The next stop on our literary road trip throughout the United States is Texas. Texas is America’s second-largest state and is accordingly full of a variety of cultures, foods, and histories. Today’s books focus on people living in Texas during different but equally tumultuous times. Join us in the next edition of our Top Books by State series by taking a look at these books inspired by different times and people throughout Texas’ rich history:
Prolific writer and scholar Umberto Eco was born in Italy in 1932. He was greatly influenced by his experiences of Fascism in Italy and of growing up during German occupation during World War II. Though it was his father's wish to become a lawyer, he studied history, literature, theology, and philosophy at the University of Turin, graduating with a degree in philosophy in 1954.
The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful locations in the United States. Lush evergreen forests, mountains, beaches, ocean views, rainy weather, and incredible cities are all hallmarks of the great state of Washington. Today, we focus in on two highly different books whose books highlight this verdant landscape, making the setting just as much of a character as the characters themselves. Join us today in our Top Books by State series as we take a look at two books set in Washington:
The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the children’s book whose illustrations represent the best work being produced in the field of children’s book illustration. This honor is the highest award in the nation for children’s illustrators, for which even a nomination is considered a remarkable achievement. Throughout the years, most illustrators have only won one award, with several winning two. However, only two illustrators, since the conception of the award, have won the medal three times. Those two artists are Marcia Brown, and today’s subject of our Caldecott Winning Illustrators series: David Wiesner.
Today we continue our Best Books by State series by looking at some books set in Nebraska. Nebraska was once a frontier country, considered the gateway to the American West. The Midwestern state was historically home to many Native American tribes and is part of numerous historical trails once used to traverse the western frontier. The Great Plains state is now an agricultural center and home to large cities. Today we examine some notable books and short stories set in Nebraska as we continue our literary road trip through America:
Cormac McCarthy (born Charles McCarthy) is an American writer known for his gritty, stylistically complex works of fiction in the southern gothic, western, and post-apocalyptic genres. He attended the University of Tennessee and served in the US Air Force. McCarthy published his first novel, The Orchard Keeper, in 1965.
The John Newbery Medal was given in 1922 to honor books by American authors that represent the best contributions to children’s literature the previous year. It is the highest honor for children’s authors in the United States. Each year, there are many books to choose from, as all age categories, from picture books to young adult, qualify. Today in our Newbery Medal Winning Authors series, we take a look at the 1923 winner, Hugh Lofting, creator of the beloved Dr. Dolittle:
Each year the Caldecott Medal is awarded to the panel-declared best illustrated children’s book of that year. While often awarded to artists that work in mediums like paint or pen, 1998’s medal went to a writer/illustrator who’s medium was more related to his background in clowning and puppetry. David Wisniewski’s intricate paper cutouts and collages for his work on Golem are beautiful and detailed works of art that are sure to add to anyone looking to collect Caldecott wining books. Let's take a closer look at the work of David Wisniewski in this edition of our Caldecott Winning Illustrators Series:
American suspense writer Dean Koontz was born in 1945 and to date has published one hundred and five novels under his own name and various pseudonyms. He published his first novel, a work of science fiction called Star Quest, in 1968. He continued to publish science fiction, horror, and suspense novels for the next ten years, none of which reached commercial success. His breakthrough novel, Whispers, was released in 1980. Since then, Koontz has topped the New York Times Best Sellers List multiple times for both hardback and paperback novels. Many of his novels have been adapted into films. He is widely considered to be one of the most successful suspense writers alive. He continues to publish widely, often producing several novels and novellas a year. Let’s take a look at a few of Koontz’s best novels for those looking to start collecting the legendary and prolific novelist’s work.
Each year the Caldecott Medal is awarded to a children's book illustrator whose work exemplifies the best in art being produced in the business. 1999's winner, Mary Azarian, is known for her colorful woodcut illustrations and makes her living as a local artisan in her Vermont community in addition to the over fifty books she has illustrated throughout her career. Let's take a closer look at the work of Mary Azarian in this edition of our Caldecott Winning Illustrators Series:
