Today I wanted to share something special with you. It’s the first book that I’ve read from the Class of 2k12. I loved Caroline Starr Rose’s MG novel in verse and want to give you a sneak peek into the life of May B. Here is a little bit about the book taken right off of Caroline’s web site.
Coming January 2012!
MAY B.
Schwartz and Wade (Random House Children’s Books), January 2012
I watch the wagon
until I see nothing on the open plain.
For the first time ever,
I am alone.
May is helping out on a neighbor’s homestead—just until Christmas, her pa promises. But when a terrible turn of events leaves her all alone, she must try to find food and fuel—and courage—to make it through the approaching winter.
This gorgeous novel in verse by Caroline Starr Rose will transport you to the Kansas prairie—to the endless grassland, and to the suffocating closeness of the sod house where May is stranded.
May’s eloquent yet straightforward voice, and her bravery, determination, and willingness to risk it all will capture your heart.
May B. has also received wonderful reviews. There is more on Caroline’s website, but here is my favorite and of course mine…
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2011
As unforgiving as the western Kansas prairies, this extraordinary verse novel—Rose’s debut—paints a gritty picture of late-19th-century frontier life from the perspective of a 12-year-old dyslexic girl named Mavis Elizabeth Betterly… May B. for short.
If May is a brave, stubborn fighter, the short, free-verse lines are one-two punches in this Laura Ingalls Wilder–inspired ode to the human spirit. (Historical fiction. 9-14)
Reviewed by Kimberly Sabatini, October 21, 2011
May B is the perfect mix of Laurie Halse Anderson’s historical fiction, Ellen Hopkins’ seamless and moving poetry and the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I instantly connected with the character of May, but I fell in love with the book when I realized that May was dyslexic. As a mom of a child with dyslexia, I have to say that Caroline Starr Rose got it right. This book, in conjunction with Rose’s additional information available for teachers, should easily make this book a fixture on teacher’s lesson plans and on classroom book shelves. May B is a quiet book that is an exciting read–an amazing combination. Don’t miss this one.
Above I mention that Caroline has created additional materials for teachers to use in the classroom. You can find these on the For Teachers section of her web site. Additionally, you still have time to sign up for this amazing May B. contest…
* May B. Book Club Kit Giveaway *
Enter to win a May B. Book Club Kit. One classroom, library, or reading circle will win the following:
•10 copies of May B.
•discussion questions
•background on the storyline and setting
•10 copies of Where in the World Are We Reading (see For Teachers section)
•ideas for social studies and poetry tie-ins (if applicable)
•bookmarks
•May B. book trailer on CD
•interactive Skype visit
All groups to enter will receive bookmarks for their readers.
Please contact me at caroline@carolinestarrrose.com. Tell me about your readers and why you’d like to win. That’s it! This contest is open to readers internationally and will close November 1, 2011.
You can find additional information about Caroline Starr Rose and May B. on…
Caroline Starr Rose is a children’s author represented by the fabulous Michelle Humphrey (International Creative Management). Her debut middle-grade novel, MAY B., will be released January 2012 by Schwartz and Wade, an imprint of Random House.
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You are a sweetheart! Thank you.
MAY B. sounds like just the kind of book I would have devoured as a kid. Best of luck with it, Caroline! 🙂
I've been lucky enough to read this too, Kim! And I also loved it. I don't normally go for verse novels, but I was so swept up in the story and the character, I forgot I was even reading verse.
This is an amazing book. I loved it for a million reasons but Caroline has this little thing she does where she uses these opposing words and visuals to create a powerful emotion. I just found the writing to be brilliant! I expect great things from this book and from it's author!!! <3
Sounds like an awesome book! 😀