DMA Arts & Letters Live 2014

The Dallas Museum of Art offers a literary series called Arts & Letters Live (including the BooksmART programs "for the young and young at heart") that brings outstanding authors and illustrators to town every year.  I love this programming and have been volunteering for the events for several years.  

The day the season's lineup is announced is always exciting; I open the email and eagerly devour the list to see who's coming ... I know, total nerd.  Each season offers an outstanding offering of children's, young adult, and adult authors.  Just a few of the amazing writers I have had the opportunity to hear through this programming include: E.L. Konigsburg, Marcus Zusak, Kathryn Stockett, Daniel Handler, Maira Kalman, Sarah Dessen, Laurie Halse Anderson, Eoin Colfer, and Lois Lowry.  This year is no different, offering an excellent array of talent (including S.E. Hinton, author of The Outsiders who will be here on April 24!).  

I've attended two BooksmART programs this year and both were fabulous:

Oliver Jeffers

I have longtime been a fan of Jeffers' work.  It is whimsical and charming, and I love his distinctive handwriting (always a weakness with me).  Mr. Jeffers visited the museum on February 9, and the illustrator himself proved to be just as charming as his books and artwork. First off, he has an Irish accent so the room fell in love with him right off, but he also has a delightful sense of humor, a passion for what he does, and a lovely appreciation for his fans.  He did a stellar job of presenting to a crowd that ranged in age from 2 to 82 and kept all completely entertained.  And during the book signing, he drew something special in every book and had a word for every person who waited for a signature.

One thing I loved that he said is that everyone is an artist when they are young.  Some just stop.  When young artists came through the line, he would tell them, "Just keep going".  I like that. I wish I had kept going. 

Here is a video he showed at the beginning that shows his studio and gives a taste of his fun personality: 

Tim Federle

Tim Federle is new on the scene but he has definitely made a big splash.  He published his first book Better Nate Than Ever in 2013 to stellar reviews and much critical acclaim. This autobiographically inspired debut novel tells the story of Nate, a kid growing up with big dreams in a small town; he knows that life will get better if he can just get to New York City.

After reading several reviews and tweets about this novel, I read it last year and loved it.  It's heartfelt and hilarious.  Although I have never felt the draw of the stage, I could definitely relate to Nate's desire to find his place in the world... particularly in the midst of middle school!  And writers with comic talent always have me at hello.  ;)  So, I was thrilled when I saw Tim Federle's name on the season's schedule and was doubly thrilled when Carolyn Bess, Director of Programming and Arts & Letters Live, asked me to introduce him.  What an honor! 

Well, what a treat it was when Mr. Federle visited on March 2.  He was an absolute riot.  I

loved him from the minute I met him, as did the entire room.  We were rolling from the moment he began.  Unfortunately, Dallas experienced a crazy cold snap that day and icy roads kept many from attending.  But, the author took it all in stride and the small crowd that attended (what he described as, "almost enough for a party bus") enjoyed every moment!  It was a side-splitting afternoon celebrating writing, following dreams, and tap dancing that was more than worth bundling up and facing the elements.  

If Tim Federle is ever in your area, I advise you to be first in line to see this talented, hilarious guy!  Librarians, he will be at both TLA and ALA annual conferences this year.  :)

Side note: Tim Federle is the creative genius behind Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist which I have previously mentioned is a favorite gift of mine.  He is now at work on Hickory Daiquiri Dock which will likely be my new go-to gift for new parents.  ;)  


If you live in the Dallas area, I highly recommend taking advantage of the Arts & Letters Live series.  Most of the programs are free, but you do have to reserve tickets ahead of time.  Click here for the season at a glance.  Hope to see you at an upcoming event!

Jillicious Author du Jour: Deb Caletti

Deb Caletti, a National Book Award Finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, writes realistic fiction about teens and the adults in their lives.  She tackles issues like  romantic relationships (both healthy and unhealthy), family dynamics, unwelcome change, persistence, personal growth, and self-discovery.  Another recurring theme in her writing is the connection between people and animals (which I love!).  Her books are set in the Pacific Northwest, and the novels' characters and settings are all intertwined (which I also love!).

Caletti's writing is honest and descriptive.  The way she crafts a particular feeling or experience, such as a first kiss, a drive with the windows down, a view of the ocean, is exceptional.  I always think, "Why couldn't I have described it that way!?  That's perfect!"  I also really like the pacing of her novels.  She will describe in detail the most important, memorable scenes and move the story along beautifully in between.  


Some of my favorite Deb Caletti novels: 

The Six Rules of Maybe

Scarlet is a quiet teen, a "good listener," always living in the shadow of her gorgeous, free-spirited sister Juliet.  Scarlet's world is immediately rearranged when Juliet shockingly returns home pregnant and married.  The biggest surprise is what a great guy Hayden is, although Juliet doesn't even seem to notice.  These sudden changes cause Scarlet to reevaluate her life, her relationship with her sister, and herself.  This is the first Caletti novel I read, and I was immediately pulled into the look at complicated family dynamics.  I loved the characters, Hayden's dog :), and Scarlet's journey in self-discovery.  

 The Nature of Jade


Jade, a teen plagued with high anxiety, relaxes by watching the live elephant cam from the nearby zoo.  While viewing, she discovers a mysterious, handsome guy who regularly visits and also seems to unwind by watching the peaceful, playful mammals.  When she finally meets him, Jade discovers that The Boy in the Red Jacket has a complicated past, yet she hasn't felt so comfortable with anyone in a long, long time.  The characters in the novel as well as the elephants (and the interesting facts about these animals interwoven throughout the story) make this a memorable read.  

Sidebar:  If you are like Jade (and me!) and love elephants,  you might want to check out the 2012 Sibert Honor The Elephant Scientist by Caitlin O'Connell & Donna M. Jackson or Elephant Talk by Ann Downer.  Both offer information about elephants and their complex systems of communication.  You also might enjoy the live elephant cam from the San Diego Zoo. :)   

 

Honey, Baby, Sweetheart

The moment she lays on him, Ruby, a quiet, responsible girl falls hard Travis Becker, the town bad boy.  She is fearless and bold when she's with him, but she also feels a bit outside herself and at a loss as to who she really is.  Then, quite unexpectedly, Ruby and her mother end up on a wild road trip with the "Casserole Queens," a book club full of feisty, outspoken senior citizens.  It ends up being just what they all need.  Honey, Baby, Sweetheart is a lovely tale of unhealthy relationships, family, and the power of redemption.  I just wish I had some Casserole Queens in my life!  


Deb Caletti's latest novel is The Story of Us, and her first adult novel, He's Gone, will be published in 2013.  I can't wait to read both and return with her and her unforgettable characters to the Pacific Northwest.  


Try one of Deb Caletti's powerful novels, if .... 

• you are a fan of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, or Jandy Nelson.
• you enjoy multi-generational stories about interesting, complicated families
• you are a high school girl (or about to be!) who likes realistic fiction 
• you are looking for a good summer read

Click here to read more about this accomplished author.    

Authorpalooza!

I attended the TLA annual conference in Houston last month.  This conference is always a highlight of the spring - time to spend with librarian friends from around the state, a chance to catch up with publishers and hear about upcoming releases, the opportunity to learn new things, and the fun of just talking nonstop about books and libraries!  

Another favorite part of this special event is the chance to meet authors and to hear them talk about their writing. 

It started with a bang with a Penguin dinner with young adult literature royalty: Sir John Green and Lady Judy Blume!  I was so starstruck, I don't think I uttered one intelligible word the entire night!     

 

The Queen with some of her royal subjects, my friends the Superhearts

 

 

I also had the honor of moderating a panel of Lone Star Reading List authors including, Adam Gidwitz, Kelly Milner Halls, Brian Falkner, and David Lubar.  What a treat!  Unfortunately, we were in a cave of a room,  and the photos are real duds.  The one with KMH is just a gray haze! :( 
  

Brian Falkner, author of Lone Star title Brain Jack

Adam Gidwitz, author of Lone Star title A Tale Dark & Grimm

David Lubar, author of Lone Star title Dunk

A final highlight: dinner with the darling and dauntless Veronica Roth, author of the bestselling Divergent and the newly-released sequel, Insurgent.  Thank you, Molly O'Neill and Harper Collins Publishers for this special night.  Is it really fair that she is so cute, talented, and the author of a bestselling book that has already been optioned for a movie, all before the age of 30??! 

 

 

It was another great TLA conference.  Thanks to all who worked to plan and program the event as well as to the publishers for bringing these awesome authors to Texas!  Next Nerd Herd event:  ALA  Anaheim in June!  

Jillicious Author: Wendelin Van Draanen

On a Saturday in February, I had the opportunity to hear author Wendelin Van Draanen.  She came to the Allen Public Library as part of the ALLen Reads program.  What a treat!  It was definitely worth getting up early on a Saturday to hear this incredible lady.  

Ms. Van Draanen spoke about writing, getting published, and the inspiration behind her books.  Surprisingly, she was a "math and science" kind of person and started writing as a form of therapy after a tragedy in her family.  She discovered a love for writing and a voice for adolescent literature which eventually led to the publication of her first book, Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief. This was the beginning of the popular Sammy Keyes series, a fun mystery series with a feisty heroine.  She also talked about her years as a teacher, and it was clear that she connected with her students in the same way then that she connects with her readers today. 

My favorite of Wendelin Van Draanen's books is Flipped.  She told how she was inspired to write this novel after watching her students admire other kids who were not worthy of their admiration.  Ms. Van Draanen described how Flipped came to be made into a movie by Rob Reiner (after he read the book with his son!) and all of the interesting, behind-the-scene details of the film making.  If you haven't read Flipped, definitely add it to your list!  It is told in the alternating points-of-view of Julianna and Bryce.  When Bryce moves in across the street from Julianna in elementary school, she flips over him right away.  But in eighth grade, when most of the story takes place, things start to flip.


Finally, the author spoke about her latest novel The Running Dream, an inspiring story about a track star who must have her leg amputated after a tragic accident.  A classmate with cerebral palsy helps her learn to live again.  Another great book to add to your reading list!  


Ms. Van Draanen was such an entertaining speaker.  If you ever have the chance to hear her, definitely go!  And also, if you live in the Dallas area, be sure to visit the Allen Public Library.  It's a lovely facility and offers excellent literary programs. 

Sarah Dessen in Big D!

The rock star of YA fiction!

The incredible Sarah Dessen came to the Dallas Museum of Art this week as part of the Arts & Letters Live BooksmART series. Ms. Dessen is currently on tour celebrating the release of her tenth novel What Happened to Goodbye (Be sure to read my post about this excellent new novel!).  I had the privilege of introducing Ms. Dessen before she spoke.  What an honor!  I loved the opportunity to talk about one of my very favorite YA authors and her amazing writing. 


The audience was great ... full of teen readers who knew Ms. Dessen's books inside and out!  I was really impressed with the quality of their questions and their knowledge of her novels.  Hands just shot up on Ms. Dessen's book trivia questions (and the questions were not easy)!  These readers were not stumped for a moment!  And, I thought I was a fan!?!? 

The best part of the day was getting to talk to Sarah Dessen for a few minutes before the presentation.  She's such an incredible author and just a really cool person.  I'm pretty sure we are supposed to be BFFs, but I seem to be the only one who knows this.  ;)  Oh, well.  A girl can dream! 

Huge thanks to Katie Hutton, head of Arts & Letters Live, for this very special experience!  Now back to the books ....  

I know it seems this is the only dress I own.  It's actually only the second time I've worn it.  I save it for author stalking opportunities. 




Don't we look like BFFs?  



TLA 2011!
The Texas Library Association Annual Conference is always a highlight of my spring.  Time with my librarian friends, dining with publishers, talking about books, and meeting authors.... what more could you want??  This year's conference in Austin was no different.  Here are just a few pics with some favorite authors:    

Time with Paola Bacigalupi, author of the multiple-award winning Ship Breaker, at the Little, Brown event. 
What a fabulously interesting guy!  So happy for him and his success! 



What??  THE Daniel Handler?? LEMONY SNICKET?? 
I can't believe I got to meet this hilarious, delightfully-quirky author!