Once upon a time I had a friend whose children were growing up. Like a princess trapped by a curse, she could not stop herself from buying the children’s books she’d once shared with them. One day, she decided she would continue to purchase the books that pleased her eye, soothed her mind and filled […]
Susie Wilde
Posted inArt
Beyond Harry Potter
In 20 years of reviewing children’s books, I have never seen a fall line-up with so many novels by award-winning authors. When a publicist suggested this might be another trickle-down effect of the Harry Potter phenomenon, I could see the parallels. Like J.K. Rowlings, these authors have enough clout to take risks, enough gift and […]
Posted inNews
Notes on the art of parenting
Last month, my son had to write a graduation speech. I warned him that earnest words are deadly dull and suggested that lists are easier to write and more entertaining. As he began to compose, I found myself listing the things I’ve learned during 18 years of parenting him. Establish your power early. Skirmishes are […]
Posted inNews
Hall monitor
I recently volunteered to proctor end-of-grade tests at my neighborhood middle school in Chapel Hill. My job was easy: As hall monitor, I simply had to escort children back and forth from emergency bathroom runs. Delighted at the prospect of time away from disruptions, I pulled a student-sized desk into the hall and wrote in […]
Posted inArt
Voices from the heart
“My name is Dovey Coe, and I reckon it don’t matter if you like me or not.” This startling opening line of France O’Roark Dowell’s young adult novel Dovey Coe commands instant attention. Dowell’s first published novel plunges readers into the sensitivities of a feisty, insightful 12-year-old who takes no nonsense, talks straight, and whose […]
Posted inArt
Celebrity coaching
For many years I wondered why children’s book publishing has no scruples when it comes to celebrity books. I’ve seen them print anything from anyone who’s got name recognition. Recently, a publicist gave me a reason that made perfect sense. Children’s books get so little attention that it’s much easier to get exposure for a […]
Posted inNews
Extreme schools
Several months ago, I worked simultaneously at two schools that were astoundingly different in attitude and feel. The first, a traditional school in Durham, was in breakdown. The second, a magnet school in Raleigh, functioned as perfectly as any public school I’ve ever seen. They made a fascinating contrast. At the Durham school, all the […]