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Finding
Outstanding Authors
By Holly E. Newton
Do you
have a favorite author? Do you find yourself looking for more of
his or her books? One of the best ways to find great books is by
finding outstanding authors. Many of these authors have written
several books, making it easier for the reader to continue to enjoy
the great literature by these known quantities.
Here are
two examples of terrific books that were discovered because the
author already had a reputation. The first is a tale that is suited
for ages 11 to adult. The second is a must-read for parents (and
children!) everywhere.
Click to Buy
 River
Secrets, by Newbery Honor winner Shannon Hale, is a new
fantasy adventure that continues the story of the City of Bayern.
In her latest story, the war has ended but there is still unrest
and uncertainty between Bayern and Tira.
The adventure
begins when Razo (a little-known character from The Goose Girl)
has been asked to accompany a small army of soldiers to go to the
capital city with their ambassador and stay for a season while both
countries negotiate and try to stave off those seeking to fight.
The unrest
makes it difficult and dangerous for the army to live amongst their
enemies, and Razo is no exception. He is very uncertain of his
place in this prestigious army. He’s short, undeveloped, naďve
and very unsure about his abilities. Besides, he senses that the
other soldiers are wondering why he’s been asked to join their elite
company.
But Razo
is about to discover that he has much more to offer than he thought
imaginable. He learns from his friend, Finn, that he is the best
sling-shooter around. When Finn volunteers him to compete against
the tyrant Tumus of Tira, Finn also volunteers Razo to use his sling.
The soldiers
from both sides become amazed, excited and ultimately impressed
with Razo’s incredible accuracy with his small slingshot. He is
surprised with himself — not realizing that his talent was so unique.
He then discovers other talents about himself that he never knew.
One of the most important gifts that he has comes from an order
from his captain. He finally realizes why he was chosen to be a
part of this choice guard unit — to become a spy. His talents of
observation and the ability to go about unnoticed helps him gain
valuable information that may eventually lead his army to safety.
There is
a mystery to be solved that Razo and his fellow soldiers find most
puzzling. Burned bodies keep turning up. Could their fellow citizen
and magical Enna be the one doing this? Her power to burn could
be out of control. But that would put their army in harm’s way
and ultimately lead to war.
The beautiful
Dasha seems so extraordinary. Could she be the source, or is Razo
just blinded by her? There is much to learn from this story that
leads you into the heart of the enemy.
But it’s
not just the wonderful story that will keep you reading. Hale has
an amazing talent to weave her words to create the scene before
your eyes. “In the sundown after rain the eastern horizon was
pale yellow and the clouds rich blue, as though the sky had pulled
inside out.” This is what I like most about the author’s stories.
Her warm words seem to wrap around my mind and linger long after
I close the book. Even though this story is a continuation of her
other stories, which include Enna Burning and Princess
Academy, it stands well on its own!
Click to Buy
 I
tend to stay away from actors who write books because many times
it’s their star power, and not necessarily their abilities as authors,
that propel books to be published and garner attention. However,
there are a few stars that have moved beyond their success in acting
and proven that they can really write. Jamie Lee Curtis is definitely
in this category!
All of
her picture books are delightful with lessons to be learned. Her
latest endeavor is no exception. Is There Really A Human
Race? expounds on an important lesson for children of all
ages to understand. Curtis begins her clever rhyming text with
“Is there really a human race? Is it going on now all over the
place? When did it start? Who Said, “Ready, Set, Go?”
The book
explores the question of why are we all in such a hurry. Why are
we so anxious to get our little ones ready for their careers or
sports?
The brilliant
illustrations by her constant collaborator, Laura Cornell, engage
all because there’s so much to pore over on every page. For example,
the third page has babies lined up in a hospital nursery. Each
baby has different accessories in his/her bassinet, such as a stethoscope
and doctor's bag, flippers and goggles, and an accordion (the according
is in our protagonist’s bassinet). The text reads, “Did it start
on my birthday? I really must know.”
The story
has a definite feeling of urgency. The page that shows the race
in full steam and asks if the little boy is a jockey or the horse
and if the race is a loop or an obstacle course, really conveys
through the text and the pictures the frantic energy of those who
are running.
But there
is a strong lesson to be learned that life is to be enjoyed and
that being first isn’t always the most important thing in life.
To be the best at what you do and enjoy the ride along the way is
much more important.
The illustrations
seem to calm down towards the end and everyone is dancing, playing,
singing and even planting. In a world that seems to be racing everywhere,
this book couldn’t have come at a better time. I just hope that
the parents who are pushing the hardest in this race pick this book
up!
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Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
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