CLASSROOM VISITS + WRITING CHALLENGE FOR STUDENTS

I've been having a ton of fun incorporating video content into classrooms lately. I had an incredible Skype with Ms. Angel's class in Willard:

I also put together this short video for Ms. Brown's class in Halfway. It concludes as I turn the tables and ask students a question of my own; feel free to play it for your young readers and take part in my writing challenge!

SKYPE WITH CHAPTERS BOOKS & GIFTS

I recently had a super-fun Skype visit with young readers at Chapters Books & Gifts in Seward, NE. We had an incredible time talking about THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY, what we like most about reading, and what it's like to be a full-time author.

And to make it all even better, just yesterday, I received these lovely thank-you notes from the readers who chatted with me. Seriously--what's better than knowing someone took the time to draw you a thank-you note?

WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS - THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY

#WeNeedDiverseBooks has been a trending for several solid months for good reason--we do need to infuse our children's books with a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds.  A recent classroom Skype absolutely solidified this point in my mind...

I've been doing Skypes with young readers since THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY released last February; I've talked to library groups and advanced classes and reluctant readers (the reluctants are my faves).  I've also discussed the book with readers of several different racial backgrounds; an entirely African American group recently made an especially strong (actually, completely unforgettable) impact.

When the faces of this group came to life on my screen, I figured they'd immediately picked up on the fact that Auggie and Gus were African American while reading THE JUNCTION.  I was excited to hear what they'd have to say about race and the book.  Instead, the faculty member who organized the reading group told me she had to point out that Auggie and Gus were not white, as these readers had initially assumed.

We went on to discuss why I chose this particular treatment of race: Auggie has such colorful, poetic language throughout that I didn't think she'd rely on simple labels.  She'd be poetic in her descriptions of her skin color (comparing it to mud, etc.)  I also felt it was important to show Auggie living in a multi-racial neighborhood; in the book, Auggie's friends, teachers, and neighbors are white, African American, Asian, etc.  I wanted the faces in Auggie's surroundings to be every bit as varied as the faces in her sculptures.  (They'd provide some artistic inspiration for her.)

But even though we continued to have a great conversation, I have to admit, I was floored.  Their assumption about race couldn't have been based on the fact that I'm white; I don't have a photo on the jacket of THE JUNCTION.  I'll admit I generally come to a book expecting the MC to be white--primarily, I've always assumed that's because I'm white...or is it?  I'm suddenly wondering if it's not that MCs (of a wide swath of genres and age categories) are so predominantly Caucasian as well.

These students made me proud of the fact that I've chosen to depict MCs of different races (and sexes--one of the protagonists in PLAYING HURT is a male).  I'm glad I've chosen to reach beyond what is immediately familiar to me.

More than that, though, these students have also inspired me to continue painting my characters with a wide variety of brushes.  And I hope other authors are finding similar inspiration...

COME SEE ME

I'm making the rounds, doing several online visits in the next coming weeks.  (Online visits are a godsend.  Seriously.  I get to connect directly with readers and work on my next book.  Right now, I'm revising my next MG.)

On September 20, 4 pm EST, you can catch me (and Mindy McGinnis Laurie Boyle Crompton) during Crossroad Reviews' next episode of #ReadOn.  Ask us questions, and enter to win signed books!

If you're in the New Mexico area, I'll be Skyping with the Albuquerque BOOKWORKS on September 27, 1 pm MDT / 2pm CST.

Looking forward to seeing you!

CONDUCTING AUTHOR SKYPES / FERAL GIVEAWAY

Releasing two books in two different genres in '14 means I also have my hands in two different worlds: MG and YA.

One of the absolute coolest parts of being an MG author is being able to do classroom Skypes.  If you're a teacher interested and looking for some tips on how to get started, check out my recent guest post on the subject over at Primary Junction.

...And, if you're looking to get your hands on a copy of my YA psychological thriller, you can get in on a giveaway below!


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THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY GIVEAWAY!

I'm having an utter blast meeting young readers, whether they're in a summer writing group, reading class, or are part of a story group at a bookstore.

My virtual visits are, in fact, the most rewarding part of releasing THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY.  And I'd love, love, LOVE to meet your own young readers.  Are you a teacher looking for a great classroom read and a Skype (for a summer class or even to start the school year off with a bang next fall)?  Are you a librarian looking for a way to get your youngest patrons engaged?  A tutor or parent who needs to keep your kids' reading skills up this summer?  A bookseller who would like a virtual visit?

Fill out the forms below to win a Skype visit and / or a copy of THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY:


For US / Canadian Residents -
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International -  
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FREE SKYPE VISITS

I've had the most fun Skyping with classrooms lately.  Before the release of  THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY, I'd Skyped with bookstores and discussion groups, but not classrooms.  Let's face it: A BLUE SO DARK and PLAYING HURT aren't exactly classroom-friendly. 

Because it's been such a success, I'm Skyping for FREE with classrooms that have read, are currently reading, or are planning to read THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY, so please do pass along the word to your own 4th- or 5th-grade teachers. I can be reached at writehollyschindler (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Me and Jill the O.W.L. (@justkeepreading)'s 5th-grade class:

Me and Mrs. Dee's class (@210BIS):

SKYPE ME

Okay, so I finally got my profile up on Skype an Author Network! Really...don't be shy. Get in contact if you'd like an author visit. (And feel free to refer me to any librarians or teachers who might be interested as well!)

Check it out: Skype an Author profile!

INAUGURAL SKYPE VISIT

Yep, that’s right…I’ll be Skyping into a Borders in Vegas tomorrow—my first “visit” to The Silver State.

Which makes me glad that at least one corner of my house is put together. (My renovations make the place look like a battered revision…you know the sort: coffee rings, waded pages, scratched out passages, none of which would make any sense to anyone who happened to pick up the manuscript.)

And in addition to the half-stained quarter round, the boxes of flooring, the piles of yet-to-be-shelved books, we also have signs that proclaim the piano a “No Tool Zone,” or offer gentle reminders such as this:

“ATTENTION!!!!

He who removes this blue tape will die an agonizing death involving methodical dismemberment and the slow removal of eyeballs (which will subsequently be sold as earrings).

Thanks,
The Management.”

Ah well, at least we haven’t destroyed our senses of humor along the way…

…But I’m seriously in a twitter about Vegas! Wish me luck…