Visiting Fredonia, NY
I really enjoyed visiting Fredonia, New York, this week–both the elementary school and the University of New York! It’s fun to talk to third graders and college kids in the same day. Loved a question from my college audience, from a thoughtful young man who wanted to know how I approach gender dynamics in my work without scaring off or overwhelming young readers. “Scaring them off?” I asked. “They’re living this stuff!”
Listen in on a preschool classroom. Boys are yucky, girls can’t play here, boys can’t play with dolls, girls don’t like football. Kids are investigating gender dynamics every day of their lives. Trust me, a little thing like considering how a female ninja fits into the society of feudal Japan is no big deal.
Read MoreWhat I’ve Been Reading
Shadow Warrior by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
An imaginative, informative biography–of sorts–of the semi-legendary Chiyome Mochizuki, who owned and ran a school to train girls as ninjas in feudal Japan. Tanya Lloyd Kyi fills in much of the background of Chiyome’s life with invented scenes and characters, showing us just how a girl from Koga wound up running a powerful network of spies and assassins as the civil wars of Japan raged around her.
Chiyome is, of course, a central and formidable character in Deadly Flowers and Deadly Wish. I’m so happy to see her get a book of her own! My Chiyome is more nefarious than Tanya Lloyd Kyi’s. But you know right away that either one is not to be trifled with.
Anyone who enjoyed Deadly Flowers and Deadly Wish and who wants to know more about the historical background behind both books would do well to check out Shadow Warrior.
Read MoreCurious City Besties Honors Deadly Wish!
Proud to have Deadly Wish honored as a Curious City Bestie! My tale of ninjas, monsters, friendship, and betrayal garnered a spot on the list for “Best Stalking by Giant Deadly House Cat.”
The Curious City Besties are selected by Kirsten Cappy, who knows more about kids’ books than pretty much anyone I know.
Here’s the full list–if you need books for kids on your holiday list or just appreciate a fabulously told story, this is the place to go!
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Ninjas in the Library
We had an awesome Deadly Flowers event at the Portland Public Library last Saturday! Our fearless and stealthy readers hunted for clues in the stacks (learning just a tad about the Dewey Decimal system in the process), figured out a rope puzzle (not easy!) and practiced sneaking up silently on a blindfolded partner (no peeking!). And of course many left with signed copies of Deadly Flowers and the brand-new Deadly Wish.
All this was courtesy of the excellent game kit created by the brilliant Kirsten Cappy of Curious City. To recreate this event, download the kit and buy yourself a few dozen Japanese Kit-Kats for snack (we had them in raspberry, strawberry, and green tea flavors). I guarantee you an adventurous event!
Read MoreSarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Readers will treasure the blossoming friendship between opposites in this whimsically illustrated tale. Short chapters and plenty of action make for an accessible and appealing reading experience. . . . Touching and inspiring.”
—Kirkus Reviews