Tag: reviews

Sic itur ad astra

Posted on by Diane Zahler

I had never had a starred review. Many of my reviews were wonderful (even Kirkus reviews, except for that really mean one). Positive. A few were almost rhapsodic. But not so much starred. So I had a thing in my head, that I wanted a starred review. That was my end-all and be-all. I was quite sure it was never happening.

To non-writers, this probably seems bizarre. What’s a starred review? you ask. Well, In the main children’s book review journals — Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, Booklist, Horn Book — a star means a book is something special. Libraries and bookstores are much more likely to order starred books. It makes a difference, though many, many deserving titles don’t get stars.

And then, a month or so ago, Publishers Weekly gave WILD BIRD a starred review! It was…well, I guess I don’t quite have a word. Awesome is dumb. Amazing is overused. Startling, astonishing, staggering, stupefying. All of that.

And then a few days later, School Library Journal gave GOBLIN MARKET a starred review. Overwhelming. Shattering. Staggering. All of that.

And then, a week or so later, School Library Journal gave WILD BIRD a starred review! Astonishing, etc. Three stars in a month. After twelve years with none.

Does this actually mean anything? Has my writing improved? Or is it a longevity thing, a sort of Oscar or Rock & Roll Hall of Fame lifetime achievement award?

I prefer to think I’ve gotten better over time. Like a fine wine, or a smelly cheese. After this, maybe I’ll turn to vinegar, or develop mold. Or just fade away. Whatever. Still, I got what I wanted — more than I wanted — and not many writers are lucky enough to be able to say that.

 

Wild Bird Takes Off

Posted on by Diane Zahler

It’s been an astounding few weeks for Wild Bird!

The book has gotten blurbs from some of the best writers in middle-grade fiction: Laurel Snyder, Karen Cushman, and Donna Jo Napoli. The wonderful things these authors have said include:

“Exciting, touching, and compelling, Wild Bird celebrates the important things in life: courage, persistence, friendship, and love. It’s something special. Don’t miss it” — from Karen Cushman.

“The Sickness of Europe in the 1300s rings relevant to today’s readers, as we travel with an orphaned girl through so many losses, and witness her transform them to comfort, joy, even laughter through the truth of song. A quick-paced treasure” — from Donna Jo Napoli.

“I came away from this powerful book with tears in my eyes and a little more hope for the future. A deeply moving tribute to the power of art and memory” — from Laurel Snyder.

I was utterly floored by these reactions to a book that means so much to me.

And Wild Bird has been chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection!

Then yesterday, I learned that Wild Bird got a starred review from Publishers Weekly. This is my very first starred review. EVER. I could hardly believe it. The reviewer wrote:

“Zahler unflinchingly depicts a world in chaos due to disease, drawing contemporary parallels and thoughtfully highlighting issues of power structures, collective trauma, and remembrance.”

Wow.

Marvelwoods Making Magic!

Posted on by Diane Zahler

 

Early reviews on The Marvelwood Magicians have begun trickling in — and they’re excellent! I’m so excited for this circus family to meet the world. September 19 is the day!

 

 

From Kirkus (read the whole review here):

A hair-raising, exhilarating, big-top mystery.

 

And from School Library Journal:

The suspenseful plot moves quickly, and Zahler vividly portrays the unbearable pain of losing an innate part of one’s self.

VERDICT Bound to entice voracious and reluctant readers alike.

 

Kids Weigh In

Posted on by Diane Zahler

Because Baker’s Magic will be published in the UK at the same time as in the US, my lovely UK publicist has sent the book out to LoveReading4Kids, an organization that publishes reader reviews of books. And the kids have spoken! Here’s a link to the website with the reviews. And here are a few things the readers said:

Miyah Smith, age 10, for lovereading4kids.co.uk: ‘With a dash of humour and a good helping of excitement, Baker’s Magic has all the right ingredients for an amazing fairy tale.’

Alexander Bisland, age 10, for lovereading4kids.co.uk: ‘I really like this book and I especially like the recipe it gives you at the end. I recommend this book to 9+ adventurous readers. I give it 6/6 stars.’

Holly Wilkins, age 12, for lovereading4kids.co.uk: ‘Baking, trees and magic…If you like intriguing mysteries and a little bit of humour then you will love this book.’

Richie Upchurch, age 9, for lovereading4kids.co.uk: ‘This is a great adventure story. An orphan, Bee, is rescued by Master Bouts the baker, and they bake magical buns to save the town from an evil mage. There’s also a recipe and Bouts Buns are YUMMY!’

 

Reviews!

Posted on by Diane Zahler

The reviews for Baker’s Magic have begun to trickle in…and they are looking great! Even Kirkus has given the book a wholeheartedly positive review. Publishers Weekly liked it. And my first blog reviewer not only loved the book but made the Bouts Buns from the recipe in the back (and from the photos, they turned out perfectly)!

A few pull-out lines:

Zahler (Sleeping Beauty’s Daughters) has created a cozy fantasy adventure with tension, twists, and sweet treats. Bee and her companions are quick-thinking and determined heroes, and their journey to right wrongs should appeal to a broad range of readers. (PW)

While this joyful, creative adventure is filled with pirates, magic, missing trees, and a cuddly hedgehog, it is more than just a sweet ride. At its core, this is a story of bravery, resilience, and love. (Kirkus)

As they say here in London: HURRAH!