Middle Grade Authors Love Teachers Giveaway #MGAuthorsLoveTeachers

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS! <3 <3 <3

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It’s no secret to those of you who know me that I just adore and respect teachers and librarians who are out there every day with kids–reaching out to them with just the right book or just the right conversation and changing lives. As is said often in children’s literature circles, books offer both mirrors and windows to readers. We often discover things about ourselves and/or who we want to be through reading (mirrors). We also learn about the world–other cultures, ways of life, etc (windows). For some, a book offers a friend and the ability to revisit that friend (reread passages) in a stress-free way. Yes, we write the books. but YOU put those books into the hands of kids every day.

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So…to express this appreciation and love for ALL of you heroes/teachers/librarians out there, I have banded together with some author friends to offer one GIANT giveaway for one lucky winner. The winner of this giveaway will receive a signed copy of every single book below–mailed to you in separate packages. Most are new releases, so the winner will be ahead of the game reading-wise in 2015! You may click on each cover to see the author’s website.

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***There is also a YA giveaway as well.  CLICK HERE!  #YAAuthorsLoveTeachers (I think the YA one is on twitter with #AuthorsLoveTeachers  as well if you’d like to search :-) Here are the MG book choices: So a pretty cool line-up of signed middle grade novels, huh? Okay–so to enter the MIDDLE GRADE Giveaway to win ALL of these books:

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Entries are earned by:

1) Making a comment on this blog about anything book-related or kid-related. Or teacher/librarian related. Anything that suits you, really. :-)

2) Share to Twitter with the hashtag #MGAuthorsLoveTeachers. I know–long hashtag :-) But it will help us find your entry!

3) RT someone else’s tweet with both blog link and hashtag.

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Rules: ***Giveaway ends on Wednesday, February 18th at 11:59 PM. Winner will be announced on the 19th.

1) This is to show our appreciation for teachers and librarians, specifically. Therefore, the winner must have a school mailing address and be presently employed at that school. (Sorry–only US and Canada winners this time.)

***2) Please remember this giveaway is all about appreciation. We know that teachers do not get the appreciation they deserve. This giveaway is a reminder that WE appreciate you. Yes—we write the books, but YOU get the books into the hands of our readers. For that we are most thankful.

THANK YOU for visiting our giveaway! .

Happy Birthday, Ally Nickerson. Fish in a Tree Swims into the World.

Well. Today is the day. The launch day of FISH IN A TREE. I can hardly believe it.

On Sunday I had a party. A big party which was the official launch. Many friends and family came from far and wide and lots of hours went into its planning. But there was another launch that took place in Maine. At a small school off the beaten path. The whole thing caught me off guard.

I showed up at the school to do a school visit with fourth and fifth graders. I had been looking forward to it as I love fourth and fifth graders! And the teacher there is pretty awesome too. After meeting a bunch of AWESOME kids I was greeted with THIS:

YUM!!!

The kids were excited that an author had come to visit. I spoke about FISH IN A TREE, where it came from and took questions. It was the first time I had spoken in-person to kids about this book. And they asked great questions!

One thing I’d mentioned to them is that there are several changes in the hardcover compared to the advanced reader copy (ARC). Reading the ARC felt like a real book, so I caught some things in it that I hadn’t caught earlier. I added passages here and there. Changed a few things. (One important change is to Albert’s shirt.) The young man in the front row boldly asked–which I loved–what the changes were. And I stood there listing them as they dropped into my head and they reacted to every change. It was cool. THEY are cool.

Okay. So, I had an awesome talk with them. Time flew. Later, I went into the hallway and saw many things I hadn’t seen earlier because they were around corners and such. I mean, really. The hallway was an explosion of FISH IN A TREE stuff. Visually AMAZING. But you know what else? These kids are SMART!

Life-sized paper figures of FIAT characters.

Look at Albert! He has “FLINT” on his shirt. Keisha has a cupcake. Ally has a rainbow. Attention to detail. LOVE IT!

And the thing that is SO COOL about this project is that each character has a written description next to each one. But…if you lift the paper shirt, you see another written description of what he/she is really like on the inside. Because there is a theme in this book of pretending to be one thing when you’re really someone different and learning to own who you really are.

Here are the other characters made by these AMAZING fourth graders!

And Here is Mr. Daniels.

And I LOVE their description of what Mr. Daniels is like on the INSIDE:

So…all of this would have been amazing on its own…but…

I LOVED the Writer’s Wisdom wall! And I even got to add something :-)

LOOK! at the amazing books here! MANY that I love, too!

And there was an INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY board (HUGE FAN of this concept created by Peter Reynolds!) where each child created a dot of their own–to express what makes them each unique.

I love Melissa’s dot :-)

A board of writing assignments where the kids had to choose a character from a book other than FISH IN A TREE and compare Ally to its main character. Amazing thinking skills.

A board of writing assignments where the kids had to choose a character from a book other than FISH IN A TREE and compare Ally to its main character. Amazing thinking skills. And this is made out of cloth! cloth! Wow.  Below, is just one example but THESE WERE ALL GREAT!

This is Melissa – the teacher who orchestrated all of this! She is amazing, isn’t she? I mean seriously.

But, teachers–no author expects all of this. Not nearly. Most of us are happy if the kids have read our book(s). AND as a teacher, I would NEVER have pulled all of this off. Melissa must have elves. Or a magic wand. Or an extensive behind-the-scenes crew working day and night.

As I left the school, I looked back at this sign on the front door. And thought that is was INDEED a welcome. A big welcome.

I absolutely loved all of the things these kids and Melissa did for my visit to their school. But I can honestly say, I liked their hearts the most. This is a very special community. I find myself missing them as I type this.

As I walked to my car that day, I thought that this would end up feeling like the *official* launch of the book. And after my big party on Sunday which couldn’t have been any better…I still think that this visit was the day Ally Nickerson felt like she’d finally stepped into the world.

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Here is a podcast I did with Matthew Winner about the backstory for FISH IN A TREE:

http://lgbpodcast.blogspot.com/2015/02/lynda-mullaly-hunt-ep-121.html

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POST to giveaway of signed book, t-shirt, and swag for kids :-)

https://lyndamullalyhunt.wordpress.com/2015/02/04/321-launch/

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Here is the Book Trailer for FISH IN A TREE:

3,2,1…Launch Party!

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THANK YOU, ALL–my fantastic FANTASTICOS!

Yesterday, was my launch party for my book, FISH IN A TREE (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin–coming February 5th). Even though it was Super Bowl Sunday, we had a good turnout–and it was fun! I saw people I haven’t seen for years. A flurry of hugs at the doorway.

There were others on my mind though–such as Nerdy friends from across the country who I wish had been able to be there. Not just to buy a book but to celebrate a new book entering the world–and its future readers as well. That’s what we do as nerds–celebrate books and their readers! So, in honor of these people (and because I hate to see any party end) I’m going to offer a giveaway for a signed copy of FISH IN A TREE, an official FIAT Launch Party shirt, and some book swag.

But, first….some pictures. :-)  (HUGE thanks to Greg Hunt and Liz Goulet Dubois for most of these pictures )

Getting ready :-)

In the beginning…

Some of our FANTASTICO volunteers!

Raffle Table!

Book poster and a shot of a young man who would prove to be very good at fishing.

Nerdy friend, Lesley Burnap, Jason Lewis, Susan Dee, and Gigi McAllister

I love to meet young readers! ((photo: Karin LeFranc)

One of the stations where readers could win raffle tickets – Add a Page to The Sketchbook of Impossible Things. GREAT Additions!

One for my favorite volunteers :-)

Girls playing and enjoying chess!

West Hartford Librarian, Kari Karp, plays GO FISH!

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Caption Contest booth with an enthusiastic facilitator :-)

Cupcake making!

Artistic folk :-)

A new page is added to The Sketchbook of Impossible Things!

A raffle ticket and the remnants of a cupcake.

Happy :-)

Fish in a Tree T-shirts

Albert Jeopardy. Apparently, these two fine young fellows made up some pretty impressive questions for game-goers.

Albert Jeopardy board :-)

Cupcakes! With a rainbow of frosting choices. :-) And a dedicated cupcake helper!

Gigi McAllister came all the way from Maine! (along with 3 others) Thank you!

What are the objects in the mystery boxes???

Reader :-) (Photo: Rebecca Smalian)

Fish for the tree!

People :-)

So happy to see these friends! Jeanne, Mary, Liz and Laurie :-)

Fishing for letters to make words!

Creating fish for the tree :-)

Author, Leslie Bulion, fishes for words. :-)

Lynda speaks to readers about where Fish in a Tree came from.

West Hartford librarian, Janet Murphy, is the master of making fish for the tree!

Artist at work!

Making friendship bracelets next to The Caption Contest booth.

Tattooed hands!

More people :-)

Susan Dee wins a bucket o’ swag, a signed copy of FISH IN A TREE, and a Skype visit :-)

Big winner of Ally Nickerson’s art supplies.

Three *very* helpful members of the Teen Advisory Board, and West Hartford librarians, Kari Karp and Janet Murphy.

Fish for the tree!

Choosing the winners…

Teacher, Melanie Swider, winner of the author visit. :-) Can’t wait to visit her school!

Laurie Murphy, another raffle winner ;-)

With me in spirit – my fantastico agent, Erin Murphy :-)

Also with me in spirit! My Penguin peeps: Venessa Carson, Nancy Paulsen, moi, Eileen Kreit, and Alexis Watts. (I wish Sara LaFleur were in this picture, too!)
My editor and publisher, Nancy Paulsen, is phenomenal. She is the steel penny of editors–one of a kind! I am most grateful for the day she called and every day we’ve worked together since.

Thank you all for an extraordinary day! I am so, so lucky…

My heartfelt thanks to all who came to celebrate with me on Sunday. It was such a great day – I just kept thinking how very lucky I am. I am blessed. Truly blessed. And I never take any of it for granted.

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To my online friends ~ Thank you for “visiting” my launch party :-)

OKAY! NOW for the giveaway information :-)

I am offering a giveaway for:

1) A signed copy of FISH IN A TREE

2) A free, full-length Skype visit.

3) A FISH IN A TREE T-shirt from the launch party

4) Some FIAT swag for a classroom.

TO ENTER:

1) Please comment on this blog post :-)

2) Please tweet and/or retweet with hashtag #FIATbook. You must include hashtag to be entered. :-)

Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM on Saturday, February 7th. TWO winners will be announced/notified on Sunday.

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Thank you ALL, my fantasticos!!! 

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Remembering the Query Daze – a Writer Looks Back with Gratitude

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Lately, I’ve been thinking back to the “query daze.” How hard it was to put my work in front of strangers who were experts and ask them what they thought. At that time, I received some pretty tough feedback. The first query/writing sample I’d ever sent out (for a book entitled Kicking the Beehive) came back with a written response—I was thrilled, believing that a hand-written comment on a rejection means you’re on the cusp of success! The note read, “I love your title. However, you never need send me anything again.”

Ouch, right?

Thing is…I knew the book wasn’t ready. That I wasn’t ready. I sent it as a Hail Mary. A hope and a wish. My head thought I had a chance. My heart knew better.

So, I began another book. The voice popped. I believed in it. Yet, there was this other voice, too. Not demanding to be written but relentlessly tugging at me. So, I began to write that one instead. It was entitled, One for the Murphys, and was later published with Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin in 2012. The book I’d left in order to write Murphys is now under contract and due out in Fall, 2016.

Dreams come true, folks! Believe me; they do.

So, I’ve been thinking about my fellow writers in the pre-agent days. I wrote a love letter to SCBWI (Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators) after receiving an ARC of One for the Murphys because SCBWI was so crucial in getting published.

I’ve been replaying those times with friends and critique group members I met through SCBWI who both encouraged me and kicked me in the butt–depending on what was called for that day. We were a tribe. We still are. And I am grateful to benefit from their caring, honesty, and wisdom.

And, oddly enough, I am grateful for that time of querying and waiting for the phone to ring. Knowing that 212 was the area code for New York city where many agents and publishers would call from. And hoping. Hoping that when the phone rang, it would be a 212 call. These were the days of high hopes laced with days of wondering if I should just work on something easier. Like pulling a tire through a keyhole.

However, that time taught me about grit and determination and the business of publishing. I learned what I wanted and how very much I wanted it. It was a time of feeling both alone and part of something bigger all at the same time.

My second novel, FISH IN A TREE, (avail for pre-order now ~ release is Feb 5, 2015) has many themes that remind me of my early author journey:                                                                

• Grit and resilience
• Having the courage to accept help
• Don’t play the comparison game. Recognize both your strengths and short-comings not in terms of being better or worse but in being human with your one-of-a-kind voice.
• Let your strengths shine in the first try (draft). Work on your short-comings later (in revision).
• Being vulnerable to your audience can be hard–but it often deepens connections with others (Here is an old post on the vulnerability of being a writer )
• Sometimes the things that make you feel like there’s something wrong with you are actually your strengths (i.e. – never being able to follow an outline like other writers)
• Having others on the journey with you makes for a richer ride and a happier person.
• Yup–we’re all in this together. And we have to support each other. That’s what it’s all about. Not just writing but the whole being human thing.

So, since I am making these connections between my early writing career and FISH IN A TREE…

and bubbling over with all of this gratitude for my tribe…

and looking for a way to celebrate the release of this book…

AND knowing how much I was/am helped by others…

I’d like to try to help other writers who are longing to break into children’s publishing. So…

I am offering a giveaway where two children’s writers will be randomly chosen. The winners will be contacted with instructions re: sending me the first ten pages of their book (12 pt, double-spaced) and I will give a balanced critique and speak with the writer on the phone for 30-minutes about his/her writing sample.

To enter, you must:

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1) Be an adult who has been actively writing fiction for children

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2) NOT be published in any genre (as I am trying to help those who have not broken in YET)

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To earn entries, you may:

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~~Make a comment below. Please enter your email address OR twitter name so I can contact you if you win

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~~Share this giveaway link to FB (which you must tell me about in the comments)

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~~Tweeting or Retweeting with the hashtag,  #WritingAllies  (This will help me find your tweets in order to enter you in the drawing. You may also tag me @Lynmullalyhunt )

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The winners will be chosen at 11:59 PM on December 10th. Winners will be notified by the following morning and also announced here. Due to travel plans, I must receive your ten pages via e-mail within 2 days of winning and I will schedule the phone conversation within a few days after that.

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**Thank you and good luck. I’ll leave you with a favorite quote about being a writer:

The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Defying Logic, Fighting Gravity, and Other Lynda-esque Kinds of Things

Originally posted on EMU's Debuts:

I’ve been thinking a lot about my transformation from writer to published author—and I don’t mean signing on the dotted line or that new tiara I bought myself. I mean getting serious. Shifting perspective. Taking action. (Maybe I need my own action figure doll?)

SCBWI had become a social world for me. I’d made friends and enjoyed the conferences. For about four years, I met with editors who had enthusiasm for my work. Each time, I went home and started something new—much to the frustration of my writers’ group. “Why are you working on this new thing?” they would ask. “I thought Editor X requested the other full manuscript at Conference Q.” I would shrug, telling them I had a new “voice” in my head.

Enter Editor Z. When I sat down for a critique, she raved about my 25 pages. What direction did the story go in? Was it…

View original 950 more words

Thanks SO Much Global Read Aloud Readers. You are MY Heroes :-) #GRA14

Hello, Global Read Aloud Readers! I really just wanted to thank you all for jumping in to do #GRA14 this year. Thanks to those of you who chose Murphys as your GRA–but thanks to the rest of you as well! To be honest, with the amazing choices that were offered for 2014, *I* would have had a hard time choosing! So, I’m pretty honored and humbled if you chose Murphys. Thanks, again. It was a blast!

The soon-to-be-legendary Pernille Ripp, who got this whole Global Read Aloud thing started (and who is just the nicest person ever) interviewed me yesterday. She chose from over 400 questions that all of you sent in from all over the WORLD (mind blown!) and I did my very best to answer them. Here is the video just in case you missed it. (HA! WHAT is with that picture? Am I being dive-bombed by a fly the size of a football?) As a THANK YOU, I am posting a giveaway of an ARC of my new book–FISH IN A TREE. Please leave a comment below about something surprising that happened during #GRA14 or perhaps your favorite thing about GRA14 or ANYTHING you want about #GRA. Please tweet/retweet the link with the hashtag #FIATbook so I can find your post. By doing so, you (and your class) will be entered to win:

• An ARC (advanced reader’s copy) of FISH IN A TREE
• Some swag for your class (i.e. bracelets, bookmarks, wooden nickels)
• A free 45-minute class Skype about Murphys and/or Fish in a Tree. (I’ll be happy about that–I love to speak with readers. :-)

Giveaway will end on Wednesday, November 19th at 11:59 PM. Winner will be announced Thursday morning. (However, because I leave for #NCTE14 that day, I may not get your prize mailed until the following week) Again–thanks for everything! You are the BEST readers anywhere and everywhere. ~Lynda

Collection of Teacher-Related & Bullying Posts – NCTE14

Hello!

At NCTE, I’d referred to these two teacher-related posts and a bullying post in a few conversations w/ teachers. I had promised to post them here so they are easy to find for you–so here they are. Whether I had the pleasure of speaking with you or not, thank you for stopping by here. I appreciate it. :-)

~Lynda

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**COVER REVEAL FOR FISH IN A TREE  (About the first teacher that changed me. Saved me, really… My novel, FISH IN A TREE turned out to be a love letter to him and all teachers like him)

http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2014/07/02/cover-reveal-fish-in-a-tree-by-lynda-mullaly-hunt/

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THE YEAR I MET PETER: (About the first book that changed me)

http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/the-year-i-met-peter/

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IRON WHISPER (being bullied as a kid)

https://lyndamullalyhunt.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/of-everything-wonderful/

THANK YOU!!!

My NCTE14 Schedule – Would Love to Meet Teachers/Readers!

Hey, Folks!

I would love to see you at NCTE in Washington D.C.! If you are there and would like to attend one of my sessions and/or signings, below is my schedule. Also, check out the AMAZING company I have on these panels; I’m so excited!

Take care,

Lynda

Friday, November 21

9:30 – 10:45 AM:

Panel – A.06 – Revising the Story: Reluctant Readers Overcoming Shame

Where? **Annapolis 3**

Teachers and authors realize that through testing and well intended intervention, and reading instruction, some students have inadvertently developed a negative self–image of reading. This panel will discuss and demonstrate how they help students overcome shame and realize a love for reading again through personalized instruction and insightful text analysis.

Speakers/Teachers:

Chair ~ Justin Stygles, Guy Row Elementary School, Norway, Maine

Kara DiBartolo, Bethel Public Schools, Connecticut

Melissa Guerrette, Oxford Elementary School, Oxford, Maine

Authors:

Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Group, New York, New York. Author of ONE FOR THE MURPHYS and forthcoming FISH IN A TREE (Feb 5, 2015)

Liesl Shurtliff, Knopf books, New York, New York. Author of RUMP, THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILSKIN and forthcoming JACK: THE TRUE STORY OF JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (April 14, 2015)
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Friday, cont.

SIGNINGS: (Please come by to say hello! I love to meet readers! I’ll have swag for both ONE FOR THE MURPHYS and FISH IN A TREE)

~1:00 – 2:00 PM: Signing in the Penguin Young Readers, Booth#612, 614, 616

~4:00 – 5:00 PM: Anderson’s signing Booth #153

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Saturday, November 22

9:30 – 10:45 AM:

G.46. GROW THROUGH IT: FOSTERING RESLIENCE AND EMPATHY THROUGH STORY

WHERE? **Maryland B**

Audience: Elementary, Middle

A panel of children’s book authors and classroom teachers share ideas and strategies professionals can

use with students to build resilience and empathy. Attendees will learn conditions that help support the

development of resilience and empathy and how literature can be used to foster this development.

Presenters:

Susan Dee, RSU 5, Freeport, Durham, and Pownell, Maine;

Gigi McAllister, teacher, Gorham, Maine; Gigi McAllister, teacher, Gorham, Maine;

Leslie Connor, author, HarperCollins-Tegen Books, New York, New York;

Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Nancy Paulsen Books/(Penguin Group), New York, New York;

Jennifer Nielsen, author, Scholastic Inc., New York, New York

FISH IN A TREE Giveaway

It’s Halloween and ghouls just want to have fun. SO….

….I am posting a FISH IN A TREE giveaway including a signed ARC. In case you’d like to know something about the book, here is some info including a synopsis and Chapter One.

http://lyndamullalyhunt.com/book_alphabet.php

The giveaway includes:

1. A signed ARC of FISH IN A TREE  (release date is Feb 5, 2015)
2. A Fish in a Tree t-shirt (sizes are limited)
3. A “Great minds don’t think alike/ Got grit?” lanyard
4. A class set of 30 “Great minds don’t think alike/ Got grit?” bracelets.
5. A class set of 30 “silver dollar day/wooden nickel day” wooden nickels for your students
6. A class set of 30 FISH IN A TREE tattoos
7. A fancy FISH IN A TREE pen – because who doesn’t love a good pen?
8. Three signed copies of ONE FOR THE MURPHYS for your classroom library. Or I will happily personalize them if you wish.
9. A set of 30 Murphys bookmarks for your students
10. My undying gratitude for being the kind of teacher who would enter a giveaway for your class.

You earn entries by:

• Tweeting this post with the hashtag #FIATbook (This way I can find your entries).
• Retweeting or quoting tweets (with #FIATbook).
• Sharing this to FB, but please let me know in the comments below.
• Lastly, you can enter by commenting about anything you’d like below—feel free to just say hello, tell a story of a student (yourself or another) who has persevered despite obstacles, or a story of a wonderful, life-changing teacher—because there are SO many unsung heroes out there. I know it. In fact, this book is one big thank you note to you teachers out there who are saving kids every day.

A winner will be randomly chosen Thursday, November 6th at 11:59PM. *The winner MUST have a school mailing address.*

And, thank you for your interest in FISH IN A TREE. If you ever get around to reading it, I do hope you enjoy meeting Ally, Keisha, Albert, Suki, Mr. Daniels and the others…

Global Read Aloud, 2014 ~ HOORAY!

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Hello, Global Read Aloud Teachers, Librarians, Students, and Fellow Reading Enthusiasts!

Let me just say what an extraordinary honor it is to have One for the Murphys chosen as a Global Read Aloud book this year. I am absolutely stunned by the company that it is in. I think no matter which book you choose for #GRA14, you can’t go wrong!

If you have chosen Murphys as your read aloud, I would like to try to help make the experience feel a bit more interactive for your kiddos. So here are some things that I’ve done/will be doing for GRA!

1) I have read Chapter ONE online for you. Don’t think I wasn’t nervous doing this, either, but I thought that kids may like to hear the beginning read by the author.

2) I have read the last chapter online for you as well. I’ve heard from many teachers who have cried while reading it and from many students who have watched their teacher cry while reading it. I am so grateful that readers feel connected enough to Carley to feel such emotion. But, I also feel a bit bad sometimes. Like I should start sending flowers to people. 

For you teachers who do read in front of kids even though you know you’ll cry—kudos to you! I think that’s brave and great for kids to see. I also think it’s a bonding experience for a class.

3) Some teachers have expressed wanting to order “Be someone’s hero” lanyards. I usually give these out at schools when I visit, but for GRA, I will offer them for sale at cost plus just a bit more to cover packaging and postage. They will only be for sale for a few weeks. Please e-mail me at…I’M SORRY; THERE ARE NO MORE LANYARDS FOR SALE :-( Thank you for the huge response :-)

4) I promised on Twitter that I will send out a limited number of class sets (30) of free bookmarks (see below) for *classes reading One for the Murphys for #GRA.*  Please provide your SCHOOL mailing address. I’m sorry but I won’t be able to mail to residential addresses. Thanks! (I’m sorry :-/ bracelets are not available for shipping) SORRY–OUT OF BOOKMARKS FOR NOW :-/  Thanks for big response, though :-)

5) I will be holding an in-person GRA LAUNCH CELEBRATION in Mystic CT at the fabulous BANK SQUARE BOOKS—one of CT’s best indie bookstores. It will be held on Oct 6th from 4:00-6:00. TEACHERS who attend–I will have classroom packs for you containing bookmarks and “Be someone’s hero” bracelets for your class. I’ll explain the back story for One for the Murphys and tell you about my strange writing process  There will also be raffles for cool stuff.

6) If you do not live near Mystic, CT., BANK SQUARE BOOKS and their awesome staff such as Kelsy or Julia are taking orders for signed copies that they will ship to you. Place your order and I will sign it the night of Oct 6th and it will then be shipped to you. Please call the store at (860) 536 – 3795 to order your book and leave instructions—I am happy to personalize! If no instructions are left, I will just do the basic signature.

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7) I am already pretty booked up with Skype visits with classes, having booked MANY over the summer and early fall. I know that the phenomenal writer and person, Kate Messner, was a GRA author last year and ran into the same thing. So, borrowing Kate’s idea, I ask that students and teachers ask questions in the comments section ON THIS POST throughout #GRA and I will choose a couple of questions each week and answer them in a video. The more creative the question, the more likely it will be chosen. If you include the kid’s name who came up with the question, I will mention him/her. I will post links to those videos here. Also, you can search Youtube.com for my name and #GRA14

Also–if you are interested, here is the book trailer for One for the Murphys:

Okay! So, that’s it! I am so excited to begin Global Read Aloud SOON! Huge thanks to Pernille Ripp ( @pernilleripp on Twitter) who CREATED GLOBAL READ ALOUD. What an extraordinary thing you’ve begun, Pernille!

Read on, folks. Read on. And remember…