DiCamillo and Entrada Kelly Writing Classics for a New Generation
Writing Classics for a New Generation
Kate DiCamillo and Erin Entrada Kelly do it again!
Here in Virginia, the weather has been warmer, the trees are flowering and the sunsets have been incredible! (I just had to share!)
It is the PERFECT time to grab a few books and head outdoors to soak in a few rays! I hope it is beautiful where you live too!
Today I am going to tell you about two of today’s most prolific writers’ new novels. We are so lucky to live at the same time as these two incredible women.
Kate DiCamillo and Erin Entrada Kelly are writing classics for today’s generation.
Ferris by: Kate DiCamillo
| Kate DiCamillo creates a new character for all of us to love, Ferris. Ferris is a rising fifth grader with a hell-raising younger sister, Pinky (who you will also adore), a best friend, and a whole family line-up of characters…and I do mean characters! I want to be more like Ferris. Her spirit, compassion, individuality, and reliability are admirable. However, she is raw and complicated…just like all of us. Love, in all its shapes and forms, is what this book is about – and, Kate DiCamillo nails it. DiCamillo brings the story to life through a family with messy relationships, family drama, and quirkiness. Whether it be candles for a ghost, a new perm for your uncle, or going to the police station for your sister- love is always at the core of what Ferris chooses to do. “Every good story is a love story,” Clarisse, Ferris’s Grandmother. This love story will stay with me. |
The First State of Being by: Erin Entrada Kelly
| The year is 1999 and Michael Rosario lives with his mother in the Fox Run apartments. Michael is obsessed with Y2K, and ensuring his and his mother’s safety. It is safe to say that Michael struggles with anxiety. I love the way Erin Entrada Kelly has expertly woven Michael’s anxiety throughout the story. It is very real- very palpable. There are so many children today that struggle just like Michael- and hide it, just like Michael tries to. Ms. Entrada Kelly has written Michael in a way that will connect with children and make them feel seen. It is my favorite thing about this book. Gibby (Michael’s babysitter) and Mr. Mosley are important friends to Michael. They help him throughout his day-to-day life and give us more insight into Michael’s thoughts and feelings. Enter Ridge, a newcomer, that teaches Michael his best lesson…how to live in the “first state of being.” I don’t want to tell you anything else about Ridge. All books need their secrets. 😊 This story is about friends, families, and how to be present in the moment. The plot was so unique and perfectly woven. I absolutely loved it. But, when I see the growth of Michael and his reach to be in the first state of being…I think Erin Entrada Kelly speaks the language of middle graders. @erinentrada You really must give Erin a follow on Instagram! |
Run and grab a copy of both of these books! They need to be read, then read to children, then read to more children!
Happy Spring Break!