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"My Humorous and Helpful Thoughts About Teaching / Educational Resources for Your Classroom / Music and Random Fun"

Monday, August 22, 2011

The Spark Blogfest

This week, I am participating in the The Spark Blogfest over at The Writer Coaster blog. I am to write about special authors who inspired me to become a writer.

As one who writes for kids, I am forever and always reading children's books. Two authors have held a special place on my reading shelf as I've developed into a writer. Each approaches his or her books from a different angle and I've tried to incorporate a little of each of them into my writing style.

Thrilling & Suspenseful
First off, I love Margaret Peterson Haddix because her books continually pump up the action by putting her innocent little characters into high risk situations. For example, in her series "The Shadow Children," third born children were sentenced to die in a world where families were only allowed to birth two offspring. As a result these children would hide or plot to overthrow their government. The stakes never get higher than in a Haddix novel, so this trait has encouraged me to think of riskier ways to abuse my characters.

Funny but Insightful
Another author who I absolutely love is Gordan Korman. While Korman spins delightful stories full of unique and interesting characters, his humor has often had me laughing out loud. One of my favorite characters in any book comes from "Schooled." Korman created an original character in Capricorn Anderson, the flower child sent to C_average Middle School. His naive nature set the book up for great humor. Through Korman, I aim to put humor in many of my scenes while creating fun and unique characters.
    
If I could write with the suspense of Haddix and humor of Korman, I'd be known throughout the kids' book world.

Feel free to vote for me on the picket fence by clicking the icon. I won't mind. Thanks!

19 comments:

Rhonda Albom said...

I don't think my girls read either of these authors. We will have to check them out. Great review.

Tara Tyler said...

great post, i need good book/author ideas for my kids!

Catch My Words said...

Thanks! Hopefully the review is good enough to win an Amazon card and review on the author's website. This is part of a contest.

Patricia JL said...

Both those books sound interesting. Especially the fist one. Kids plotting to overthrow the government, that has to be interesting to read.

Sandee said...

Inspiration is a wonderful thing.

I voted for you again.

Have a terrific day. :)

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Gwen Gardner said...

I'm blog hopping today and found so many people who are signed up for this blogfest - lots of good posts. I have to read these two books that sparked you. Thanks for the tips. (Voting after this comment).

Angela Cothran said...

My kids and I love both of these authors :) Great post!

revelations said...

I work with kids on a daily basis..they are just a bundle of energy,ideas and inspiration..and always good for a smile or three...

Binky said...

Never heard of either of these authors, but they sound pretty good.

Rick (Ratty) said...

I'll have to make sure I tell my niece about these authors. She always looks for good children's books.

Julie Flanders said...

Great sparkfest choices. The first book sounds especially interesting to me. Off now to vote for you on the Picket Fence, good luck with that! :)

M Pax said...

The Shadow Chldren sounds really interesting. My sister, the third born, would have sulked for a year if she had read it. :) I should get it for her.

cleemckenzie said...

Love kids books that are action filled.
I'm here from sparkfest and hope you'll stop by the Write Game to share the spark there.

Katie Dodge said...

Hopped over from the Sparkfest and thought I'd say hi! I haven't heard of these authors so I guess I better check them out. :)

Catch My Words said...

Thanks to all for stopping by and an extra thanks to those who voted for me. Anyone who reads Among the Hidden needs to be prepared to read on because it's too good to stop after the first book of the series. I ended up reading all seven.

Crystal said...

Very nice! I'm afraid I'm not familiar with either of the books, but I love your description of what you've taken from them that you'd like to incorporate into your own writing. And now? Off to vote! :-)

Christine Tyler said...

I haven't read either of these books, and they both sound wonderful! Thanks for participating in the fest and sharing such unique sparks!

Li said...

I think I'll check out Schooled - I can always use a little humour!