I'm Inspired

As a writer I'm tempted to stay to an easy, believable plot, not rocking the boat. Yet, in my day dreams I sometimes see fantastical scenarios, characters from other planets and planes, and ordinary characters living extraordinary lives. That's why I'm so drawn to science fiction, fantasy, and mystery for young people. 
Do I secretly crave to write that way? I think so. Then, when I read a book like The Hunted, it gives me courage to think and write outside my safe box. Watch out, one day I may surprise you. 
It's nearly the end of summer. I hope you lived some of your dreams and read some books that will go on your all-time favorite list.

My review of The Hunted by Peter Clenott ~  http://peterclenott.net

In The Hunted the young reader is in for surprise, mystery, and scary thrills. It quickly becomes a page-turner as Suyape, an adopted teen from the Brazilian rainforest, discovers she has unusual communicative and psychic skills plus DNA that may be out of this world. Suyape lives in Maine with her adopted parents and sister Fabia. Fabia and Suyape look out for one another when strange people, terrifying animals, and events begin to show up and unsettle their former ordinary teen life. Before they know it, they are whisked to Brazil where both a mining and logging company, which wants Syape’s tribe’s land, and out-of-the-ordinary beings, called “Hunters,” want to kill them.

Author Peter Clenott has managed to combine mystery-thriller and science fiction with very good plotting and realistic, intelligent characters. Adults will enjoy it as well, so it could really be called a cross-over novel. Yes, it talks about the demise of the South American rainforest and non-contacted tribes around the world, but it is not preachy. In fact it may well create an interest in a teen, or in a classroom, to explore who and where non-contacted people live on our Earth, making it a study for a paper, unit, or as inspiration for creative writing. Naturally pure enjoyment comes first and foremost. This book is highly recommended for readers of all ages.

I can't wait to use this imaginative and informative book about Three Little Shrimp in a sea life unit in my preschool. Honestly, until I read this book, I'd never really considered the life, habitats, and food of shrimp. I guess most of us only regard shrimp as part of our food chain. Now, will I ever be able to eat another shrimp after learning about these interesting crustaceans? Check it out and I hope you will also find delight in shrimp as a member of our wondrous Earth creatures.

J. Steven Spires has written a charming picture book about three little shrimp that swim to the sea, but get separated from their troop. They find themselves in a great venture with some scary sea creatures and a fisherman all who want to catch them, even eat them. What a great escapade! The young reader will eagerly follow their adventuress while learning about shrimp habitats and food. They will find that shrimp are truly amazing creatures.

Jonathan Caron has wedded the illustrations beautifully with Spires’ text, embellishing the action while portraying sea life with accuracy. Three Little Shrimp, as well as becoming a favorite with children from preschool through third or fourth grade, will also be the basis of an informative, unique unit in the classroom, library, or camp. 

http://jstevenspires.com/