Thought for the Day:
“A year from now you may wish you had started today.”
~ Karen Lamb ~
Gifts for My Writer Friends:
Anne R. Allen has a great post HERE with 10 tips for writing a good first chapter.
I have been told that my book is “episodic.” What does that really mean and how can I fix it? I did some searching and found a good article HERE that might really help me.
I do a few sponsored reviews each year, and they are usually self-published books. Doing them helps the folks at the book review to keep the lights on. I spent New Year’s Day reading one that sure would have been better if the author had read the post HERE by Louise Harnby!
I’d like to wish you all a slightly belated Happy New Year. I really enjoyed my time off doing family things, but it’s time to get back to it. When last we met here, I offered a gently-read ARC of War is Over by David Almond and illustrated by David Litchfield. The winner this time is Nancy. Congratulations, Nancy! I will be getting the book out to you soon. No giveaway this week. The hardback copy I received for review has been donated to the school.
Fever Year: The Killer Flu of 1918 by Don Brown is something special. Graphic novels are all the rage with young people, but how often do you run across a graphic non-fiction book? If you are familiar with Don Brown’s work, you might have seen some others. If you click on his name, you will go to his site which will show you some others. Unfortunately, the site is kind of out of date and doesn’t have his latest books. Anyway, here is the review I wrote for the San Francisco Book Review.
War rages across Europe, and America prepares and sends its young men to fight in what came to be known as World War I in 1918. But the war isn’t the only evil waiting to kill. As people fall ill in cities and military bases all over the world, it is reported there is severe influenza spreading. Doctors have nothing to combat this new, virulent strain of the flu and deaths are so high that in some places graves can’t be dug quickly enough, funeral homes run out of caskets, and the dead are wrapped in sheets and stacked in tents. In India, bodies are burned until they run out of wood, then they are thrown in the rivers. Worldwide, a third of the population suffers from flu, and there are over 50 million deaths.
Author/illustrator Don Brown has taken this difficult subject and written a graphic non-fiction book that will fascinate, horrify, and educate young readers. The simple illustrations support but never detract from the important information. Pages are peppered with mind-boggling facts and excellent quotes. Brown’s fine research shines through and his writing is terrific. This book is not to be missed.
No giveaway this week. I donated my hardbound copy to the school library. But check back next week. I expect to have a giveaway then. And don’t forget to check for other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at the Greg Pattridge’s blog HERE.
Rosi Hollinbeck 
Wow, I would never have imagined such a tough topic for a graphic novel. But, it is an outstanding way to teach young people about the Flu in 1918, when there weren’t vaccines. Will have to check it out to see how the story is handled.
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It is a tough topic, but I think it’s a great way to convey the info for kids that age. Thanks for stopping by.
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Great idea; nonfiction graphic novel!
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Well, not a novel, but it’s very cool. Thanks for the comment.
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Glad you donated it. This sounds like a graphic novel I would really like to read.
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I think you would enjoy it, Natalie. Thanks for the comment.
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What an interesting topic. I’ll have to look for this book.
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It is a fascinating time. I would think your library should have this. Thanks for stopping by.
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Another thriller. I’m sure the kids at your granddaughter’s school will appreciate it. I have to admit I haven’t read a graphic novel, but this one sounds like a good place to start.
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It would be a good place to start. I think you’d like it. Thanks for the comment.
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I red very few graphic novels, but this one sounds like one to make time for in the coming months. This is a fascinating time period and I know nothing about what happened in 1918 with the spreading fever. Thanks for featuring on MMGM.
So good to have you back. I’ve been on withdrawal each week when I don’t get my fix of helpful link. All great ones today.
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Thanks, Greg! It’s good to be back. I think you and your students would like this book. Thanks for stopping by.
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I love it when books are well-researched. This one does seem to tackle a pretty heavy topic, though. Going to look this one up for sure!
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It is a heavy topic, but one I think everyone will find pretty interesting. Thanks for the comment.
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Hi Rosi. Thanks for the links.Now I know what episodic means. And thanks for the review. I love historical books.
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I’m glad you like the links. I know you love historical books, and I think you will like this one. Thanks for stopping by.
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Hi, Rosi, as you know, this is a part of history that interests me enormously. It’s good you are donating it to the school, AND, I am glad of another title to add to my own collection of books on the subject. Good review.
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It’s a great time to write about, and this is a really good book. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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