Tag Archives: writers

The Write Way to Read

Posted on by

Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month? With the weather getting chillier, it’s a great time to buckle down and get to work on putting that story in your head to paper. Need some inspiration? Would you rather just read? Either way, be sure to check out the titles below for some awesome stories about people who love to write and some tips for how you yourself can be an even better writer. For more information about National Novel Writing Month, take a look at the website for the nonprofit organization that started it all: https://www.nanowrimo.org/.

If you’re interested in finding more books about writing, search the catalog using keywords such as “juvenile fiction” for fiction books, “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books, and an additional term such as “authorship,” “writing,” or “writers.”

Detweiler, Katelyn
The Undoing of Thistle Tate. 2019 (Young Adult Fiction).
Thistle Tate has it made. At seventeen, she’s already the author of a bestselling series and has millions of fans. There’s only one problem: she didn’t actually write the books. As fans clamor for the final book in her series, Thistle’s guilt starts to unwind her relationships, career, and identity. With an insider’s look into the publishing world, this makes for a fascinating read.
[S. D486un]

Eaddy, Susan
Poppy’s Best Paper. 2015 (Picture Book).
When Poppy grows up, she is going to be a verrryyy famous writer. But despite what she thinks are her best efforts, the teacher never chooses her paper to read to the class! Will Poppy ever learn that it takes more than just saying you’re going to be a great writer in order to actually be one? Find out in this story that all ages will find relatable.
[SE. Ea22pobp]

Fletcher, Ralph
How to Write Your Life Story. 2007 (Nonfiction).
Not sure what to write about? Why not write about yourself! After all, you are the expert on you. This comprehensive book will guide you through telling your own story, proving that you don’t have to be famous to have a life that’s already worth reading about.
[S.808 F637h]

Gutman, Dan
My Weird Writing Tips. 2013 (Nonfiction).
From the bestselling author of the My Weird School series comes this hilarious guide to writing well. Full of genuinely useful tips and tricks as well as inspiring quotes from real authors, this is a book that will definitely encourage you to pick up a pencil and give you a few laughs along the way.
[S.808.042 G985m]

Kuipers, Alice
Polly Diamond and the Magic Book. 2018 (Young Readers Chapter Book).
For Polly Diamond, words really do have power. When she receives a magic book, everything that she writes down becomes reality! But what should she write about? Chocolate? A new TV? World peace? When things get out of hand, Polly learns what it means to choose her words carefully.
[S. K9577pdma]

López Ávila, Pilar
Ayobami and the Names of the Animals. 2017 (Picture Book).
Follow the story of little Ayobami, an African girl who dreams of learning to read and write. On her way to school, however, a series of dangerous animals threaten her until she promises to learn to write their names. Will she ever make it to school and achieve her dreams? Imaginative illustrations by Mar Azabal bring to life this beautiful story that teaches us that education is not always easy to obtain, but is a path to hope.
[S-Collection SE. L8811ay:E]

MacLachlan, Patricia
Someone Like Me. 2017 (Picture Book).
This semi-autobiographical picture book follows snippets of a child’s life as she grows up to become an author, showing that everyone has an interesting story to tell, and anyone can be a writer. Beautiful illustrations by Chris Sheban give this story a nostalgic feel.
[SE. M22so]

Ryan, Pam Muñoz
The Dreamer. 2010 (Biography: Chapter Book).
This fictionalized biography of the Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda comes from award-winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan. Follow the story of a deeply shy child as he goes on a journey of self-discovery that will allow him to grow up to change the world.
[S. R957d]

Van Draanen, Wendelin
The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones. 2016 (Middle Grade Novel).
Lincoln Jones has always preferred fiction to the messiness of real life. In his stories, he can make anything happen (or not happen), but when a fellow sixth grader named Kandi Kain starts badgering him about his stories, Lincoln may finally be forced to open up.
[S. V2871sel]

Wilde, Jen
Going Off Script. 2019 (Young Adult Fiction).
This contemporary romantic story follows seventeen-year-old Bex as she lands an internship at her favorite TV show. When she realizes her job involves little more than getting coffee, she decides to submit her own script, which is promptly stolen, reworked, and straight-washed by the head writer! Bex and her almost-girlfriend decide to take on the studio for the representation they deserve.
[S. W6443go]

(CD)

The Show Must Go On! Actors, Musicians, and Other Creative Folks

Posted on by

In the midst of Hollywood’s award season, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the glitz and glamour of famous stars. Famous actors and actresses walk the red carpet in beautiful designer outfits. Famous musicians put on spectacular shows during Grammy performances, sold-out concerts, and Super Bowl half-time shows. Famous authors and painters might not always get as much time in the limelight, but they still produce entertaining and thoughtful pieces of literature and art. If you’ve ever wondered how these famous people got started, look no further! Browse the list of books below to discover the humble beginnings and fascinating inspirations of some of the world’s greatest artists.

To find more children’s books about famous artists, please use our online catalog and search subject terms similar to “artists” and “juvenile” or “musicians” and “juvenile” in the advanced search boxes. Feel free to use whatever artistic career you’re interested in and see what inspiring books you find in our S-Collection.

Actors and Actresses

Cardillo, Margaret.
Just Being Audrey. 2011.
This enchanting tale features colorful illustrations that truly bring to life the tale of Audrey Hepburn’s journey to fame. With childhood dreams of becoming Europe’s top ballerina, Audrey is faced with a multitude of road blocks that lead her to the world of acting instead. An incredibly delightful read.
[SSHEL S-Collection SB. H5292c]

Michelson, Richard.
Fascinating: The Life of Leonard Nimoy. 2016.
True to its title, this book tells the fascinating life of Leonard Nimoy and his journey to starring in one of the most popular television shows of all time: Star Trek. From a young age, Nimoy loved to perform, but his parents wanted him to set his sights on a more practical career, like becoming a musician. Nimoy never quit on his dream and did everything in his power to reach the stardom he always knew he was capable of achieving.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SB. N713m]

Yoo, Paula.
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story. 2009.
An inspiring story of how famous actress Anna May Wong overcame racism and adversity in Hollywood to proudly represent people of Asian descent on film. Disgusted with being cast in stereotypical roles and watching white actors perform in “yellow face,” Anna May Wong moves from California to China to act in roles that respectfully and truthfully represent her culture.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SB. W84y]

Artists

Herkert, Barbara.
Mary Cassatt: Extraordinary Impressionist Painter. 2015.
With simple text and beautiful impressionist-style illustrations, this book dives into the life of Mary Cassatt, a champion for female empowerment in the art world. Overcoming adversity as a woman in the 1800s, Mary proves that anyone can create beautiful, inspiring art.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SB. C343h]

Rubin, Susan Goldman.
Andy Warhol: Pop Art Painter. 2006.
Full of bold colors, family photographs, and pictures of Andy’s art, this book tells the story of Andy Warhol’s life, from a young boy from Pittsburgh who loved to draw to the wildly famous, eccentric artist who turned a Campbell’s soup can into a world-renowned painting.
[SSHEL S-Collection SB. W275r]

Rubin, Susan Goldman.
Edward Hopper: Painter of Light and Shadow. 2007.
The story of famous artist Edward Hopper’s life and maturation as an artist in the early half of 20th Century America. Each page includes pictures of Hopper’s drawings and paintings, starting from his earliest sketches to his most famous painting, Nighthawks.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SB. H798r]

Winter, Jonah.
Frida. 2002.
The inspiring story of Frida Khalo’s incredible resilience. After suffering from a bus accident that nearly killed her, Frida endured the constant pain that enveloped her body by escaping through her art. As the daughter of a photographer and painter, Frida learned a love of art from her father and let her imagination lead her life. A simple yet beautiful read.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. S. 759.972 W734f]

Musicians

Golio, Gary.
When Bob Met Woody: The Story of the Young Bob Dylan. 2011.
A story that proves the truly life-changing effects of folk music. Whenever he felt alone or sad, Bob Dylan channeled his emotions into the music he listened to and performed. Never deterred by his humble beginnings, Bob strove to make his idol, Hank Williams, proud by singing songs about the honest struggles of life. Complete with quotes from Bob and stunning illustrations throughout.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SB. D996g]

Reich, Susanna.
Fab Four Friends: The Boys Who Became the Beatles. 2015.
With space dedicated to each of the member’s childhoods and backgrounds, this book tells the story of how the Beatles let their shared passion for music change the history of the music scene forever. An incredibly interesting read for anyone who loves these British icons.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. S.782.421660922 R2711f]

Russell-Brown, Katheryn.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone. 2014.
A bright and colorful tale of Melba Liston’s journey to stardom as a female trombone player. As a little girl, Melba loved jazz music and knew she was meant to play the trombone. She gracefully overcame racist and sexist comments that people directed toward her for being a black woman touring the country in a jazz band. She let her voice be heard through her trombone and played along fellow famous musicians across the world.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SB. L698r]

Winter, Jonah.
How Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz. 2015.
A magical telling of the life and accomplishments of Ferdinand Joseph La Menthe (famously known as Jelly Roll Morton). Complete with song lyrics, a “recipe for jazz,” and an inviting second-person narration, the story of this “father of jazz” is a true delight.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SB. M889w]

Writers

Burleigh, Robert.
Langston’s Train Ride. 2004.
Written in first-person point of view, this beautiful story lets readers enter the mind of a young Langston Hughes as he finds inspiration for his famous poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” With stunning visual and verbal artistry throughout, this book offers a unique look at this famous poet’s early life and works.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SB. L285b]

Krull, Kathleen.
Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum. 2008.
A dazzling tale of L. Frank Baum’s life, starting from his golden childhood to the everyday adventures he found as inspiration while writing his best-selling children’s book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. A great story that reminds you to always keep a sense of wonder and a love for adventure.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SB. B327k]

Landmann, Bimba.
In Search of the Little Prince: The Story of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. 2014.
A lovely telling of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s remarkable life as an adventurous, daring pilot and author. As a young boy, Antoine was fascinated by airplanes and the ability to fly, so he dedicated his life to becoming a pilot. From fighting in both world wars to transporting international mail to writing about his terrific adventures, Antoine lived his life to the absolute fullest.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SB. S137l]

Wallner, Alexandra.
Beatrix Potter. 1995.
From playing with her family’s pet rabbit, Peter, to becoming England’s self-professed expert on mushrooms, Beatrix surrounded herself with nature and loved to write about and paint her surroundings. As a woman in the late 19th to early 20th Century, however, Beatrix faced a lot of sexist critics who didn’t take her writing seriously. Beatrix was never deterred, however, and she went on to write dozens of delightful children’s stories that are still loved today.
[SSHEL S-Collection SB. P866w]