For two years, Maia Peterson has thought of little else than returning to Olympia – a hidden realm populated by enchanted creatures and legendary champions from Greek mythology. With high school graduation behind her, Maia is determined to fulfill her destiny amongst the Amazons, a tribe of mighty women warriors and protectors of peace. But when an old adversary attacks her home, Maia races to safeguard her loved ones before the barrier between the earth and Olympia is destroyed. Alongside unexpected allies, Maia travels to the farthest corners of Olympia – battling deadly beasts, traitorous foes, and the gods themselves – to defeat the forces threatening her family… and the survival of both worlds.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989176282
Thank you, Molly Prep!
Shelf Life: James A. Perez on Creating More Inclusive Stories
I’m participating in several upcoming author/illustrator nights sponsored by LICWI (Long Island Children’s Writers & Illustrators):
Wednesday, January 30, 2019 @ 6pm
Hampton Bays Elementary School, 72 Ponquogue Avenue, Hampton Bays, NY
Thursday, February 7, 2019 @ 6:45pm
R.J.O. Intermediate School, 99 Old Dock Rd, Kings Park, NY 11754
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Tangier Smith Elementary School, 336 Blanco Drive, Mastic Beach, NY 11951
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 @ 6:30pm
Stewart School, 501 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 @ 6:30pm
Sunrise Drive Elementary School, 320 Sunrise Drive, Sayville, NY
Thursday, March 14, 2019 @ 6:00pm
Moriches Elementary School, 16 Louis Avenue, Moriches NY, 11955.
Monday, April 15, 2019 @ 6:30pm
Middle Country Literacy Expo, Centereach High School, 14-43rd Street, Centereach, NY
If you work in a school or are involved with your kid’s PTA, and you would like more information about how to host a free author/illustrator night, take a look here:
I’ll be participating in several upcoming author/illustrator nights sponsored by LICWI (Long Island Children’s Writers & Illustrators):
Thursday, January 18, 2018 @ 5:30pm
N. Woodhull Elementary School, 6 Francis Landau Place, Shirley, NY
Wednesday, January 31, 2018 @ 6pm
Hampton Bays Elementary School, 72 Ponquogue Avenue, Hampton Bays, NY
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 @ 6pm
JFK Intermediate School, 101 Lake Avenue, Deer Park, NY
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 @ 6:30pm
Sunrise Drive Elementary School, 320 Sunrise Drive, Sayville, NY
Monday, April 16, 2018 @ 6:30pm
Middle Country Literacy Expo, Centereach High School, 14-43rd Street, Centereach, NY
If you work in a school or are involved with your kid’s PTA, and would like more information about how to host a free author/illustrator night, take a look here: http://www.licwi.com/author-and-illustrator-nights.html
Ellie está nerviosa de conocer a su Abuelito por la primera vez. Papá y Papi le dicen que la va a querer su Abuelito, pero Ellie no está segura, especialmente cuando hablan de subir a la cima del Monte Atlas. Pero Ellie se lleva una gran sorpresa, en la forma del bastón del Abuelito.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989176274/
“This book is special because Ellie had her first adventure with her Grandpa. Although Grandpa didn’t believe in her Ellie still knew that she could climb Mount Atlas.”
“This book was very special because I could relate a lot to it. I have a grandpa who lives in Canada and I only saw him once when I was 5 or 6 years old. Also he lives far away so I needed to go on an airplane ride. The only reason I got to see him was because that he is my grandpa and I love him.”
“I can connect to the story because one year for my dads birthday I painted a cool thick, heavy stick and gave it to him. It was the perfect size too!”
“This book is special because Ellie has two dads that care about her. My connection is when I just started soccer people thought I couldn’t save a goal but I did!”
“This book is special because Ellie never met her Grandpa because he lived far away. I also thought it was special because she had two dads and most people don’t have two dads.”
“I love this book so much! I think it is very cool!”
*** Special thanks to Ms. Rodgers’s 4th grade class ***
I had the privilege of visiting Mrs. Robilotta (world famous teacher and “friend of Olympia”) and her fifth grade students at RJO Intermediate School last week. In addition to some amazingly thought provoking questions and comments, I was given a truly beautiful gift — I was the subject of “The Compliment Project.” With my back to the Smart Board, Mrs. Robilotta’s students took turns writing something complimentary about me and my books while I spoke and answered questions. At the end of my time with the class, I turned around and was presented with the following:
Amazing kids… an incredible teacher… and an author, overwhelmed by their kindness, encouragement, and enthusiasm.
I’ll be signing copies of Grandpa’s Walking Stick, Maia & Icarus, and Maia & Hippolyta at several upcoming author/illustrator night events sponsored by Long Island Children Writers and Illustrators.
Wednesday, January 18th @ 5:30pm
N. Woodhull Elementary School, 6 Francis Landau Place, Shirley, NY
Monday, January 23rd @ 6pm
Riley Avenue Elementary School, 374 Riley Avenue, Calverton, NY
Friday, February 3rd @ 7pm
FJ Carasiti Elementary School, 90 Rocky Point-Yaphank Road, Rocky Point, NY
Wednesday, February 8th @ 6pm
Clayton Huey Elementary School, 511 Main Street, Center Moriches, NY
Thursday, February 9th @ 6:30pm
Stewart School, 501 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY
Wednesday, March 15th @ 6pm
Hampton Bays Elementary School, 72 Ponquogue Avenue, Hampton Bays, NY
Monday, April 3rd @ 6:30pm
Centereach High School, 14 43rd Street, Centereach, NY
Maia & Icarus, Maia & Hippolyta, and Grandpa’s Walking Stick now on sale!
Click on “Buy Personalized Books Now!” above or visit Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.
JUST HAPPENS TO BE BOOKS, an imprint of Barrow Court Books, promotes the idea that all children should be able to see themselves and their families in the pages of a book. We just don’t make a big deal about it – because it really shouldn’t be.
Grandpa’s Walking Stick is the first of what I hope will be many books under the Just Happens To Be Books imprint. It’s the story of a young girl getting to know her grandfather. Her parents just happen to be her Daddy and Papa.
Several years ago, I heard the term just happens to be used by a number of LGBT performers discussing how they hoped that one day it would matter less when LGBT characters were featured in television shows or movies – a character would just happen to be gay or lesbian or transgendered. It wouldn’t be a big deal. Truthfully, I initially thought it was a dumb concept. Of course it would matter, I reasoned. You can’t just gloss over a detail like that.
And then I went to an exhibit of Ezra Jack Keats’ work, including the classic award-winning picture book The Snowy Day. Peter, the young boy exploring his neighborhood after a snowstorm, just happened to be Black. The color of his skin didn’t matter. Yes, it was important at the time to feature minority children, but the book is remarkable not because it features a minority child — it’s remarkable (in my opinion) because of the story.
Yes, all children should be able to see themselves and their families in the pages of a book. No, it shouldn’t be a big deal. And maybe one day it won’t.
Finally the truth can be told…
1 – Maia & Icarus trailer on a loop
2 – Price + gentle push to take items 6, 7 & 8
3 – PVC signboard + “The first chapter of a thrilling new fantasy adventure series!”
4 – Email sign-up sheet
5 – Books
6 – Coloring page of cover
7 – Bookmarks
8 – Postcards
9 – Hershey’s kisses
Item 9 was, of course, the biggest hit…
James A. Perez 