The other day, I updated you about my weekend at the CHAP convention and promised that, over the next couple of weeks, I would share about some of the wonderful people I had opportunity to meet there.  I saw a booth set up and recognized one of the books as one that Ashley had recently reviewed on her blog, so I stopped to chat.  I was amazed to find out that I've actually been working with this publisher for a promotion with The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. 

I had a great discussion with the gentlemen from Baker-Trittin Press and I was just amazed with the ministry that they have started.  Over the years, as a homeschooling mom, I have heard many people ask about reading books for their young sons (8-12 years).  There is a TON available for girls in this age range, but their is seemingly little available for boys of this age.  Reading is one of my passions, one I hope to pass on to all my children; with a toddler boy in my home, I was thrilled to see what Mr. Baker and Mr. Trittin are working to accomplish.

They are in search of authors to write books for this age group of boys.  The fun thing is, though, that girls also enjoy these books.  BUT, what I really love about them is that they are sponsoring a FANTASTIC WRITING CONTEST for high school students~ high school kids (grades 9-12) are asked to write books for younger kids (ages 8-12).  The winning authors have their books published!  So, not only are the young kids benefitting from having new, fun books to read; but high school kids are benefitting by having their writing taken seriously~ enough to have their books published! 

I had opportunity to review the book written by the 1st Place Winner in 2007.  I'd like to share a bit about it here:

ABOUT THE BOOK:

"Journey to the Homeland" takes place in the mythical land of Diggeret where a young orphan boy, Keegan, wonders from place to place seeking a perminant home. Whenever his "gift" -- the ability to communicate with animals, is discovered -- he is forced to leave. Finally, at the age of eleven, he finds a caring family in the village of Crempton who offers him a home. But even here he must keep his secret from them, especially the existance of his best friend, Adrian -- a jaguar. Through mistaken identities, the king's men come looking for an arrogant young girl, Nora, whom everyone believes is the one who communicates with animals. After she is kidnapped by the king's men, Keegan feels he must redeem himself for his silence and stop the kidnappers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hannah Stahlhut was a 16 year old homeschooler in Danville, Indiana when she submitted "Journey to the Homeland" to the Tweener Time International Chapter Book Competition in July of 2007. She has worked for years with her family in the world of children's entertainment using clowns and animals, thus giving her not only an understanding of her audience but her characters, both human and non-human alike.

HEIDI SAYS:  Fun book!  I think I finally figured out why I love children's books and books targetted to young people so much.  When you are young, you are always striving to grow up.  Then, when you're actually grown up, you look back and wonder why you rushed your youth so much!  I believe that's why I enjoy books for young people~ because they make me feel young again.
Hannah has written a great story here.  I'm impressed with her writing, and especially with the fact that she's a homeschooled student~  that's exciting to me. 
I will be looking forward to future books in the 2007 Winning Series~ I believe Book #2 will be released sometime very soon.

If you have a young author in your home, I encourage you to check out the link above and find out more about the writing competition.  (If your child happens to be an artist/illustrator, you too need to check out the contest, as the cover illustrations are also done by high school students!)

If you have a young boy and are at a loss to find books for him to read, please check out Baker-Trittin Press.  And watch my blog for future reviews on more of their  books.

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May. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by AndiCarter

whoa, Heidi! (oops, I'm logged in wrong. Too late. Not gonna change now). I love that writing contest to find some teen writers. I simply must tell my Reach for the Stars students about this. How in the world do you make a blanket announcement to a bunch of blogs, I wonder? Maybe a PM?
Anyway, did you like the rhubarb pie? I don't LIKE rhubarb pie at all! I only like rhubarb sauce, warm, with whipped cream. Yum, yum.

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May. 14, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by skmarlow

Hey Heidi. I went to a lot of work and and put some e-mail addresses into my blog notification. Then I posted this contest info on my WW blog. I would LOVE to see an HSB writer win one of these places next year. (The deadline for this year is next week, but I'm thinking a whole year in advance).
Here's my post. I added some things that were pertinent to the students:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/WritingWorkshop/

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