Ohio Authors, Reading Labels, and Ramblings

So imagine my excitement when I realized acclaimed MG/YA author Shelley Pearsall will be seated just a few tables away at the Buckeye Book Fair next month! I have to admit I didn't realize Pearsall was an Ohio author. It was a nice surprise, especially given my youngest has read a few of her titles. (Which, not surprisingly, means that I have too.)

Most recently we've read The Seventh Most Important Thing, the much-acclaimed book about redemption and anger, two things most teens struggle with - though thankfully not to the extent of the main character.

Labels, Labels

Having done some research into "reluctant" readers in the past, I was a bit surprised to find The Seventh Most Important Thing was labeled for "them." It made me wonder, how do we determine who is a reluctant reader in 2016? Goodness, it's hard to concentrate when you're 13 and have a cell phone in your hand (or back pocket) and all your friends are watching (or making) YouTube videos.

Also, I've been perplexed about the "reluctant" label because both my kids, who read and comprehend above grade level and score high for vocabulary could be, I think, labeled as reluctant readers. And yet both go through spurts of serious reading. And, when they find a book they like, both are nearly over-zealous in recommending it.

If any reading teachers would like to explain, I WELCOME YOUR HELP!

(Want to guest blog here? Please get in touch!!)

Trouble Don't Last

The next Pearsall book on my 2R list is Trouble Don't Last. Confession: it's been on my 2R list for a lonnnnnnnnng time. I may have to move it up my list just because I'll have a chance to meet the author soon. But, in case I don't get a round tuit, maybe you'd like to review it?

If your answer is yes, please contact me in comments here, through my website, or slap a message on my Facebook Page about dogs and essays and writing and life and other stuff I don't understand.

Yay! Ohio Authors!
Buckeye Book Fair 2016

In case you'd like to meet Shelley Pearsall, or me, or any of 98 other Ohio authors who published books in 2015 or early 2016, you just might have to go to the Buckeye Book Fair, held Saturday November 5 on the Wooster College campus.

Cleveland's favorite Man of Mystery, Les Roberts, will be there, as will super sports writers and commentators like Terry Pluto and Dan Coughlin, Tom Batiuk, Ohio's funkiest cartoonist, me, and a couple of guys who are really serious about mushrooms.

Hope to see you there! (Download the brochure here.)

Keep reading, my friends.