Friday Mailbag

New-ish blog edition:

Lots of authors have their own blogs, of course, and I'm sure if I googled, there'd be a few characters who "write" online. But check out Winston Breen, a mystery for the middle-grade set. The blog's filled with brain teasers and puzzles, since Breen's something of a brain. Author Eric Berlin says the book will be out from Putnam this fall.

My apologies to book, book, book since I promised a link to her ages ago. I'd say "welcome to the kidlitosphere" but she's been around since the beginning as a lurker, fan and commenter, and she only recently debuted her site, which has something to do with books, I think. 'Bout time, girlfriend! Now everybody go leave a nice comment.

How long has it been since I complained about the dearth of really cool books about contemporary Jewish families? Well, Barbara Bietz found me, left a comment on my blog, and I ... dropped the ball. Sorry, Barbara! Her book, Like a Maccabee came out in October. Shalom, Barb!

Comments

[Genevieve]

Great! I just put it on our wishlist (for my soccer-loving son). Thanks!

[bookbk]

Aww, thanks for the mention! I've been a Book Buds fan from way back so it's an especial honor ;-)

And have you seen the new Sydney Taylor Award winner, "Julia's Kitchen"? It might be something to add to that slowly growing list of books about Jewish families that aren't just about how Jewish they are. Here's the author's website:

http://www.brendaferber.com/books.htm

[Anne]

Yes, I actually attended an Illinois-SCBWI conference and Brenda was one of the featured speakers. The book sounds absolutely wonderful--too old for the age-range I review, alas, but great anyway.

Thanks!