Fletcher, Susan. Falcon in the Glass.

Fletcher, Susan.  Falcon in the Glass.  Simon & Schuster/McElderry Books      2013  302p  ISBN 978-1-4424-7710-0  ms/jr  uncorrected proof VG-BN Historical fiction

Young, fatherless Renzo dreams of being a famous glassmaker, but without a patron, he must work doing menial labor in a glassworks on the island of Murano around the turn of the 15th century.  He uses what little time he has to himself to make works of art in glass, especially falcons, and this comes to the attention of the owner of the glassworks.  This very well written book makes an intriguing story about the island of Murano and its history of glassmaking.  Together, the boy who would be a great glassmaker, his family, his co-workers, and the glass itself create a story that is part historical fiction and part fantasy.  All of it makes for a great, story-driven read.        This is a highly recommended addition for all middle-school and public-library collection.  Girls and boys alike will enjoy this book -- there is something for everyone.

Summary: Young, fatherless Renzo dreams of being a famous glassmaker, but without a patron, he must do menial labor in a glassworks on the island of Murano around the turn of the 15th century.  He uses the little bit of time he has to make works of art in glass, especially falcons, and this comes to the attention of the owner of the glassworks.       

Glassmaking-Fifteenth century-Fiction                             --Lynn Fisher

Fletcher, Ralph. Guy-Write: What Every Guy Writer Needs To Know.

Fletcher, Ralph.  Guy-Write: What Every Guy Writer Needs To Know. Macmillan/ Henry Holt   166p  $15.99      978-0-8050-9404-6           ms          VG-BN      

Ralph Fletcher has a winner here!  With ideas to promote writing, especially to encourage male writers, this book includes topics such as how to write about disgusting stuff, gore, super heroes, sports, scary stories, emotional stories and fantasy.  Writers of all ages, sizes and genders will be amazed at his insight into the male psyche and what “makes good writing”.  Teachers and parents can be advocates instead of killers of guy writing, and Fletcher offers a multitude of suggestions on how to begin, doing so in an upbeat, interesting format with a touch of comedic style thrown in!  By using examples from his own writing as well as from other professional writers, he validates his advice.  There is much to glean from his suggestions.  Each chapter begins with a hook to draw in the reader and help him/her make connections to the topic.  Next, Fletcher offers writing samples to support his premises.  Finally, several chapters end with writer interviews that are informative as well as entertaining.   The interviewees include Jon Scieszka, Greg Trine, and Robert San Souci, to name a few.  The final chapters provide the “nuts and bolts”.  The importance of keeping a writer’s notebook is explained in Chapter 10, the importance of reading in Chapter 11, and a comprehensive list of practical advice in Chapter 12.  Layout strengths include the use of bold and pale text to differentiate his information from his story samples, the addition of drawings contributed by both family members and students, and arrows that point out writing tips.  The lists of books to read that correspond with each chapter are an invaluable addition at the end.  This book is a must-read for all students, not just boys. 

     

Teachers will be amazed at how easily they can stifle creativity in their students’ writing, so this book should be required reading for teachers as well.  Middle school is the best venue, but elementary-school libraries could use a copy as well!                                                -- Martha Squaresky