I am so excited about my new middle grade series RUBY STARR (Sourcebooks), available in August 2017.

Ruby is a ten year old who loves reading and has a bigger-than-life imagination. Her love for books has led her to start her own book club. Every Tuesday at lunch, Ruby and her friends discuss a new middle grade book. In honor of Ruby, once a month, I will be holding my own book club. Book club discussion questions for middle grade books will be posted here on my blog. There will be some of Ruby’s favorites (which just so happen to be my favorites as well!) and some new releases too.

The first book we will be discussing is ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS by Scott O’Dell. This book won the John Newbery Medal in 1961 and is based on the true story of The Lost Woman of San Nicolas. Ruby and I both love the story because it highlights the courage of a young girl, Karana who is left all alone on an island in the Pacific.

Here are some questions to get your book club discussion started:

1. Karana’s courage is the trait I admire most about her. What trait do you admire in Karana?
2. After she gets to know Won-a-nee and her young, Karana decides to stop killing animals and to find other ways to survive. Do you think this is a big sacrifice for her?
3. Karana has many animal friends throughout the book. Which is your favorite animal and why?
4. Would you have saved Rontu? Why or why not?
5. Karana’s friendship with Tutok shows us how lonely Karana is on the island. Have you ever been lonely? What did you do about it?
6. Nature is like a character in this story because the island and the sea are so important to Karana’s survival. What description of nature in the book stands out to you and why?
7. Missionaries ask Karana to change out of her cormorant skirt and otter cape into a dress they make for her. What do you think this symbolizes?
8. When Karana finally leaves the Island of the Blue Dolphins, what do you think she will miss the most? What would you miss the most?

I hope you enjoyed today’s book club! See you next month:)

P.S. If you have suggestions for a book we should read, please send me a message on my contact page.

One of the best things about being an author is receiving emails and letters from readers.  Thank you to the readers who have been sending me questions and comments about SILENCE.  The characters who began in my imagination connect us because they are now part of your imaginations as well.

I recently received a question which I thought I would share.  This reader asked why I chose the daisy as Stella’s special flower.  To me, the daisy is an understated flower that has as much power as a rose but with an air of innocence along with the freedom of a wild flower.  The scene with Hayden and Stella in the hospital is the most important scene between them because it is the moment Stella realizes she is not alone.  The only flower that would ever have been right for Hayden to give to Stella on that day was the daisy.  Readers of my first novel, JANE IN BLOOM, will recognize the reference to daisies as “happy flowers.” (JANE IN BLOOM, page 45).  It was a nod to my first book when Hayden chooses to bring Stella daisies because his grandmother had always told him daisies were “happy flowers.” (SILENCE, page 48).  The daisy becomes a symbol of hope and the purity of the love Hayden and Stella share.

 

 

I am excited to announce my new middle grade chapter book series, The Fictional and (Sometimes) Fabulous World of Ruby Starr will be published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky!  The first book in the series will be released in 2017.

Here is the official Publishers Weekly Announcement from this week!http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/69208-rights-report-week-of-january-18-2016.html

 

Thank you for sharing #17Days in honor of SILENCE!

On the second to last day of the #17Days of Mindfulness Challenge in honor of SILENCE, write a love letter to someone.  Read it to them out loud.

What is one dream you have for yourself? Dare to have hope in that dream. #17Days

It takes courage to stand up for someone or something you believe in.  Be brave today. #17Days

Today, find your voice in creative expression.  Write a story, a poem or a song.  Your creativity is unique to you–give it freedom. #17Days

In SILENCE, Hayden introduces “being in the moment” to Stella.  He teaches her how to appreciate life without worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.

Today, be in the moment.  Give yourself this gift. #17Days

Day 10 in the countdown is all about giving back.  We can make a difference by touching one life today.  How can you give back in your own neighborhood?

#17Days