Tess Hilmo's Blog, page 2
May 1, 2014
Reviews for SKIES LIKE THESE!
When I wrote With a Name Like Love, I was clueless about the review process for a novel. I remember getting an email from my editor saying the reviews were coming in and thinking, "Wow, someone actually read my book!"
Happily - and luckily - the reviews were good.
But while knowledge is power, it is also sometimes a source of stress. Knowing the process has been more difficult this time around because I realize that reviews do matter. That a librarian in Maine or Florida or Arizona has to use something objective to inform his/her buying decisions -- and reviews are most often that informational source. Do negative reviews kill a book? I don't think it's that simple. But a good review certainly helps it along its little journey.
So, naturally, I've been nervous.
But the reviews are coming in and I am so happy to know they are great. :D I can take a deep breath and celebrate - It's good news!!
Here's what they're saying so far...
Kirkus Reviews:
When Jade arrives in Wyoming for her summer vacation, she is in for a life-changing experience.Jade is used to quiet summer vacations in Philadelphia. But this year, her parents pack her off to Wyoming to have an adventure with eccentric Aunt Elise. That’s where Jade meets Joshua Parker, a boy who thinks he’s descended from Butch Cassidy (whose real name was Roy Parker, so the boy insists on being called Roy). Roy wants to replicate Butch Cassidy’s Robin Hood ways by robbing a bank to help his parents regain their business. Jade is willing to help but prefers more law-abiding methods, such as hosting stargazing parties on Aunt Elise’s roof. Drawing on rich Western lore and creating characters as gritty as the earth itself, Hilmo paints a picture of a town where everyone is connected. Folks old and young prove themselves able to weather the storms—both literal thunderheads and the hardships of life—while maintaining hopeful hearts as expansive as the sky. Most refreshing: Parents, caregivers and other adults in the neighborhood only appear to be leaving the children to their own devices. In reality, they keep a loose rein, respectfully giving Jade and Roy some independence in recognition that the real adventure in life is the process of becoming.A heartening, comforting story with enough tension to keep readers hooked and a subtle message that will sneak up on them. (Fiction. 8-12)
and...
School Library Journal:
HILMO, Tess. Skies Like These. 240p. ebook available. Farrar. Jul. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780374369989. LC 2013033675.Gr 4-7–Twelve-year-old Jade is less than thrilled to be spending the summer in Wyoming with her quirky aunt Elise, away from all of the comforts of her Philadelphia home. As soon as she arrives, though, she meets Joshua Park, who insists on being called Roy and is convinced he’s related to Butch Cassidy. Roy considers himself the Robin Hood of Wellington, Wyoming, and he hatches plan after plan to steal from the rich—the owner of the new big box store—and give to the poor by rounding up enough cash for his parents to reopen their out-of-business mom-and-pop hardware store. Jade becomes his reluctant sidekick, often providing a voice of reason as Roy shares his plans, including bank robbery. She comes up with some (legal) moneymaking schemes of her own to help the cause. A robust cast of well-developed characters and a delightful, swiftly moving plot will leave readers wishing for Jade to extend her stay in Wyoming.–Amanda Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, Madison, WI
I always want to thank the reviewers, too - it takes time to read and write something so thoughtful and thorough.
This book was a labor of love -- and three years in the making. I wanted to write something that would make young readers laugh and feel as if they went on a fun adventure. I think it accomplishes that goal and I'm so excited to have it hit the shelves this July!
Now to start planning the launch party :D ... Cowboy Up!
Happily - and luckily - the reviews were good.
But while knowledge is power, it is also sometimes a source of stress. Knowing the process has been more difficult this time around because I realize that reviews do matter. That a librarian in Maine or Florida or Arizona has to use something objective to inform his/her buying decisions -- and reviews are most often that informational source. Do negative reviews kill a book? I don't think it's that simple. But a good review certainly helps it along its little journey.
So, naturally, I've been nervous.
But the reviews are coming in and I am so happy to know they are great. :D I can take a deep breath and celebrate - It's good news!!
Here's what they're saying so far...
Kirkus Reviews:
When Jade arrives in Wyoming for her summer vacation, she is in for a life-changing experience.Jade is used to quiet summer vacations in Philadelphia. But this year, her parents pack her off to Wyoming to have an adventure with eccentric Aunt Elise. That’s where Jade meets Joshua Parker, a boy who thinks he’s descended from Butch Cassidy (whose real name was Roy Parker, so the boy insists on being called Roy). Roy wants to replicate Butch Cassidy’s Robin Hood ways by robbing a bank to help his parents regain their business. Jade is willing to help but prefers more law-abiding methods, such as hosting stargazing parties on Aunt Elise’s roof. Drawing on rich Western lore and creating characters as gritty as the earth itself, Hilmo paints a picture of a town where everyone is connected. Folks old and young prove themselves able to weather the storms—both literal thunderheads and the hardships of life—while maintaining hopeful hearts as expansive as the sky. Most refreshing: Parents, caregivers and other adults in the neighborhood only appear to be leaving the children to their own devices. In reality, they keep a loose rein, respectfully giving Jade and Roy some independence in recognition that the real adventure in life is the process of becoming.A heartening, comforting story with enough tension to keep readers hooked and a subtle message that will sneak up on them. (Fiction. 8-12)
and...
School Library Journal:
HILMO, Tess. Skies Like These. 240p. ebook available. Farrar. Jul. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780374369989. LC 2013033675.Gr 4-7–Twelve-year-old Jade is less than thrilled to be spending the summer in Wyoming with her quirky aunt Elise, away from all of the comforts of her Philadelphia home. As soon as she arrives, though, she meets Joshua Park, who insists on being called Roy and is convinced he’s related to Butch Cassidy. Roy considers himself the Robin Hood of Wellington, Wyoming, and he hatches plan after plan to steal from the rich—the owner of the new big box store—and give to the poor by rounding up enough cash for his parents to reopen their out-of-business mom-and-pop hardware store. Jade becomes his reluctant sidekick, often providing a voice of reason as Roy shares his plans, including bank robbery. She comes up with some (legal) moneymaking schemes of her own to help the cause. A robust cast of well-developed characters and a delightful, swiftly moving plot will leave readers wishing for Jade to extend her stay in Wyoming.–Amanda Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, Madison, WI
I always want to thank the reviewers, too - it takes time to read and write something so thoughtful and thorough.
This book was a labor of love -- and three years in the making. I wanted to write something that would make young readers laugh and feel as if they went on a fun adventure. I think it accomplishes that goal and I'm so excited to have it hit the shelves this July!
Now to start planning the launch party :D ... Cowboy Up!
April 26, 2014
Winner!
And the winner of the super fun, super fast adventure read
Ice Dogs
is......
Madison M
Congrats, Madison. Email me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com with your mailing address and I'll get it out to you right away. You're going to love it -- guaranteed!
Madison M
Congrats, Madison. Email me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com with your mailing address and I'll get it out to you right away. You're going to love it -- guaranteed!
March 14, 2014
Give Away of a Great Read - ICE DOGS!
My writing buddy Terry Lynn Johnson released her second novel,
ICE DOGS
, recently and it is fabulous. Fab - u - lous!
Terry lives the life of a dog sled master (just made up that terminology because master sounds cool) and so the writing in this action packed read is spot on. As luck would have it, I happen to own two copies so I'm giving one away here on my blog. This is open to anyone and everyone -- to enter, just leave a comment telling me about a recent adventure you've had.
Congrats Terry!.
Terry lives the life of a dog sled master (just made up that terminology because master sounds cool) and so the writing in this action packed read is spot on. As luck would have it, I happen to own two copies so I'm giving one away here on my blog. This is open to anyone and everyone -- to enter, just leave a comment telling me about a recent adventure you've had.
Congrats Terry!.
February 12, 2014
Cover Reveal - Skies Like These!
I can finally share the cover for my upcoming middle grade novel,
Skies Like These (coming July 15)
. It is my nod to the Great Brain series I loved so much growing up (plenty of hi-jinx and schemes - perfect fun for young readers) and also my affinity for this amazing Western landscape I have the privilege of living within.
It's a modern day Western summer adventure set in Wyoming.
It's light and funny and I wish you could see my huge smile every time I look at this cover - I love it!
.The art work is by the talented Gilbert Ford (think Peter Nimble, Three Times Lucky, Rules for Ghosting) www.gilbertford.com
.Here's the cover....
.and here is what the back excerpt reads.... "So what's your big plan," Jade said. "We're going pull a Butch Cassidy." Roy kept his voice low and steady, but Jade could hear the excitement pulsing right below the surface. "We? Who's we?" "You and me. Just like Butch and Sundance." "What brilliant plan will get us the kind of money you need?" A smile played on Roy's lips. His eyes danced. His left boot started tapping on the asphalt. "Come on, Roy, spit it out." Roy nodded, hooked is gaze on Jade and said, "You and me are gonna rob a bank."
. I'm celebrating by helping my kiddos with homework, doing the dishes and chunking the ice off our front walkway. Ahhhh...the life of an author ;). I did steal some of their pre-Valentines chocolate, though, if that counts..Tell me: What do you think?
.The art work is by the talented Gilbert Ford (think Peter Nimble, Three Times Lucky, Rules for Ghosting) www.gilbertford.com
.Here's the cover....
.and here is what the back excerpt reads.... "So what's your big plan," Jade said. "We're going pull a Butch Cassidy." Roy kept his voice low and steady, but Jade could hear the excitement pulsing right below the surface. "We? Who's we?" "You and me. Just like Butch and Sundance." "What brilliant plan will get us the kind of money you need?" A smile played on Roy's lips. His eyes danced. His left boot started tapping on the asphalt. "Come on, Roy, spit it out." Roy nodded, hooked is gaze on Jade and said, "You and me are gonna rob a bank."
. I'm celebrating by helping my kiddos with homework, doing the dishes and chunking the ice off our front walkway. Ahhhh...the life of an author ;). I did steal some of their pre-Valentines chocolate, though, if that counts..Tell me: What do you think?
Winner!
Sorry to be late here - life has taken over these past days. Anyway - the winner of Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Medal winning Flora and Ulysses is......
Barbara Watson!
Congrats, Barbara!!! Email me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com with your address and I'll get that in the mail pronto. You're gonna love it !
results determined using random.org
True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:2
Barbara Watson!
Congrats, Barbara!!! Email me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com with your address and I'll get that in the mail pronto. You're gonna love it !
results determined using random.org
True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:2
January 27, 2014
Announcing the Newbery and a Give Away!
This morning the American Library Association announced their awards, including the Newbery. The John Newbery Medal is given to the book that is considered the most outstanding in children's literature for the previous year. It goes to a novel - the Caldecott is for Picture Books. And this year the Newbery Medal goes to.......
Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo!
Congrats to Miss DiCamillo who was also named a national Ambassador of Young People's Literature recently due to her significant contributions to the field. Flora & Ulysses is a fun, witty read. It is not my favorite of her novels - but it is really great in its own right.
As it happens, I somehow ended up with two copies of this great novel so I am going to give away one here on my blog. Just enter a comment saying if you're a DiCamillo fan and which of her books you like (there are lots ... think The Tale of Despereaux, The Tiger Rising, Because of Winn-Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Magician's Elephant and others including the early reader Mercy Watson series). It's okay to enter and say you haven't read any of her books too. This can be your first! Oh, and you must be a follower of this blog. Give away limited to US and Canada.
Ahhh... I love when these awards are announced each year. It's exciting! Hop over to their website at ala.org for a list of all the categories and winners. Congrats to all!
Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo!
Congrats to Miss DiCamillo who was also named a national Ambassador of Young People's Literature recently due to her significant contributions to the field. Flora & Ulysses is a fun, witty read. It is not my favorite of her novels - but it is really great in its own right.
As it happens, I somehow ended up with two copies of this great novel so I am going to give away one here on my blog. Just enter a comment saying if you're a DiCamillo fan and which of her books you like (there are lots ... think The Tale of Despereaux, The Tiger Rising, Because of Winn-Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Magician's Elephant and others including the early reader Mercy Watson series). It's okay to enter and say you haven't read any of her books too. This can be your first! Oh, and you must be a follower of this blog. Give away limited to US and Canada.
Ahhh... I love when these awards are announced each year. It's exciting! Hop over to their website at ala.org for a list of all the categories and winners. Congrats to all!
October 17, 2013
Winners!
The two winners of my book for the LDS Authors Blog Hop were determined using random.org and are....
.
Rebecca Lamoreaux
.
and
.
Rhonda1111
.
Rebecaa and Rhonda: Please email me your address at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com and I'll get those copies out pronto -- congrats and thanks to all who played along!
.
Rebecca Lamoreaux
.
and
.
Rhonda1111
.
Rebecaa and Rhonda: Please email me your address at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com and I'll get those copies out pronto -- congrats and thanks to all who played along!
October 7, 2013
Free Books! LDS Authors Blog Hop
The ever-thoughtful Kathy over at I'm a Reader, not a Writer is hosting a huge blog hop Each of the 50 plus bloggers are giving away at least one book written by a LDS author.
.
fun!
.
I'm joining in, offering a signed paperback copy of With a Name Like Love to two separate winners. Just leave a comment telling me what your favorite thing about fall is. The only stipulation is that you must be a follower of this blog.
.
so, here's the linky: hop around and celebrate fall by winning some free books!
.
http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=211278
.
October 1, 2013
Win a signed copy of With a Name Like Love...
The hilarious and relate-able Aeicha over at Word Spelunking is hosting a review and give away of a signed copy of With a Name Like Love. It's a blog you'd love anyway so why not pop over and enter? It makes a great gift for any teacher or library .... I'm just sayin' ;)
.
Thanks for taking the time and for the great review, Aeisha!!
.
.
Thanks for taking the time and for the great review, Aeisha!!
.
September 8, 2013
Holy Lizards! My upcoming release...
.
Holy Lizards! is not the name of my new novel -- as the title of this post may make it appear. The title is Skies Like These and I just went on Goodreads to update my personal reading list and noticed it was listed. Holy Lizards! It seems suddenly real to have it be listed. And not even by me!
.
It's so cute sitting there on its new page with its little ISBN number all official-like.
.
No picture for the cover - I don't think I'm supposed to share that yet but I can tell you it is freaking awesome.
.
No description is given on Goodreads either - but it's a modern day western adventure with a bank robbing scheme and star gazing and horse riding and lots of references to Butch Cassidy, the Robin Hood of the West. I think it's a romp of a read!
.
No one has marked it to read or noted any comments (I'd love it if you did - here is the page link)
.
The release date is July 15, 2014 which seems forever and a day away but I know it will come eventually.
.
Ah..... that little find made my whole day. Thank you to whoever at FSG took the time to put it up :)
.
Holy Lizards! is not the name of my new novel -- as the title of this post may make it appear. The title is Skies Like These and I just went on Goodreads to update my personal reading list and noticed it was listed. Holy Lizards! It seems suddenly real to have it be listed. And not even by me!
.
It's so cute sitting there on its new page with its little ISBN number all official-like.
.
No picture for the cover - I don't think I'm supposed to share that yet but I can tell you it is freaking awesome.
.
No description is given on Goodreads either - but it's a modern day western adventure with a bank robbing scheme and star gazing and horse riding and lots of references to Butch Cassidy, the Robin Hood of the West. I think it's a romp of a read!
.
No one has marked it to read or noted any comments (I'd love it if you did - here is the page link)
.
The release date is July 15, 2014 which seems forever and a day away but I know it will come eventually.
.
Ah..... that little find made my whole day. Thank you to whoever at FSG took the time to put it up :)
.
