What’s on Michael’s Mind?
He's Back!
September 2, 2014

As many of you know, I have recently jettisoned my all too abused left knee, in favor of a bright, shiny new titanium version.

Part of the recovery process has involved lying down, with my swollen appendage raised above my heart level. That gave me the leisure to read ahead, to what will be coming in 2015.

Of everything I’ve read, my absolute favorite comes from Algonquin Young Readers, and so... a secret for you. Keep it under your hat, but we have Avi’s next middle-grade novel, and it’s a doozy! Set during the Red Scare of the 50s, it’s called CATCH YOU LATER, TRAITOR. I fell for this book, and fell hard. I think that you will, too.

Now… I have a bound manuscript sitting on my desk, which will go to the first responder to mrockliff@workman.com. The next 25 people to write will be set down for an advance reader’s edition or finished copy, when they become available.

I think that this is possibly the most personal book that Avi’s ever written. It certainly affected me personally, as someone who also grew up during the Red Scare. Kids who think the 50s were all doo wop and Happy Days will get an important history lesson, while being riveted to the page by a powerful story.

Check out Avi’s blog! http://www.avi-writer.com/blog/tag/catch-you-later-traitor/

 

WITCH’S BOY is off to a great start. Many people came to the booth at ALA looking for it, saying they’d heard how great it is… and right, they are!

THE WITCH’S BOY, by Kelly Barnhill (Algonquin Young Reader hardcover/ISBN: 9781616203511/$16.95/Due to pub on 9/16/14 & HighBridge Audio/ ISBN: 9781622314799)

• “Richly reimagined, with a vivid setting, a page-turning adventure of a plot, and compelling, timeless themes.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED
• “A beautifully spun tale of darkness, adventure, and a magic like no other. The characters and images of this magical story will haunt your dreams.” —Marika McCoola, Northshire Bookstore
• “Fiercely original and uncommonly lovely… Kelly Barnhill is a master of truly potent and unruly magic.” —Anne Ursu, author of Breadcrumbs and The Cronus Chronicles 
• Here’s what School Library Journal had to say, in its STARRED review: “Adds elements of a classic origin-quest tale to a story that’s already brimming with a well-drawn, colorful supporting cast, a strong sense of place, and an enchanted forest with a personality to rival some of the best depictions of magical woods.”
  

Not targeted to middle-grades (It was written for adults), but OCEAN: A PHOTICULAR BOOK is certainly readable for a good reader of that age. Further, with absolutely fabulous animated (Yes, fully animated) illustration, it’s certain to appeal. Here’s what School Library Journal’s Curriculum Connections had to say…

Well; that’s all for now — and more to come soon!

Drop me a line; I always love to hear what’s on your mind.

Cheers--

Michael Rockliff
Director, Library Sales and Marketing
Workman Publishing Company
225 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014-4381
mrockliff@workman.com