Sheila among the terrific publishing representatives who visit Best of Books with new titles for you

         Best of Books frequently receives visits from book and educational toy representatives from across the country. Each brings a different personality and freshness to our ever-changing line-up of more than 20,000 titles as well as toys you might not find in larger stores.
   

         One of our favorite representatives is Sheila Hennessey, who visited us again this week from Chicago. Sheila, who represents Penquin, was recently honored as one of five finalists for the American Booksellers Association Representative of the Year.
         There are many reasons for Sheila's recognition. One is that she's constantly keeping us refreshed with reviews, news and other items concerning Penquin books. For example, most recently, she sent us the latest award winners from the different states. It's a long list of notable books and includes Oklahoma Sequoyah winners, as you will see below.
           After Sheila's most visit this week, we also created a table of Penquin books.
           Sheila and the rest of our terrific representatives help us keep on top of upcoming books and toys that you will enjoy using or giving as gifts.
           Now for Sheila's list:

Massachusetts Reading Association Children’s Literature Award 2017 Winner (MASSACHUSETTS)

Jacqueline Woodson

 

Land of Enchantment Book Award 2015 Winner (NEW MEXICO)

THE LIONS OF LITTLE ROCK (HC 9780399256448) (PB 9780142424353)

 

Ohioana Book Award 2015 Winner (OHIO)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

 

Massachusetts Children’s Book Award 2015-2016 Master list (MASSACHUSETTS)

A TANGLE OF KNOTS (HC 9780399255175) (PB 9780147510136)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

 

Iowa Children’s Choice 2015-2016 Nominees (IOWA)

A TANGLE OF KNOTS (HC 9780399255175) (PB 9780147510136)

ALMOST HOME (HC 9780670012893) (PB 9780142427484)

 

Louisiana Young Readers Choice Award 2017 Nominees (LOUISIANA)

THE BLOSSOMING UNIVERSE OF VIOLET DIAMOND (PB 9780147514301) (HC 9780399257148)

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN (HC 9780803734968)

NEARLY GONE (HC 9780803739260) (PB 9780142424513)

 

Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award 2015-2016 Nominees (MINNISOTA)

DOUBLE DOG DARE (HC 9780399255168) (PB 9780142424124)

BUDDY (HC 9780670014033) (PB 978014245442)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

THE LIONS OF LITTLE ROCK (HC 9780399256448) (PB 9780142424353)

ONE FOR THE MURPHY'S (HC 9780399256158) (PB 9780142426524)

 

Nene Award 2015-2016 Nominees (HAWAII)

ALMOST HOME (HC 9780670012893) (PB 9780142427484)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057) (PB 9780147508577)

THE PRINCESS AND THE FOAL (HC 9780399168871)

LIFE OF ZARF: THE TROUBLE WITH WEASLES (HC 9780803741034)

GHOST DOG SECRETS (HC 9780525421788) (PB 9780142419649)

THE LAST WILD (HC 9780670015542) (PB 9780147509659)

 

Prairie Pasque Book Award 2015-2016 Nominees (SOUTH DAKOTA)

FOLLOW FOLLOW: A BOOK OF REVERSO POEMS (HC 9780803737693)

 

Rhode Island Children’s Book Award 2016 Nominees (RHODE ISLAND)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057) (PB 9780147508577)

LIFE OF ZARF: THE TROUBLE WITH WEASLES (HC 9780803741034)

 

Volunteer State Book Award 2016-2017 Nominees (TENNESSEE)

MAPLE (HC 9780399160851)

THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES (HC 9780803741713)

THE GHOSTS OF TUPELO LANDING (HC 9780803736719) (PB 9780142425718)

UNDER THE EGG (HC 9780803740013) (PB 9780142427651)

WANDERVILLE (HC 9781595147004) (PB 9781595147011)

THE INVENTOR’S SECRET (HC 9780399159626) (PB 9780147514387)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN (HC 9780803734968)

 

Indian Paintbrush 2015-2016 Nominees (WYOMING)

A TANGLE OF KNOTS (HC 9780399255175) (PB 9780147510136)

 

 

Please see below for a complete roundup of recent state award news.

 

 

Camellia Children’s Choice Book Award 2015-2016 Nominees (ALABAMA)

AS AN OAK TREE GROWS (HC 9780399252334)

NELLY GNU AND DADDY TOO (HC 9780670012275)

NINJA RED RIDING HOOD (HC 9780399163548)

OTIS AND THE SCARECROW (HC 9780399163968)

PEANUT BUTTER & CUPCAKE (HC 9780399167737)

THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES (HC 9780803741713)

GOLDI ROCKS AND THE THREE BEARS (HC 9780399256851)

TEN THANK YOU LETTERS (HC 9780399169373)

THOMAS JEFFERSON: LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF EVERYTHING (HC 9780399240409)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057) (PB 9780147508577)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY (HC 9780803737259)

THE SITTIN’ UP (HC 9780399257230) (PB 9780147514295)

TELL ME (HC 9780451470331)

 

Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers 2015-2016 Nominees (GEORGIA)

EVERYTHING LEADS TO YOU (HC 9780525425885) (PB 9780142422946)

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN (HC 9780803734968)

NEARLY GONE (HC 9780803739260)

WHAT I THOUGHT WAS TRUE (HC 9780803739093) (PB 9780142423950)

 

 

Please see below for a complete roundup of recent state award news.

 

Keystone to Reading Secondary Book Award 2015 Winner (PENNSYLVANIA)

THE 5TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411) (PB 9780141345833)

 

Virginia Readers’ Choice Award 2014-2015 Winner (VIRGINIA)

ONE FOR THE MURPHY'S (HC 9780399256158)

 

Massachusetts Book Award Must-Reads 2015 List (MASSACHUSETTS)

CONVERSION (HC 9780399167775) (PB 9780147511553)

 

Best Books for Babies 2015 Master List (PENNSYLVANIA)

LITTLE POEMS FOR TINY EARS (HC 9780399166051)

 

Grand Canyon Reader Award 2016 Nominee (ARIZONA)

FOLLOW FOLLOW: A BOOK OF REVERSO POEMS (Non-Fiction) (HC 9780803737693)

THE FINGERTIPS OF DUNCAN DORFMAN (HC 9780525423041) (PB 9780142422045)

 

Star of the North Picture Book Award 2015-2016 Nominee (MINNESOTA)

NINJA RED RIDING HOOD (HC 9780399163548)

 

William Allen White Children’s Book Award 2-16-2017 Nominees (KANSAS)

A TIME TO DANCE (HC 9780399257100) (PB 9780147514400)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057) (PB 9780147508577)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

CHASING THE MILKY WAY (HC 9780399164491)

CURIOSITY (9780803739246)

DANGEROUS DECEPTION (HC 9780525426523)

HOW I DISCOVERED POETRY (HC 9780803733046)

TELL ME (HC 9780451470331)

THE GHOSTS OF TUPELO LANDING (HC 9780803736719) (PB 9780142425718)

THE PRINCESS AND THE FOAL (HC 9780399168871)

THE SECRET HUM OF A DAISY (HC 9780399163937) (PB 9780147508461)

UNDER THE EGG (HC 9780803740013)

VOICES FROM THE OREGON TRAIL (HC 9780803737754)

 

 

Please see below for a complete roundup of recent state award news.

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award 2014-2015 Winner (MARYLAND)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

Evergreen Teen Book Award 2014-2015 Winner (WASHINGTON)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

 

Florida Teen Reads 2015 Runners Up (FLORIDA)

BURNING BLUE (HC 9780803738157) (PB 9780142425145)

THE 5TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411) (PB 9780141345833)

 

Great Lakes Great Books 2014-2015 Winner (MICHIGAN)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

 

Massachusetts Children’s Book Award 2014-2015 Winner (MASSACHUSETTS)

THE LIONS OF LITTLE ROCK (HC 9780399256448) (PB 9780142424353)

 

Monarch Award 2015 Winner (ILLINOIS)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

North Carolina Children’s Book Award 2014-2015 Winner (NORTH CAROLINA)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

ORCA 2015 Winner (OREGON)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

 

Sequoyah Book Award 2015 Winner (OKLAHOMA)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)

 

Westchester Fiction Award (CALIFORNIA)

BELZHAR (HC 9780525423058) (PB 9780142426296)

SCHIZO (HC 9780399164378) (PB 9780147508850)

 

ACL 2014 Distinguished Books Master list (CALIFORNIA)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

EXTRAORDINARY JANE (HC 9780803739147)

FIREBIRD (HC 9780399166150)

GRASSHOPPER JUNGLE (HC 9780525426035) (PB 9780142425008)

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN (HC 9780803734968)

LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET (HC 9780399257742)

MAPLE (HC 9780399160851)

ONCE UPON AN ALPHABET (HC 9780399167911)

THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES (HC 9780803741713)

THE GHOSTS OF TUPELO LANDING (HC 9780803736719)

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY (HC 9780670012091) (PB 9780147510723)

THREE BEARS IN A BOAT (HC 9780803739932)

 

Arkansas Children’s Choice Award 2014 Master list (ARKANSAS)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

 

Evergreen Teen Book Award 2015-2016 Nominee (WASHINGTON)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

 

Florida Teens Read Award 2015-2016 Nominee (FLORIDA)

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY (HC 9780670012091) (PB 9780147510723)

 

Garden State Book Award 2016 Nominees (NEW JERSEY)

A TANGLE OF KNOTS (HC 9780399255175)  (PB 9780147510136)

FOLLOW FOLLOW (HC 9780803737693)

PRINCESS POSEY AND THE TINY TREASURE (HC 9780399257117) (PB 9780142424155)

 

Keystone to Reading Book Award 2015-2016 Nominees (PENNSYLVANIA)

A TIME TO DANCE (HC 9780399257100) (PB 9780147514400)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

LIKE NO OTHER (HC 9781595146748) (PB 9781595146755)

THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY (HC 9780803737259)

 

North Carolina Young Adult Book Award 2015-2016 Nominee (NORTH CAROLINA)

BLUE BIRDS (HC 9780399168109)

THE SECRET HUM OF A DAISY (HC 9780399163937) (PB 9780147508461)

 

Ohioana Book Award 2015 Finalists (OHIO)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

OTIS AND THE SCARECROW (HC 9780399163968)

THIS IS THE ROPE (HC 9780399239861)

 

ORCA 2016 Nominees (OREGON)

A TANGLE OF KNOTS (HC 9780399255175)  (PB 9780147510136)

BROTHERHOOD (HC 9780670014392) (PB 9780142422373)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

 

Teen Nutmeg Book Award 2016 Nominee (CONNECTICUT)

GOLDEN BOY (HC 9780399161124)

 

 

 

Buckaroo Book Award 2015 Winner (WYOMING)

THE THREE NINJA PIGS (HC 9780399255144)

 

Golden Archer Award 2015 Winner (WISCONSIN)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

Grand Canyon Reader Award 2015 Winner (ARIZONA)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

Louisiana Readers Choice Award 2015 Winner (LOUISIANA)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

 

Louisiana Readers Choice Award 2015 Honor Titles (LOUISIANA)

BULLY  (HC 9780399257049)

BUDDY (HC 9780670014033) (PB 978014245442)

 

Monarch Award 2015 Winner (ILLINOIS)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

North Carolina Children’s Book Award 2015 Winner (NORTH CAROLINA)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

North Carolina Young Adult Book Award 2015 Winner (NORTH CAROLINA)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

 

Oklahoma High School Book Award 2015 Winner (OKLAHOMA)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

 

PA Young Reader’s Choice Award 2015 Winner (PENNSYLVANIA)

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS (HC 9780803736801)

 

William Allen White Children’s Book Award 2015 Winner (KANSAS)

BUDDY (HC 9780670014033) (PB 978014245442)

 

Wyoming Soaring Eagle Book Award 2014-2015 Winner (WYOMING)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

 

Jefferson Cup Overfloweth 2015 Master List (VIRGINIA)

AS AN OAK TREE GROWS (HC 9780399252334)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

CONVERSION (HC 9780399167775)

CURIOSITY (9780803739246)

THE INVENTOR’S SECRET (HC 9780399159626) (PB 9780147514387)

VOICES FROM THE OREGON TRAIL (HC 9780803737754)

 

Jefferson Cup 2015 Honor Titles (VIRGINIA)

THOMAS JEFFERSON: LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF EVERYTHING (HC 9780399240409)

 

Jefferson Cup 2015 Series of Note (VIRGINIA)

WHO WAS…? Series

 

Maine Student Book Award 2014 Master list (MAINE)

JUST JAKE (HC 9780448466927)

 

Buckeye Children’s Book Award 2015 Nominee (OHIO)

SECRETS ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY (HC 9780399257964)

 

The Commonwealth Club of California Book Award 2015 Finalist (CALIFORNIA)

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN (HC 9780803734968)

 

Kentucky Bluegrass Award 2016 Nominees (KENTUCKY)

DEAR MR. WASHINGTON (HC 9780803730380)

LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET (HC 9780399257742)

ICE WHALE (HC 9780803737457) (PB 9780142427415)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

THE SECRET HUM OF A DAISY (HC 9780399163937) (PB 9780147508461)

UNFRIENDED (HC 9780670013074)

 

New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book Award 2015 Nominee (NEW HAMPSHIRE)

MAPLE (HC 9780399160851)

 

North Carolina Children’s Book Award 2014-2015 Nominee (NORTH CAROLINA)

THIS IS THE ROPE (HC 9780399239861)

A TANGLE OF KNOTS (HC 9780399255175) (PB 9780147510136)

 

Sunshine State Young Readers Award 2015-2016 Finalists (FLORIDA)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

THREE TIMES LUCKY  (HC 9780803736702) (PB 9780142426050)

 

Star of the North Picture Book Award 2015-2016 Nominee (MINNESOTA)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

Teen Nutmeg Award 2016 Nominee (CONNECTICUT)

GOLDEN BOY (HC 9780399161124)

 

Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award 2016 Nominee (WASHINGTON)

LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET (HC 9780399257742)

 

North Carolina Young Adult Book Award 2015-2016 Nominees (NORTH CAROLINA)

BLUE BIRDS (HC 9780399168109)

THE SECRET HUM OF A DAISY (HC 9780399163937) (PB 9780147508461)

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN (HC 9780803734968)

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY (HC 9780670012091) (PB 9780147510723)

Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award 2015 Winner (KANSAS)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award 2015 Winner (ILLINOIS)

LEGEND (HC 9780399256752) (PB 9780142422076)

 

Texas Institute of Letters 2015 Winner (TEXAS)

NIGHTINGALE’S NEST (HC 9781595145468) (PB 9781595146236)

 

Young Reader’s Choice Award 2015-2016 Master list (PENNSYLVANIA)

DORY FANTASMAGORY (HC 9780147510679)

THREE BEARS IN A BOAT (HC 9780803739932)

THE BLOSSOMING UNIVERSE OF VIOLET DIAMOND (PB 9780147514301) (HC 9780399257148)

POINTE (HC 9780399160349)

THE YOUNG ELITES (HC 9780399167836)

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN (9780803734968)

 

Georgia Peach Book Award for Teens 2014-2015 Honoree (GEORGIA)

THE 5TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411) (PB 9780141345833)

 

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award 2015-2016 Nominees (MARYLAND)

PEANUT BUTTER & CUPCAKE (HC 9780399167737)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057) (PB 9780147508577)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY (HC 9780670012091) (PB 9780147510723)

NEARLY GONE (HC 9780803739260)

 

Bluestem Award 2016 Nominee (ILLINOIS)

THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY (HC 9780803737259)

 

Charlotte Award 2016 Nominee (NEW YORK)

THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES (HC 9780803741713)

 

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award 2015-2016 Nominees (VERMONT)

UNDER THE EGG (HC 9780803740013)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057) (PB 9780147508577)

UNFRIENDED (HC 9780670013074)

 

Green Mountain Book Award 2015-2016 Nominees (VERMONT)

A MAD, WICKED FOLLY (HC 9780670014682)

ALL THE TRUTH THAT’S IN ME (HC 9780670786152) (PB 9780142427309)

 

Ladybug  Picture Book Award 2015 Nominee (NEW HAMPSHIRE)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

Monarch Award 2016 Nominee (ILLINOIS)

A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT (HC 9780399252846)

THE GIRL WHO HEARD COLORS (HC 9780399256431)

 

Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award 2016 Nominees (WASHINGTON)

CATCH THAT COOKIE! (HC 9780525428350)

HOW MARTHA SAVED HER PARENTS FROM THE GREEN BEANS (HC 9780803737662)

LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET (HC 9780399257742)

 

Capitol Choices 2014 Master List (WASHINGTON D.C.)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057) (PB 9780147508577)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

GRASSHOPPER JUNGLE (HC 9780525426035) (PB 9780142425008)

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN (HC 9780803734968)

ONCE UPON AN ALPHABET (HC 9780399167911)

THE BABY TREE (HC 9780399257186)

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY (HC 9780670012091)

 

Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award 2014-2015 Reading List (ARKANSAS)

THREE TIMES LUCKY (HC 9780803736702) (PB 9780142426050)

 

Illinois Reads Program 2015

PUG IN A BUG (HC 9780803733206)

 

Iowa High School Book Award 2013-2014 Master List (IOWA)

FIRE (HC 9780803734616) (PB 9780142415917)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

 

Just One More Page! 2015 Master List (WISCONSIN)

A TIME TO DANCE (HC 9780399257100) (PB 9780147514400)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057) (PB 9780147508577)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

DORY FANTASMAGORY (HC 9780147510679)

ICE WHALE (HC 9780803737457) (PB 9780142427415)

LIFE OF ZARF (HC 9780803741034)

NIGHTINGALE’S NEST (HC 9781595145468) (PB 9781595146236) 

OLLIE AND THE SCIENCE OF TREASURE HUNTING (HC 9780803738720)

THE BLOSSOMING UNIVERSE OF VIOLET DIAMOND (PB 9780147514301) (HC 9780399257148)

THE INVENTOR’S SECRET (HC 9780399159626) (PB 9780147514387)

THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN WITCHES (HC 9780803739185)

THE PAPER COWBOY (HC 9780399163289)

THE SECRET HUM OF A DAISY (HC 9780399163937) (PB 9780147508461)

THE SECRET SKY (HC 9780399160783) (PB 9780142424063)

WHAT WAS ELLIS ISLAND (PB 9780448479156)

 

Picture This! 2015 Master List (WISCONSIN)

A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT (HC 9780399252846)

EXTRAORDINARY JANE (HC 9780803739147)

FIREBIRD (HC 9780399166150)

FOLLOWING PAPA’S SONG (HC 9780670013159)

I AM ABRAHAM LINCOLN (HC 9780803740839)

I AM AMELIA EARHART (HC 9780803740822)

I HATCHED (HC 9780803736887)

LITTLE ROJA RIDING HOOD (HC 9780399247675)

MAPLE (HC 9780399160851)

NINJA RED RIDING HOOD (HC 9780399163548)

OH NO! A FOX! (HC 9780803739529)

ONCE UPON AN ALPHABET (HC 9780399167911)

THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES (HC 9780803741713)

THREE BEARS IN A BOAT (HC 9780803739932)

 

Sequoyah State 2016 Master List (OKLAHOMA)

OUT OF THE EASY (HC 9780399256929) (PB 9780147508430)

THE 5TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411) (PB 9780141345833)

 

Tejas Star Reading List 2015-2016 Reading List (TEXAS)

LITTLE ROJA RIDING HOOD (HC 9780399247675)

‘TWAS NOCHEBUENA (HC 9780670016341))

 

Abraham Lincoln Award 2015 Nominees (ILLINOIS)

THE 5TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411) (PB 9780141345833)

OUT OF THE EASY (HC 9780399256929) (PB 9780147508430)

 

Blue Spruce Book Award 2016 Nominees (COLORADO)

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY (HC 9780670012091)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)

FALLING KINGDOMS (HC 9781595147840) (PB 9781595145857)

BELZHAR (HC 9780525423058)

THE INFINITE SEA (HC 9780399162428)

 

California Young Readers Medal 2015 Nominees (CALIFORNIA)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS (HC 9780803736801)

A NATION’S HOPE: THE STORY OF BOXING LEGEND JOE LOUIS (HC 9780803731677) (PB 9780147510617)

 

Colorado Children’s Book Award 2015 Nominees (COLORADO)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

THREE TIMES LUCKY (HC 9780803736702) (PB 9780142426050)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy Award 2015 Finalist (COLORADO)

THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES (HC 9780803741713)

 

Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award 2013-2014 Nominees (INDIANA)

BELZHAR (HC 9780525423058)

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA (HC 9780803738898) (PB 9780142423219)

HALF BAD (HC 9780670016785) (PB 9780147511461)

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN (HC 9780803734968)

THE SOUND OF LETTING GO (HC 9780670015535)

A TIME TO DANCE (HC 9780399257100) (PB 9780147514400)

TURNING 15 ON THE ROAD TO FREEDOM (HC 9780803741232)

 

Evergreen Teen Book Award 2015 Nominee (WASHINGTON)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)

 

Georgia Children’s Book Award 2015-2016 Finalists (GEORGIA)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057) (PB 9780147508577)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

NICKEL BAY NICK (HC 9780399254659) (PB 9780147512277)

PRAIRIE EVERS (HC 9780399256912) (PB 9780142426685)

THE SATURDAY BOY (HC 9780670785513)

 

Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers 2014-2015 Nominees (GEORGIA)

JUST ONE DAY (HC 9780525425915) (PB 9780142422953)

ORLEANS (HC 9780399252945) (PB 9780147509963)

THE 5^TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411) (PB 9780147519085)

 

Golden Archer Award 2015 Nominees (WISCONSIN)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)

 

Great Lakes Great Books Award 2015-2016 Nominees (MICHIGAN)

FIREBIRD (HC 9780399166150)

MAPLE (HC 9780399160851)

 

Indian Paintbrush Book Award 2014-2015 Nominee (WYOMING)

PRAIRIE EVERS (HC 9780399256912) (PB 9780142426685)

 

Indiana Read Alouds Too-Good-To-Miss 2013-2015 Master List (INDIANA)

LEGEND (HC 9780399256752) (PB 9780142422076)

EACH KINDNESS (HC 9780399246524)

 

Iowa Children’s Choice 2015-2016 Master List (IOWA)

A TANGLE OF KNOTS (HC 9780399255175) (PB 9780147510136)

ALMOST HOME (9780670012839)

 

Land of Enchantment Book Award 2014-2015 Nominees (NEW MEXICO)

THE LIONS OF LITTLE ROCK (HC 9780399256448) (PB 9780142424353)

 

Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award 2014-2015 Nominees (MINNESOTA)

GHOST DOG SECRETS (HC 9780525421788) (PB 9780142419649)

 

Nebraska Golden Sower Award 2014-2015 Nominees (NEBRASKA)

THREE TIMES LUCKY (HC 9780803736702) (PB 9780142426050)

 

Nebraska Golden Sower Award 2015-2016 Nominees (NEBRASKA)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

Nutmeg Book Award 2015 Nominees (CONNECTICUT)

OUT OF THE EASY (HC 9780399256929) (PB 9780147508430)

SAINT LOUIS ARMSTRONG BEACH (HC 9780399255076) (PB 9780142421864)

 

Oklahoma Book Award 2015 Finalist (OKLAHOMA)

GEORGE FERRIS, WHAT A WHEEL! (HC 9780448479262) (PB 9780448479255)

 

Oregon Reader’s Choice Award 2015 Nominees (OREGON)

THREE TIMES LUCKY (HC 9780670012961) (PB 9780142426050)

THE LIONS OF LITTLE ROCK (HC 9780399256448) (PB 9780142424353)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

 

Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Award 2015 Nominees (ALASKA, ALBERTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, IDAHO, MONTANA, WASHINGTON)

THREE TIMES LUCKY (HC 9780803736702) (PB 9780142426050)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

BITTERBLUE (HC 9780803734739) (PB 9780142426012)

 

Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award 2016 Nominees (ILLINOIS)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

GOLDEN BOY (HC 9780399161124

THREE TIMES LUCKY (HC 9780803736702) (PB 9780142426050)

 

Red Clover Award 2014-2015 Nominees (VERMONT)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

 

South Carolina High School Book Award 2014-2015 Nominees (SOUTH CAROLINA)

OUT OF THE EASY (HC 9780399256929) (PB 9780147508430)

 

South Carolina Junior Book Award 2014-2015 Nominees (SOUTH CAROLINA)

ONE FOR THE MURPHY'S (HC 9780399256158)

 

The Black-Eyed Susan Book Award 2014-2015 Nominees (MARYLAND)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

STUCK (HC 9780399257377)

THIS IS THE ROPE (HC 9780399239861)

 

Virginia Readers’ Choice Award 2014-2015 Nominees (VIRGINIA)

EACH KINDNESS (HC 9780399246524)

THIS MOOSE BELONGS TO ME (HC 9780399161032)

ONE FOR THE MURPHY'S (HC 9780399256158)

 

Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award 2015 Nominees (WASHINGTON)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

LITTLE DOG LOST (HC 9780399256660)

THE YUCKIEST, STINKIEST, BEST VALENTINE EVER  (HC 978-0803735057)

 

West Virginia Children’s Choice Book Award 2013-2014 Nominees (WEST VIRGINIA)

THREE TIMES LUCKY (HC 9780803736702) (PB 9780142426050)

EACH KINDNESS (HC 9780399246524)

 

William Allen White Book Award 2014-2015 Nominees (KANSAS)

BUDDY (HC 9780670014033) (PB 978014245442)

PRAIRIE EVERS (HC 9780399256912) (PB 9780142426685)

THE LIONS OF LITTLE ROCK (HC 9780399256448) (PB 9780142424353)

 

Young Hoosier Book Award 2015-2016 Nominee (INDIANA)

FIREBIRD (HC 9780399166150)

LITTLE ROJA RIDING HOOD (HC 9780399247675)

THE SECRET HUM OF A DAISY (HC 9780399163937) (PB 9780147508461)

DREAMWOOD (HC 9780399250675)

I WANNA GO HOME (HC 9780399254079)

GOLDI ROCKS AND THE THREE BEARS (HC 9780399256851)

NINJA RED RIDING HOOD (HC 9780399163548)

 

Young People’s Literary Committee of Friends of American Writers 2015 List (MIDWEST STATES)

SPARKERS (HC 9780451468765)

 

Garden State Teen Book Award 2015 Winner (NEW JERSEY)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (PB 9780142424179)

 

Buckeye Teen Book Award 2015 Winner (OHIO)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (PB 9780142424179)

 

Texas 2x2 2015 Reading List (TEXAS)

EXTRAORDINARY JANE (HC 9780803739147)

MAPLE (HC 9780399160851)

 

Illinois Reads 2015 Program Master List (ILLINOIS)

LOOKING FOR ALASKA (HC 9780525475064) (PB 9780142402511)

ON THE WINGS OF HEROES (HC 9780803730816) (PB 9780142412046)

WHAT THE MOON SAID (HC 9780399163524)

IGGY LOOMIS, SUPERKID IN TRAINING (PB 9780142425732)

 

Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award 2016 Nominee (COLORADO)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (PB 9780142424179)

 

Young Hoosier Book Award 2016-2017 Nominees (INDIANA)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST (HC 9780399164057)

AS AN OAK TREE GROWS (HC 9780399252334)

BRAVE CHICKEN LITTLE (HC 9780670786169)

BROWN GIRL DREAMING (HC 9780399252518)

CHASING THE MILKY WAY (HC 9780399164491)

CONVERSION (HC 9780399167775)

COUNTING BY 7S (HC 9780142422861)

CURIOSITY (9780803739246)

FOLLOWING FLORA (HC 9780803741287)

LITTLE OWL’S DAY (HC 9780670016501)

MAPLE AND WILLOW TOGETHER (HC 9780399160851)

OLLIE AND THE SCIENCE OF TREASURE HUNTING (HC 9780803738720)

ONCE UPON AN ALPHABET (HC 9780399167911)

SPARKERS (HC 9780451468765)

STRANGER (HC 9780670014804)

THE 8^TH CONTINENT (HC 9781595147547)

THE GLASS SENTENCE (HC 9780670785025)

THE HUEYS: NONE THE NUMBER (HC 9780399257698)

THE INVENTOR’S SECRET (HC 9780399159626)

THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN WITCHES (HC 9780803739185)

THOMAS JEFFERSON: LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF EVERYTHING (HC 9780399240409)

 

Buckeye Teen book Award 2014 Winner (OHIO)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (PB 9780142424179)

 

Alabama Author Award 2015 Winner (ALABAMA)

Lori Nichols – MAPLE (HC 9780399160851)

 

Spirit of Texas Reading Program for Middle School 2015-2016 List (TEXAS)

Maya van Wagenen – POPULAR (HC 9780525426813) (PB 9780147512543)

 

Kansas State Reading Circle Senior High Level 2015 List (KANSAS)

NEARLY GONE (HC 9780803739260)

THE SECRET SKY (HC 9780399160783)

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY (HC 9780670012091) (PB 9780147510723)

HALF BAD (HC 9780670012091) (PB 9780147511461)

GRASSHOPPER JUNGLE (HC 9780525426035) (PB 9780142425008)

CONVERSION (HC 9780399167775) (PB 9780147511553)

STOLEN (HC 9780399257551)

WINGS (HC 9780399159459)

A MAD, WICKED FOLLY (HC 9780670014682)

THE SOUND OF LETTING GO (HC 9780670015535)

ALTHEA & OLIVER (HC 9780670785391)

BELZHAR (HC 9780525423058)

FOUND (HC 9780399256523)

THE YOUNG ELITES (HC 9780399167836)

THE INFINITE SEA (HC 9780399162428)

FORGET ME (HC 9780399165290) (PB 9780147509413)

BLIND (HC 9780670785223)

BRAZEN (HC 9780670014019)

 

Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award 2015-2016 Nominees (INDIANA)

THE 5^TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411)

THE NAME OF THE STAR (PB 9780142422052) (HC 9780399256608)

45 POUNDS (MORE OR LESS) (HC 9780670784820) (PB 9780142422656)

 

Gateway Readers Award 2015-2016 Nominees (MISSOURI)

PROXY (HC 9780399257766) (PB 9780147511331)

OUT OF THE EASY (HC 9780399256929) (PB 9780147508430)

THE 5^TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411)

ALL THE TRUTH THAT’S IN ME (HC 9780670786152) (PB 9780142427390)

 

Mark Twain Readers Award 2015-2016 Nominees (MISSOURI)

COUNTING BY 7S (HC 9780803738553) (PB 9780142422861)

AL CAPONE DOES MY HOMEWORK (HC 9780803734722) (PB 9780142425220)

BROTHERHOOD (HC 9780670014392) (PB 9780142422373)

 

Show Me Readers Award 2015-2016 Nominees (MISSOURI)

BITS & PIECES (HC 9780803737884)

WILFRED (HC 9780803737327)

THIS IS THE ROPE (HC 9780399239861)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT  (HC 9780399255373)

KNIT YOUR BIT (HC 9780399252419)

 

Truman Readers Award 2015-2016 Nominees (MISSOURI)

ROGUE (HC 9780399162251)

SYLO (PB 9781595146663) (HC 9781595146656)

 

 

 

Texas Lone Star 2015 Reading List (TEXAS)

THE NETERGRIM (HC 9780399159985) (PB 9780142422687)

FORGET ME (HC 9780399165290) (PB 9780147509413)

POPULAR (HC 9780525426813) (PB 9780147512543)

PROXY (HC 9780399257766) (PB 9780147511331)

 

Texas TAYSHAS 2015 Reading List (TEXAS)

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN (Top Ten book!) (HC 9780803734968)

ALTHEA & OLIVER (HC 9780670785391)

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY (HC 9780670012091) (PB 9780147510723)

HALF BAD (HC 9780670012091) (PB 9780147511461)

THE WELL’S END (HC 9780399159909) (PB 9780147514363)

PROXY (HC 9780399257766) (PB 9780147511331)

EVERYTHING LEADS TO YOU (HC 9780525425885) (PB 9780142422946)

CONVERSION (HC 9780399167775) (PB 9780147511553)

BELZHAR (HC 9780525423058)

GRASSHOPPER JUNGLE (HC 9780525426035) (PB 9780142425008)

 

Pacific Northwest Book Award 2015 Shortlist (WASHINGTON, OREGON, ALASHA, MONTANA, IDAHO, BRITISH COLUMBIA)

THE SOUND OF LETTING GO (HC 9780670015535)

 

The Spirit of Texas 2015-2016 Reading Program (TEXAS)

POPULAR (Middle School) (HC 9780525426813) (PB 9780147512543)

 

The Golden Sower Award 2015-2016 Nominees (NEBRASKA)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (Primary) (HC 9780399255373)

THE BLOSSOMING UNIVERSE OF VIOLET DIAMOND (Intermediate) (HC 9780399257148) (PB 9780147514301)

QB 1 (Young Adult) (HC 9780399252280) (PB 9780147511522)

COUNTING BY 7S (Young Adult) (HC 9780803738553) (PB 9780142422861)

GOLDEN BOY (Young Adult) (HC 9780399161124) (PB 9780142424506)

 

The Grand Canyon Reader Award 2016 Nominees (ARIZONA)

FOLLOW FOLLOW: A BOOK OF REVERSO POEMS (Non-Fiction) (HC 9780803737693)

COUNTING BY 7S (Tween) (HC 9780803738553) (PB 9780142422861)

THE SOUND OF LETTING GO (Teen) (HC 9780670015535)

JUST ONE DAY (Teen) (HC 9780525425915) (PB 9780142422953)

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY (Teen) (HC 9780670012091) (PB 9780147510723)

 

The Great Stone Face Award 2014-2015 Nominees (NEW HAMPSHIRE)

ALMOST HOME (HC 9780670012893) (PB 9780142427484)

COUNTING BY 7S (HC 9780803738553) (PB 9780142422861)

NICKEL BAY NICK (HC 9780399254659) (PB 9780147512277)

THE SATURDAY BOY (HC 9780670785513)

THE TELL-TALE START (HC 9780670784912) (PB 9780142423462)

 

The Children’s Sequoyah 2015 Master list (OKLAHOMA)

THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY (PB 9781595146281)

DOUBLE DOG DARE (HC 9780399255168) (PB 9780142424124)

 

California Young Readers Medal 2015-2016 Nominees (CALIFORNIA)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (Primary) (HC 9780399255373)

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS (Primary) (HC 9780803736801) (PB 9780147515599)

A NATION’S HOPE (Picture Books for Older Readers) (HC 9780803731677) (PB 9780147510617)

 

 

Arkansas Teen Book Award 2015 Nominee (ARKANSAS)

CONTROL (HC 9780803739048)

 

The Magnolia Award 2014-2015 Nominee (MISSISSIPPI)

THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN WITCHES (3^RD – 5^TH ) (HC 9780803739185)

 

The Volunteer State Book Award 2014-2015 Nominee (TENNESSEE)

MOXIE AND THE ART OF RULE BREAKING (Middle School Division) (HC 9780803738713) (PB 9780142426142)

 

Texas Bluebonnet Award 2015-2016 Master List (TEXAS)

THE GHOSTS OF TUPELO LANDING (HC 9780803736719)

 

 

The Volunteer State Book Award 2014-2015 Nominee (TENNESSEE)

HOW MARTHA SAVED HER PARENTS FROM GREEN BEANS (Primary Division) (HC 9780803737662)

 

William Allen White Children’s Book Award 2015-2016 Master List (KANSAS)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

 

Oregon Battle of the Books 2014-2015 List (OREGON)

THE NAME OF THE STAR (PB 9780142422052) (HC 9780399256608)

 

North Carolina Young Adult Book Award 2014-2015 Nominee (NORTH CAROLINA)

THE NAME OF THE STAR (PB 9780142422052) (HC 9780399256608)

 

Louisiana Reader’s Choice 2016 Nominee (LOUISIANA)

THE 5^TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411)

QB 1 (PB 9780148511522) (HC 9780399252280)

ORLEANS (PB 9780148509963) (HC 9780399252945)

COUNTING BY 7S (PB 9780142422861) (HC 9780803738553)

SYLO (PB 9781595146663) (HC 9781595146656)

 

Young Hoosier Book Award 2015-2016 Nominee (INDIANA)

THE BLOSSOMING UNIVERSE OF VIOLET DIAMOND (PB 9780147514301) (HC 9780399257148)

BY THE GRACE OF TODD (PB 9781595146786) (HC 9781595146779)

HIDDEN SUMMER (PB 9780142425688) (HC 9780803738362)

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY (HC 9780670012091)

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (HC 9780399255373)

THE GIRL WHO HEARD COLORS (HC 9780399256431)

 

 

The Jefferson Cup Award (VIRGINIA)

BROTHERHOOD (Older Readers category) (PB 9780142422373) (HC 9780670014392)

 

 

Keystone to Reading Secondary Book Award 2014 WINNERS (PENNSYLVANIA)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (High School category) (PB 9780142424179) (HC 9780525478812)

THREE TIMES LUCKY (Middle Grade category) (PB 9780142426050) (HC 9780803736702)

 

Oregon Spirit Book Awards list  2013 (OREGON)

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (HC 9780399256264)

 

Grand Canyon Reader Award 2015  Nominee (ARIZONA)

THREE TIMES LUCKY (PB 978-0142426050) (HC 978-0803736702)

THE FINAL FOUR (PB 978-0142423851) (HC 978-0670012640)

 

Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award 2014-2015 Nominee (WASHINGTON)

THE YUCKIEST, STINKIEST, BEST VALENTINE EVER  (HC 978-0803735057)

 

Maryland Blue Crab Young Readers Award 2014 Honoree (MARYLAND)

THIS IS THE ROPE (Transitional Fiction Category) (HC 978-0399239861)

 

 

Westchester Fiction Award 2013-2014  WINNER (CALIFORNIA)

ALL THE TRUTH THAT'S IN ME (HC 9780670786152) (PB 9780142427309)       

PROXY (HC 9780399257766) (PB 9780147511331)

THE 5TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411) (PB 9780141345833)

 

Westchester Fiction Award 2013-2014  Honorable Mention (CALIFORNIA)

OUT OF THE EASY (HC 9780399256929) (PB 9780147508430)

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA (HC 9780803738898) (PB 9780142423219)

ORLEANS (HC 9780399252945) (PB 9780147509963)

 

Golden Sower Award 2013-2014 WINNER (NEBRASKA) 

LEGEND (HC 9780399256752) (PB 9780142422076)

 

Virginia Readers' Choice Award 2013-2014 WINNER (VIRGINIA)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

 

Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award 2013-2014 WINNER (MARYLAND)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

 

Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award 2013-2014 Honor Title (INDIANA)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (HC 9780525478812) (HC 9780141345659)   

 

Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award 2013-2014 Masterlist (INDIANA)

BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY (HC 9780399254123) (PB 9780142420591)

 

Florida Teens Read! Award 2014-2015 Finalist (FLORIDA)

BENEATH A METH MOON(HC 9780399252501) (PB 9780142423929)

BURNING BLUE (HC 9780803738157) (PB 9780142425145)

THE 5TH WAVE (HC 9780399162411) (PB 9780141345833)

 

North Carolina Children's Book Award Masterlist 2014-2015 (NORTH CAROLINA)
A TANGLE OF KNOTS (HC 9780399255175) (PB 9780147510136)

COUNTING BY 7S  (HC 9780803738553)

 

Beehive Book Award Masterlist 22014-2015 (UTAH)

SHIP OUT OF LUCK (HC 9780525422266) (PB 9780142426241)

SLATED (BOOK 1) (9780399161728)

 

Sasquatch Reading Award Nominee 2014-2015 (WASHINGTON)

DEADWEATHER AND SUNRISE: THE CHRONICLES OF EGG (HC 9781101571941) (PB 9780142426623)

RED THREAD SISTERS (HC 9780670013869)

THREE TIMES LUCKY (HC 9780670012961) (PB 9780142426050)

 

 

        

Movie director/bestselling children's author Holly Goldberg Sloan coming to Best of Books on Oct. 5

       She's been a movie director and writer. She's a New York Times bestselling author. And now she is coming to Best of Books.
        Holly Goldberg Sloan will be at Best of Books from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 5 to sign and talk about her new book Appleblossom the Possom, which was just released by Dial Books.
         Holly has many creative credits to her resume, including writing and directing family feature films such as Angels in the Outfield and Made in America. Her first novel Counting by 7s became a national bestseller.
           Appleblossom is about the youngest and most timid member of her opossum family who becomes fascinated with a human family and their dog when she's out on her own.
           The book is illustrated by Holly's husband, who has quite of resume of his own even though this is his first book illustration. Gary Rosen is a TV and movie writer, director and producer with credits such as 21 Jump Street, Beverly Hills 90210 and the movie Major Payne.

           Holly will start at Best of Books at 4:30 and is scheduled to talk about her book at 5 p.m. Her appearance is free and open to the public.
           Appleblossum the Possom has already received several positive reviews. School Library Journal writes: "Sloan has masterfully created an intensely satisfying and humorous tale that makes possums seem utterly adorable. Rosen’s charming illustrations pair beautifully with the text, as he draws the possums with intertwined tails, pink noses, and vivid expressions.”


    

Was an Oklahoman a CIA agent in Iran? It's part of 'Off the Radar,' featured on NPR's Diane Rehm Show

               Imagine having a father who you thought might be a CIA agent. Imagine having a father who was the “other hostage” taken during the Iranian hostage crisis. Imagine having a mother who is defending your father in a court where execution is the usual verdict.
                All of this actually happened during the childhood of Cyrus M. Copeland, who has written the recent book “Off the Radar: A Father’s Secret, A Mother’s Heroism, and a Son’s Quest.”
               The book traces Cyrus' childhood while growing up in Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis and then his investigation into whether his father, Max, was actually a CIA agent working there.
               There's also an Oklahoma connection to this intriguing story: Max is originally from Grove. Cyrus recounts in the book how he returned to Oklahoma to trace how his father grew up here and why he eventually left the state and the country.
                 "Max Copeland is a quiet, academic-minded corporate executive who has been seized by Revolutionary Guards and charged with a capital crime: espionage," the book's promotion says. "Max is a laconic Okie who might be more than the studious administrator he seems."
                 Cyrus recently was recently interviewed on NPR's Diane Rehm Show and also has written about his book for the Huffington Post. He also promised to come to Best of Books when he visits the state again.
                  The author wrote to Best of Books that the Rehm show was "great exposure, that -- more than anything else --- ... helped the book *not* to live up to its title." The subject of radars actually plays an integral part of the story and his father's work.
                   Max is the only Iranian hostage who's not part of the U.S. embassy crisis in which 66 other Americans are held hostage. He is alone, with only one person who seems to be able to help him. Max's wife and Cyrus' mother, Shanin, is an Iranian who faces the changing and challenging times in her home country while launching her own covert operation and ultimately defending her husband in court to save his life.
                  "My mother has been fairly delighted with the response to the book, but truth be told doesn't really understand why everyone is making such a fuss about her," Cyrus wrote in an email.
                  The book is a fascinating look into Iran at the time of immense change. It has several great stories within the book, including Max's attempted escape from the country, the trial and Cyrus' decision to return there despite the danger. It is even more interesting now considering the U.S.'s recent diplomatic moves there.
                  And, for Oklahomans, it's one in which you'll ask: Can one of our own become a CIA agent? You'll find out in "Off the Radar."

 

Even Sam-I-am will like this Saturday's Storytime at Best of Books with Dr. Seuss, Seussian creatures and storyteller Victoria!

        

       

       It’ll be Dr. Seuss Time at Best of Books’ Storytime at 11 a.m. Saturday!

       Our master storyteller Victoria Nelson will read the recently found and published “What Pet Should I Get?” book. It quickly shot up to No. 1 in Fiction on this week’s OKLAHOMA BESTSELLERS list, edging out Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman."

        Victoria will read “What Pet” and other Dr. Seuss books, and she is planning a Dr. Seuss activity. And there will be a Dr. Seuss costume contest. Dress up as your favorite Dr. Seuss character or “Seussian creature,” as they're called. Prizes will be given to the best-dressed ones.

         Demand for "What Pet Should I Get?" was so high that Best of Books sold out immediately, and suppliers were struggling to refill orders. However, BOB just received a new supply of books today.

           Random House has been promoting “What Pet Should I Get?” as a “never-ever-before-seen picture book by Dr. Seuss about making up one's mind is the literary equivalent of buried treasure! What happens when a brother and sister visit a pet store to pick a pet? Naturally, they can't choose just one! The tale captures a classic childhood moment -- choosing a pet -- and uses it to illuminate a life lesson: that it is hard to make up your mind, but sometimes you just have to do it!”

            And, of course, with any Dr. Seuss book, there are plenty of exclamation marks in the promotion.

             Whether you’re young or older, join us for this fun hour with Victoria and Dr. Seuss on Saturday. You'll need to bring extra exclamation marks for this one.

BOB the bookstore launches presidential campaign on Twitter, begins search for vice presidential candidates

             

                Twitter's BOB the bookstore officially launched an Indie campaign for president this week. BOB's first platform statement: "Reading more makes you smarter."
                 BOB will be tweeting occasionally about the platform and the need for more reading and literacy in our society, a topic that many candidates don't seem to address in their campaigns.
                  Tweets this week have included:
                  -- "In my campaign to be the 1st bookstore president, BOB would be willing to debate Donald Trump on any topic involving #books."
                   -- "As the only bookstore running for president, BOB will be true to my Indie roots & support #smallbiz, especially in #Edmond."
                   The campaign will have both tongue-in-cheek and serious statements. And, of course, all will be in 140 characters or less.
                   BOB is still searching for a candidate to run for vice president on the Indie ticket. Know of any possibilities?
                
                

It's official: Laura Maple becomes the new general manager of Best of Books!

     

      Laura Maple won't be reporting to school this fall, but she'll still be going to school.
      For the first time in seven years, Laura will not be working for a school, her last being as a librarian at Edmond Memorial High School.
        However, Laura will now be working with schools as general manager/main book buyer for Best of Books.
        Her first day as GM was this week, and her first task was organizing all of the book sales for the Edmond high schools. Those are ones that are required reading at Edmond Memorial, Edmond North and Edmond Santa Fe, and Laura will be among those going to the schools this week. Next week, she and Best of Books' staff members will be taking books o the Edmond middle schools.
         "Schools are very important part of what we do at Best of Books," said Best of Books president Joe Hight. "We feel fortunate in having someone of Laura's caliber leading in these efforts as well as other areas."
          Laura is succeeding Elena Hight, who became Best of Books' director of marketing and author events. Elena is stepping in the new role after being the general manager since the Hights bought Best of Books last October. Elena, who has worked at BOB, for more than a year has decided to return to school in the fall.
          "We're excited that Elena is moving in this new post. She did an outstanding job as GM, but needed more time so she could attend school," Joe said. "We think Laura and Elena will be a great team in leading Best of Books into the future."
          

Best of Books honored to be selected for Readers' Choice, Sunshine and Favorite awards! We have two words to say to you ...

                      Thank you!
                

      As you may know by now, Best of Books was named as a Readers' Choice Award winner in the balloting that was announced July 26. BOB went through two rounds of voting by readers of The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com. The first was to determine which bookstores in the state would be on the finalist list; BOB was honored to be among those five that were selected. Then voting began again to determine the overall winner.
               

      The simple boldface of our name determined that Best of Books was the winner.
       "It's a great honor to be selected as a finalist for this award, but even a greater one to win the overall vote. It means that our brand is reaching our core audience in Edmond as well as the state," said Joe Hight, president of Best of Books.

                     Thank you!
              This is the third reader vote that Best of Books has won this year.
                      First, BOB was selected by readers of the Edmond Sun for a 2015 Sunshine Award. 
                      Then, Best of Books was selected by readers of Edmond Life & Leisure as its favorite bookstore.
                      "When you look at the Edmond businesses and institutions that are among those honored for these awards, you can't help but be proud and humbled that Best of Books is among them," Joe said.
                       Best of Books also was honored early in the year as a finalist for the Edmond Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.
                        Joe said he had two words to summarize his feelings and the way he feels about Edmond and Oklahomans who have supported BOB. He said Best of Books will continue to seek creative ways to encourage reading and for events that will appeal to different audiences.
               By the way, those two words are:
               THANK YOU!
                                      
                                             

YA authors to highlight special ODL tour in five state cities this fall; BOB named as official bookseller

        Best of Books has been named as the official bookseller for the Oklahoma Department of Libraries' Double R Author Tour featuring YA authors Sonia Gensler and Tara Hudson this October.
         The ODL received a four-year grant from The Reading Trust to place recent children's and Young Adult books that have been honored as Oklahoma Book Award medalists or finalists in libraries across the state. Also, as part of the grant, ODL will be the host of a tour each fall of authors who have been Oklahoma Book Award medalists or finalists in the Childrens'/YA category.
          Other sponsors of Double R, also known as the Reading Round-up, will be The Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma and the Friends of the Oklahoma Center for the Book.             



Sonia Gensler

Tara Hudson

             YA authors Sonia Gensler and Tara Hudson will be visiting five Oklahoma communities, said William R. Young, ODL's public information manager. In each community, the two authors will visit a local school during the afternoon and the public library in the evening.
           Sonia will also be signing her new book Ghostlight at noon Aug. 22 at Best of Books.
            In October, the five communities chosen for the first year of Double R tour and the dates of the author visits are:         
                  -- Sulphur, Oct. 7.

              -- Prague, Oct. 21.

              -- Blanchard, Oct. 22.

              -- Piedmont, Oct. 27.

              -- Lawton, Oct. 29.

                Here are Sonia's and Tara's books for the October tour:

 Sonia Gensler:

              -- Ghostlight (Available Aug. 4)

              -- The Revenant (Oklahoma Book Award Winner) (Will be placed in public libraries.)

              -- The Dark Between (Oklahoma Book Award Finalist)  (Will be placed in public libraries.)

 

             

 

 

           

Tara Hudson:

              -- Elegy (Will be placed in public libraries.)

              -- Arise (Oklahoma Book Award Finalist) (Will be placed in public libraries.) 

               -- Hereafter (Oklahoma Book Award Finalist)  (Will be placed in public libraries.)

 

 

 

 

Writer-editor collaboration emphasized at Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference in big, bold Texas

      BOB Blog note: Joe Hight recently attended the recent Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, which he calls the best in the country for nonfiction writers. He also wrote this blog.

       No one should doubt The Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference is all Texan. It's big. It's bold. It's loud. And it even has a Friday night "Southwest Soiree" at a place called the Austin Ranch, a western-theme banquet hall near the Hilton hotel where the conference is held in Grapevine.
         It's also big and bold in that "The Mayborn," as it's called, brings in some of the top nonfiction authors in the country. The 11th annual one was no different with famed author Barbara Ehrenreich being among the speakers.
         One panel that was particularly interesting was called "Lessons in Collaboration: Two Nonfiction Writers Worked with a Highly Involved Editor to Produce Acclaimed Works of Literary Nonfiction." (You see, the titles of the workshops are big, bold -- and long, too.) It featured Jeff Hobbs, author of the recently published "The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace" and Helen Thorpe, who wrote "Soldier Girls: the Battles of Three Women at Home and at War." The editor of their books was novelist Colin Harrison, who's also vice president and senior editor at Scribner.
          All three don't live in Texas and don't fit the big and bold image either. Hobbs will call you "sir" and jokes he doesn't like to read Harrison's novels because they're too dark. Thorpe doesn't look at all like the former wife of a national political figure, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. She also admitted Harrison had to push her to get out of her house to see the nightlife of her book's main characters. Harrison kept deferring to the two writers to question and talk to each other during the workshop. He also seems to be the type of quiet but demanding editor every writer wants or should have.
            "Both books had an extraordinary degree of difficulty," Harrison said. However, that didn't stop him from calling for the writers to rise to "a level that cannot be faked; it must be summoned by the trumpet in the mountains."
            "A writer should be really challenged," he said.
            Hobbs' book was about Robert Peace, his best friend and roommate at Yale. Peace was an outgoing, intelligent young man who also happened to sell marijuana on the side, Hobbs said, and who was "killed violently and painfully," surrounded by marijuana in a house about a mile from where he grew up in Newark, N.J.
            His book is on the "Staff Picks" of recommendations at Best of Books.
            "I had no claim to objectivity. I cared a lot about my subject," Hobbs said about Robert Peace, who he called "Rob." But I also "had the responsibility of telling the whole story."
            Thorpe said her challenge in writing "Soldier Girls" was in organizing the shelves full of notebooks and the "mountain of material," as Harrison called it. She followed the lives of three women soldiers, who were all deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, over a 12-year period. She finally had to resort to software in which she could dictate her notebooks out loud and then refer to them later.
              Hobbs and Thorpe said Harrison likes proper usage of words, strong verbs and movement in writing. He'll push you to get precious details and to connect the flaws that propel the "human mystery."
              And, Hobbs said, he'll question you if he thinks there's too much swearing in your book.
              But, most of all, an editor of Harrison's caliber will keep encouraging you "to look for the trumpets," whether you live in Texas or not.


           
         
     
           

What do you think of 'Go Set a Watchman'? National debate continues over Harper Lee and her book

      

          By now, it's no secret that "Go Set a Watchman" is setting all sorts of sales records.
          It's already sold 1.1 million copies nationwide. It's easily the top seller at Best of Books with nearly 160 copies sold since last week's debut. The fascination with Harper Lee, and the story of Scout, Atticus and the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, or Monroeville, Lee's actual hometown of 6,300 people, also extends beyond the latest book. "To Kill a Mockingbird" and the nonfiction "The Mockingbird Next Door: The Life of Harper Lee," by Marja Mills, are also selling well at Best of Books.
         While there's no doubt about the sales, there has been doubt about the book itself from the time it was announced. Since it was released to the public, negative reviews and press have surrounded "Go Set a Watchman."
          In The Oklahoman on Sunday, Book Editor Ken Raymond wrote an interesting Page 1A story about the debate and negative reviews. He also pointed out:
          "I found the book disappointing. I suspect many others will, too. Whether that’s fair or not is debatable."
          The only one who seemed to disagree with the reviews was Best of Books president Joe Hight, who was quoted in the story as saying in an email to Ken:
           “I’ve been amused by the negative reviews surrounding ‘Go Set a Watchman.’ I’ve also been amused by those who think the novel should be just like ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ only 20 years later, or Harper Lee was coerced or even had no say in the publishing of her new latest book.
           “What if someone found a copy of a manuscript that would advance the story of ‘The Old Man and the Sea’? Would anything top the genius of Ernest Hemingway’s work on the first book? Probably not, but we sure would want to read it.   
            Due to space, Ken couldn't use all of Joe's statement. Here is the rest of it:
             "The same should be expected of  'Go Set a Watchman.' It’s a charming book; I laughed out loud several times. It’s a serious book of revelations about a young girl growing up into a young idealistic woman and discovering the people she knew for so long weren’t the people she thought they were. It’s a revealing book that should be published and read.

             " 'Go Set a Watchman' advances a story that we’ve grown to love and admire. It’s revived the discussion about racism and its ugly impact on our society. And it advances the discussion of the motivations behind the first book and why or what it created at that point in history.

             "Yes, 'Go Set a Watchman' could have used some more editing. Don’t we all need editors? But the writing style is that of Harper Lee, and it engaged me from the beginning. Isn’t that what a good book should do?"

              Joe has since read more of the book and again emphasized the need for better editing of it: "There seems to be times when you're lost in a conversation or the language could have been more clear. I hope at some point there's a better edited version of it that's released to the public. 

               "I still have enjoyed it overall. Others who have bought the book from us have expressed similar sentiments about enjoying it. We haven't received any negative reviews from customers yet."

               What do you think about "Go Set a Watchman"? Let us know.

                While the debate rages, we'll also add it's fun to see the national discussion and debate over a book. That shows its significance of it and reading to all of us.