Weekly Note: A (Little) Library of My Own
Weekly Note: A (Little) Library of My Own
Plus shorter middle grade, Freedom to Read day, and The Wild Robot
I’m sure no one noticed, but I didn’t send a “weekly” note last week. So this week I have a lot to say!
P.S. Some of the links are Bookshop affiliate links and if you buy from them I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. But if you can, pick up the titles at your local independent bookstore instead.
We’ve had various illnesses, early-school finishes, and just life stuff taking up my time lately. But nowhere near enough writing! Having said that, I revised a picture book manuscript and got it over to my agent this week. It definitely helps having a google drive full of ideas and not-quite-finished picture book manuscripts to sift through when I can’t focus on longer work.
I am the steward of a Little Free Library! As a kid I wanted to be a librarian. My stuffed toys were the patrons and I would write out little slips of paper to put in each book with the due date. So at last my dreams have come true! We painted it to match our house and then each of my girls painted a window on each side. I love checking it to see if anyone has stopped by.
The discussions are continuing online about middle grade and there seems to some signs of a (much-needed) shift toward shorter middle grade for kids. Or at least, teachers are requesting them. Hopefully publishers are also beginning to acquire more of them to reach the young readers who find weighty tomes intimidating. This interview with Renée Watson and Torrey Maldonado on the subject is insightful.
“Once overlooked, thinner books are in demand, like my book Hands, a worldwide hit. It’s the current Global Read Aloud. It’s not just about Hands; it’s about my other thin stories with short chapters giving kids who don’t fit the mold a voice. Growing up, we’re all shown being a great reader means tackling thick books, but who made that rule? It’s like saying you can only enjoy classical music.” - Torrey Maldonado in an interview with Betsy Bird in School and Library Journal.
I also love this quote from Renée. I’ve never liked it when my kids have had to fill in a reading log for school as it makes reading into a chore:
“I think reading novels that are short can help reluctant readers feel accomplished. Getting to the end of a short chapter, realizing they finished the entire chapter is encouraging and can motivate them to keep going. Reading should not be a chore or a punishment.” - Renée Watson in an interview with Betsy Bird in School and Library Journal.
You might have seen some buzz around British author Katherine Rundell’s middle grade book Impossible Creatures. Her books are best sellers in the UK and now she’s crossed the pond! I loved this five-part podcast on BBC Sounds about writing for children. I listened to it on a walk and I walked four miles because I didn’t want to stop listening! I actually want to relisten with my journal next to me so I can scribble down some quotes! If you’re in the SF Bay Area, Katherine will be at Hicklebee’s next week. Maybe I’ll see you there?
I haven’t updated what I’ve been reading lately for a while so here’s a brief rundown on some recent favorites:
-The aforementioned Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell - I really enjoyed this middle grade! It was a fast and action-packed read. I think my kids will enjoy it too.
- Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp. I thought this was hilarious but I will admit that my youngest didn’t like it as much as me. I love more subversive kids books and even though I don’t write in that style, I enjoy seeing how far creators (and the publishers) can and will go with humor, subversiveness, and darkness.
- The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez - I love Abby’s books. They’re so fun and have great characters that you root for to find their happy ever afters.
- The Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosmimano - I demolished the entire series and now I need the next one!
What are you reading?
I watch a TV show with my husband every night and right now we’re enjoying Bad Sisters on Apple TV. It reminds me a bit of Finlay Donovan so maybe that’s why I enjoy it! I love the character development of all the sisters and even though I think I’ve worked out where it’s going, it still keeps us guessing and entertained.
I adored Wild Robot the book and the movie did not disappoint. The visuals are stunning and the script is witty and heartfelt. I picked up this coffee table book from my local indie and I love the behind the scenes look at how the movie was made (and the chance to pour over the beautiful stills from the movie).
Tomorrow (Saturday October 19) is Freedom to Read Day of Action. Find events online here and sign the pledge.
On Kidlit Survival Guide we covered FOMO and Envy and how we deal with it. As well as the difference between paid and promotional author visits.
10. Jane Friedman has a new email series about How to Earn a Living as a Writer. She also has a weekly newsletter that I enjoy.
I think that’s everything from me this week! Happy writing and reading.
Christine xo
I enjoyed this so much, Christine; thank you for sharing all these treasures with us! My library is currently selecting middle grade novels for their featured summer 2025 reads, so I sent the article on shorter books to our librarian. And I am very much looking forward to listening to the BBC Sounds podcast!