Three Cups of Tea

I had been on the waiting list for this book at the Manhattan Public Library for quite some time. I was hoping to take it with me to read on the 14-hour van ride to San Antonio for the NCTE Convention in November. It was not meant to be, so I packed up several other things to read and headed south.

One of my favorite things about NCTE is the Exhibit Hall, where literally hundreds of publishers and vendors offer their books and products to teachers at discounted prices. Also present are hundreds of authors who honestly love to talk to teachers about their passion - writing books. There I have met Laurie Halse Anderson, Teri Lesesne, Lee Bennet Hopkins, and Mary Higgins Clark.

This year, I was pleased to find that Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, would be signing his book. I assumed that I would have the chance to purchase his book at a discounted price and get his autograph in the bargain. After standing in line for about 20 minutes, I was met by a publisher representative who asked me which copies I would like. When I asked how much they were, she smiled and said, "They're free." Then she handed me a copy of Three Cups of Tea, a proof copy of the young readers edition of the book, and a proof copy of the picture book version of the story titled Listen to the Wind. I eagerly accepted all three copies, and was soon up to the table where Greg was signing. He shook my hand, asked about my students, and spent a few precious moments just visiting with me. And then he autographed my book with the word, 'Peace'.

I am enjoying very much reading this story of how he has made it his life's work to 'promote peace one school at a time'. I am also very grateful that this author, unhurried though the line was long, took a moment to visit with me about his work, and mine.

Trying to Read 2 Books at Once

I had just begun reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, when I received notice that the Manhattan Public Library was holding The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I've been wanting to read each of these books, and, wouldn't you know, I'd be reading both at the same time.

I have to have Edgar back in Manhattan this week, so I'll have to get back to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn!

Sold by Patricia McCormick

I read Sold in one afternoon. What a moving, heart-wrenching story about a young girl in Nepal who is sold into slavery in India. The unspeakable plight of young adults in that part of the world is devastating.

I heard Patricia McCormick speak in New York this past November. She told of the research she did before writing this book. I was impressed with all she learned and the connections she made as she developed Lakshmi, the main character. I admire authors who use their gift to not only write books, but in telling the tales they bring to focus issues that might otherwise be overlooked.

The content of this book is disturbing in its subject, but it is a subject that must be known.

Deadline

While attending NCTE in New York City this past fall, some colleagues and I had the pleasure of visiting with Chris Crutcher. The topics of conversation ranged from politics to education to airport experiences.

I always enjoy the ALAN workshop. Meeting the authors of Young Adult Literature and receiving copies of their books is a real treat. In my box of books I found a copy of Deadline, Crutcher's latest novel.

This book grabbed me from the first page. Ben Walker is diagnosed with an incurable disease and makes the decision to not tell anyone; not his parents, not his brother, not his friends. And then this gutsy, small-of-stature cross country star decides to go out for football instead. The rest of the book gives us a peek at how he lives out the last year of his life. The book has mature language, but young adult readers will empathize with the challenges and obstacles Ben faces with humor and dignity.