Review: Tara Lazar's Absurd Words

Absurd Words illustrated by Michelle Mayhall

With Absurd Words: A kid’s fun and hilarious vocabulary builder for future word nerds Tara Lazar has written an entertaining word book with words grouped by topic. My favorites are space and weather. However, there are a variety of categories such as style or fashion and music. Michelle Mayhall’s colorful, engaging illustrations and book design guide the reader through the text. Ms. Lazar defines over 750 words in kid friendly language. This is a witty read and will benefit both elementary and middle grade students. Sourcebooks Explore published Absurd Words, a nonfiction text, on January 2, 2022 and it is recommended for grades 4-8. Ms. Lazar likes to make lists; her website has a list of 500 interesting words.

For writers and future writers, Ms. Lazar hosts Storystorm every January which is a romp through picture book craft and generating ideas. While it is February, past posts are easily accessed.

Greg Pattridge provides book recommendations and reviews on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.

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Cloaked in Courage: Interview with Beth Anderson

 

Cloaked in Courage illustrated by Anne Lambelet

Beth Anderson has written Cloaked in Courage: Uncovering Deborah Sampson Patriot Soldier, published by Calkins Creek. Forward thinking, Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man and fought in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. In telling this story Ms. Anderson also depicts the life of poor children in New England and the life of an enlisted soldier; stories that are seldom told. By its absence, the story becomes an endorsement for free public K-12 education and free lunch. Anne Lambelet drew and painted with traditional pencils and paint and then combined these in a digital program, Adobe Photoshop. As always Ms. Anderson includes primary sources and secondary sources in the back matter.

One Question Interview with Beth Anderson

Hello Beth. Welcome.

ETC: What do you find most helpful to your writing?

BA: Most helpful to me in my writing is….other people! We often think of writing as a solitary pursuit, but I couldn’t do this without so many people in my life that help carry me along this journey. My critique partners are vital to pushing my thinking and helping me solve problems within a manuscript. And that works both ways as critiquing their work allows me to grow, too. More kid lit peers create opportunities for learning, whether it’s in online groups, at a conference, webinars, or sharing experiences. My agent provides honest feedback, suggestions, and takes care of the side of the business that’s not my favorite. Editors are a constant source of knowledge and see the boulders and holes in a story path. In addition to all those essential people in the writing world, encouragers like family and friends keep me going when the mojo fades, and share the joy when everything comes together. And of course there are the kids who read the stories. That’s a lot of people! Truly a village!

ETC: What an inclusive and joyous response. Thank you so much for visiting.

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Beth Anderson's Educator guide to Cloaked in Courage 

Beth Anderson's Persuasive writing USPS stamp campaing