Meet Nancy Viau!

Break out the bubbly! Our featured debut author this week is Nancy Viau, Author of Samantha Hansen Has Rocks In Her Head …wait, what was that you said, Nancy? No, champagne? Ok, Nancy just informed us she prefers to celebrate with an ice-cold O’Cosmo—that’s a cosmo made with orange rum, people. Yum.

Kids…it’s orange Gatorade for you!

Let’s find out more about this debut author:

Nancy was the kid in school who always had a Nancy Drew book in her hand.

Her teachers claimed she was quiet and well-behaved; her brothers say the opposite. Growing up, she wanted to be an astronaut, but changed her mind when she found out how many years of math she’d have to take. In fact, on her Web site, there’s a picture of her report card that shows a Big Fat “D” in math!

Nancy’s had an assortment of jobs including elementary school teacher, counselor, and reading instructor, waitress, lifeguard, swim instructor, fitness club manager, and aerobics instructor. Yes, friends, it was the eighties. Bring on the silver spandex!

But once Nancy sent her youngest child off to preschool, she decided to embark on something new—writing. First, she wrote about community issues, parenting, and family life for The Philadelphia Inquirer. She eventually became a guest columnist, and got to write about her experiences living at the shore in the summer. “There’s nothing like writing about fireworks, silly town laws, crowded beaches, and ice cream to keep the creative juices flowing,” Nancy says. Many of Nancy’s essays were humorous, and she affectionately looks back on her time at the Inquirer as her Erma Bombeck years. Her essays were also published in anthologies like The Writing Group Book and Chicken Soup for the Soul, and magazines like Family Circle, FamilyFun, etc..

But Nancy’s first love has always been writing for children, and she’s sold stories, poems, and activities to most of the top children’s magazines. Highlights for Children is an all time favorite because she loves how the editors there challenge her. In 2006, she began writing longer fiction, and in July of 2007, that middle-grade novel, Samantha Hansen Has Rocks In Her Head, sold to Abrams Books for Young Readers/Amulet Books.

Samantha Hansen Has Rocks In Her Head

Sam is a ten-year-old mad scientist, but she doesn't blow up stuff or change kids into cats that bark. She just has a little trouble keeping a lid on her temper, and she “ab-so-lutely” loves science—especially rocks. But science isn’t all that helpful when it comes to the big questions like, why does she get into trouble, why is her sister so annoying, and why won’t anyone talk about her dad. When Sam’s mom announces a trip to the Grand Canyon, it’s a dream-come-true. But if Sam can’t get a grip on her emotions, she’s going to miss seeing her favorite rocks, and miss finding out the answers to some of her questions.

Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head is a hilarious and touching debut that introduces middle graders to an exuberant new character who studies the world around her as she discovers what is in her own heart.

Come back tomorrow to find out why Nancy thinks she’s a reluctant novelist.

Shameless Saturday!

What a Week! Check out the latest from our classmembers!

Zu Vincent's THE LUCKY PLACE has a starred review in the August/September 2008 issue of Library Media Connection. Here's an exerpt from the review...

* This delicate page-turner is written in a way to subtly grab the reader by the gut...thoughtful, satisfying, and realistic. Highly Recommended. Leslie Freddy Library Media Specialist
http://insidewilson.blogspot.com/

Brook Taylor's UNDONE was given the ultimate compliment. A teen created a Myspace icon with a quote from the book! You can check it out here.

Oh, almost forgot! Shelf Elf calls Daphne Grab's ALIVE AND WELL IN PRAGUE, NEW YORK a "charming and tender book, from beginning to end". Check out the whole review at Shelf Elf's awesome blog.http://shelfelf.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/alive-and-well-in-prague-new-york/

Project Runway, Children’s Book Style

Today, The Class of 2k8 has a treat in store for you! As you might recall, Jenny Meyerhoff is the proud author of Third Grade Baby. This is Jenny's version of Project Runway, Children's Book Style!

Heidi Klum walks onto the runway. I shift nervously in my seat, wondering what she’s going to throw at me next.

Heidi: Authors, congratulations on writing your first book, for your next challenge you will have to create a look to accompany your book at your book launch party.

A look? Oh no! I haven’t sewn anything since 9th grade. Does a tote bag count as a look?

Heidi: You will have one day to complete this challenge. Your look must be a character in the book, but doesn’t have to be the main character. It must be entertaining to those who will attend your launch party. Tim is waiting out front to take you to Mood.



That doesn’t look like Mood.

Tim: Make it work.

I assemble all my supplies on my work table. But my model hasn’t shown up yet. I’ll have to start without her measurements. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it.

Halfway through the time allotment, my model finally show up. She’s much taller than I anticipated and I don’t have any more foam. I guess I’m making a mini.


I’m nearly keeling over with exhaustion, when Tim enters the room to critique our work.

Tim: I’m concerned. I’m just not sure this is saying children’s book. I really think you need to take it further.

There’s not enough time left. And anyway, I think this outfit is going to be fierce. I’m thinking of calling it children’s book-licious.

Time for the runway.

The judges want to see a picture of the character for purposes of comparison.


I’m just in heaven when I see my model walking down the runway. The look is exactly the way I pictured it. The sash really catches the light. It really looks like the tooth character who visits Polly’s class to discuss proper dental hygiene, Martha Molar.



Michael Kors: I think it’s really chic.

Nina Garcia: I could see this as a cover try.

Heidi: I’d wear it.

I breathe a sigh of relief knowing I won’t be aufed today.

To see this look in person join me tomorrow at The Bookstall at Chestnut Court in Winnetka, IL from 2-3 p.m.

And who wouldn't want to see that look in person?! Thanks, Jenny and I hope you had a wonderful launch week!

The Truth About The Tooth Fairy

As promised, today, Jenny Meyerhoff is going to give us the inside scoop on the Tooth Fairy!

THIRD GRADE BABY deals with one of the most common rites of childhood passage in our country…a visit from the tooth fairy. Though for Polly, the main character, things don’t go as smoothly as they did for her classmates who lost their first teeth in kindergarten and the first grade. When late-bloomer Polly loses her first tooth, she’s already a third grader. And most of her classmates have begun to doubt or out-and-out disbelieve in the existance of the tooth fairy.

The tooth fairy, so popular with kids in America, is a tradition we share with only a few other countries, Ireland, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and the UK. It’s not a very old tradition either. The first references to the tooth fairy only appeared around 1900, and she didn’t take off in popularity until the 1950’s.

Around the world, however, different cultures have been commemorating the loss of baby teeth for far longer than 100 years, by feeding milk teeth to animals, burying them and offering them to the sun.

Oliver Wu, one of Polly’s best friends, has never believed in the tooth fairy. His father is from China, and he practices a different tradition. Whenever he loses an upper tooth, he puts it under his bed. Whenever he loses an upper tooth, he throws it on the roof. This is suppose to ensure that the new teeth will grow in in the right direction.

If you are interested in learning more about different tooth traditions, there are some great books for you. THROW YOUR TOOTH ON THE ROOF: Tooth Traditions From Around the World, by Selby Beeler and TOOTH TALES FROM AROUND THE WORLD, by Marlene Targ Brill.

Hurray for Read Alouds!

There are many heart pounding moments for the debut novelist: the first time we hold our book, the first time we see it on the shelf, our first book signing. Jenny Meyerhoff shares what makes her giddy about her book launching.

When I imagine my book out in the world, one of the things that most excites me is this: THIRD GRADE BABY being read aloud in a classroom. As a former elementary school student, and then later, as a former elementary school teacher, I know that read aloud time is one of the most magical times of the day. It doesn’t matter how old students get being read to is a pleasure that has no age limit. I remember begging my teacher daily to read just one more chapter. I remember the hush and focus that would fall over students (even the ones who supposedly had difficulty paying attention.)

And the best part, years later, I still remember those books that my teachers (and librarians) read to me and my classmates.

ONE FAT SUMMER, by Robert Lipsyte. Mr. Campbell should have been an actor. He really knew how to read!

THE LEMONADE TRICK, by Scott Corbett. I wrote a letter to Mr. Corbett in fourth grade. He wrote me back!

RAMONA QUIMBY, AGE 8, by Beverly Cleary. My introduction to Beverly Cleary! I quickly read all the other Ramona books.
LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Made my parents buy me the boxed set.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, by Roald Dahl. My own copy of the book, which still sits on my bookshelf, has been read so many times it’s in tatters.

Thank you, thank you to all the teachers and librarians who fed my love of books. In appreciation, I invite you all over to my blog, The Purple Desk, for a very special contest. Every month, for the entire 2008-2009 school year, I will be awarding one third grade classroom a copy of my book along with a big box of goodies related to my book. Check it out here! To enter your favorite third grade classroom, all you have to do is send an email with the name of the teacher, school and city of the class to contest@jennymeyerhoff.com.

September’s winner has just been posted. Good luck. And if you remember your favorite school read-alouds, I’d love to hear about them!

Thanks, Jenny!

And remember to check back tomorrow when Jenny dishes the truth about the tooth fairy!

Meet Jenny!

Today we have an interview with the fabulous Jenny Meyerhoff, author of Third Grade Baby. And at the end we get to find out the answer to that all important question... does she believe in the tooth fairy?

2k8: So, where do you do most of your writing? What's it look like?

Jenny Meyerhoff: I have a very fancy office. It’s about 1500 square feet with a choice of writing tables or upholstered club chairs by a fireplace. A chef will whip up a sandwich, salad or soup, and the coffee is always flowing. I never have to worry about making a mess—I have people there who offer to clear my things for me.

Here’s what it looks like inside.

Here’s what it looks like from the outside

When I’m not writing at the café, I’m in my office at home. Obviously no one cleans up after me at home.

2k8:Can you tell us how the book came about? How did you begin writing it?

Jenny Meyerhoff: I started writing THIRD GRADE BABY because of a title. The original was “The Top Secret Files of the Tooth Fairy.” It came to me in a flash, and I really wanted to know the story that went with it. It was a fantasy about a girl who got to help the tooth fairy. Unfortunately, that book wasn’t very good, so after a major revision (from fantasy to contemporary realistic fiction) THIRD GRADE BABY was born.

2k8: And how did it find a publisher? Where were you when you got The Call?

Jenny Meyerhoff: The call didn’t come quite out of the blue. I had been told that my books were being taken to acquisitions and so was hoping to hear from my agent at any time. (Not that I was obsessively checking my email and voicemail or anything.) When the call finally came, I somehow was unable to locate my cellphone. I could hear it ringing, but ran frantically around the house trying to locate the source of the sound without success. Voicemail picked up and my agent had to deliver the news via message. (Which I saved. However, to preserve my dignity, I cannot tell you how many times I listened to it.)

2k8: Imagine you have an offer from your dream press to publish your dream book, no matter how insane or unmarketable it might be (though of course it might not be). What story do you want to write next/someday and why?

Jenny Meyerhoff: I already feel like this has happened for me. Publishing my first book with FSG was everything I could have imagined and more. And right now I’m working with them on my second book, THE IMPOSSIBLE SECRETS OF ESSIE GREEN. It’s a young adult novel.

2k8: What question won't most people know to ask you? What is your answer?

Jenny Meyerhoff: Well, my book really tackles the question of whether or not third graders are too old to believe in the tooth fairy. One of the characters states emphatically that they are. Another one says she will continue to believe in the tooth fairy no matter what. The main character tries to decide what she should believe; she really isn’t sure.

So far, no one has asked me if I believe in the tooth fairy.

The answer is yes, I do.

Welcome Jenny Meyerhoff!

This week, join the Class of 2k8 in welcoming the talented Jenny Meyerhoff, who is celebrating the release of her book, Third Grade Baby!

Polly Peterson knows that baby teeth are for babies like her little brother Max. And yet she’s the only kid in her third grade class who hasn’t lost a single one. Her best friends, Oliver and Amelia, try to make her feel better, but it’s hard to be cheerful when Zachary, the new boy at school, starts calling her babyteeth. As if that weren’t bad enough, Polly worries about what to do when she finally does lose a tooth. Can third graders leave teeth under their pillows? Or is the tooth fairy also just for babies?



Now read an excerpt!

Polly Peterson tightened her ponytail and skipped alongside her mother on the sidewalk in front of Barker Elementary School. School hadn't even started, and already there was a problem. Everywhere Polly looked, students were running, climbing, and waiting for the bell to ring, but she didn't see any parents. Since third graders used the upper elementary playground, Polly guessed they were supposed to walk to school by themselves.

Uh-oh.

Polly turned to her mom, who was pushing Max, Polly's baby brother in a stroller. Max chewed on his fingers, and a big glob of drool dripped from his mouth. Eew!

"We can say goodbye here, Mom," Polly said.

Polly's mom looked at the school and then back at Polly, as if she wasn't sure. Then she asked, "You'll be okay?"

Polly nodded. "I'll be fine." Then she wiggled her loose front tooth. It was on the bottom, right in front.

The bell rang, and the third graders lined up. Oliver Wu and Amelia Sanchez, Polly's two best friends, stood at the front of the line. Their parents were already on their way to work. Polly hoped no one could see that her mom had walked her to school.

Polly's mom leaned down. "Can I at least have a hug?"

Polly guessed a hug would be okay. She squeezed her mom goodbye. Then Polly's mom gave her a big kiss on the cheek. "Oops!" she said when she stood up. "I got lipstick on you. Just a second."

Polly's mom reached into Max's diaper bad and pulled out a baby wipe. A baby wipe! She grabbed Polly's chin. "Hold still."

Polly squirmed but she couldn't escape. Her mom cleaned her cheek with the wipe. Disgusting! Polly thought having a baby brother would make her parents treat her like a bigger kid, not like a toddler. She hoped no one had seen. She looked back at the playground. A tall, blond boy was staring at her, a fifth grader probably. Polly bet he thought she was a baby because her mom was wiping her face.


Huge Congrats, Jenny! What an accomplishment!

Tomorrow, we meet Jenny up close and personal as we continue to celebrate her debut week!