How to Use a Poet’s Toolbox to Teach Writing with Dianne White

Teaching tips are good all the time, but especially now with many kids learning from home. We asked our client Dianne White, a former teacher, to give us some of the ways she teaches writing. Here’s what she said: Continue reading “How to Use a Poet’s Toolbox to Teach Writing with Dianne White”

Starred Reviews, Six-Figure Deals & More News

With so much distressing news in the world, we welcome wonderful praise for our clients. Here’s what they’ve been up to…

AWARDS

Let 'er Buck written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrated by Gordon C. JamesNonfiction picture book LET ‘ER BUCK: GEORGE FLETCHER, THE PEOPLE’S CHAMPION written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrated by Gordon C. James was a 2020 Spur award winner for the Storyteller/Illustrated Children’s Book by the Western Writers of America.

Donna Gephart‘s LILY AND DUNKIN was nominated for the California Young Readers Award.

REVIEWS

not so pure and simple by Lamar GilesLamar Giles has received his FIFTH starred review for NOT SO PURE AND SIMPLE! It’s from Bookpage, and follows the stars from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist.  BookPage also posted agreat interview with Lamar.

THE STARTUP SQUAD: FACE THE MUSIC, the second book in the series written by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, is “an enjoyable and diverse story highlighting friendship, entrepreneurship, and perseverance,” according to Kirkus.

APPEARANCES

The Booking Biz clients Bethany Hegedus, Don Tate and Jessixa Bagley talked about writing through troubled times in a webinar for The Writing Barn.

The Writing Barn is also holding classes for parents and kids featuring The Booking Biz clients:

Brian Weisfeld has been featured on the news in Austin on KEYE and KXAN, plus in San Antonio on WOAI and KABB.

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies by Carmen OliverCarmen Oliver has been busy. She wrote a post for the Nerdy Book Club on what makes a successful author. Also her book, BEARS MAKE THE BEST READING BUDDIES, was chosen for Hillsborough School Board Member Dr. Stacy Hahn’s StoryTime Online initiative. Plus. on March 21, Carmen participated in giveaways courtesy of her publisher Kids Can Press for 2020 International Day of Forests. She also revealed an online reading of her book A VOICE FOR THE SPIRIT BEARS: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal for educators, librarians, and parents.

BOOK RELEASES

Green On Green written by Dianne WhiteDianne White‘s new picture book GREEN on GREEN came out on March 17! The book has received two starred reviews, from School Library Journal and BookList. It is also a Junior Library Guild selection. An activity kit for the book is available on her website.

NEW BOOKS

Scholastic has acquired Tami Charles‘ next young adult novel in a six-figure deal at auction. Tami was inspired to write MUTED after the Me Too movement and her experience in an all-girl R&B group. The book set in the music industry looks at the business of exploitation and how dreams of the girls are often used against them. MUTED is set for publication in 2021.

Caldecott Medal, ALA Awards, and More Client News

We couldn’t be more proud of our amazing clients. They’ve racked up awards, starred reviews, and more. Here’s their latest news… Continue reading “Caldecott Medal, ALA Awards, and More Client News”

Our 2020 Most Anticipated Books

It’s the beginning of a whole new decade, and lots of great-looking books are coming out soon. From new books in acclaimed picture book series, to a sequel to an award-winning middle-grade novel, to a young adult novel that has received four starred reviews… so far!

Here are our most anticipated books coming out in 2020. Continue reading “Our 2020 Most Anticipated Books”

Awards, Praise and Cover Reveals!

2020 has only just begun, and our clients are already raking up the kudos and getting busy with appearances. Here’s their latest news. Continue reading “Awards, Praise and Cover Reveals!”

We Wish You… Our Clients’ Best Wishes For the Holidays and 2020

We’re starting a new decade in just a few days, filled with wonder, thrills and new books! The new year even starts with a brand new picture book from The Booking Biz founder Carmen Oliver, BEARS MAKE THE BEST WRITING BUDDIES, releasing on Jan. 1!

Continue reading “We Wish You… Our Clients’ Best Wishes For the Holidays and 2020”

ALA Awards, Keynote Speeches, and More News

From major ALA awards to keynote speeches to new books, our clients have a lot going on. Here’s their latest news… Continue reading “ALA Awards, Keynote Speeches, and More News”

Picture Books Are Teachers, guest post by Dianne White

There’s been discussion lately about how picture books shouldn’t be thought of as books only for the youngest readers. These seemingly simple yet complex formats offer a lot to readers of all ages and writers for all ages.

Dianne White
Dianne White

Our client, Dianne White, knows a lot about this. Her picture book BLUE ON BLUE has been loved by readers of all ages, as well inspired and been used for instruction. We asked Dianne to tell us more about how picture books can help educators with their students, even above the age of 6. Here’s what she told us… Continue reading “Picture Books Are Teachers, guest post by Dianne White”

2018 Bookish Resolutions

The new year has started, and at The Booking Biz, we hope 2018 is bringing you all good things–including lots of wonderful books!

A new year is also a good time for changes, resolutions, and making the world better. Books can help.

Inspired by their own books, our clients are sharing their own resolutions. What are yours? Continue reading “2018 Bookish Resolutions”