TWO amazing Skypes in ONE DAY!

Fifth graders met two amazing authors today from our Mock Newbery project. Tomorrow we have one Skype scheduled.  Needless to say, Skype season has officially begun!

During lunch my Lucky Broken Girl book group met my fellow PS 117 alum, Ruth Behar, peeking into the coziness of what appeared to be her living room.  We talked a lot about the book and Ruth's writing process.  Editing happens so often and finally "It is as good as good as it can be in that moment."

The kids asked why she decided to tell the story of Ruthie?  When she writes, Ruth listens to what her heart is telling her at any given time.  She tries to find the right moment and for Lucky Broken Girl, she finally "found the right moment."

We are always interested in finding out where and how authors write, especially if they listen to music.  Most of the time, Ruth told us, she listens to music.  Anything from "Waltz for Debbie" by Bill Evans to Argentinian tango to Cuban music to "These Boots Were Made for Walking."  "Except," Ruth shared, "for those moments when I need it to be as silent as snow falling."

The kids were fascinated with Ruth's Spanish and asked her to speak to us in her native tongue.  "Gracias carta." I'm sure that's not correct but it was something like "Thanks for the letters!"

GRACIAS, Ruth, for the Skype!  We 💓 Lucky Broken Girl!


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Then after school, Mrs. Kelliher's book group met Someday Birds author, Sally J. Pla in her studio in San Diego.  Mrs. Kelliher (and the kids!) went over the top for this party! Check out the snacks and the goody bags! Look closely! Mrs. Kelliher personalized the stickers on the bag for each student with a Someday Birds logo!  Evan made those nests last night with his Dad! And see those ceramic birds?  Mrs. Kelliher bought one for every member of her group, including Sally!  We mailed Sally a care package last week so she could show us her bird, too.

Sally was inspiring!  When asked about her writing process, Sally shared that she thinks of idea and character at the same time.  So for Someday Birds, she wanted to write a story about an autistic boy or one with sensory issues, who has to take a journey. Her next book, Stanley Will Probably Be Fine, comes out on Tuesday. The idea for that was initiated after she broke her ankle and was in a wheelchair.  She wondered what it would be like to be scared of everything. We'll have to read the book to find out! Book birthday, Tuesday!

Someone asked Sally what her favorite theme to write about is and she said something like this (Please excuse my paraphrasing):

Being your age and being an outsider and thrown into a situation....[writing about kids] whose brains work a little differently and are outside the norm and how you can push through that...Who you are now is not necessarily who you are going to be...

Thank you, Ruth and Sally, for two great meetings today!

Leaping with Sally!

Leaping with Ruth!