Book Recommendations 1 Jennifer Nielsen March 28, 2020

Book Recommendations 1

Usually when I make recommendations, it’s on titles I’ve read and loved. I’m doing it differently on this post, but for a reason.

With the BUG (Big Ugly Germs) going around, there are many authors who are not able to do a part of the job we love: touring, attending conferences, holding launch parties or signings, doing school visits, or skyping.

That’s a disappointment for all of us, BUT when an author is also trying to release a book, that becomes a double disappointment, because how do they get word out about their book? Well…this blog is one place for that.

This is by no means a comprehensive list (you can find a wider list HERE), but it is a starting place. This week’s list are for books already in recent release. If any of these books interest you for a purchase, all links are to Indiebound. Please, please support your local indie bookstore. Keep your money in your community.

Picture Books

ALL OF A SUDDEN AND FOREVER by Chris Barton and Nicole Xu. The tragedy of the Oklahoma City bombing and the healing of a community and a beloved tree that followed. This would be ideal for teachers looking to teach more recent history and about how to come together in the midst of difficult times.

WHOO-KU HAIKU by Maria Gianferrari and Jonathan Voss. The story of the great horned owl, in Haiku.

MONSTER’S TRUCKS by Rebecca Van Slyke and Joe Sutphin. Monster loves his construction vehicles, but he does not like to share them. What happens when the reader does exactly what Monster said NOT to do?

MORNING SUNSHINE by Keely Parrack and John Bajet. As we all wake up, the outside world bustles with life!

Middle Grade

THE WONDER OF WILDFLOWERS by Anna Staniszewski. Mira must balance loyalty to her family with the desire to be accepted by her new classmates.

WILLA AND THE WHALE by Shelly Brown and Chad Morris. Can a whale talk to a human? A tale of courage and connections during the harder times of life.

Young Adult

SPINDLE AND DAGGER by J. Anderson Coats. Wales, 1109Elen must live a precarious lie in order to survive among the medieval Welsh warband that killed her family.

BONE CRIER’S MOON by Kathryn Purdie. To become a bone crier matriarch, Ailesse must kill the boy she’s destined to love.

TEEN WRITER’S GUIDE: YOUR ROAD MAP TO WRITING by Jennifer Jenkins. For young writers, this is a how-to guide specifically for you!

7 Comments
  • Reply
    March 30, 2020, 4:01 am

    All these look so good! especially Spindle and Dagger!

  • Reply
    March 30, 2020, 4:08 am

    Hi Jennifer,

    What are some tips for writing more each day and fighting writers block?

    Thanks

    • Reply
      March 31, 2020, 8:27 pm

      Hi Jamyllah;

      The way to write more each day is to find a routine time for writing and protect it. Don’t schedule anything for that time, and don’t get on the internet during that time. Just write. For writer’s block, very often the problem is that your character doesn’t have an immediate problem. They have the overarching problem that is the plot, but right in that moment, they’re looking at you, wondering what to do because there is nothing coming at them right then. So the rule is to be a nice person but a cruel author. Ask yourself, “What is the meanest thing I can do to my character right now?” And maybe you’ll actually do it. But asking the question is usually a good way to break that writer’s block. Good luck!

  • Reply
    April 1, 2020, 11:57 pm

    Thanks, Mrs Nielsen! 🙂

  • Reply
    April 17, 2020, 8:40 pm

    I love all your books so much! Your are my favorite author! I’ve read so many of your books and they are all fantastic. I love how there were two narrators in The Traitors Game series. You build your characters’ personalities wonderfully. When I put one of your books down then do something else, I think that I was watching a show because I can picture what is happening! Where do you get your inspiration for your books? When COVID-19 is over, will you be coming to Ontario?
    Your fan!!
    Sofia!

    • Reply
      April 19, 2020, 4:15 am

      Hi Sofia –

      When you’re back to school, ask your librarian to invite me – that would be cool! And thank you for your kind words!

      • Reply
        April 19, 2020, 5:38 pm

        I certainly will! Thank you for the opportunity to meet you!
        Your fan,
        Sofia

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