ALA picks HATE LIST for Great Stories Book Club!

Jennifer Brown’s HATE LIST has been chosen for the American Library Association’s Great Stories Book Club, under the theme “Second Chances.” This program is targeted to underserved and at-risk teen populations in an attempt to reach them through books that take on subjects relevant to their lives. Read More Look for the paperback October 2010!

Release day for Bailey, Heos and Ryckert Cook

Today Rosen Publishing released three more titles from Heartlander writers: Kansas Past and Present by Diane Bailey, Colorado Past and Present by Bridget Heos, and Kentucky Past and Present by Colleen Ryckert Cook.

This is Diane’s ninth book with Rosen. Her next two titles will be out January 2011. Bridget has nine books with Rosen as well. This is Colleen’s first book with Rosen. The company will release two more titles by her in January 2011.

Kansas SCBWI workshop: Fanning the Flames

Joins KS SCBWI July 17 at Mardel Bookstore for another great workshop! In the morning, nonfiction writers and fiction writers alike will learn research tricks from KC Libraries’ Kaite Stover. Next up: Heartlander Lisa Wade McCormick. She has twenty years’ worth of investigative journalism tips to teach you how to find the best expert sources – and interview them to get the best data for your writing. In the afternoon, JB Chaney will share secrets on making the most of your author visits with young fans.

Register at the KS SCBWI website today!

Homeward-Bound with CROSSING THE TRACKS

On June 17, Kansas City welcomed hobo Iris Baldwin with open arms. Debut novelist Barbara Stuber celebrated the release of her young adult novel Crossing The Tracks (Margaret K. McElderry, 2010). Many congratulations and best wishes for Barb and Iris!

Celebrate Barb Stuber’s Debut CROSSING THE TRACKS

Join us to celebrate with Heartlander Barbara Stuber and the release of her YA debut Crossing the Tracks. Kirkus gave it a starred review, saying “Stuber’s tender, evocative style aptly portrays both the evil and the good while remaining emotionally true.”

Launch Party
Thursday, June 17
6pm – 8pm
1025 W.8th Street
Kansas City, MO

Watch the CROSSING THE TRACKS trailer

Jazzing it Up with Ann Ingalls

Join us Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Lackman Library. Ann Ingalls will discuss her new book Little Piano Girl about jazz legend Mary Lou Williams. Williams wrote and arranged music for Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie, and was one of the most powerful women in jazz. Join Ann to hear some music, explore her book and how she wrote it, and learn some jazz improvisation. Ages 6 and up. Register online or call (913) 495-7540

KS SCBWI Workshop: Four-Alarm Novels with Lisa Harkrader

May 1 is a busy day! Join Kansas SCBWI for a day with novelist Lisa Harkrader. 

Details: Saturday, May 1
Mardel–119th and Metcalf, Overland Park
9:30-3:30
$15 SCBWI members
$20 non-members

Register or get more information at the Kansas SCBWI website.

Laura Manivong to celebrate Asian Heritage Week at Blue Valley Library, May 1

Swing by Blue Valley Library to meet Heartlander and debut author Laura Manivong, Emmy-winning producer at FOX 4 TV. She’ll talk about her critically acclaimed new novel, ESCAPING THE TIGER, from HarperCollins Children’s Books. The story is based loosely on her husband’s family, all Johnson County residents, who escaped from Communist Laos in the mid ’80s. After spending time in Thailand’s Na Pho refugee camp, they immigrated to Kansas City in 1989 under political asylum and became United States citizens. Books will be available for purchase. Laura will happily sign them for you during a meet and greet! Find out more about the event here!

Victoria Dixon wins The Sandy Writing Contest!

Congratulations to Victoria Dixon! She tied for first place in The Sandy Fantasy Science Fiction division with MOURN THEIR COURAGE! Ginger CLark of Curtis Brown was the fantasy/science fiction judge. The Sandy contest is sponsored by Crested Butte Writers. Find out more about them and their annual conference at www.crestedbuttewriters.org

SRO at Laura Manivong’s launch for Escaping the Tiger

The masses were out to celebrate with Laura Manivong and her young adult debut Escaping the Tiger. Reading Reptile managed to pack in about 250 family, friends and fans last night and sold every last one of Laura’s books. But don’t fret! You can call the store and order one! (816) 753-0441. In the meantime, enjoy these pictures of the night.