Children's Book Academy

by Bryan Patrick Avery

Most well-known magic artists aren’t famous because of the tricks they perform, but because of the personality of the magicians themselves. Magicians like Daryl, Don Alan, and Johnny Thompson found their fame by portraying themselves as someone audiences could relate to, enjoy spending time with, and root for. The same is true of the stories we tell. While the story may entertain, if our readers don’t care about the characters, they won’t stick with a book for very long. This week, and next, we’ll take a look at four characters readers care about and see if we can learn a little about how to make our own characters a little more memorable. First up, a patriotic second grader with a big dream.
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In “Ellie May on President’s Day”, a chapter book written by Hillary Homzie and illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler, Ellie May’s big dream is to be picked to be flag leader in her second-grade class. Her quest lasts the entire week before President’s Day and begins with her realization that she hasn’t been picked to be flag leader for some time, while some of her classmates have been picked more than once. So, why do we root for Ellie May?

We meet Ellie May the Monday before President’s Day. When her teacher asks for a volunteer to be flag leader, Ellie May is out of her seat, her arms swishing “like windshield wipers”. We can instantly relate to her desire to be picked. When she’s admonished to return to her seat, we feel for her. She pouts as another student is picked and, while the rest of her class gives the student a “ten-finger woo”, Ellie May stayed in her chair and kept her “hands super still”.

Pouting isn’t always an attractive trait but, in this case, we can relate to Ellie May’s disappointment. Plus, she quickly turns her feelings into action. By the end of the first chapter, Ellie May makes a pledge: “This week I will be flag leader.”

Will she succeed? The reader will have to stick around to find out. Our introduction to Ellie May in chapter one builds a connection to the reader that will have them rooting for her even as her spirited personality and misguided decision making gets her into trouble over and over again. By the end of the book, we’re really pulling for her to her succeed. Her flaws are endearing to us and every reader can find a little bit of themselves in Ellie May. If you’re looking to create a relatable, realistic character, check out “Ellie May on President’s Day”.
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Can you make a lazy, self-centered character likeable? A.B. Greenfield did. In “Ra the Mighty: Cat Detective”, illustrated by Sarah Horne, we meet Ra, a cat who wants nothing more then to lay in the sun by the pool while servants deliver snacks to him. He is Pharaoh’s cat, which means he is adored and revered, but why do readers relate to him? Perhaps the answers lie in Khepri, Ra’s scarab-beetle friend and sidekick. Like many sidekicks, Khepri helps to steer Ra towards doing what’s right, keeping his idiosyncrasies from alienating readers. For example, when a cat named Miu approaches Ra and asks for his help solving a mystery that could protect a young servant girl, Ra refuses. It is Khepri who pushes Ra to do what’s right. 

Even after Ra agrees to help, it is Khepri who pushes him to continue the investigation and to continue to think of the girl. The key is, however, that Khepri knows Ra better than anyone, and he knows that Ra is actually kind on the inside. So, when he nudges Ra to take action, he knows that Ra has it within himself to care for others and help. Early on in the story, while Ra is still refusing to help, Miu goes off on her own. Her route will take her directly into the path of the royal hunting dogs. This would spell doom for Miu. Khepri blackmails Ra into stopping Miu from going that way, but it becomes clear that Ra is willing to do it, just with a little prodding.

​Ultimately, this lazy, privileged cat proves time and again throughout the story that he does care about more than lounging and eating snacks (though those two things might be his favorite pastimes) which helps readers bond with him and care about what happens to him and Khepri. If you have a protagonist whose most visible personality traits might be a little less that endearing, consider using a sidekick to help bring out the best in them.

That’s all for Part 1. Next week, we’ll take a look at a robot marooned on an island and fictionalized version of a famous writer as we wrap up our look at building characters. Until then, have a magical week!

by Melissa Stoller


In the blog post, Writing Resources Part 1, I highlighted books about the writing process and about living a creative life. I refer to those books often as I brainstorm ideas, write, and revise. In part two, I’m showcasing books that will help with technical points as you craft your stories. 
 
CHILDREN’S WRITER’S WORD BOOK, 2nd edition, by Alijandra Mogilner & Tayopa Mogilner – I keep this book on my desk and use it whenever I need to find a word relating to children of a certain grade, or find a synonym. 
 
THE EMOTION THESAURUS: A WRITER’S GUIDE TO CHARACTER EXPRESSION, Second Edition, by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi – this book offers suggestions for finding words that express emotion beyond the standard words that writers might first land upon. There are also other books in this series, such as words describing positive and negative traits. This also sits on my desk when I’m drafting.
 
THESAURUS OF THE SENSES: A TOOL FOR WRITERS, TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND WORD LOVERS, by Linda Hart – another great resource, broken into categories “See,” “Hear,” “Touch,” “Taste,” and “Smell.”
 
THE DESCRIBER’S DICTIONARY: A TREASURY OF TERMS & LITERARY QUOTATIONS, by David Grambs & Ellen S. Levine – I often turn to the quotations to read great writing, and I refer to the list of terms to find the precise words to use when I’m composing. 
 
THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE, by Strunk and White – No writer’s reference library is complete without this timeless book (I still use my old edition, it’s probably time to update!). Here’s a sample of a few well-stated rules: “Revise and rewrite,” Do not overwrite,” and “Do not overstate.” Priceless. 
 
 
I hope these books are helpful as you create your stories!
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BIO:
 
Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Book One: Return to Coney Island and Book Two:The Liberty Bell Train Ride (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017 and 2019); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, 2018). Upcoming picture books include Return of the Magic Paintbrush and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories (Clear Fork, 2019). She is also the co-author of The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009). Melissa is an Assistant and Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a Moderator for The Debut Picture Book Study Group, and a volunteer with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators/MetroNY. Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, and early childhood educator. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Trustees at The Hewitt School and at Temple Shaaray Tefila. Melissa lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy. 
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CONNECT:  
 
www.MelissaStoller.com
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
http://www.twitter.com/melissastoller
http://www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
http://www.pinterest.com/melissa_stoller
 
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​by Melissa Stoller


There are many inspiring and helpful books about writing and creativity that may be useful as you continue along your children’s book writing path. Here are five that I recommend:

 
 
BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR, by Elizabeth Gilbert
Read this book to be inspired to live your best creative life.
 
BIRD BY BIRD: SOME INSTRUCTIONS ON WRITING AND LIFE, by Anne Lamott
This book will put you in the best possible frame of mind to sit down and write. 
 
WRITING PICTURE BOOKS (Revised and Expanded edition), by Ann Whitford Paul
This is an absolutely essential book about the craft of picture book writing. 
 
THE MAGIC WORDS: WRITING GREAT BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS, by Cheryl B. Klein
Loaded with practical exercises, this book offers tips about plot, voice, characters, and much more.
 
WRITING MAGIC: CREATING STORIES THAT FLY, by Gail Carson Levine
The Newbery Honor author discusses heart, voice, dialogue, digging deeper into character, and more. 
 
STORYWORTHY: ENGAGE, TEACH, PERSUADE, AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE THROUGH THE POWER OF STORYTELLING, by Matthew Dicks
There are so many practical and entertaining tips included in this resource about the structures of stories, story arcs, and becoming a fantastic storyteller. 
 
 
In my next post, I’ll recommend some technical resources that I find invaluable as I craft my manuscripts. 
 
Happy reading, writing, and creating!

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BIO:
 
Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Book One: Return to Coney Island and Book Two: The Liberty Bell Train Ride (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017 and 2019); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, 2018). Upcoming releases include Return of the Magic Paintbrush and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories (Clear Fork, 2019). She is also the co-author of The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009). Melissa is an Assistant and Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a Moderator for The Debut Picture Book Study Group, and a volunteer with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators/MetroNY. Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, and early childhood educator. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Trustees at The Hewitt School and at Temple Shaaray Tefila. Melissa lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy. 
 
CONNECT:  
 
www.MelissaStoller.com
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
http://www.twitter.com/melissastoller
http://www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
http://www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller

by Bryan Patrick Avery

Magic tricks, when done well, tend to be structured in a way that will be familiar to writers. They usually have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Take a simple coin vanish. The magician borrows a coin from a spectator (beginning), makes it disappear (middle), and then, when it seems the coin is lost forever, makes it reappear (the end). The routine, albeit short, reaches a satisfying conclusion.

Now imagine a routine where the magician borrows a coin, makes it disappear, then just stands there. The routine doesn’t end, and there’s no satisfying conclusion. Even if you don’t know what’s supposed to happen next, you still get the sense something is missing. The same is true when we tell stories. All types of stories have certain elements that must be present or else the reader is left with a sense that something is missing.
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This month, let’s look at three essential ingredients of mysteries. To illustrate these essentials, we’ll look at two great middle grade mysteries: “The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity” written by Mac Barnett and “Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief” written by Wendelin Van Draanen. But first, what are these three essentials for mysteries?

#1: An Interesting Mystery. This can be a crime or question that needs solving or answering. Most importantly, it must be something the reader will care about. It also must be something you character cares about. Which brings us to essential #2.

#2: A Compelling Sleuth. Your sleuth most care about solving the mystery. Your reader must care about the sleuth. This will keep the reader engaged with the story, cheering on the sleuth even if they make mistakes or fail. Which they must, as we learn from essential #3.

#3: Ever-Growing Complications. No matter how brilliant your sleuth, they won’t keep your readers’ interest unless they’re forced to deal with complications on the way to solving the mystery.
Now, let’s look at how our two examples address the essentials. 

#1: An Interesting Mystery

In “Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief”, Sammy is staring at the hotel across the street through her binoculars when she spots a thief stealing money from one of the rooms. The thief stops and stares back at Sammy. Did he see her? Yes. How do we know? Because Sammy waved. She instantly regrets it, of course, but the damage is done. Who is this thief? Will he come after Sammy? This is the mystery that hooks the reader and drives the story.

In “The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity”, the mystery begins when Steve Brixton is assigned a social studies report and attempts to check a book out from the library. Within minutes, the library is under siege, and Steve is on the run. Before long, Steve is a fugitive from justice and must figure out who Mr. E is, and what Mr. E is truly after.

With the Interesting Mystery set up, let’s look at Essential #2.

#2: A Compelling Sleuth

On the surface, but Sammy Keyes and Steve Brixton seem like average middle school kids. Below the surface, not so much.

Sammy has a secret. Her mother is gone, off chasing her dreams, so Sammy lives with her grandmother. That’s not much to worry about, except that Sammy’s grandmother lives in a retirement home, and kids aren’t allowed to live there. Basically, Sammy is living there illegally. That might be okay, except that nosy neighbor Mrs. Graybill is doing all she can to catch Sammy. Still, Sammy’s brilliance and independence shine through, and she makes the perfect sleuth.

Steve Brixton loves mysteries. That’s a gross understatement. He has read every Bailey Brothers Detective book, most of them more then once. His detective skills are evident when he solves the case of the Blackbird Robber for his mother’s police officer boyfriend, Rick. His use of outdated jargon, picked up from reading the Bailey Brothers books, gives him a unique voice. As a sleuth, he’s fun to watch in action, and his skills, bolstered by excerpts from the Bailey Brothers’ Detective Handbook are authentic, even if they are a bit unusual (his undercover sailor’s costume is a good example of this).

So, we’ve got an Interesting Mystery and a Compelling Sleuth. Now it’s time for the Ever-Growing Complications.

#3: Ever-Growing Complications

Sammy Keyes first complication, of course, is her living situation. But that’s not the only issue she has to face. She quickly discovers that the police think she might the thief. Then she discovers that the thief has sent a threatening note meant for her. And things aren’t much better at school. She manages to get suspended on the first day of school. As the stresses in her life grow, her relationship with her grandmother suffers. She soon realizes that the only way to get some sort of balance in her life is to find the thief.

Steve Brixton runs into his own complications. After escaping from the Librarians, Steve finds himself in trouble with the police, and on the run from a gang of thugs. Every interaction he has seems to push him farther away from his goal of figuring out what is going on. Good thing he has the Bailey Brothers’ Detective Handbook to help him along the way.

“Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief” and “The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity” both have all three of our essential ingredients. It’s no wonder both books, and the series they spawned have collected such a loyal following. If you’re interested in writing a great mystery, check these series out. You won’t regret it.

Well, that’s all for now. Happy writing. Have a magical month!

by Melissa Stoller

​Last month, I wrote about organizing and conducting a writing critique group, providing critiques, and accepting critiques.  You can find that post here http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/blogfish/its-all-about-critique-groups-part-1. Today’s post includes tips for sustaining a critique group, and what to do when it’s time to move on.  Again, I’m shouting out to all my amazing critique partners. I couldn’t do this without all of your support, guidance, and friendship!
 

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SUSTAINING A CRITIQUE GROUP:
 
As with any other group, it’s important to assess the vitality of the membership. You can take the temperature of the group periodically with questions like: is this group still meeting everyone’s needs? What can we do to make the group more effective? Do we need to address our group rules surrounding membership size, participation, or other structural issues?  Checking in with your critique pals allows everyone to share their thoughts about how the group is working and to tweak any changes that will make the group stronger.
 

​MOVING ON FROM A CRITIQUE GROUP:
 
Occasionally, a group might no longer work for any number of reasons. How do you handle that? Sometimes a group just slowly dies out due to lack of interest or participation. Other times, group members might start working in different genres and might agree to look for new groups that better serve their future writing plans. Sometimes the fit just doesn’t work. A cordial discussion will go a long way. You can decide that the group will take a hiatus and come back to re-evaluate in a few months. Or you can decide to part ways. You may even create a new group from the old if some members want to move off in a different direction together. 
 
Even if your group breaks up, stay connected to the members if possible so that when all your books are published, you can still support one another in friendship, and in marketing and promotion efforts.
 
 
Good luck with your critique group.  Happy writing and critiquing! 
 

BIO:
 
Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Book One: Return to Coney Island and Book Two: The Liberty Bell Train Ride (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017 and 2019); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, 2018). Upcoming releases include Return of the Magic Paintbrush and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories (Clear Fork, 2019). She is also the co-author of The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009). Melissa is an Assistant and Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a Moderator for The Debut Picture Book Study Group, and a volunteer with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators/MetroNY. Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, and early childhood educator. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Trustees at The Hewitt School and at Temple Shaaray Tefila. Melissa lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy. 
 
CONNECT:  
 
www.MelissaStoller.com
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
http://www.twitter.com/melissastoller
http://www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
http://www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller
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