Book Birthday Blog with Lindsay Gizicki

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators. 

 

 Congratulations to Lindsay Gizicki on the release of The Pirate Doctor

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I asked my daughter last year what she wanted to be when she grew up and she told me she wanted to be a doctor… for pirates. The idea of a little girl curing pirates was just too cute to pass up! 

 

 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

One of the biggest motives for me writing this book was my daughter. She loves all things pirates, monster trucks and robots but she doesn’t see herself in a lot of fictional stories that involve those themes. I hope our brave pirate doctor inspires little girls to envision themselves in any story—even if the topic of the story is traditionally not geared toward girls. I really wanted this character, Rue, to be the heroine of this pirate world for every adventure-loving girl out there. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

The metered rhyming! Following a consistent meter and having all the lines of a verse use the same number of syllables was a completely new concept for me. My first book did not follow that format. I ended up hiring a meter coach and editor to help me perfect this one because I had such a hard time nailing it on my own. I'm really happy with how it turned out and I’m grateful for the learning process I had.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

I’ve been sending my press release to relevant magazines, newspapers, and podcasts. I will be trying to get as much exposure as possible. I also have a few author events planned to celebrate my launch (at bookstores, bakeries, and art centers.) For both my books, I’ve tried to think outside of the box about how to get the word out there and companies/people with whom I can collaborate. There’s a book and craft subscription box service based out of Chicago. I hope to be included in their monthly boxes again as well! 

What's next for you?

I plan to start work on my third and fourth children’s books soon. One is a sequel to my first book, To the Moon and Back, the other is a brand-new concept. I also have an adult fiction book I wrote about six years ago. I would love to be able to publish that one day too. Basically, I have a lot planned and I’m hopeful for the future.

A little bit about the book . . .

Rue, a brave and ambitious young girl, longs to sail away on adventures. One day, with the help of a magical compass, Rue comes to discover mystical stones and gems that grant her the ability to heal her pirate friends. Join Rue on a quest to help her dear comrade, Bandana Jack, when he comes to her with a dire problem! Our courageous Rue sets sail to prove that girls have a place in any pirate story, especially as the heroine.

A little bit about the author . . . 

Lindsay Gizicki graduated from Central Michigan University and pursued her passion for journalism. She is currently the editor of an architecture magazine based in Troy, Michigan. Lindsay is an avid book lover and the Michigan-representative for The Book Fairies Worldwide, leaving hidden books for potential readers all around the state. In her spare time, she can be found on Lake St. Clair with her husband, Cyle, and their 4-year-old daughter, Harper, and 2-year-old son, Henry. 

https://www.facebook.com/hankarooreadings

https://www.instagram.com/hankarooreadings/ 

https://www.instagram.com/elle_gizicki/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hank-a-roo-readings/ 

 

Banned Books Week 2022 by Tara Michener

Books are works of art that teach, entertain, train, and enlighten. I always think about the significance of the books that encouraged as a young person. I especially appreciated learning about the relevance of culture for myself and for people who are different than me.

I recently was able to share the signed collection of Jerry Craft's New Kid and Class Act with my son. We read them together as a family. I was able to talk with Jerry last year and get them signed so I had been holding off on giving my son these books until his birthday. He loved seeing the special illustrations and the thoughtfulness that Jerry used in writing his special autographed inscription with my son's name on it. Jerry drew a graphic of one of his characters and the first thing that my son said when he saw it was...

"It is me!"  

When kids see themselves mirrored in books (especially kids that do not see themselves as main characters and heroes as much), it makes their experience more than special. It adds validation, it reminds them of possibility, and it clarifies that they are worthy of being highlighted. 

When I found out that these books were banned by some school districts, I scratched my head and sighed. I wondered why someone would try and take away the opportunity to read about these amazing characters. 

Banning books stops readers from having the opportunity to partake in stories that might enlighten them and it gives too much power to those who arbitrarily decide that they know best for all readers. None of us are exactly the same...this means that it is okay if we have different taste in books. 

Banned Books Week 2022 is September 18 – 24.

Tara Michener is the author of six children's books that focus on self-esteem, diversity and anti-bullying. She is a TEDx speaker, therapist and owns her own private practice in Novi, MI. Tara has been recognized in publications such as Prevention Magazine, Essence Magazine, FREEP and more! She is the Committee Chair of E&I at SCBWI-MI. Her favorite days usually include spending time with her hubistrator, Jason, her son Cannon and her favorite snack Twizzlers and Diet Coke. You can follow her on Twitter @Taramichener. 

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with Isabel Estrada O’Hagin

“All of us have stories. Each of them is different.”

—    Dreamers, by Yuri Morales

What are you reading for National Hispanic Heritage Month?

Each year from September 15 to October 15 we recognize the contributions and influence of our diverse American Latino community to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. What was originally Hispanic Heritage Week and established by legislation and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 was later expanded to a month by a law signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

What are you reading to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month? I’m reading Donna Barba Higuera’s The Last Cuentista, a middle grade novel with an interesting twist to its sci-fi genre. Habia una vez. . . a girl named Petra Peña who, like her abuelita, wants to be a storyteller. Higuera’s amazing story takes you on a journey through the stars and keeps you turning the pages. Her novel was selected as this year’s Newbery Medal Winner and the Pura Belpré Honor Award, among other awards (one of my goals this coming year is to read all the titles in the Pura Belpré Awards List). Higuera’s first novel, Lupe Wong Won’t Dance, won the Sid Fleischman Award for Humor and the Pura Belpré Honor Award, is another favorite. 

Recently, I picked up Higuera’s award-winning picture book, El Cucuy is Scared, Too! As a kid, I, too, was scared of El Cucuyi who I thought of as the barrio boogieman. Blending her imagination with the folklore of her youth, Higuera tells a story of how a young boy, Ramón, learns to cope with his nervousness about his first day at a new school by showing empathy to the monster who lives in his cactus pot. Illustrator Juliana Perdomo paints a brilliant and joyous serape of colors and shapes to match Higuera’s gentle, perceptive text. I keep this picture book on my desk as an inspiration to write my own stories that draw from borderlands folklore.

Are you a kidlit creator who’s looking for Latinx book titles? Look no further than our own SCBWI website, which offers a host of incredible resources to explore, or La Cometa, SCBWI’s bi-monthly Spanish-language bulletin —just a couple of the benefits of your membership!

There are other online resources that offer timely information on what’s happening in Latinx kidlit publishing. You don’t want to miss the virtual celebration of the 2022 Latinx Kidlit Book Festival held October 13-14 (with some pre-festival events in September). The event features big names in the Latinx kidlit publishing world (Aida Salazar, Donna Barba Higuera, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, Meg Medina, Eric Velasquez, Duncan Tonatiuh, among others), and it’s free! Click on the link below to access the Schedule-at-a-Glance and other information.

Additional resources include the Highlights Foundation, Las Musas, Delia Ruiz’s Twitter and Instagram pages, Latinx in Kid Lit, TheLatinoAuthor.com, The Latina Book Club, Latinx in Publishing, and La Bloga, the world’s longest-established Chicana/Chicano, Latina/Latino literary blog.

A final note: you may have noticed the various language used throughout my article: Hispanic, Latino/Latina, Chicana/Chicano, and Latinx.  The approach I use is to let the individual self-identify whenever possible. I identify as a Latina of Mexican American ethnicity, but I’m comfortable with the term Latinx—others are not. For more information on these different terms, you might want to read: Hispanic or Latinx? How Evolving Language Impacts Kids.

One way we can celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month is to amplify and support Latinx voices—throughout the year. Enjoy!  

“We are dreamers of the world. We are Love, Amor, Love.” –Yuri Morales

¡Sigamos soñando!

Isabel Estrada O’Hagin

SCBWI Michigan Outreach Coordinator

Isabel Estrada O’Hagin (Ph.D.) weaves her imagination with her life experiences blending borderlands Latino culture and folklore into stories. She writes stories about strong girls, struggles in life, and the love of family. Her publication credits include journal articles, book chapters in early childhood music, and serving as the editor for a state education journal. She loves her roles as SCBWI-Michigan Outreach Coordinator and Kalamazoo Area Shop Talk Co-Coordinator (KAST—where everyone’s a star!). Isabel’s picture book debut about a young girl’s musical wish will be published by Sleeping Bear Press in 2023.

Book Birthday Blog with Kinyel Friday

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators. 

 

Congratulations to Kinyel Friday on the release of Not My Lisa

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

My newsletter audience helped me come up with the concept. In a newsletter last year, I sent out a poll with a few topics and asked what subject they would like me to cover; transition won. I wrote two stories and kept the one I thought would be most relatable. Just like my other stories, there’s some truth to it, which made it easier to write about. 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

I hope readers take away some problem-solving skills. When you run into a problem, express your feelings, but also make a plan to address it, if necessary. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

One of the most difficult parts was figuring out what kind of transition to write about. What would be appealing, relatable, entertaining, and interesting? I’m hoping I lived up to my audience’s standards!

What are your marketing plans for the book?

Share my book as much as possible through social media, ads, events, and my newsletter.

What's next for you?

Sitting still and finishing my novel!

A little bit about the book . . .

Tanya’s best friend, Lisa, stuns her with news of her moving. Tanya becomes so overwhelmed by her feelings, she questions why her favorite people move away from her. What happens to their friendship once Lisa leaves? Will they ever see each other again? Does Tanya recover from this major life transition? This is a story about friendship, self-doubt, coping, and problem-solving.   

A little bit about the author . . .

Kinyel Friday is the author of fiction books for children and adults, including I Am My Hair, Troubled Minds, and new release, I Feel You. She aspires to be someone’s favorite author and empower children to love themselves while they’re young. Kinyel loves to write compelling stories, shop, and watch movies. She braves the unforgiving winters in Michigan with her family. Stay up to date by visiting https://kinyelfriday.com/ and subscribe to her monthly newsletter.   

FB: KinyelFridayAuthor

IG: kinyelfriday

  

Book Birthday Blog with Kathleen Jae

 

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators. 

 

Congratulations to Kathleen Jae on the release of An Amazing Manatee* Journal

*also known as the sea cow 

  

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

The sea cow is an important character in Elanora and the Salt Marsh Mystery, and I made sure to include worksheets on manatees in my book, The Elanora and the Salt Marsh Mystery Study Guide for Teachers and Parents. I always like to keep up with news on Florida manatees, and when I read articles on how a large number of manatees were (and still are) dying in Florida, especially in one particular county in Florida, I wanted to create a journal for all ages that included not only pages to write down thoughts, but also one that would include manatee graphics, facts, illustrations, and puzzles.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

I touch on the events of this past winter at the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County, Florida. Eleven hundred manatees died in 2021 in Florida, and more than half of the deaths were related to starvation in the Indian River Lagoon. The reasons for the deaths include fertilizer runoff, wastewater treatment discharges, and the release of cyanobacteria and harmful algae blooms in Florida bodies of water by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Army Corps of Engineers released the contaminated water from Lake Okeechobee, and the algae blooms killed seagrass beds, triggering a man-made famine for manatees. At the end of the book, I include some organizations that rescue sick and hurt manatees. My hope is that people become aware of the plight of these fragile creatures.

What inspires you to write?

I always have more than one story to tell at a time, so I must constantly prioritize my writing. I love coming up with new characters, places, and situations, so If I don’t write for several days because of obligations, I make it a point to sit down and just start writing.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

The journal is available worldwide, and I am constantly posting on social media and my website about its publication. In addition, I will be starting a newsletter.

What's next for you?

I will be publishing my historical adult mystery, Island Times Three, at the end of the year. It’s a Raymond Gray mystery about a Manhattan private detective who travels to Sanibel, Florida, for a blackmail case that soon turns into something more sinister. The novel takes place in 1952, and I had a blast researching the clothing, vehicles, island life, and world events.

A little bit about the book . . .

A manatee, also called a sea cow, is an important character in the middle-grade novel, Elanora and the Salt Marsh Mystery. Now you can record your thoughts in your own lined journal. In addition to dozens of lined pages, the book includes manatee facts, illustrations, graphics, puzzles, to-do lists, and much more!!

An Amazing Manatee* Journal is the perfect notebook for children, teens, and adults!

A little bit about the author . . .

Kathleen Jae has been writing in one form or another for almost twenty-five years. In past lives the author has been a proofreader, editor, newspaper reporter and columnist, newsletter writer for a wildlife organization and writer of stage plays and screenplays. Two of Kathleen’s short stories made it to the finals of the 2017 Florida Writer Association Royal Palm Literary Competition. Elanora and the Salt Marsh Mystery was a finalist for the 2021 Page Turner Book Awards.  

Website: https://kathleenjae.com/        

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathleenJae2 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kathleenjaeauthor/ 

Email: kathleenjae@outlook.com

 

 

BIPOC Scholarship Applications Due October 1

Just a reminder that Michigan residents who are at least 18 years of age, identify as BIPOC, and are writers and/or illustrators of children's literature can apply for a scholarship for a 1-year membership to SCBWI. Applications are due October 1st. Four scholarships are available this year. 

Find out more about how SCBWI membership was useful to last year's recipients and learn more about the scholarship recipients in these interviews:

Kristen Uroda

Rita Seay

John Rodriguez

:

On the Shelf by Tara Michener: Little Cat Feels Left Out by Dori Durbin

Have you ever had a friend...find another friend...and then you wonder if you are still your friend's friend? Dori Durbin recognizes that many children encounter this scenario. Friendship can be viewed as one of the most special bonds that humans get to experience but the heart break of uncertainty when a child feels like that friendship is in jeopardy is a lot for a kid to bear. In Little Cat Feels Left Out this topic gives young people a mirror to see their own insecurities about losing a friend, measuring up, and figuring out how to resolve frustrations related to the dynamics of being friends. 

So many of us know what it is like to be the last one chosen to be on a team or to not be chosen at all, and this book gives a nice lesson on coping but also identifying with concepts like jealousy, insecurity, and more. I talked to Dori and she is dedicated to making sure that her books provide a way for kids to get reassured but also soothed by seeing examples that they may go through on a daily basis. Let's face it...kids are told to go and make friends but they are not always told how to make friends. They also are not always told how to keep a friend if something goes wrong. Dori Durbin writes books that help young people to understand social skills and the struggles that can come with playground squabbles and misunderstandings. I enjoyed reading this book with my son and talking through how friendships can shift when a friend finds another friend. I would suggest this as a classroom read, a bedtime story, and it has found a nice home on my own shelf. This is a very timely text for back to school and teacher gifts.  

Dori Durbin and Tara Michener
holding each other's books

Tara Michener is the author of six children's books that focus on self-esteem, diversity and anti-bullying. She is a TEDx speaker, therapist and owns her own private practice in Novi, MI. Tara has been recognized in publications such as Prevention Magazine, Essence Magazine, FREEP and more! She is the Committee Chair of E&I at SCBWI-MI. Her favorite days usually include spending time with her hubistrator, Jason, her son Cannon and her favorite snack Twizzlers and Diet Coke. You can follow her on Twitter @Taramichener.