A Peek Into Gail Carson Levine's Favorite Kidlit
Okay, My Reading List Just Doubled...
If you follow me on Twitter, you know I recently read and adored Gail Carson Levin's Writing Magic. This slim, honed little book has made me love writing even more than I already did. Not to mention that I am so fired up to work with young writers! Have you heard of this quiet gem by Gail Carson Levine?
You may recall that Gail Carson Levine is the author of the Newbery Medal winner, Ella Enchanted, which was later made into a movie with baby Anne Hathaway. Since her sensational debut novel, Levine has been an unstoppable fairytale force, and has also devoted her life to working with young writers. Writing Magic is her gift to that set so dear to her heart, an invigorating and positive jumpstart to the craft of storytelling.
I thought it was just so splendid, and truly I think writers of all ages should get their hands on this book. I won’t spoil it for you, but I will offer a little slice of Levine guidance by offering a peek into her idea of good literature. Throughout the text, Levine employs examples from her own books but also from many other works. I’ve taken the liberty of compiling those books for you here.
This list of recommended children’s literature is eclectic, to say the least. There are titles here I have never heard of, with under twenty reviews on Amazon. At the other end of the spectrum are fellow Newbery winners. The common thread is plain, beautiful writing and a moving story.
Sure goes to show you that writing can be found anywhere, not just in the books that boast gorgeous covers or bigwig publishing clout.
Enjoy!*
Young Adult
Middle Grade
Other
Bonus!
Here are all the glorious tales Levine has written:
I have read NONE of these, so I am very interested to know whether you have! What do you think of this list? Interesting, no?
Hugs from my cozy cottage on an icy Georgia night!
Ttfn,
Emily
*Keep in mind, of course, that this is a list of books all published around or before 2006. If you’d like to stay up to date with Levine, she keeps up a very active blog here. OR pick up her more recent book on the craft of writing, Writer to Writer. Which I will be drooling over soon!