The 2012 Literary Classics Children's Book Awards have been announced

 

Literary Classics Announces Youth Media Top Book Winners

SOUTH DAKOTA - Literary Classics announced its 2012 selection of top books for children and young adults today.  Award recipients were selected from entries received throughout the world.  The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize the following titles in children's and young adult literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics Awards committee.

A list of the 2012 recipients follows:

Best First Picture Book, PreSchool, A Box Story by Kenneth Kit Lamug

Best First Picture Book, Early Reader, Terple Always Dream Bigger by Richie Frieman

Best Illustrator, Bella & Harry, Let's Visit Athens, Illustrated by Kristine Lucco

Best Series, The Bella & Harry Book Series by Lisa Manzione

Best First Chapter Book, Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes by PHC Marchesi

Gold - Picture Book, Preschooler,  Fantastic Flight by Barbara Bockman

Silver - Picture Book, Preschooler, Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep by Kathy Stemke

Gold - Picture Book, Early Reader, Bella & Harry Let's Visit London by Lisa Manzione, Illustrated by Kristine Lucco

Silver - Picture Book, Early Reader, Bella & Harry Let's Visit Cairo by Lisa Manzione, Illustrated by Kristine Lucco

Gold - Educational, Early Reader, The Great Divide, Suzanne Slade

Silver - Educational, Early Reader, Animal Animalogies by Marianne Berkes

Gold - Environmental Issues, Early Reader, Sea Turtle Summer by Nancy Stewart

Silver - Environmental Issues, Early Reader, One Pelican at a Time by Nancy Stewart

Gold - Non Fiction Preteen, Clara's Great War by Evelyn Rothstein

Gold - General Preteen, the Casting by Joyce Shor Johnson

Silver - General Preteen, Return to Finkleton by KC Hilton

Gold - Fiction Preteen, the Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Silver - Fiction Preteen, Walking Through Walls by Karen Cioffi

Gold - Fantasy Preteen, Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes by PHC Marchesi

Silver - Fantasy Preteen, Shield Maiden by Richard Denning

Gold - Science Fiction Preteen, Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes by PHC Marchesi

Silver - Science Fiction - Preteen, The Crystal Ship by CJ Carter-Stephenson

Gold - Mystery Preteen, the Stone Child by Dan Poblocki

Gold - General Young Adult, Runaway Twins by Pete Palamountain

Silver - General Young Adult, Young, Funny & Unbalanced by David Smithyman

Gold - Fiction Young Adult, Caves, Cannons & Crinolines by Beverly Stowe McClure

Silver - Fiction Young Adult, Young Knights of the Round Table The King's Ransom by Cheryl Carpinello

Gold - Non-Fiction Young Adult, Black & White by Larry Dane Brimner

Gold - Fantasy Fiction Young Adult, Griffin Rising by Darby Karchut

Silver - Fantasy Fiction Young Adult, Drawn by Marie Lamba

Gold - Science Fiction Young Adult, the Limit by Kristen Landon

Silver - Science Fiction Young Adult, the Orphan Ship by Sterling R. Walker

Gold - Mystery Young Adult, Stalked by Kristiana Gregory

Cultural Issues, Clara's Great War by Evelyn Rothstein

Holiday, Santa & The Little Teddy Bear by Peter John Lucking

Self Esteem, Beautiful Wild Rose Girl by B. Magnolia

Female Audience, My Sister is my Best Friend by Nicole Weaver

Mature Issues, In Memory of Dad by Maranda Russell

Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.  Judging is based upon the criteria set forth by Literary Classics' highly selective awards committee which honors books promoting character, vision, creativity and learning, through content which possesses key elements found in well-crafted literature.

The Literary Classics judging committee consists of experts with backgrounds in publishing, writing, editing, design, illustration, and book reviewing.   To learn more about Literary Classics, visit their website at www.literaryclassicsawards.com.

 




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Author Spotlight, Kristiana Gregory

 

 

AUTHOR'S NAME: Kristiana Gregory

TITLE OF AWARD WINNING BOOK: Stalked

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?: My first historical novel, Jenny of the Tetons, was published in 1989 by Harcourt, but before that I was a book reviewer and columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and a newspaper reporter.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?: At age ten I loved to make up whoppers, but my parents helped me channel that imagination into story-telling. My first rejection was at age eleven from Whitman Publishing Company for my poem, "Valentine's Day," which had been pencilled on notebook paper during math class. Now that I look back on it, hoping to get published was pretty brave for a kid! I had no idea it was to be the first of many hundreds of rejections. 

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE, STALKED?:     When I learned that my Danish great-grandfather spent much of his life in an insane asylum in Wisconsin, my mind raced. How did this young man hoping for a new beginning in America end up "criminally insane?" What was he like when he stepped off the ship from Copenhagen and how did he get by the strict medical examiners on Ellis Island?

  

After visits to this Island of Tears and several years of research and writing, my story is finished. This young adult novel didn't turn out as I had originally planned.  --Fellow writers, I know you understand this!  --But it was birthed by those questions of how and why. Coupled with family lore that my great-grandmother worked in the Danish royal palace before immigrating to America, well, here we are! The setting is 1912, in the Lower East Side tenements of New York City. Cover art and interior illustrations are by my son, Cody Rutty. 

HAVE YOU PUBLISHED ANY OTHER BOOKS ?

Yes, thirty-plus titles are listed here

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

I'm finishing #7 of the Cabin Creek Mysteries series, for readers ages 7-10. The Phantom of Hidden Horse Ranch will be available early 2013. Details will be on my Amazon author site.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF: I grew up in Manhattan Beach, California two blocks from the ocean but have lived in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and now Idaho, so you could say I'm a Western girl. My husband I have been married 31 years and we have two adult sons, two golden retrievers, and a ton of books! Every morning I read the Bible in French. My website with more info is:  www.kgregorybooks.com

TELL US SOMETHING FUN THAT OUR READERS MIGHT FIND FASCINATING ABOUT YOU: When I was a ski bum in Mammoth Lakes, California, early 1970s, I was an extra in the movie, "The Other Side of the Mountain," which was being filmed in part on the sunny ski slopes there. My girlfriend and I were eating dinner in a restaurant bragging to a nice man about how we were in the movie and blablablabla. He bought us some drinks and listened to our boasts. The next morning when she and I showed up on the set, we saw this gentleman talking to the film crew. He was the star, Beau Bridges!

WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?  Hanging out with family and friends, walking our big furry dogs, reading, daydreaming. I'm a swimmer, too.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW OR MOVIE?: Favorite movies: "Amadeus," "Dave." TV series: "West Wing," "Doc Martin."

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR?: Loneliness and discouragement. Now and then I muse about life as an author here.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?: Every person has a unique story that only s/he can tell. If it's in your heart, write it down and don't give up.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?: Writing every day is like a musician practicing scales. The daily effort hones the craft, ultimately--and hopefully--creating a work of beauty.


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Literary Classics announces youth media award winners

Literary Classics announced its 2012 selection of top book finalists for children and young adults today.  The list includes finalists from entries received all over the world.   

The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize the following titles in children's and young adult literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics Awards committee.

A list of the 2012 award finalists follows:

Animalogy: Animalogy Analogies, Marianne Berkes

Fantastic Flight, Barbara Bockman

Black & White, Larry Dane Brimner

The King's Ransom, Cheryl Carpinello

Walking Through Walls, Karen Cioffi

Shield Maiden, Richard Denning

Terple Always Dream Bigger, Richie Frieman

Stalked, Kristiana Gregory

Return to Finkleton, KC Hilton

The Casting, Joyce Shor Johnson

Griffin Rising, Darby Karchut

The Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt, Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Drawn, Marie Lamba

A Box Story, Kenneth Kit Lamug

The Limit, Kristen Landon

Santa & The Little Teddy Bear, Peter John Lucking

Beautiful Wild Rose Girl, B. Magnolia

Bella & Harry Let's Visit Athens!  Lisa Manzione

Bella & Harry Let's Visit Cairo!  Lisa Manzione

Bella & Harry Let's Visit London!  Lisa Manzione

Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes, PHC Marchesi

Caves, Cannons and Crinolines, Beverly Stowe McClure

Runaway Twins, Pete Palamountain

The Stone Child, Dan Poblocki

Clara's Great War, Evelyn Rothstein

In Memory of Dad, Maranda Russell

Young Funny and Unbalanced, David Smithyman

Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep, Kathy Stemke

The Crystal Ship, CJ Carter-Stephenson

The Great Divide, Suzanne Slade

One Pelican at a Time, Nancy Stewart

Sea Turtle Summer, Nancy Stewart

The Orphan Ship, Sterling R. Walker

My Sister is my Best Friend, by Nicole Weaver

All final award levels and categories will be announced October 15, 2012. 

Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic children's literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.  Judging is based upon the criteria set forth by Literary Classics' highly selective awards committee which honors books promoting character, vision, creativity and learning, through content which possesses the key elements found in well-crafted literature.

The Literary Classics judging committee consists of experts with backgrounds in publishing, writing, editing, design, illustration, and book reviewing.   To learn more about Literary Classics, visit their website at www.literaryclassicsawards.com.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

My Sister is my Best Friend - A Trilingual Story

My Sister is my Best Friend - a trilingual story written primarily in English, with secondary and tertiary texts in French and Spanish, is a terrific book which provides a fun way to introduce kids to foreign language. 

Twin sisters who are also each others' best friends enjoy playing, pretending make-believe, exploring . . . and more; all in the comfort of the loving relationship they share with one another.

Author, Nicole Weaver, who teaches French and Spanish in high school,  has written a book that is as much a joy to read as it is educational in its content.  Colorful illustrations are a great addition to this charming book.

My Sister is my Best Friend earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


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Bella and Harry, Let's Visit Cairo, is our latest Seal of Approval Recipient

Bella and Harry, two Chihuahua siblings with the distinct privilege of travelling the world via their owners, have embarked on yet another exciting journey.  This time, they take us to Cairo, where we are introduced to such historical sights as the Sphinx, the Valley of Kings, and King Tut's tomb. 

Author Lisa Manzione teams up with illustrator Kristine Lucco in another book in their dynamic series which is equally as entertaining as it is educational. 

The book includes the alphabet in hieroglyphs, offering a fun and interactive way to explore a bit of Egyptian culture.  As always, these books inspire a love for travel while educating and broadening horizons for young readers. The Bella and Harry books are excellent as stand alone book selections, or would be especially rewarding as a collection.

Bella and Harry, Let's Visit Cairo, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


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Bella and Harry, Let's Visit Athens earns our Seal of Approval

Be prepared to get a new stamp in your passport, because Bella and Harry are taking us on another fabulous travel adventure around the world.  This time, our lovable Chihuahua friends invite us to tag along as they experience the sights and flavors of Greece.  Pack your bags, because these pet Chihuahuas, who have the great privilege of traveling the world with their owners, are taking us on a tour of the ancient city of Athens . . . with a quick jaunt to the island of Crete. 

We are becoming only slightly jealous of these two world traveling Chihuahuas.  But all that aside, if we can't be there in person, we're confidant there's no better way to experience the world than through the eyes of these endearing pets.

The Bella and Harry Series is a terrific introduction to travel for youngsters.  Each book is terrific as a stand-alone, and as a set, they are magnificent.  Illustrations by Kristine Lucco, add further insight and dimension to these books which are educational and entertaining.

Bella and Harry, Let's Visit Athens earns our Seal of Approval.



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Fantastic Flight is a high-flying adventure in reading!

Fantastic Flight written by Barbara Bockman and illustrated by Jack Foster, is the whimsical tale of a young girl staying for a week at her grandparents who becomes homesick after only one night away from home.  When her grandfather takes her for an adventure to help cure her homesickness, she soon learns that an outing with Grandpa is anything but ordinary.  Barbara Bockman has crafted an imaginative tale that is sure to enchant young readers.  Paired with delightful illustrations by Jack Foster, this book is a high-flying adventure in reading.

Fantastic Flight Earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


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A Must Read For Every Aspiring Young Comedian

Ahhh...  This book could have been something different.  But it was not.  It could have been harsh, abrasive and "in-your-face".  Again, it was not. Author David Smithyman uses just the right amounts of humor, satire, and honest-to-goodness straight-talk in this book which was created for teens who want to do stand up comedy.  Most notable, and much appreciated, is the occasional reminder to be sensitive to others when telling a joke -- that jokes at your own expense are acceptable... at the expense of others, not so much.  Also, the author does not talk down to his audience.  He treats his readers very much like young adults.  His humor and wit is ever-present in this book which is a delight to read.  --Oh, and he provides great tips on how to write a humorous punch-line.  This book comes highly recommended. 

And before you start thinking, 'those who can't . . . teach', you might want to take a look at Mr. Smithyman's bio.  He, and his collaborators on this book have a pretty impressive track-record of success in the world of comedy.

Bravo!

This book earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

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Shield Maiden Earns our Seal of Approval

Shield Maiden, by author Richard Denning, is an exciting children's chapter book which takes place in a Saxon village in 7th century Mercia.  Denning's characters come to life in this mythological adventure, the story of a 12 year old girl who finds a golden horn in the ruins of a Roman villa. 

Shield Maiden, the first book in the Nine World's Series, will hold great appeal for youngsters, regardless of their knowledge or understanding of Norse mythology; and kids interested in magic or fantasy are certain to appreciate the story of the Shield Maiden.

Brief explanations of some of the Norse mythological characters are included at the conclusion of the story, adding a greater understanding of some of the events which take place in this exciting story. 

We recommend Shield Maiden for general reading, and as an educational tool to help youngsters gain insight and understanding into Nordic Mythology.

Shield Maiden earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.



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Literary Classics announces the release of two new book awards for children's literature

 Literary Classics and Children's Literary Classics announce the release of two new book awards for children's and young adult literature.

The Enchanted Page Book Award has been created to honor one distinguished children's storybook each year.  The first annual Enchanted Page Book Awards are slated to commence in conjunction with the 2013 Literary Classics book awards program.

The Eloquent Quill Book Award is our newest award recognizing distinguished fiction for a youth audience.  One book will be honored annually through Literary Classics.  The first annual Eloquent Quill Book Awards are slated to commence in conjunction with the upcoming 2013 Literary Classics Book Awards program.

Award guidelines and nomination forms are available online at the Literary Classics Website
http://www.clcawards.orghttp://www.clcawards.org/Enchanted-Page-Book-Award.html

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Runaway Twins Earns Our Seal of Approval

Runaway Twins is the story of two young girls who are slated to be married to a cult member on their thirteenth birthday.  Determined not to meet the fate of their older sister, they vow to escape from the polygamous community where they have been raised.  Author Pete Palamountain has done an exceptional job of crafting a story that will draw readers in to this powerful drama. The plot is solid, the setting believable and the characters genuine. 

Palamountain has handled a delicate subject with agility while addressing the atrocities that occur within the confines of occult communities.

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Stalked, by Kristiana Gregory, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Author Kristiana Gregory has spun an elaborate tale in her most recent book, Stalked.  This story of a fifteen year old Danish immigrant has readers quickly immersed in suspense as our young heroine is forced to fend for herself in a country where everything, including the language, is foreign to her.  

During her ocean voyage to America, young Rikke encounters a man whose intentions are clearly dishonorable.  She manages to escape his attempts to force her into becoming his traveling companion, only to face immeasurable set-backs in her plans to ultimately be re-united with her father who waits for her in Wisconsin. 

Ms. Gregory has painted a fascinating picture portraying the tenacity of early 20th century immigrants in the Americas. The characters and their stories come alive through interesting details and the thoughtful reflections of young Rikke as she corresponds with distant friends and loved ones.

This book is sure to capture and enthrall the imagination of young readers while igniting interest in the history of the early 1900's.

Stalked earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

The Crystal Ship, a Science Fiction Fairy-Tale by C.J. Carter Stephenson, is the story of a beautiful princess who has been frozen inside a time capsule for over a thousand years.  When Princess Sky is sold to the prince of an alien planet by her jealous and spiteful twin sister, she soon becomes the pawn in a series of events that will have readers on the edge of their seats waiting to see what happens next.  --Enter the hero, an unlikely young boy in search of adventure who sets out on a dangerous mission to save the princess, and you have a fantastical story replete with all the makings of an exciting, page-turning adventure. 

This imaginative book with its many twists and turns will keep young readers engaged as they encounter the strange and fascinating world of Princess Sky, her captors, and heroes. 

The Crystal Ship is sure to delight youngsters and earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


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Beautiful Wild Rose Girl Earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

Why is it that beautiful girls allow others to tear down their self confidence?  The book, Beautiful Wild Rose Girl speaks to young girls on this subject. 

A beautiful girl lives in a swamp where the toads tell her over and over again that she is a stupid, ugly girl.  Having heard this so many times, she comes to accept the toads' mocking jeers as the truth. 

What she doesn't realize is that all the people in the village nearby refer to her as the 'Beautiful Wild Rose Girl.'  When would-be suitors speak to her, referring to her as the Beautiful Wild Rose Girl, all she hears is stupid, ugly girl and she lowers her eyes sadly, saying nothing.  --Thinking they couldn't possibly deserve such a beautiful girl, the men just walk away, feeling dejected. 

Finally, when a young man falls madly in love with the girl . . . something magical happens.  

Beautiful Wild Rose Girl is a touching story with an important message of love and acceptance of one's self.  There is a lovely melancholy feeling to this story which is told in a style reminiscent of the old fairy tale classics.  Little girls will find many questions, and even more answers within the pages of this heart-warming book which has an enchanting, happily-ever-after ending.

Beautiful Wild Rose Girl is available in a Japanese stab-binding silk hard-cover, or in a soft-bound Japanese stab-binding cover.  With its beautiful presentation, along with the empowering message of encouragement tucked within its pages, this book would make a wonderful heirloom gift for a baby shower, as a gift for a God-child or for any other occasion.

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Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

When youngsters, Gavin, Bryan and Philip join forces to clear the name of a friend who has been wrongly accused of murder and robbery, the three boys overcome numerous obstacles, including their own fears, to put matters straight.  

This medieval story takes place in the fabled land of King Arthur and his royal knights.  True to the legends of King Arthur, The King's Ransom sets the stage for grand adventure and includes many of the core elements present in other Arthurian tales, including honor, loyalty and friendship.  Cheryl Carpinello's knowledge of medieval history is apparent in this timeless classic which is rich in historical realism and is as enlightening as it is entertaining. 

Carpinello's telling of this heroic tale is sure to introduce young and even reluctant readers to the joy of reading.  Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom is a literary treasure and earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

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