From: Meghan McCarthy <meghanmccarthy007>
Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2006 09:20:33 -0800 (PST)

I perhaps didn't say this--but I'm also very happy to see unheard of books get a chance.

This is slightly off topic but I was working on making a discussion guide for my upcoming book this week because it's nonfiction. I called my mother, who works in a school dept., and asked her to take a look at it. She said "You're wasting your time." I asked why. She said teachers don't have time to fit any books in that aren't in the curriculum. In other words--no books that aren't already on some predetermined list created by some higher authority. This, to me, is very sad. My mother also mentioned No Child Left Behind, that's another topic for another time. But thank goodness for libraries that can keep the rest of the books that aren't on some list in stock!

I should also add that the amount of books being published makes it impossible for big bookstores to keep a large variety of books stocked. There just isn't room! If kids ask for Captain Underpants 9 out of 10 times then that's what the stores have to carry. At least awards such as the Newbery give other work a fighting chance. Regardless of popularity, bookstores always keep the award winners.

That is really the last peep out of me! I'm zipping it! Besides, Starting Over is on and I just love that cheesy show.

meghan

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Received on Fri 27 Jan 2006 11:20:33 AM CST