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.
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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!
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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!
And last, The
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, by Sean Covey, will take you
through an easy to read step by step account of how to help kids feel good
about themselves and motivate them to achieve success and happiness.