SLJ Susan Patron Interview

SLJ's Extra Helping has posted a new interview with Susan Patron at:
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6440037.html

Simon and Schuster Lucky Video

Simon and Schuster released a video promoting The Higher Power of Lucky. It highlights quotes from authors who are in support of her book--who have come out in full force since it has been banned from libraries. It also features a short interview of Susan Patron by Cynthia Kadohata.

You can view the video here.

The Higher Power of Lucky Controversy

The Newbery award winner for 2007 is facing quite the controversy. Apparently a male body part is mentioned in the book. Of course this is one of those body parts that adults think is an "unmentionable." You can read the article in the NY Times here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/18/books/18newb.html. I have not read the book yet. It just arrived from Amazon.com the other day. It's next on my list. I'll write more once I've read the book. For the record, fourth graders in my area are taught the correct names of their body parts in family life class. Is anyone gasping--really, it's okay for children to know the real names for their body parts.