Worlds Awaiting

From Computer Game to Book (3:29)

Sometimes a movie comes out before the book. Sometimes it goes the other way, as a book first. Today, we bring you a unique twist, with a book series based, not on a movie, but on a computer game. Our first guest today on Worlds Awaiting, children’s book author Matthew J. Kirby talks to Rachel about his Assassins Creed book series that is based on the computer game of the same name. Matt was approached by the creators of the game to write this series; and now the print version has a life of its own. Kirby is an award-winning author of books like The Clockwork Three, Icefall, A Taste for Monsters, and The Dark Gravity Sequence series. When he’s not writing books Matt is also a school psychologist.

Wonder (15:55)

Next, Katharine Newton a mother, grandmother, and member of the Granite School District Foundation Board. She talks with Rachel today about one of her favorite books Wonder, that was recently made into a movie. It’s a story that hits close to home. Her grandson was born with the same condition as the main character in the book – a severe facial genetic deformity called Treacher Collins Syndrome. 

Book Review (25:48)

We finish up the show with a book review: The Reader, a Young Adult novel by Traci Chee, given by Mindy Hale, Teen Librarian at the Orem Public Library in Utah. We’ll look forward to more young reader book reviews in the future. For a full collection of book reviews, check out the Worlds Awaiting Book Reviews link on our website at byuradio.org.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:29 - From Computer Game to Book

00:15:55 - Wonder

00:25:48 - Book Review

Speculative Fiction (3:29)

Our first guest today on Worlds Awaiting has a real hankering for speculative fiction. So just what is ‘speculative fiction’? Well, let’s speculate: it could be science fiction or fantasy … or maybe space opera, steampunk, or cyberpunk. Let’s include any story you care to add from among the many superhero stories, and dystopian fiction or horror (if you have the stomach for these!). The list goes on. David John Butler’s career in writing springs from his childhood love of just such genres. He talks to Rachel about his work and passion as an author of speculative fiction for readers of all ages. His publications include 2 series: The Extraordinary Journeys of Clockwork Charlie and Witchy Eye. He also performs with the Space Balrogs, a troupe of authors and artists who attend Sci-Fi and Fantasy conventions where they lead entertaining audience participation games. 

Adult vs. Kid Books (16:02)

Next, Rachel welcomes Young Adult Literature expert Teri Lesesne. Lesene suggests that grown-ups encourage children to choose their own books. But she also encourages the grown-ups to follow up with some intergenerational discussion. Teri also shares some of her favorite books for kids – including graphic novels. Teri Lesesne teaches classes in children's and young adult literature in the Department of Library Science at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She is author of professional books and numerous articles in her field and has served on the selection committees of the National Book Award, the Walden Award, and the Printz award. Teri Lesesne is also author of Reading Ladders.

 

Lifetime of Reading (24:55)

We finish up the show with Tessa Ostvig, Worlds Awaiting Social Media Coordinator, who talks about her love of reading. It began with her mother’s influence and later, was fostered by a good teacher. These early experiences made her not only a lover of books, but also of words. In fact, to this day, she reads the dictionary on a regular basis!

Speculative Fiction (3:29)

Our first guest today on Worlds Awaiting has a real hankering for speculative fiction. So just what is ‘speculative fiction’? Well, let’s speculate: it could be science fiction or fantasy … or maybe space opera, steampunk, or cyberpunk. Let’s include any story you care to add from among the many superhero stories, and dystopian fiction or horror (if you have the stomach for these!). The list goes on. David John Butler’s career in writing springs from his childhood love of just such genres. He talks to Rachel about his work and passion as an author of speculative fiction for readers of all ages. His publications include 2 series: The Extraordinary Journeys of Clockwork Charlie and Witchy Eye. He also performs with the Space Balrogs, a troupe of authors and artists who attend Sci-Fi and Fantasy conventions where they lead entertaining audience participation games. 

Adult vs. Kid Books (16:02)

Next, Rachel welcomes Young Adult Literature expert Teri Lesesne. Lesene suggests that grown-ups encourage children to choose their own books. But she also encourages the grown-ups to follow up with some intergenerational discussion. Teri also shares some of her favorite books for kids – including graphic novels. Teri Lesesne teaches classes in children's and young adult literature in the Department of Library Science at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She is author of professional books and numerous articles in her field and has served on the selection committees of the National Book Award, the Walden Award, and the Printz award. Teri Lesesne is also author of Reading Ladders.

 

Lifetime of Reading (24:55)

We finish up the show with Tessa Ostvig, Worlds Awaiting Social Media Coordinator, who talks about her love of reading. It began with her mother’s influence and later, was fostered by a good teacher. These early experiences made her not only a lover of books, but also of words. In fact, to this day, she reads the dictionary on a regular basis!

Steps to Reading Early (3:28)

They say – It’s never too early to introduce a child to reading. So when should you begin?  At birth? Or even before – in the womb? – (by osmosis). Or, maybe during early infancy, holding a baby in your lap. Our first guest, Kathleen Brown, Director of the University of Utah Reading Clinic, shares some tips on the most productive ways to help a child learn to read beginning at an early age. Kathleen Brown spent seven years in southern Idaho as a remedial reading and migrant education teacher. Her doctorate at the University of Utah focused on comprehension instruction with a post-doctorate in reading intervention. Nowadays, Dr. Brown is dedicated to supporting struggling readers on a regular basis because she believes that “to talk the talk” we have to “walk the walk.”

Overlooked Heroes (14:52)

Next, Rachel welcomes poet Margarita Engle, author of many children’s books in free verse form that are often focused on significant (hero-like) persons who have been left out of history. Margarita talks about how poetry can be a safe place for emotions, as well as a good way for children to have connection with someone living in another time in history. Margarita Engle is the national Young People’s Poet Laureate and as a Cuban-American, is the first Latina to receive that honor. She’s a trained agronomist and botanist as well as a poet and novelist of award-winning books including The Surrender Tree, Enchanted Air, Drum Dream Girl, and All the Way to Havana.

Author Deborah Wiles (24:05)

We finish up the show with children’s book author Deborah Wiles who chats with Jessica Verzello of the Worlds Awaiting team about her Sixties Trilogy series that brings to light what living in that time was really like.

Steps to Reading Early (3:28)

They say – It’s never too early to introduce a child to reading. So when should you begin?  At birth? Or even before – in the womb? – (by osmosis). Or, maybe during early infancy, holding a baby in your lap. Our first guest, Kathleen Brown, Director of the University of Utah Reading Clinic, shares some tips on the most productive ways to help a child learn to read beginning at an early age. Kathleen Brown spent seven years in southern Idaho as a remedial reading and migrant education teacher. Her doctorate at the University of Utah focused on comprehension instruction with a post-doctorate in reading intervention. Nowadays, Dr. Brown is dedicated to supporting struggling readers on a regular basis because she believes that “to talk the talk” we have to “walk the walk.”

Overlooked Heroes (14:52)

Next, Rachel welcomes poet Margarita Engle, author of many children’s books in free verse form that are often focused on significant (hero-like) persons who have been left out of history. Margarita talks about how poetry can be a safe place for emotions, as well as a good way for children to have connection with someone living in another time in history. Margarita Engle is the national Young People’s Poet Laureate and as a Cuban-American, is the first Latina to receive that honor. She’s a trained agronomist and botanist as well as a poet and novelist of award-winning books including The Surrender Tree, Enchanted Air, Drum Dream Girl, and All the Way to Havana.

Author Deborah Wiles (24:05)

We finish up the show with children’s book author Deborah Wiles who chats with Jessica Verzello of the Worlds Awaiting team about her Sixties Trilogy series that brings to light what living in that time was really like.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:28 - Steps to Reading Early

00:14:52 - Overlooked Heroes

00:24:05 - Author Deborah Wiles

From Reader to Writer (3:31)

Just because you love to read doesn’t mean you love to write. Obviously, the advantages of reading are many – opening new worlds of thought and meaning, providing entertainment and refuge, expanding our horizons. But here’s a plus to reading we often overlook: How about helping us become better writers? Our first guest – Educator and writer, Mary Bigler confirms this. Books (from picture books to novels) can actually become a child’s mentor – giving them opportunities to imitate an author as they are learning how to write. Once a pre-school teacher and now a professor, Mary Bigler has spent her life promoting literacy and celebrating the joys of teaching. She’s an award-winning professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Eastern Michigan University and, author of Lessons Learned.

Expanded Libraries (16:17)

Next, Rachel welcomes fellow-librarian Gene Nelson, Director of the Provo City Library, who has an expansive vision of what a library can be – offering not only the printed word, but digital resources and centers for community. Gene Nelson has participated on many local, regional, and national committees including the Caldecott committee in 2000 and in 2010. He also teaches children’s literature classes at BYU.

 

Book Trivia (25:06)

We finish up the show today with another round of Book Trivia. Cole Wissinger, of the Worlds Awaiting team, tests students on the Brigham Young University campus on their knowledge of Young Adult Fiction.

From Reader to Writer (3:31)

Just because you love to read doesn’t mean you love to write. Obviously, the advantages of reading are many – opening new worlds of thought and meaning, providing entertainment and refuge, expanding our horizons. But here’s a plus to reading we often overlook: How about helping us become better writers? Our first guest – Educator and writer, Mary Bigler confirms this. Books (from picture books to novels) can actually become a child’s mentor – giving them opportunities to imitate an author as they are learning how to write. Once a pre-school teacher and now a professor, Mary Bigler has spent her life promoting literacy and celebrating the joys of teaching. She’s an award-winning professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Eastern Michigan University and, author of Lessons Learned.

Expanded Libraries (16:17)

Next, Rachel welcomes fellow-librarian Gene Nelson, Director of the Provo City Library, who has an expansive vision of what a library can be – offering not only the printed word, but digital resources and centers for community. Gene Nelson has participated on many local, regional, and national committees including the Caldecott committee in 2000 and in 2010. He also teaches children’s literature classes at BYU.

Book Trivia (25:06)

We finish up the show today with another round of Book Trivia. Cole Wissinger, of the Worlds Awaiting team, tests students on the Brigham Young University campus on their knowledge of Young Adult Fiction.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:31 - From Reader to Writer

00:16:17 - Expanded Libraries

00:25:06 - Book Trivia

Story in Computer Games (3:39)

Where do stories come alive? In movies? Yes! And before movies, there were books. And before that, on papyrus and parchment, and before that – around prehistoric campfires. But now, we’re in the digital age – stories come alive in computers, and, as it happens, they thrive in the world of computer games. Our first guest – author, artist and video game director Dustin Hansen talks to Rachel about the story aspect of computer games that began in the arcades and has now come to our computers and consoles. Hansen is author of the book Game On! Video Game History from Pong and Pac-Man to Mario, Minecraft, and More. He’s been creating media for the Middle Grade audience for more than 20 years. Dustin Hansen’s passion for crafting meaningful stories has also led him into work as a creative director for some of the biggest video game products on the planet including Madden Football, The Sims, and Hasbro’s most popular franchises. He’s also author of the fiction series, Microsaurs.

Author Annette Lyon (15:09)

Next – where do good ideas for books come from? Rachel explores the issue with Annette Lyon, a USA Today bestselling author, a 5-time Best of State medalist for Novels and Short Stories in Utah, and a Whitney Award winner. She’s had success as a professional editor for newspapers and magazines, as well as in technical writing, but her first love has always been writing fiction. Lyon is the author of over a dozen books, including Band of Sisters, a chocolate cookbook, a grammar guide and is one of the four co-authors of the Newport Ladies Book Club series.

Book Review (25:09)

Gene Nelson, Director of the Provo, Utah Library reviewing Egg, a picture book written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes. We’ll look forward to more young reader book reviews in the future. For a full collection of book reviews, check out the Worlds Awaiting Book Reviews link on our website at byuradio.org.

Story in Computer Games (3:39)

Where do stories come alive? In movies? Yes! And before movies, there were books. And before that, on papyrus and parchment, and before that – around prehistoric campfires. But now, we’re in the digital age – stories come alive in computers, and, as it happens, they thrive in the world of computer games. Our first guest – author, artist and video game director Dustin Hansen talks to Rachel about the story aspect of computer games that began in the arcades and has now come to our computers and consoles. Hansen is author of the book Game On! Video Game History from Pong and Pac-Man to Mario, Minecraft, and More. He’s been creating media for the Middle Grade audience for more than 20 years. Dustin Hansen’s passion for crafting meaningful stories has also led him into work as a creative director for some of the biggest video game products on the planet including Madden Football, The Sims, and Hasbro’s most popular franchises. He’s also author of the fiction series, Microsaurs.

Author Annette Lyon (15:09)

Next – where do good ideas for books come from? Rachel explores the issue with Annette Lyon, a USA Today bestselling author, a 5-time Best of State medalist for Novels and Short Stories in Utah, and a Whitney Award winner. She’s had success as a professional editor for newspapers and magazines, as well as in technical writing, but her first love has always been writing fiction. Lyon is the author of over a dozen books, including Band of Sisters, a chocolate cookbook, a grammar guide and is one of the four co-authors of the Newport Ladies Book Club series.

Book Review (25:09)

Gene Nelson, Director of the Provo, Utah Library reviewing Egg, a picture book written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes. We’ll look forward to more young reader book reviews in the future. For a full collection of book reviews, check out the Worlds Awaiting Book Reviews link on our website at byuradio.org.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:39 - Story in Computer Games

00:15:09 - Author Annette Lyon

00:25:09 - Book Review

Curiosity (3:42)

How curious are you about the world around us? Perhaps you’re mostly interested in learning about other people. What’s life like for them? How do they accomplish what they do? Or, maybe your inquisitive nature is about plants, animals, minerals, dinosaurs, medicine, language... Our guest today on Worlds Awaiting, Elizabeth MacLeod has a deeply curious nature which, she says, has propelled her to write non-fiction books for kids of all ages on any number of subjects – from biographies to cookbooks, from science to the animal kingdom. Even though she never took a writing course during her four years at the University of Toronto, she loves to write and is successful doing it. MacLeod’s background is primarily in science – and her training has come in handy for researching and writing children's information books, including Why Do Horses Have Manes? And What Did Dinosaurs Eat?  MacLeod has also created books to fascinate and involve kids including the series Kids Can Do It and Snapshots: Images of People and Places in History. She lives and works in Toronto, Ontario.

Design Thinking (13:54)

Up next, Rachel visits with Dr. Richard West, professor in the BYU Instructional Psychology and Technology Department. He talks about Design Thinking – a process of creating a product or service that begins with trying to understand the people you want to serve. “Walking in their shoes,” so to speak, so that the final product will meet their needs. Dr. Richard West researches how to teach group creativity and design thinking, and is co-chair of the BYU Creativity, Innovation, and Design group (see http://innovation.byu.edu). In his personal life, he’s an avid reader across multiple genres, with a compelling desire to use literature to help his children become awesome adults. 

 

Kids on Books (25:22)

Finally let’s hear about kids books from the kids themselves. Cole Wissinger of the Worlds Awaiting team asked a group about their interactions with reading, starting with their all-time favorite books