June/July 2009

ALA and speaking plans for July. It is such an honor to be invited to go to the American Library Association conference in Chicago in July. I’m so excited about this! If you are planning to attend I will be signing on Sunday, July 12. I will be speaking at the Chicago Public Library on Monday, July 13.

I will also be speaking in Salt Lake City, Utah at the BYU Children’s Literature Symposium on July 16 and 17.

Al Capone Shines My Shoes BEA party. I’m not a party girl. I’m the kind of person who is more comfortable in the kitchen cooking for someone else’s party, not in the living room schmoozing with guests. In fact, I’ve never been thrown a surprise party before. Ever. So when my editor, Kathy Dawson, hustled me off to a room decorated with Al Capone photos, fake hand cuffs, cupcakes decorated with buttons and baseballs, baseball bubble gum, and people wearing Capone gangster hats . . . I was stunned. What a weird life I lead that anyone would do that for me! Thank you, Penguin, for making me feel so special!

Al Capone Shines My Shoes first blog reviews!

“Gennifer Choldenko is in her element in this story. It’s so masterfully told that it seems effortless and completely believable.”
– http://tweendom.blogspot.com/2009/05/al-capone-shines-my-shoes.html

“The plot is suspenseful and filled with humor and surprises right up to the end, which is totally unpredictable, but believable. When I read the last words of the book; I could only smile and think, 'Of course.' "
– http://proseandkahn.livejournal.com/23189.html

“Great characters and a very twisty and exciting plot!”
– http://peacefulreader.blogspot.com/2009/05/al-capone-shines-my-shoes-by-gennifer.html

Louder, Lili excitement. While I was in New York, my wonderful picture book editor, Susan Kochan, arranged for me to meet Steve Schindler, the illustrator for Louder, Lili. I’ve never actually met an illustrator of any of my picture books . . . so this was a real treat. For all you S.D. Schindler fans, here’s the report: Steve is tall, talented and charming in an unassuming sort of way. Plus, he’s the kind of person who tells it like he sees it. I liked him a lot and I have all fingers and toes crossed that we can work together again soon.

My favorite new librarian. I had the privilege of speaking at Scarsdale Middle School last week where I met the intrepid Liz Waltzman, librarian extraordinaire. You know when you meet someone and you immediately like them so well you find yourself saying things you shouldn’t? Yep, that’s Liz. Check out her terrific web site: bibliotechies.com.

Facebook. I just joined Facebook. I haven’t totally got the hang of it yet, but if you are a facebookian, do befriend me.