Great books by local Richmond authors:
One of our cutest Richmond Rocks readers
Books for Children
Granny Babysits the Mischevious Five by Carin Jayne Casey
Little Dog in the Middle of the Road by Sharon P. Stanley
Milagros: Girl from Away by Meg Medina
My Life as a Young Wizard by Zack Samuels (book written by a Richmond kid!)
Richmond Rocks! by Kate Hall
Richmond Rocks! The Spooky Sequel by Kate Hall
Summer of the Woods by Steven Smith (chosen as 2013-14 WEaver READs book at Bettie Weaver Elementary School in Midlothian)
Sundial by Meghan Pearsall
The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind by Meg Medina
The Santa Beacon by Graham Gardner, DDS
Tia Isa Wants a Car by Meg Medina
For adults by Richmond authors:
Boston Found by Kathleen Reid
]]>
In 1978, John Hunter decided that he wanted to teach his inner-city students about global issues in such a way that “they could experience the feeling of learning through their bodies.” He designed the World Peace Game and for more than 30 years, Hunter has used it to introduce these issues to students from his fourth-grade class and beyond.
John was born and raised in Richmond – he lives and teaches today in Charlottesville, VA. He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.
In World Peace and Other 4th-Grade Achievements, Hunter shares the wisdom he’s gleaned from over thirty years teaching the World Peace Game.
Over a period of weeks, through a complex set of scenarios (and a three-dimensional structure representing the entire planet), children and teens learn to:
- negotiate, battle, obtain resources
- cooperate in the wake of natural disasters
- and resolve all manner of conflicts
The kids (in schools both well-funded and under-resourced) read Sun Tzu in order to see past the logic of war. They test the possibility of confrontation, only, later, to choose peace.
World Peace is a look at the relentless optimism and wisdom of children. It reveals the principles of successful collaboration that people of any age can apply and shares the tools which may help us all in efforts for a more peaceful world.
Praise for the Book
“Hunter’s optimism is infectious” –Publishers Weekly
“A veteran educator’s uplifting account of how he introduced schoolchildren to global problems through a visionary game that charged them with saving the world….Inspired, breath-of-fresh-air reading, especially for those who have ever questioned what the public school system can do for American children.” –Kirkus
“With numerous reflections on the game’s impact on certain students and a resounding final chapter highlighting his class’s 2012 visit to the Pentagon, Hunter proves the value of “slow teaching” in this important, fascinating, highly readable resource for educators and parents alike.” –Booklist
]]>
It was such a fun thing to connect with Rachel Reynolds. Right as I was releasing She’s Got Issues, she was releasing Four Seasons for Charlotte. We thought it would be cool to ask each other some questions, author to author. To read Rachel’s interview of me, you can click HERE.
Rachel, your book is about your daughter’s diagnosis with a brain tumor. You chronicle her treatment and her tragic death, but also the power and strength in community. What was one unexpected thing that you experienced from writing and publishing the book?
This may sound funny, but I was truly surprised at how interested people were in hearing our story. Originally, I put my ideas on paper as a way to process my thoughts and feelings around that incredible year of our lives. As I shared some of my writing, people kept saying, “You should turn this into a book.” After hearing it from people outside my closest friends and family, I thought that maybe I did have an interesting story to tell.
What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?
As I wrote and edited the book, I found myself reliving 2009 all over again. Those emotions and memories were sometimes difficult to process. It was great to relive the happy memories of times that we shared with Charlotte but writing also reminded me why I was telling our story in the first place. That empty place in my heart ached a little every time I edited the book.
Four Seasons for Charlotte touches on the very real process and emotions of a parent losing a child. What would you say to someone who’s experiencing this kind of grief?
Grief is such a powerful and complicated emotion. Everyone seems to process something like the death of a child in a different way. There are two big lessons I have learned on this journey: No two people grieve in the same way and there are no hard and fast rules for the process. The grief often comes and goes in waves. Sometimes the waves are tiny ripples and sometimes they are tsunamis. Navigating grief is about learning to ride the waves.
In your experience, what’s the best way friends and family can support someone who’s experiencing severe or terminal illness (either themselves or their child)?
If a family is living in crisis because of a severe or terminal illness, it is very important for them to learn how to accept (and delegate) help. In our experience, the community wants to help but they sometimes need a little bit of direction. If you are trying to help a family in need, think about what you can do and just dive right in. No good deed is too small. Offer to do a load of laundry, bring a meal over to their home, babysit, deliver an extra cup of coffee, or just distract your friend with a fun evening out. Living in crisis is scary but knowing you have a community behind you willing to help makes all the difference in the world.
So who should read your book?
I think this book will resonate strongly with any parent who has lost a child but I hope that it will give insight to anyone who is also supporting a family in crisis. While every family’s story is unique, we learned some valuable life lessons in the year of Charlotte’s illness. Everyone has challenges in their life and has to find ways to manage stress. There are common threads in our story to which I think almost anyone can relate.
Find out more about Four Seasons for Charlotte and connect with Rachel on her website.
]]>
Meg Medina is passionate about writing books that engage children of all ages.
Richmond authors continue to astound Richmondmoms with their incredible books that inspire, entertain, engage and educate our children. Richmond-based children’s book author Meg Medina, is one of the latest local writers to introduce great books for kids.
Her books for young readers are fascinating reads, and she writes for a whole age range of children. But the most interesting thing about her work is the multi-cultural approach to writing that she takes.
Multi-cultural Background
Meg focuses on strong Latinas in tough circumstances and with a family background from Cuba, she knows what she’s talking about. Her books are inspiration for all ethnic backgrounds, and their particular tie to Latinas makes them a great way to introduce children to different cultures and the struggles that many young people face.
Her Books
Her latest creations include:
- Milagros: Girl from Away for ages 8-12 currently on special price at Barnes & Noble. (Christy Ottaviano Books: Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 2009)
- Tia Isa Wants a Car for ages 3-7 (Candlewick Press, 2011 – due out in June 11, 2011). It will be published in Spanish in 2012.
- The Girl Who Could Silence The Wind (Candlewick Press 2012 – due out next year).
About Meg
As a real Richmond mom, Meg has lived in Richmond for 12 years where she raised all three of her children. As a part-time employee of James River Writers, a volunteer for Richmond schools, an accomplished author, and a Richmond mom, she stays quite busy.
During the summer of 2010, Meg spent time working with the Latino Education Advancement Program at Steward School and James River Writers to produce “Yo, A Photo-Essay Exhibit” by Latino teens in Richmond. It was a huge hit and went on display at City Hall during Hispanic Heritage Month. She will be volunteering again this year to promote similar projects.
Tia Isa has been name a Junior Library Guild Selection and has earned great reviews in Publishers Weekly.
You will find Meg’s blog totally endearing and informative. You will also enjoy her tweets @Meg_Medina too.
Upcoming Events and Signings
Summer is an important time to keep children reading during their school break. Meg’s books make it fun for kids of all ages too. You can visit with her at upcoming book events and signings in Richmond including:
- June 11 - bbgb bookstore, which includes a big book launch party, food, activities and even an antique car. It’s from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at 3100 Kensington Avenue, Richmond, VA.
- June 26 – Short Pump Barnes & Noble at 2:00 p.m. is a book talk and art activity for kids. Visit them at the corner of West Broad Street and Pump Road and meet Meg personally.
Kids love to meet real authors, and this is the perfect opportunity to meet a Richmond author and pick up a great book for summer reading.
Support our local authors and businesses whenever possible — and show Meg how much Richmondmoms appreciate her work!
Learn more about Meg and Tia Isa Wants a Car on the Latin Baby Book Club blog.
]]>
Join Skylar on an historical adventure.
Looking for a great book for kids of all ages? Skylar and George Washington may be just what you’re looking for then! It’s a book narrated by an energetic, white Jack Russell with one blue eye and kids love her. She takes children on a journey of George Washington’s life, making it fun and entertaining, so they don’t even know they’re participating in a history lesson.
The book is written by Matt Burgess, a Tucker High School graduate, who now resides in Atlanta with his real-life dog Skylar, and his wife. Matt recently visited Richmond where he introduced Skylar to lots of local children and they absolutely loved her. The book is available at bbgb in Richmond, Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble.
Click here to learn more.
]]>
But if you're not from Richmond, you'll love it too--I did. Turning the pages of this beautiful hard-cover book I learned so much about Richmond's past and the Thalhimer family who worked tirelessly in their family business through economic downturns, race riots, and new technology to keep their brand alive as long as possible. In doing so, they created thousands of memories for Richmond children like their famous Snow Bear, acted as heroes to African American Richmonders in a time when such heroism was not-at-all popular, and gave back to the Richmond community both monetarily and in ways that are immeasurable.
Elizabeth writes: By being the first major retailer in Richmond to integrate his entire store, he risked his business and his reputation to do what was right. He not only integrated, but he made a point of including blacks in the store’s hiring and promotion practices . . .
That passage, and several additionals pots in this heart-felt book made me pause and reflect on an era long-gone. The book took Elizabeth, a bright, young Richmond mom of one, twelve years to research and write. In it, historical significance and personal snapshots collide to create a book that is a historical treasure. If you’re lucky enough to receive this beautiful book, or smart enough to purchase it for yourself, you’ll never think about Richmond in the same way:
Dad said he could never go back to the downtown Thalhimer building after it closed because he didn’t want to see it without customers. When I see the clock sitting there on the street corner, I understand what he means. Sometimes it’s best to remember things at the peak of their glory.
Events and signings may be found at her site, FindingThalhimers.com.
The Rock People first struck me as a very different children’s book written by Sue Valiquett with illustrations by Kate Lazuka.
The photographs offered fun insight into little Nae-Nae’s world in the city, and her long-desired trip to the family beach house. The black-and-white pictorial brought me back to childhood trips to the ocean, collecting all the treasures the sea coughed up. When she happens upon The Rock People her mother shared the Legend of the Rock People. Nae Nae listened intently as her mother told the story of an earth that was once pristine, now littered and thick with smog, and learned how the Rock People planned to change all of that. A fun way to help children learn about the environment, The Rock People website also offers educational tools for kids.
This book received a Mom’s Choice Recipient Award on Amazon.com.
]]>
When artist Jan Polk sent me a copy of this beautiful book with an equally gorgeous set of her notecards, I was intrigued, and to be quite honest–felt immediately guilty. I, who was always the child who sent a thoughtful, hand-written thank you note without being prompted by my parents has become an email-driven queen who rarely puts pen to paper to write a personal note. This hard-cover keepsake is entitled, A Year of Good Manners, “A perpetual, daily calendar to record birthdays, anniversaries, and help you remember good manners every day, all year long.”
Sifting through the pages, cleverly-lined with calendar dates on the right (to be used as a datebook for aforementioned special dates) and a tip for each day to remind us of just what good manners are, far beyond hand-written notes:
February 19: Good posture when standing shows respect and interest in other people. Keep your thumbs even with the side seams of your pants or skirt, and your shoulders will be straight. Keep your chin parallel with the floor to avoid looking droopy or haughty.
August 13: If you bring a bottle of wine as a hostess gift, understand that it might not be opened that evening. Probably a wine has already been chosen for that dinner. Yours will be appreciated at a different meal.
one of my favorites:
December 23: Replace “but” with “and” in your conversations. If you say “You are doing a great job, but. . .” they only remember the second half of your sentence. For a more positive effect try, “I love you, and I wish you had better table manners.”
This charming book, written by Margery Sinclair with artist Jan Polk, would be a great gift and reminder to our e-society to step back into manners who know no time boundaries. The book and notecards are available online at Jan Polk’s site.
]]>
Every once in a while you read a book that’s so damn good you need to tell everyone about it. The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors is one such book. Intriguing characters Buckley and Becca, both survivors of lightning strikes from two different worlds, grow up with dysfunctional, partial, interesting families that drew me into their worlds and left me wanting to reach out and hug them. Their yearning to find love from their parents–and from anyone–left me yearning to finish the page in the hopes that these affectionate, lightning-strike-fearing oddballs would find the normalcy they so desperately sought. Along the way, fabulous, outlandish characters swoop into their lives like Padraig John and Clementine glitter the story’s landscape like the fish scales adorning Becca’s paintings.
Watching these two characters grow up, sharing their struggles, successes, loves, pains, and lightning strikes was a small glimpse into a world in which I could have stayed. I was a bot disappointed when the story ended, only because it left me wanting to follow these characters for the rest of their lives.
The icing on the cake? The author, Michele Young-Stone is a Richmond mom and native, and having met her I felt quite honored to know such a creative and gifted author. No wonder the reviews are rocking.
]]>
Want your children to learn more about Richmond’s roots? You’ll find it in Richmond Rocks book for children. Ideal for children ages four and up, this is a beautifully-illustrated book by local artist Knox Hubard. There are also amazing photographs by Richmond’s own Hayes and Fisk, the Art of Photography. 
]]>