August 17th, 2010

INTERVIEW

• The WondLaful Tony DiTerlizzi
  Tony DiTerlizzi pushes the boundaries of bookmaking with his latest, The Search for WondLa (S &S), which combines a traditional novel with a graphic novel and the interactivity of a computer.
  
  SLJ spoke to the award-winning author and illustrator about the inspiration and creative process behind this augmented reality children's novel, what's in store for books two and three, and a WondLa movie already in the works with Paramount Pictures.
  
  The Search for WondLa (S &S) is the first novel that you've written and illustrated. Was it something you've always wanted to do?
  
  If you page through the book, The Art of Maurice Sendak, there is a chapter about halfway through titled "Digging Deep." It marks a point when Maurice's stories evolve past telling fun and entertaining tales and begin working on multiple levels. I saw that book for the first time when I graduated from art school back in 1992. I dreamed of one day creating stories for children and perhaps being able to compose something that both entertained the reader but compelled them to ponder some of the universal questions that we all share: What is my purpose in the world? What will I accomplish in my life? Why am I here?    more » » » 

NEWS

• DOE's Duncan: The Feds Tackle Bullying
  Educators have ignored the problem of bullying for too long. So says the nation's top educator, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who headed a two-day federal summit on bullying last week in the hopes that experts could band together and search for ways to prevent this growing trend.
  
  "As educators, as state and local officials–and yes, absolutely at the federal level–we simply have not taken the problem of bullying seriously enough," says Duncan in a speech during the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit. "Too often, bullying gets shrugged off."    more » » » 
• Digital Grieving in an Online World
  Marian Schembari couldn't believe she had to learn about the death of her best friend's brother from Facebook. But after repeated calls to Thana on the phone that were unreturned, plus messages on Thana's brother's Facebook page only growing, the news began to feel real.
  
  While mourning the loss of a friend or loved one is often a community experience, with services and memorials, the advent of social media has broadened that reach–creating digital gravestones, in effect, and a way for people far-flung to connect and help each other cope. Young people, in particular, feel comfortable sharing and expressing themselves online.  more » » » 

FRESH Approaches

• Yearling Rejuvenates "The Indian in the Cupboard" Series
  Published more than 25 years ago, Lynne Reid Banks's The Indian in the Cupboard (Doubleday, 1980) broke new ground in the genre of fantasy, earned critical kudos and numerous awards, and was wholeheartedly embraced by young readers. The book even inspired a live-action movie (1995) directed by Frank Oz.
  
  The story features nine-year-old Omri, whose rather ordinary life is transformed into a remarkable adventure when he receives a secondhand plastic action figure for his birthday, places it inside an old metal cabinet, and turns the lock with a mysterious key that once belonged to his great-grandmother. Opening the door, Omri is astounded to discover that the toy has magically come to life and is in fact a living man from another time and place. As the boy gets to know Little Bear, an Iroquois from the 18th century, the two gradually forge a bond. Aware of the importance of keeping these incredible events secret from all grownups, Omri faces the awesome responsibility of caring for his new companion's safety and well being, while exploring the boundaries of this magical occurrence. Things become even more complicated-and dangerous-when his best friend Patrick finds out about the cupboard and insists on bringing his own plastic figure, a cowboy named Boone, into the present time. Omri and Little Bear's adventures continue in several sequels penned by Banks through the years, including The Return of the Indian (1986) and The Secret of the Indian (1989).    more » » » 

REMARKABLE READS

• A Little Bit of Magic
  Everyone loves a little unexpected magic, whether it's manifested as a parallel world or in finding a mermaid's comb. Readers will love contrasting the base trappings of normal life with the exhilarating discovery of magical people and objects–and all the possibilities these things bring. Just out, but not yet seen, you may want to add Ingrid Law's Scumble (Dial, 2010) to this list, which follows up on her deliciously magical debut title, Savvy.
  
  HARLEY, Bill. The Amazing Flight of Darius Frobisher. Peachtree. 2009. Tr. $14.95. ISBN: 978-1-56145-494-5; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-494-5.
  
  Gr 4-7-Flying bicycles, a good mystery, and melodrama are all part of the appeal of this title, with recently orphaned 11- year-old Darius at the center. Removed from his caretaker, Miss Hastings, and sent to live with crabby and remote Aunt Inga, Darius is miserable until he meets neighborhood tinkerer and eccentric Daedalus, who seems to be able to work magic on old bicycles. A quick read with short chapters, this is a good choice for older reluctant readers.    more » » » 

LIBRARIAN'S INTERNET

• Tons of Free Classroom and Library Printables
  www.teach-nology.com/printables
  

  With teachers and school librarians soon shifting into "back to school" mode, one of the first things they'll need are new signs, labels, and student printables. This year look no farther than teAchnology's collection of more than 9,000 free printables. Not only are they attractive, but they also have the same graphic look, so no more mish-mosh of different labels and pictures in your learning space.   more » » » 

JOB OF THE WEEK