. For Kristy, it is her mother's engagement to Watson; Mary Ann wants more freedom from her over-protective father; Stacey does not know how to reveal she has diabetes; and Claudia feels she is in the shadow of her older sister, an A+ student. Together the foursome puts up with cranky kids; scary, large dogs; and a crabby, elderly neighbor in typical preteen fashion. There are emergency meetings, giggling about boys, and discussions of fashion, fights, and disagreements--or in other words, real life experiences of today's teens. This new format is faithful to the novel, and the black-and-white graphics bring the novel's characters to life. Each personality is clearly delineated and each girl has a distinct look. Fans who wolfed down the originals will readily accept this new format and probably beg for more, as it is certainly easy to breeze through this 186-page story in one sitting. 2006, Scholastic, $16.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
The popular series "The Babysitters Club" is now available as a graphic novel. Kristy and her friends sometimes baby-sit for money. Kristy has the idea to turn their occasional jobs into a serious business: The Babysitters Club. While the jobs sometimes are more than the girls bargain for--such as a mix-up resulting in dog-sitting rather than baby-sitting--their lives give them plenty of trials. Kristy's mom just became engaged to a man Kristy does not like. Mary Anne's over-protective father makes it difficult for her to spend time with her friends. Stacy, a new friend, has a secret that she does not want any of the girls to know. While these life and work problems sometime causes disagreements between the girls, in the end they manage to stay friends. Translating such a well known series is a challenge for a graphic artist, but Telgemeier does a wonderful job. Her drawings add a new dimension to the story, whether the person reading it is a longtime fan or new to the series. Martin's story provides wonderful role models for early adolescent girls. 2006, Scholastic, $16.99. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth, 2007; Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Cybils Finalist 2006 Graphic Novels Ages 12 and Under United States
ISBN: 0-439-80241-5
ISBN: 0-439-73933-0
ISBN: 978-0-439-80241-3
ISBN: 978-0-439-73933-7
The Meanest Doll in the World
Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin
Illustated by Brian Selznick
What are Annabelle Doll and Tiffany Funcraft to do when an exploration leads them away from Kate's safe bedroom and into a house ruled by Princess Mimi? In this sequel to "The Doll People" we are once again invited into a world where dolls are alive, but this time, it's not all fun and games. Princess Mimi rules the dolls at BJ's house and, as if this weren't enough, she wants to control Annabelle and Tiffany's families also. Well, Annabelle and Tiffany aren't going to stand for that. What will it take to get Mimi out of Kate's house? What happens if someone sees her moving? Is there such a thing as Permanent Doll State? These questions and more are answered in this tale of courage and adventure. Category: Adventure; Fantasy; Humor; Mystery. Grade Level: Intermediate (4th-6th grade). 2003, Hyperion Books for Children. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Tree (BookHive (www.bookhive.org)).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books, 2003; Publisher's Weekly; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 1, 2003; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 11, 2003; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2003; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2003; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Colorado Children's Book Award Runner Up 2006 Junior Novel Colorado
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Cochecho Readers' Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2006; Nominee; Colorado
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Kentucky
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Grades 3-6; Pennsylvania
Sequoyah Book Award, 2006; Nominee; Children's Book; Oklahoma
ISBN: 0-7868-0878-0
Needle and Thread
Ann M. Martin
Ruby and Flora are just beginning to consider Main Street their new home. After the death of their parents, they moved their with their Grandmother Min. Now it is time for another big change: starting a new school year at a strange school. Ruby begins fourth grade while Flora begins sixth. When Ruby finds out about a play based on the history of Camden Falls, she can't wait to audition and become a star. However, her excitement about having to do a death scene could unnerve her sister because of their parents' deaths. Halloween is another source of excitement for the sisters and their friends, as is finding the perfect pet for Olivia's birthday. More about Nikki's difficult home life is revealed, and Flora finds out more about her mother from Mary Woolsey. This second book in the "Main Street" series allows the reader to learn more about the characters and their relationships as the characters learn these lessons themselves. 2007, Scholastic, Ages 9 to 12, $6.99. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck
ISBN: 978-0-439-86880-8
ISBN: 0-439-86880-7
On Christmas Eve
Ann M. Martin
Tess, an eight year old, is planning on staying awake on Christmas Eve to see Santa Claus, the real Santa Claus. She has experienced a sign! As she and her dog Sadie walk to the home of her best friend Sarah Benjamin it begins to snow. As they cross the field, Tess has a vision and hears two words, "Santa Claus," but she does not see anyone. She knows this is a sign that this Christmas Eve will be the year she is going to meet Santa. On Christmas Eve, when her family has gone to sleep, Tess and Sadie go downstairs to wait for Santa. She has a gift for Santa, a snow globe, and she settles herself in an armchair near the Christmas tree facing the fireplace. As the clock chimes twelve, she sees an angel. With a gust of wind, Santa comes down the chimney. As Tess and Santa talk, she shares with him that Sarah's dad is very ill and if possible, she would like him to get better. Before Santa leaves he tells Tess that the best gift she could give her friend would be the gift of hope. As the new year begins, Sarah misses school when her dad comes home for the last time. Mr. Benjamin dies in the spring, and Tess and her family attend the funeral. Tess and her family invite Sarah and her mom to vacation with them and they begin to feel hopeful. Through shared experiences and memories, the girls begin to look forward to Christmas celebrations. Tess begins to understand the magic of Christmas, that Christmas and Santa are about hope. Sarah is feeling hopeful and that is the most powerful gift. 2006, Scholastic Press, $15.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Werner (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Books About Holidays, 2006; Association for Library Service to Children; United States
ISBN: 0-439-74588-8
ISBN: 978-0-439-74588-8
P.S. Longer Letter Later
Paula Danziger & Ann M. Martin
Two popular authors team to write a delightful story of best friends who must continue their friendship via letters when one friend, Tara*Starr, moves away. Danziger is the flamboyant Tara*Starr while Martin is the more stable Elizabeth. During the course of the letters Tara's family settles down while Elizabeth's falls apart. The girls' love and concern for each other pays off as they support the other during this difficult time. The letters offer insight into each girl's personality. The humor and feistiness of each character add to the reader's pleasure. 1998, Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
They say opposites attract, and that was the case with Tara*Starr and her best friend, Elizabeth. When Tara*Starr moves to a new community, they continue their friendship by letter. There are more changes than either anticipates. Not only is Tara*Starr adjusting to the usual changes of a move, but her parents are also beginning to show maturity and responsibility for the first time since she can remember. What's more, after being an only child for twelve years, Tara*Starr is going to have a sibling. Elizabeth's life changes, too, when her father loses his high-paying job and the family must come to terms with the ensuing difficulties. Two of the most popular children's book writers have collaborated on this series of believable letters. They allowed the story line to evolve as they sent the letters to one another. Danziger writes as Tara*Starr, while Martin is Elizabeth. There are many interesting discussion points in this novel: relationships with friends and family, coping with change, handling misunderstandings, and recognizing the individuality of each personality. 1998, Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2003; American Library Association YALSA; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, February 1998; Cahners; United States
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 1999; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1999 Middle Grade Readers United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Wyoming
Land of Enchantment Book Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Young Adult; New Mexico
Lone Star Reading List, 1999-2000; Texas
Maryland Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Middle School; Maryland
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Division I; Minnesota
Prairie Pasque Award, 2001; Nominee; South Dakota
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2000; Nominee; Illinois
Sasquatch Reading Award, 2001; Nominee; United States
Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Grades 7-12; Wyoming
Young Adult Reading Program, 1999; Grades 7-12; South Dakota
ISBN: 0-590-21310-5
ISBN: 0-590-21311-3
Snail Mail No More
Paula Danziger & Ann M. Martin
Tara Starr and Elizabeth continue their long distance friendship abandoning letter writing for the instant gratification of e-mail. Through their brief messages readers learn of Tara's fear of the loss of her place in the family as she awaits the birth of her new sibling. There is peace in Elizabeth's life since her alcoholic father moved out. Yet that peace is soon shattered by his unexpected and unwanted phone calls and visits. In rapid succession the girls fire off detailed missives that chronicle their worries about boys, fashion, maintaining their friendship and worries about parents. Without a strong narrative to hold it all together the series of e-mails, often get bogged down in the trite and the mundane, are tedious to read. At times the girls' language is right on target and at other times they seem far wiser than their years. Pubescent girls who like gossipy novels without much action and those who enjoyed P.S. Longer Letter Later will eagerly take to this sequel. 1999, Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; 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, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 2000; Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc.; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, January 2000; Cahners; United States
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2001; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Colorado
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Kentucky
Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 7-12; Wyoming
ISBN: 0-439-06335-3
ISBN: 0-439-06336-1
Welcome to Camden Falls
Ann M. Martin
Sisters Ruby and Flora have only just begun to cope with the death of their parents. Now their grandmother Min is uprooting them from their familiar town and transplanting them to Camden Falls. Min lives in a row house and Ruby and Flora quickly get to know her neighbors on Main Street. Olivia, their next-door neighbor, is around Ruby and Flora's age and they become friends. It is harder to get to know Nikki, who comes from a poor family and is hesitant to trust anyone. While Main Street is very different from Ruby and Flora's home, they quickly befriend their neighbors, from Robby, a teenage boy with Down's Syndrome, to a older woman who works with Min and many children fear. While the story is a bit slow at times, the relationships are varied and help Ruby and Flora realistically cope with the loss of their parents. This book launches Ann M. Martin's new series "Main Street." 2007, Scholastic, Ages 9 to 12, $6.99. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck
ISBN: 978-0-439-86879-2
ISBN: 0-439-86879-3
Added 05/22/07
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