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Kidsreads.com Newsletter |
April 2004 |
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Who Needs TV When You Have Books Like These? |
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Did you try TV Turnoff Week at your house? If so, the kids might be mighty itchy right now with no TV to view.
We have just the solution --- some new books to read! This month's update includes FOUR author interviews, THREE new series features and ONE GREAT CONTEST.
First up, we interviewed Garth Nix, the author of the Keys to the Kingdom series (and yes, The Seventh Tower series as well). We, means me and my nine-year-old son, Cory. Garth was terrific to talk to and we learned a lot from him about how he writes and develops his story ideas. Pictured to the right is Cory with Garth.
We love the Alex Rider series. The fourth book, EAGLE STRIKE, came out this month and we are geared up to celebrate it with a series feature and a CONTEST (we know you LOVE those) where you can enter to win one of 25 books! If your children like thrillers, this one is guaranteed to give you quite a ride. There's International intrigue and fast-paced action! We're betting your kids will be reading the three previously published books as soon as they finish this one.
Another series we love are the ZEKE ARMSTRONG MYSTERIES. Wonder why? Take a look at the reviews of RED CARD and GREEN STREAK and read our interview with Daniel J. Hale and Matthew LaBrot. We think they are the only uncle/nephew writing team. Pretty cool, eh? The books have sports themes and will keep kids guessing till the end.
Have your children read any of the Spiderwick series books? The fourth one is now out and we have an interview with Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, the co-authors.
Ella Enchanted is in movie theatres. We have an interview with the book's author, Gail Carson Levine, where she talks about what it was like to see her words turned into a movie.
Have a great month ...
Happy reading.
Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com) |
See what we talked to Garth Nix about here.
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Cool New Books for April |
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This month's roundup of cool new books features children who behave more like adults, as they try to solve mysteries and overcome adversity. These brave souls include Molly Moon, who finds herself in the middle of a dangerous investigation, and the Grace children, who are still battling those pesky faeries in the fourth Spiderwick novel. We're also spotlighting a fabulous new cookbook from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and the latest entry in the bestselling Don't Know Much About series. |
Read our Cool New Books for April feature here.
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ALEX RIDER Series by Anthony Horowitz -- And a CONTEST! |
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Here is the latest on this bestselling series. If you have not read the Alex Rider series, now is the time to get started!
Following the untimely death of his beloved uncle, teenager Alex Rider is recruited by Britain's top-secret intelligence agency to investigate some of the most high profile and dangerous men in the world. He faces challenges that even adults would find impossible to handle, including intense military training, high-speed chases and bullfights. You'll be cheering for Alex every step of the way, as this brave and determined boy puts his life on the line to make the world a safer place for all.
In this feature, you'll learn more about Alex Rider and his heart-stopping adventures, meet the man who has written the books, take a fun quiz, and much more!
ALEX RIDER Contest
To celebrate the publication of EAGLE STRIKE --- the latest book in Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series --- Kidsreads.com is running a contest where 20 readers will have a chance to win a copy of this exciting suspense novel! |
Read all about the Alex Rider series and our Contest here.
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Kidsreads.com Talks to Garth Nix, Author of THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM Series |
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Award-winning author Garth Nix talks to Carol Fitzgerald of Kidsreads.com and her nine-year-old son Cory about his inspiration for the Keys to the Kingdom series and what he and Arthur Penhaligon have in common. He also discusses how he selects what to write next, his writing routine, and what readers can expect from him in the coming months. |
Read our interview with Garth Nix and our KEYS TO THE KINGDOM series feature here.
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Author Talk: An Interview With Matthew Reilly, Author of HOVER CAR RACER - Read the Book Online NOW! |
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Matthew Reilly, the #1 bestselling author in Australia, is best known for his suspense novels for adults. Now he is launching an online serial novel called HOVER CAR RACER for readers aged 9 and up that will be available free of charge. In this interview Matthew talks to Kidsreads.com about the plot of HOVER CAR RACER and why he is releasing it as a FREE e-book. Start reading HOVER CAR RACER here now! We have the first of eight parts online here. And will add the second one next week! |
Read an interview with Matthew Reilly and the opener of HOVER CAR RACER here.
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Kidsreads.com Talks to Daniel J. Hale and Matthew LaBrot, Authors of the ZEKE ARMSTRONG MYSTERIES Series |
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Daniel J. Hale and his nephew Matthew LaBrot, co-authors of the ZEKE ARMSTRONG MYSTERY series, talk to Carol Fitzgerald from Kidsreads.com and reviewer Terry Miller Shannon about their decision to write a novel together, how they collaborate on their writing, and future titles that will be released --- including a brand new series they're currently working on. |
Read our interview and more about the ZEKE ARMSTRONG MYSTERIES series.
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Matt Christopher Fan Club --- Vote in the Poll |
Matt Christopher is thinking of starting a Matt Christopher Fan Club for kids. He wants to know if YOU would want to join a club, and what you would want for being a member.
Vote and let him know! |
Vote about the Matt Christopher Fan Club here.
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Reviews and Features |
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GRIM TUESDAY: The Keys to the Kingdom, Book Two by Garth Nix
Arthur doesn't think he will ever have to return to the strange house that nearly killed him on Monday --- the house that contains an entire world. But Tuesday brings new challenges --- in the form of an enemy named Grim Tuesday, who threatens the well being of both Arthur's family and his world. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle and excerpted.
THE IRONWOOD TREE: The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 4 by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
What was the strange shape-shifting creature that came to Mallory's fencing tournament, and what exactly has happened to Mallory? The answers to these and other disturbing questions are found within the pages of this gripping novel, the fourth installment in the popular Spiderwick series. Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber and excerpted.
HEARTBEAT by Sharon Creech
From Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech comes the story of Annie, a young girl who is beginning to understand the many rhythms of life and how she fits within them. Her mother is pregnant, her grandfather is forgetful, and her world only makes sense when she is running and can hear the sound of her own heartbeat. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood and excerpted.
MOLLY MOON STOPS THE WORLD by Georgia Byng
Molly Moon is back --- and this time she's hypnotizing her way to the Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Along with Rocky and Petula the pug, Molly is tracking the sinister activities of American billionaire Primo Cell, who wants to become president and take over the world. Reviewed by Kristi Olson.
AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS by Gennifer Choldenko
All Moose wants is to be a normal kid playing baseball with his friends after school. But Moose's autistic older sister and his unusual address --- on Alcatraz Island --- make "fitting in" a serious challenge. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
THE REPORT CARD by Andrew Clements
Nora Rowley is a genius, but she keeps this fact a secret because she doesn't want any special attention. The fifth grader has always tried to be an average student, but now she decides to intentionally perform poorly in her classes --- for a very important reason. Reviewed by Carlie Webber.
THE UNSEEN by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
In this new novel by master storyteller Zilpha Keatley Snyder, lonely and frustrated Xandra discovers a key to the realm of the Unseen, a world full of creatures that surround us at all times but cannot be seen or heard. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
SILK UMBRELLAS by Carolyn Marsden
Eleven-year-old Noi discovers her artistic gifts in this colorful novel that also celebrates the traditional culture of Thailand. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
EVANGELINE MUDD AND THE GOLDEN-HAIRED APES OF THE IKKINASTI JUNGLE by David Elliot
When Evangeline's primatologist parents go on a research trip to the Ikkinasti Jungle and then mysteriously fail to return, it's up to Evangeline to travel there and find them herself. Reviewed by Kristi Olson.
SAY WHAT? by Margaret Haddix
Siblings Sukie, Reed and Brian (ages six, seven and nine) are worried when their normally uptight parents do not respond appropriately to their misbehavior. They decide to investigate, and what they discover leads to a kids-against-parents WAR. Reviewed by Renee Kirchner.
SOME FRIEND by Marie Bradby
Finding a friend isn't easy, especially when there aren't many kids your age in your neighborhood. But being a friend is even harder, as Marie Bradby conveys in this powerful coming-of-age story. Reviewed by Ashley Hartlaub. |
Read our reviews and features here.
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Poll |
Do you set reading goals for yourself?
Yes, I do.
No, but this sounds like a good idea.
No, this would not interest me.
I'm not sure what I think. |
Answer the Poll here.
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Want to know my favorite part about this newsletter? You can forward it to a friend by clicking the button on the bottom of the page. What could be easier? Now it's really easy to share your favorite book newsletter with friends, teachers and librarians! Can you tell I am excited? I hope you are too.
Remember to be safe online. NEVER tell anyone personal information --- which includes your real name, age, address, phone number or school. Hey, pretend you are undercover when you go online and protect yourself at all times!
Keep reading! Until next week...
Booker T. Worm and Friends
Kidsreads.com
The Book Report Network
250 W. 57th Street - Suite 1228
New York, New York 10107 |
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