Introductions

[Rahma]

Thanks Tim: I just added my book to your library. It was easy! I can think of a few other books tweens would like which I'll add too.

[Timothy]

Thanks Rahma! :D

[Erik]

Hi! Rahma! :)

[Elise]

Hello, everyone! I'm Elise Stokes. I have four children, ranging for ages 8-17, and I write the middle grade/young adult series, Cassidy Jones Adventures. Tim and Erik, thank you for inviting me. I'm looking forward to this group and getting to know all of you.

Tim, great book list you posted for Chrissy. We all love The True Confessions Of Charlotte Doyle and I have wanted to read The Witch Of Blackbird Pond since the fifth grade. Better get on that. :)

[Timothy]

Welcome Elise! We're glad you joined. And Happy Birthday. :D My wife, AKA The Orange Cat, and I both think you'll enjoy The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Congrats to you for staying sane while raising four kids and being a writer at the same time.;)

[Martha]

Hello Everyone, I'm Martha Steward... no the other one : ) A Mum of a grown USMC, can gladly say he is out, no more deployment worries... I am a blogger and author of 2 books Darby's Story: The Life of an Adopted Dogand Bangle Bear: The Tale of a Tailless Cat. My efforts to inspire pet adoption and support literacy "The Joy of Reading", through the month of March, the blog has been "Reading Across America" with featured authors, their books and educational articles. Don't be surprised to receive an invite to share on Darby's Story and More Blog. Best to all this day : )

[Timothy]

Welcome Martha! We're glad you joined. What a relief to have your son off of deployment! Congrats on your books! Feel free to add them to our library. Hope to see you in our discussions! :D

[Martha]

Thank you Timothy, great to be here too. Add to the library, will do! Thank you again ~ : )

[Pat]

Hello, I am the grandmother of several tweens (actually grandchildren with ages ranging from newborn to 21 years old). I also have six daughters ranging in age from 27 to 42. We are all readers and I love to have books to recommend especially to my 12 year old granddaughter who can go through several books a week.

[Erik]

Hi Martha and Pat!

[Timothy]

Welcome Pat! :D Glad you joined. This site is only about 33% functional at the moment. So, until it becomes more functional we'd be happy to give you a list of books to consider for your 12-year-old granddaughter. If you're interested in that, please let us know what types of books your granddaughter likes. For example, has she read the spectacular book From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler? Thanks again for joining!

[Jo]

Hello, I'm Jo. Erik with 'This Kid Reviews Books' recommended this group, and it's a perfect one for me and my daughter. She is a tween who loves to read all different sorts of books - she has so many interests I can hardly keep up. So I'm always looking for great books for her. Thanks!

[Timothy]

Welcome Jo and thank you Erik! Although this group isn't fully functional yet, we hope you find some books for your tween daughter. If not, let us know and we'll recommend a few. Right now we have a small discussion going on The Lightning Thief. Has she read that yet? Thanks again for joining!

[Jo]

Thank you for the kind welcome, Timothy. I'll let her know about The Lightning Thief. I'm not sure that is on her bookshelf, yet. We'll check it out. Thanks!

[Erik]

Hi Ms. Marshall! Thanks for joining :)

[Jo]

Hello, Erik! I'm looking forward to getting to know the group, learn about new books, and finding out what people think. Seems like fun!

[Diane]

Hi! I'm Diane and I have 2 tweens, ages 9 (boy - 3rd grade) & 11 (girl - 5th grade). They are both avid readers, especially the eldest. I still read to them as well. I am currently reading books to them set in different parts of the world and in different US states. I joined this group to learn more about books with content appropriate for my children's age level, as I am finding that there is often a fine line between childrens, YA, and teen books.
My daughter really wants to join Goodreads, but can't yet because she doesn't meet the age requirement of 13 yrs. It is too bad there isn't something like Goodreads geared toward pre-teens.

[Timothy]

Welcome Diane! So glad to have you join the group. And welcome to your 9-year-old boy and 11-year-old girl! What a great idea to read to your children about different places in the world and different states in the US. If it's not too much to ask, would you consider adding those books to our library? Also, have either of your children read The Lightning Thief? We are trying to get a small discussion going on it. This group is not fully functional yet, but while we are getting there, please don't hesitate to ask for book recommendations. Thanks again for joining! :D

[Diane]

Timothy wrote: "Welcome Diane! So glad to have you join the group. And welcome to your 9-year-old boy and 11-year-old girl! What a great idea to read to your children about different places in the world and differ..."

We haven't read the Lightning Thief books yet, but we own them. Too many books to read and so little time!

[Timothy]

Diane wrote: "Timothy wrote: "Welcome Diane! So glad to have you join the group. And welcome to your 9-year-old boy and 11-year-old girl! What a great idea to read to your children about different places in the ..."

LOL! Ars longa, vita brevis.

[Mark]

Hello, I'm Mark, father of a soon-to-be 10 year old who gobbles the books down pretty quickly and an author myself for the tween age, writing humorous fantasy adventures that hopefully encourage reading and parents reading with their kids.

I see Erik, of This Kid Reviews Books, is on here. I've read Erik's blog and liked it immensely and he and I have exchanged emails. I even sent him a paperback copy of my first book for his review and I (nervously) await his report!

As a father, it seems a daily struggle to find books my son will read. He's always reading something, but it often surprises me the books he will turn down when we go to the library or book store. So, needless to say, I'm looking for ideas.

As an author, who just loves writing for this age (old enough to get some of my silliness, young enough to not find my silliness corny ... yet) I'm curious what sorts of stories the tween age is interested in.

Thanks for having me and I'll have to go up to my son's room and raid his shelves for what exactly he's been reading lately. Mostly it's been our old copies of the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. When, oh when, can I move him on to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett?

[Timothy]

LOL! Hi Mark. Welcome to the group and feel free too put your own books in our library. As for reads for your son (who's welcome here just like Erik), I hope you find some ideas in our still incomplete library. Has your son read any of these books yet--The Lightning Thief, Artemis Fowl, The Red Pyramid, Treasure Island, or Hatchet? Thanks again for joining!

[Mark]

He just today, as I was poring through this forum, told me he just started Hatchet. But Treasure Island's a good suggestion ... he enjoyed the campy Disney movie. Lightning Thief scared him a year or so ago, Artemis Fowl I want to say is floating around his room somewhere, will have to ask him about that. Don't think we've heard of The Red Pyramid.

My book is Sir Nathan and the Quest for Queen Gobbledeegook, a story about an over-zealous knight searching for his missing queen. I'd gladly send a free e-book version to anyone in this group if they'd like, as I'm just trying to get the word out there and hopefully encourage kids to read.

[Timothy]

Mark wrote: "He just today, as I was poring through this forum, told me he just started Hatchet. But Treasure Island's a good suggestion ... he enjoyed the campy Disney movie. Lightning Thief scared him a yea..."

Hi Mark. It's great that your son started Hatchet. As for The Lightning Thief, please feel free to discuss your son's reaction. Thank you for offering your book for free! And thanks again for your great participation in this group.

[Elise]

Timothy wrote: "Welcome Elise! We're glad you joined. And Happy Birthday. :D My wife, AKA The Orange Cat, and I both think you'll enjoy The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Congrats to you for staying sane while raising ..."

Thank you, Tim, though my success is questionable.;-) Actually, I have to finish up Book 3, so I'll be making myself scarce for awhile. I really appreciate all of your support and look forward to digging in this group in a few months, if all goes to plan. Take care!

[Timothy]

Elise wrote: "Timothy wrote: "Welcome Elise! We're glad you joined. And Happy Birthday. :D My wife, AKA The Orange Cat, and I both think you'll enjoy The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Congrats to you for staying san..."

Well, you are a success to me and lots of others. Understood about the time you need to finish book 3. Thanks for the heads up. We'll see you when you have time. Hope you and your muse have a great time finishing a book 3.

[Michelle]

I haven't been here in so long I almost feel like I should reintroduce myself, hee, hee!

Hi! I'm Michelle. I read MG, I write MG and I blog about it too. And I'm coming up for air after a long winter writing. :)

[Timothy]

Michelle wrote: "I haven't been here in so long I almost feel like I should reintroduce myself, hee, hee!

Hi! I'm Michelle. I read MG, I write MG and I blog about it too. And I'm coming up for air after a long ..."

Welcome again Michelle! Good to have you back, but we know that that winter writing included finishing your latest tween book! So congratulations along with our welcome back. :D

[Karen]

Aloha,
I'm Karen Whiting and I write nonfiction books for tweens.My children are past tweens now and into college and beyond. I always loved reading what they read and discussing it with them. Just finishing writing a book on going green for tween girls (won't release for a year or two) and have two books on miniature crafts releasing this summer.

[Timothy]

Welcome Karen! We are glad to have you. Your books for tweens sound fascinating. Please feel free to add them to our library. Also, if you still enjoy discussing middle grade literature, please feel free to join in our discussions. I hope we hear a lot from you. Thanks again for joining. Best Wishes, Tim

[Lisa]

Hello, I'm Lisa and I have 5 kids ages 11-3 and I'm always on the lookout for new books for them to read. I was invited to join by Leslie, so thanks for that moderator! I'm looking forward to this group and seeing the recommendations by everyone!

[Leslie]

OH, Lisa, so nice to see you here. Group, this woman has some reading kids. Seriously reading kids. She'll have some good recommends.

[Loura]

Hi! My name is Loura and I am a private tutor. I have a whole list/shelf of recommended reading for tweens and teens on my profile.

I also have 3 kids, 9, 7, and 2. The oldest two are voracious readers and I'm always on the lookout for new material for them.

[Diane]

My Dear Watson wrote: "Hi! My name is Loura and I am a private tutor. I have a whole list/shelf of recommended reading for tweens and teens on my profile.

I also have 3 kids, 9, 7, and 2. The oldest two are voracious r..."

Hi, Loura! Welcome to the group!

[Andrea]

Hi! I'm Andrea and I have an 11 year old girl and a 9 year old boy. Both are avid (advanced) readers, and I'm having trouble finding appropriate books for them to read. I'm so glad I found this group to help me with that!

[Diane]

Andrea wrote: "Hi! I'm Andrea and I have an 11 year old girl and a 9 year old boy. Both are avid (advanced) readers, and I'm having trouble finding appropriate books for them to read. I'm so glad I found this ..."

Hi, Andrea! Welcome! It is often difficult to find age appropriate books for advanced readers. It has always been a challenge with my kids. It is so nice to be able to discuss books with other parents. Thanks for joining!

[Amber]

Hi - I'm Amber and I have an 11 year old daughter who is an advanced reader and it seems like we are constantly on the look out for age appropriate books that she hasn't already read. I'm looking forward to discussing great books with you all and finding some new things to read with my daughter!

[Karen]

Hi Andrea! I have grandaughters who are tweens and I write for tweens (nonfiction). This week my newest book released from Harper Collins (Zonderkidz). It's Nature Girl: a guide to caring for God's creation. It's packed with fun activities , tips, and good information.

My friend's novel for tweens also released this week: Below the Surface (Tim Shoemaker).

[Diane]

Amber wrote: "Hi - I'm Amber and I have an 11 year old daughter who is an advanced reader and it seems like we are constantly on the look out for age appropriate books that she hasn't already read. I'm looking f..."

Welcome to the group Amber! A bunch of us have 11 year olds, myself included!

[Noemi]

Hi there! I have been following this group for a while but this is the first time I post. I am the mother of a 12 year old girl and 7 year old boy. We are always on the lookout for tween/middle grade books.

[Diane]

Noemi wrote: "Hi there! I have been following this group for a while but this is the first time I post. I am the mother of a 12 year old girl and 7 year old boy. We are always on the lookout for tween/middle ..."

Welcome to the group, Noemi!

[Jackie]

Hi! I'm Jackie from Virginia. This is exactly the type of group I was looking for! I have a 9 (almost 10) year old daughter. She LOVES to read and reads on a much higher grade level than the grade she is in (4th). While this is great, I found out the hard way last year, that some of the content is not appropirate for her age. SO... I started reading almost all of her books before her. Some I have loved, and some I have tolerated. She likes different genres, but gravitates towards Fantasy (not my favorite). It's fun to talk about the books after we've read them. I do manage to fit in some "adult" reading when she is on a series that is "Mom-approved." I'm looking forward to finding some great summer reads for us! Thanks!!

[Diane]

Jackie wrote: "Hi! I'm Jackie from Virginia. This is exactly the type of group I was looking for! I have a 9 (almost 10) year old daughter. She LOVES to read and reads on a much higher grade level than the gra..."

Hi, Jackie! Welcome to the group! I had the same issue with my daughter. She started reading at a 5th grade level when she was in 1st grade. It was a struggle to find books that wold challenge her that had age-appropriate content. I, too, would read books before her which became increasingly more difficult as she got older and chose longer books. It does eventually get easier. She is now 13, so I no longer read ahead of her, but I still do have her present the books to me for my pre-approval. She seems to have good judgment in selecting books with appropriate content.

[Diane]

Perry wrote: "Hi everyone,

I'm a first time author of a middle grade/tween book called Child of Atlantis: Ascension. It's a fantasy/adventure book about a kid who discovers that he is a descendant of the lost ..."

Welcome, Perry! I wish you much success with your novel.

[Jackie]

Diane wrote: "Jackie wrote: "Hi! I'm Jackie from Virginia. This is exactly the type of group I was looking for! I have a 9 (almost 10) year old daughter. She LOVES to read and reads on a much higher grade lev..."

Thanks, Diane! I guess she and I both are reading more of a variety now. I am one that enjoys a good cry, and daughter is not sappy at all. She'll read something and say "Mom, if you were reading this you would be bawling!" LOL

[Genta]

Hello everyone! My name is Genta Sebastian. I'm an author who is also a lesbian, step-mom, and Nana. When my granddaughter was born, I anticipated a time when she'd start asking questions about being raised by lesbian parents (as her mom was) or, as in her case, grandparents.

I wrote Riding the Rainbow to give her answers about the love in families like ours, and wrapped them in an adventure story. A chapter book about fifth graders, Lily, (who has two out-loud-and-proud moms) must rescue her only friend, Clara (with two in-the-closet dads), from kidnappers.

I don't really understand the ins and outs of self-publishing, but I did get an editor and illustrator for the book cover. Apparently I was supposed to do interviews (how do you get one?) and gather dozens of pre-release reviews, then launch the book with as much fanfare as possible. LOL

Instead I quietly published it on Amazon last month, where it's languishing. I'm hoping this group can help me with recommendations where I might go to do interviews on blogs, or post excerpts of Riding the Rainbow so the parents of tweeners can hear about it. I'm prepared to offer free copies in .epub, pdf, or .mobi files for honest reviews, but I have no idea where I can go to find potential reviewers. Any ideas, anyone?

[Doug]

Hi,
I am a teacher of tweens, a father of tweens past and a beginning writer for tweens present and future. Talking with many tweens in my classses they tell me how they want to pick out books for themselves or get recommendations from friends. The are in that "inbe-tween" phase. They can't just buy books as they don't have the income of the teens working a job yet want that independence to start making decisions for themselves. Getting the word out about good books to tweens can be difficult. This group is a step towards helping find those great books!

[Audrey]

Hi I'm Audrey. I actually have taken an interest in writing and reviewing 'tween fiction and my 10 yr old niece is my go-to reference. She just finished and loved. Coyote Summer: A Summerhood Island Book

[Karen]

I have friend who write tween fiction. I write nonfiction for tweens (and other ages). My latest book is Nature Girl: a girls guide to caring for God's creation.

[Diane]

Genta wrote: "Hello everyone! My name is Genta Sebastian. I'm an author who is also a lesbian, step-mom, and Nana. When my granddaughter was born, I anticipated a time when she'd start asking questions about bei..."

Welcome to the group, Genta! Best of luck with your new book!