Paul Fleischman is an author dedicated to crafting works for young readers. His writing is characterized by its unique forms and perspectives, exploring unconventional structures like poems for two voices or collections that delve into the lives of insects from unexpected viewpoints. Fleischman's style often prioritizes the sonic and rhythmic qualities of language, creating engaging and memorable reading experiences. His approach to authorship is innovative, frequently challenging traditional literary conventions within children's literature.
Wesley's summer adventure leads him to create his own "civilization" in a garden, where he discovers a mysterious seed that yields extraordinary results. This plant becomes a source of food, clothing, shelter, and recreation, allowing him to explore themes of creativity and self-sufficiency. Accompanied by illustrations, the story highlights Wesley's imaginative journey as he learns to harness the wonders of nature.
Are you a word person? A curiosity seeker? An explorer? Take a look at these twenty-six extraordinary individuals for whom love of language is an extreme sport. Step right up and read the genuine stories of writers so intoxicated by the shapes and sound of language that they collected, dissected, and constructed verbal wonders of the most extraordinary kind. Jean-Dominique Bauby wrote his memoirs by blinking his left eyelid, unable to move the rest of his body. Frederic Cassidy was obsessed with the language of place, and after posing hundreds of questions to folks all over the United States, amassed (among other things) 176 words for dust bunnies. Georges Perec wrote a novel without using the letter e (so well that at least one reviewer didn’t notice its absence), then followed with a novella in which e was the only vowel. A love letter to all those who love words, language, writing, writers, and stories, Alphamaniacs is a stunningly illustrated collection of mini-biographies about the most daring and peculiar of writers and their audacious, courageous, temerarious way with words.
From the Newbery Medal-winning author of Seedfolks, Paul Fleischman, Joyful Noise is a collection of irresistible poems that celebrates the insect world.Funny, sad, loud, and quiet, each of these poems resounds with a booming, boisterous, joyful noise.The poems resound with the pulse of the cicada and the drone of the honeybee. They can be fully appreciated by an individual reader, but they're particularly striking when read aloud by two voices, making this an ideal pick for classroom use. Eric Beddows′s vibrant drawings send each insect soaring, spinning, or creeping off the page in its own unique way.With Joyful Noise, Paul Fleischman created not only a fascinating guide to the insect world but an exultant celebration of life.
A vacant lot, rat-infested and filled with garbage, looked like no place for a garden. Especially to a neighborhood of strangers where no one seems to care. Until one day, a young girl clears a small space and digs into the hard-packed soil to plant her precious bean seeds. Suddenly, the soil holds promise: To Curtis, who believes he can win back Lateesha's heart with a harvest of tomatoes; to Virgil's dad, who sees a fortune to be made from growing lettuce; and even to Maricela, sixteen and pregnant, wishing she were dead. Thirteen very different voices -- old, young, Haitian, Hispanic, tough, haunted, and hopeful -- tell one amazing story about a garden that transforms a neighborhood. Chosen as a state and citywide read in communities across the country: Vermont Racine, WI Tampa, FL Newburgh, NY Boca Raton, FL
The story revolves around Aaron, a mute boy on the brink of his twelfth birthday, facing the challenge of staying home alone for the first time. Relying heavily on his mother, he must navigate this new independence while ensuring he remains close to home. The narrative explores themes of vulnerability, communication, and the struggle for autonomy as Aaron prepares for potential challenges, armed with his ability to write down his thoughts and needs.
A Worldwide Jack and the Beanstalk Story
In this imaginative retelling of a classic fairy tale, diverse elements from African, Asian, and European folklore intertwine to create a rich narrative. The story presents a unique global perspective on the familiar tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, showcasing how different cultures interpret the themes of bravery and adventure. Through this blend of traditions, readers are invited to explore the universal appeal of the giant-slaying hero and the transformative power of courage.
The beloved underdog characters return with a new adventure as they attempt to secure jobs on a movie set. Their quirky and diverse skills come into play when they find themselves in a race against time to thwart a cunning cat burglar. This exciting blend of humor and teamwork promises to engage readers as they follow the group's antics and clever problem-solving in the world of film production.
Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction * ALA Best Book for Young Adults * ALA Notable Children's BookIn this brilliant fictional tour de force, which the New York Times called "a deft, poignant novel," Newbery Medal-winning author Paul Fleischman re-creates the first great battle of the Civil War from the points of view of sixteen participants.Northern and Southern, male and female, white and black. Here are voices that tell of the dreams of glory, the grim reality, the hopes, horror, and folly of a nation discovering the true nature of war.
The author shares a heartfelt reflection on his childhood experiences with his award-winning father, Sid Fleischman, intertwining personal anecdotes with insights into his journey as a writer. This unique blend of memoir, travelogue, and exploration of the creative process offers readers a glimpse into the influences that shaped his literary career and the artistry behind writing.
