Picture book writers seek out currently published books from libraries and book stores to study the craft of writing for children.
The best advice for writers is simple. READ.
Do you know how important it is to read across genres to support your writing? It is one of the best strategies for improving as a writer.
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| The Great American Read |
Beginning in May of 2018, Public Broadcasting Services [PBS], began a series of television programs depicting 100 best loved novels. The TV series, hosted by Meredith Vieira, featured documentaries and recommendations of best loved books by authors and celebrities from throughout the country. This popular campaign was a great success.
The eight-part series featured fiction books published from the past during the 1600s and recently published books from 2016. Various genres were included: Young adult novels, historical fiction, adventure, classics, and more.
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| We Want You |
Click on this link to read the 100 list of books to learn more. You'll note many titles familiar to you. If you're like me, you will see the list includes many familiar and favorite books. I'm quite certain many of them are on your bookshelves at home.
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| READ |
You may even want to take The Great American Read Quiz.
Everyone was encouraged to vote for their favorite book. There were more than four million votes. A final vote for the best loved book took place on Tuesday, October 23rd. The Grand Finale Great American Read premiered yesterday. There were more than 300 guests, authors, and literary experts, and book fans.
And now for the Top Five Finalists including the #1 best loved book. Let's begin the countdown . . .
#5 THE LORD OF THE RINGS by J.R.R. Tolkien
#4 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen
#3 HARRY POTTER (series) by J. K. Rowling
It's time to unveil American's best-loved novel. America voted for . . .
#1 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
by Harper Lee
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| TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee |
If you weren't able to tune-in to the unveiling of the top five picks, click here to watch The Grand Finale.
I loved all the interest in books that the Great American Read generated. I was pulling for both harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings.
ReplyDeleteI support the #1 choice, America voted for, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, by Harper Lee. However, I was rooting for CHARLOTTE'S WEB by E. B. White, Kathy.
DeleteGlad to know about this. I don't recall ever hearing about the Great American Read!
ReplyDeleteClick on this link to watch the eight episodes, Tina:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.pbs.org/show/great-american-read/
The 100 books are divided into five categories:
1. Villains and Monsters
2. Heroes
3. Who Am I?
4. What We Do For Love
5. Other Worlds
Great post, Suzy. We were fortunate to attend a live event with Amy Dickinson, a local area writer, advice columnist, and passionate advocate for READING! Lots of excellent books on the list, but many of us agreed that it would be great to have another list just for kidlit.
ReplyDeleteTO: Sue
DeleteThank you for introducing me to advice columnist and reading advocate, Amy Dickinson. What a great opportunity to listen to her presentation.
CHARLOTTE’S WEB by E. B. White, was listed with the �� books. However, I agree with you, The Great American Read should consider a list of �� Kidlit books for all to read and vote for.
FROM: Sue
Oops! 💯 = 100
DeleteThank you , Suzy! TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD-YES! I agree with Sue--need another list just for kidlit :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I, agree with both of you, Charlotte. A Great American Read with 100 Kidlit titles must take place.
DeletePerhaps you noted CHARLOTTE'S WEB by E. B. White was in included on this list.
Interesting to see that the top four out of five were written by women. Very interesting. I've never heard of the Great American Read before. Thank you for spreading the word!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading about The Great American Read on the GROG Blog today, Jilanne.
DeleteLove great american reads, Suzy. My faves my made the top five! Plus, I learned about more awesome tales to add to my reading list-:D
ReplyDeleteOur reading lists continue to grow for sure, Cat. Happy reading and writing.
Delete~Suzy
I agree - reading across genres is so helpful for writers. I'm currently a Cybils round 1 judge of poetry, that includes many MG & YA novels in verse that I otherwise would never have read (or, for many, even known about). So enlightening to reflect on the story-telling techniques utilized, and ask myself whether they'd work on my own PB manuscripts.
ReplyDeleteThank you for serving as CYBILS Judge, Patricia. I, too, was honored to serve as a CYBILS Judge a few years ago. Selecting Kidlit titles of highest literary merit was such a great experience. It's very important to recognize and celebrate top notch titles of great children's literature.
Delete~Suzy
Glad to know about it. Thanks and please keep writing.
ReplyDeletewrite for us