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Warming Up

I am going to try and write the Mother-Of-All-ALA reports tomorrow. Yes, with pictures. I have a particularly fine one of Neil Gaiman taken from approximately 400 miles away.

First up: thank you for all the kind wishes about the death of my father-in-law. BH and I appreciate each and every one. With the deaths of his father and my mother coming so close together, we’re both a little off-kilter right now, kind of like the earth has become sea and the deck of our ship tilts in unpredictable ways. But between the two of us, and with the love of our kids and friends, we lean on each other and stay upright most of the time.

The Horn Book has many great articles online this month. I strongly encourage you to read and discuss Nikki Grimes important essay, "Speaking Out" about the inexcusable fact that no African-American illustrator has yet won the Caldecott. (Leo Dillon won as a team with his wife… Grimes focuses on singular winners.)

(For the record, I agree with her.)

Love books? Love basketball? Then read this article about the literary basketball league my daughter Stef started across from Word, the bookstore she manages in Brooklyn. She has also started a literary matchmaking service. Yep, you better believe I’m proud. Yay Bookavore!!!

And from the Change Topics Completely File, I wanted to share the cover art for the British paperback version of CHAINS:

What do you think?

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Another passage

I am very sorry I did not post from ALA. I had a marvelous time and took lots of pictures and promise to fill you in on all the details within the next day or so.

But the sad news is that I had to leave ALA early because my father-in-law was dying.

Imet my father-in-law, Bill Larrabee, at the same time I met my husband; when I was three years old. Bill and his wife Edith became my parents’ best friends. They were so close that I grew up calling the Larrabees "Uncle Bill" and "Aunt Edith." I have never been able to shake that habit, so yes, I call my father-in-law, "Uncle Bill."

He was a magnificent man.

Last week was filled with sadness and many, many trips to the nursing home. The staff at St. Luke’s in Oswego, NY was magnificent, but that wasn’t a surprise. They have cared for him – and all of their other patients – with the highest level of compassion and service you could imagine. We are so grateful for them.

My Beloved Husband and I were sitting with Uncle Bill when he passed. In some ways it was different than my mother’s death last month, but in most, it was the same; the transition of a great spirit from one form to another. The day after his death, the house filled with relatives and we celebrated his life and legacy.

When we were visiting Uncle Bill a few weeks ago, he unexpectedly summed up his life’s philosophy for us with these words: "Don’t hurt anyone. Be kind and have fun."

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Words to live by. Happy June 51st, everyone.

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Do you think they should get rid of BBYA?

I know I’ve been under a rock for the past six week, but I had no idea there were discussions about eliminating the Best Books For Young Adults List. Argh!

Liz B. explains what’s going on and gives her excellent opinion.

A quick bit of noodling came up with the responses of Cindy Dobrez and Lynn Rutan.

They said what I am thinking, only in a more articulate way. Plus, I’m an author with a vested interest in the process. They are Super Librarians and have both served on the committee.

What do you think?

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ALA Schedule for this weekend

Today is June 38th. Time is still not moving as slow as I’d like!

Yes, somehow it is time for ALA again. My speeches are almost done, but I haven’t started thinking about what I’m going to wear. This might be the year I show up in my pajamas. You have been warned.

If you are headed to Chicago for ALA this weekend, and you are curious about my attire, or have a bet with a friend about my shoes, here is where and when you can find me.


Saturday, July 11th (aka June 41st)

10:30 am AASL President’s Program: Literacy Leadership and Librarian  (McCormick Place West, W-184)

Noon – 2pm – Margaret A Edwards Award Luncheon (Hyatt Regency – Ballroom)


2:30pm – 3:30pm Penguin Autographing  (Booth #2120)


3:30pm – 4:30pm   Simon & Schuster Reception and Scott O’Dell Award Presentation (Booth #3326)

7pm       Anderson’s Bookstore Author Appearance w/ Sarah Dessen (yep – BOTH of us!)

                        123 West Jefferson  Naperville IL 60540  Phone: 630-355-2665


Sunday, July 12th (aka June 42nd)

8:00am – 10:00am        Amelia Bloomer Breakfast (Chicago Hilton Hotel – Boulevard C Room 720 South Michigan Avenue)

11:00am – noon  Simon & Schuster Autographing – booth #3326

Noon – 1pm        YALSA / BBYA Teen Pizza Party (McCormick Place West (convention center) – Room W 475)

evening – super-fancy dinner

Monday, July 13th (aka June 43rd)

10:00am – 10:30am       Interview with Roger Sutton – Junior Library Guild booth #2256

afternoon – meetings

evening – fancy dinner              

For those of you playing along with your scorecards at home, there are 3 official signing times, and I’ll be giving three speeches. I’m not sure if the speeches will have audience overlap, but I am trying very hard to make sure they are distinct.

Will you be in Chicago this weekend??

Not-so-random link of the day: My daughter Stef (aka Bookavore) is interviewed at Wired.com about bookstores and e-books.