Worlds Awaiting

Amy Johnson (3:44)

Science and stars; dragons and knights; tigers and turtles; magic shoes and magic carpets; and even a crazy cat in a striped hat who drops in while your mother is out. All these can be found in books – exciting worlds and possibilities available to our children each time we lead them to read. Our first guest today, blogger Amy Johnson, mother of 5 boys, talks to Rachel about why literacy and reading is so important to her as a mom. An avid reader herself, Johnson has established a pattern in her family in support of literacy. Her life goal is to make her boys as obsessed with books as she is; and judging from the dozens of books scattered all over her house, she has been successful so far. She blogs at Sunlit Pages about what she’s currently reading to her children.

 

Kids on Books (21:20)

Now, we finish up with some children from Provost Elementary School in Utah who talk about some of their favorite books and book characters with Cole Wissinger, a member of the Worlds Awaiting team.

Book Characters (3:35)

In fiction, a successful character is one you can identify with. One you can believe in because he or she seems real. Good writers can pull this off. But how do they do it? The answer might lie in the matter of true empathy and compassion. Our first guest today – young adult author Martine Leavitt talks to Rachel about how she “lives” with her characters for a while to get to know them better. Martine is an award-winning author of books for young adults, with her most recent book being, Calvin. Other titles include: My Book of Life by Angel; Keturah and Lord Death; and Tom Finder.

Writing for Young Adults (9:26)

We’ll also hear from one of Leavitt’s students. Madeleine Dresden is a graduate student in English at BYU specializing in writing fiction. She recently took a class from Martine Leavitt and was given the assignment to write a young adult novel! Get ready to hear Madeleine’s account of that experience!

Understanding Cultures (16:04)

Here’s what’s next on Worlds Awaiting. Rachel welcomes author and educator, Margaret Blair Young, who is deeply committed to helping our children better understand their world in a more global way. She also shares experiences of living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guatemala. Young's published works include the novels House Without Walls; Salvador; and Heresies of Nature. She also co-authored a trilogy of historical novels about Black Mormon pioneers titled Standing on the Promises.

Book Review (25:34)

We finish up the show with a book review from Ann-Marie Marchant, Adult and Teen Services Librarian at the Provo City Library in Utah. Marchant introduces a young adult novel entitled Wanderlost by Jen Malone.

Book Characters (3:35)

In fiction, a successful character is one you can identify with. One you can believe in because he or she seems real. Good writers can pull this off. But how do they do it? The answer might lie in the matter of true empathy and compassion. Our first guest today – young adult author Martine Leavitt talks to Rachel about how she “lives” with her characters for a while to get to know them better. Martine is an award-winning author of books for young adults, with her most recent book being, Calvin. Other titles include: My Book of Life by Angel; Keturah and Lord Death; and Tom Finder.

Writing for Young Adults (9:26)

We’ll also hear from one of Leavitt’s students. Madeleine Dresden is a graduate student in English at BYU specializing in writing fiction. She recently took a class from Martine Leavitt and was given the assignment to write a young adult novel! Get ready to hear Madeleine’s account of that experience!

Understanding Cultures (16:04)

Here’s what’s next on Worlds Awaiting. Rachel welcomes author and educator, Margaret Blair Young, who is deeply committed to helping our children better understand their world in a more global way. She also shares experiences of living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guatemala. Young's published works include the novels House Without Walls; Salvador; and Heresies of Nature. She also co-authored a trilogy of historical novels about Black Mormon pioneers titled Standing on the Promises.

Book Review (25:34)

We finish up the show with a book review from Ann-Marie Marchant, Adult and Teen Services Librarian at the Provo City Library in Utah. Marchant introduces a young adult novel entitled Wanderlost by Jen Malone.

Game On! (3:59)

What on earth did kids do in their free time in the 50’s, 60’s, and even the 70’s without cell phones, tablets, social media or computer games? Anyone remember that old-fashioned reality that virtual reality tries to imitate – you know, like hide and seek or freeze tag, riding bikes, fishing, hula-hoops … oh, and television or radio? The world has changed, it seems, in big ways. Our first guest today - author, artist, and Video Game Director Dustin Hansen talks to Rachel about the brave new world we’ve entered. Hansen is author of the book Game On! Video Game History from Pong and Pac-Man to Mario, Minecraft, and More. He has been creating media for the Middle Grade or MG 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. His debut fiction series, Microsaurs appeared in January 2017

Helping Kids Become Writers (15:13)

Next on Worlds Awaiting, Rachel welcomes author and educator, Ruth Culham. They’ll explore the importance of using certain texts (which Culham calls Mentor Texts), in helping our children become writers. Culham has written over 40 books for educators around the globe. A special focus of her work entails the concepts of “writing traits” and “writing from reading,” which she’ll shed some light on for us. Culham conducts professional development for schools and districts, and was the 2016 Department Editor for the professional journal Reading Teacher. 

Exercise & Music (24:27)

We finish up the show with David Barney, Professor of Physical Education at BYU, who talks about the positive effect that music has in the classroom and elsewhere. He cites studies that have been done in school settings that substantiate this – where music was combined with physical activity. David Barney is a member of the Teacher Education Department at BYU. He has taught at Oklahoma State U

Game On! (3:59)

What on earth did kids do in their free time in the 50’s, 60’s, and even the 70’s without cell phones, tablets, social media or computer games? Anyone remember that old-fashioned reality that virtual reality tries to imitate – you know, like hide and seek or freeze tag, riding bikes, fishing, hula-hoops … oh, and television or radio? The world has changed, it seems, in big ways. Our first guest today - author, artist, and Video Game Director Dustin Hansen talks to Rachel about the brave new world we’ve entered. Hansen is author of the book Game On! Video Game History from Pong and Pac-Man to Mario, Minecraft, and More. He has been creating media for the Middle Grade or MG 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. His debut fiction series, Microsaurs appeared in January 2017

Helping Kids Become Writers (15:13)

Next on Worlds Awaiting, Rachel welcomes author and educator, Ruth Culham. They’ll explore the importance of using certain texts (which Culham calls Mentor Texts), in helping our children become writers. Culham has written over 40 books for educators around the globe. A special focus of her work entails the concepts of “writing traits” and “writing from reading,” which she’ll shed some light on for us. Culham conducts professional development for schools and districts, and was the 2016 Department Editor for the professional journal Reading Teacher. 

Exercise & Music (24:27)

We finish up the show with David Barney, Professor of Physical Education at BYU, who talks about the positive effect that music has in the classroom and elsewhere. He cites studies that have been done in school settings that substantiate this – where music was combined with physical activity. David Barney is a member of the Teacher Education Department at BYU. He has taught at Oklahoma State University, North Dakota State University, and in public schools in Utah and Florida.

Book Settings (3:11)

If you could travel back in time, where would you want to go? Prehistoric Europe? The land of the ancient Inca civilization? … There’s always Egypt with its untold mysteries, marvels, and mummies. Our first guest, Young Adult book author, Jennifer Nielsen, takes her readers on flights of fancy in her book series, Mark of the Thief. The setting is ancient Rome, with some magic mixed in. Nielsen visits with Rachel about her work behind-the-scenes including the research that goes into these books. Jennifer Nielsen is a New York Times Bestselling author. Her books include The Ascendance trilogy – beginning with The False Prince; the Mark of the Thief series; and, A Night Divided.

Hi/Low Books (15:24)

Next on Worlds Awaiting, Rachel welcomes librarian, Rebecca O’Neil. They’ll be discussing a common predicament. We’ve all have known young readers, many of them teens, who want action and more intense reading but may not yet have the necessary reading ability. Instead of giving up altogether, such readers really just need to find their favorite themes and genres written at their reading level. Rebecca O’Neil is a Collection Development Librarian at the Westerville Public Library in Ohio, where 10 years in youth services was perfect preparation for ordering youth materials. When she’s not tricking you into reading all of her favorite titles, she’s most likely creating her next tiny drawing or flipping through yet another lavish book about home décor. 

Rhymes (25:44)

We finish up the show with some delightful playtime rhymes - you may recognize some of them - Sleepy Fingers, There Was a Little Turtle, Snowflakes, and The Wheels on the Bus – read by siblings  -- Eleanor, 14 years of age; Mercy, 12; Solomon, 10; Elisha, 8; Muriel, 3; and mom, Sarah. Take special note during The Wheels on the Bus where little Muriel seems to think she got the place of honor, piping up at the end of each verse as soloist!

Book Settings (3:11)

If you could travel back in time, where would you want to go? Prehistoric Europe? The land of the ancient Inca civilization? … There’s always Egypt with its untold mysteries, marvels, and mummies. Our first guest, Young Adult book author, Jennifer Nielsen, takes her readers on flights of fancy in her book series, Mark of the Thief. The setting is ancient Rome, with some magic mixed in. Nielsen visits with Rachel about her work behind-the-scenes including the research that goes into these books. Jennifer Nielsen is a New York Times Bestselling author. Her books include The Ascendance trilogy – beginning with The False Prince; the Mark of the Thief series; and, A Night Divided.

Hi/Low Books (15:24)

Next on Worlds Awaiting, Rachel welcomes librarian, Rebecca O’Neil. They’ll be discussing a common predicament. We’ve all have known young readers, many of them teens, who want action and more intense reading but may not yet have the necessary reading ability. Instead of giving up altogether, such readers really just need to find their favorite themes and genres written at their reading level. Rebecca O’Neil is a Collection Development Librarian at the Westerville Public Library in Ohio, where 10 years in youth services was perfect preparation for ordering youth materials. When she’s not tricking you into reading all of her favorite titles, she’s most likely creating her next tiny drawing or flipping through yet another lavish book about home décor. 

 

Rhymes (25:44)

We finish up the show with some delightful playtime rhymes - you may recognize some of them - Sleepy Fingers, There Was a Little Turtle, Snowflakes, and The Wheels on the Bus – read by siblings  -- Eleanor, 14 years of age; Mercy, 12; Solomon, 10; Elisha, 8; Muriel, 3; and mom, Sarah. Take special note during The Wheels on the Bus where little Muriel seems to think she got the place of honor, piping up at the end of each verse as soloist!

Humor and Kids (3:42)

You want a little bit of humor? Well, you’re not alone. Just about everyone does, and children are hardly an exception. In fact, one of the best ways to get children reading is to offer them the enjoyment of something funny. Our first guest today, educator and author Mary Bigler, talks to Rachel about why she thinks humor in books for children is important – and that this type of book can boost a child’s desire to read. Mary also will recommend books with jokes, riddles, tongue twisters and more – titles we can share with our children, friends, and family. 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. 

Teaching Good Citizenship (15:06)

Next on Worlds Awaiting, Rachel welcomes Amy Miner who discusses the importance of teaching our children a skill-set she calls, “democratic literacies.” This skill-set includes being well-read, more tolerant of others, and open to communication with people not like ourselves. Now, doesn’t that all sound like a recipe for good citizenship? Dr. Miner is a professor of teacher education at BYU. She specializes in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on social studies and democratic practices. She also has a masters in children's literature.

Book Review (24:47)

We finish up the show with a book review from Margaret Neville, children’s book seller at the King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City. Neville introduces a middle grade novel entitled Ghost by Jason Reynolds.

Humor and Kids (3:42)

You want a little bit of humor? Well, you’re not alone. Just about everyone does, and children are hardly an exception. In fact, one of the best ways to get children reading is to offer them the enjoyment of something funny. Our first guest today, educator and author Mary Bigler, talks to Rachel about why she thinks humor in books for children is important – and that this type of book can boost a child’s desire to read. Mary also will recommend books with jokes, riddles, tongue twisters and more – titles we can share with our children, friends, and family. 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. 

Teaching Good Citizenship (15:06)

Next on Worlds Awaiting, Rachel welcomes Amy Miner who discusses the importance of teaching our children a skill-set she calls, “democratic literacies.” This skill-set includes being well-read, more tolerant of others, and open to communication with people not like ourselves. Now, doesn’t that all sound like a recipe for good citizenship? Dr. Miner is a professor of teacher education at BYU. She specializes in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on social studies and democratic practices. She also has a masters in children's literature.

Book Review (24:47)

We finish up the show with a book review from Margaret Neville, children’s book seller at the King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City. Neville introduces a middle grade novel entitled Ghost by Jason Reynolds.

Fathers, Sons, and Reading (3:24)

Mothers have a great influence over their children. But let’s talk today about fathers. Children who like to read - boys or girls – say they saw a male adult in their life – a father, grandfather, or even an older sibling – reading regularly. Three generations meet with Rachel today to talk about this very thing – Gene Nelson, Provo City Library Director; his son Trent, who is teacher in a local middle school; and, Trent’s 9 year old son, Lincoln. We’re going to put a face, three faces actually, on this inter-generational dynamic.  Gene Nelson, director of the Provo City Library in Utah, has participated on many local, regional, and national committees, including the Caldecott and Newbery. He also teaches children’s literature classes at BYU. Gene’s son, Trevor Nelson, teaches English, creative writing, and mythology at Timberline Middle School. And, Trent’s son, is in 4th grade at American Fork Elementary.

Mom Book Reviews (21:19)

Now, just to make sure we have some balance on the show today: we finish up with two mothers, Mary Warner and Michelle Wages, reviewing some of their favorite children’s books – that include ones they grew up with and still read to their own families.”

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:24 - Fathers, Sons, and Reading

00:21:19 - Mom Book Reviews