The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond (18 page)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I offer great thanks to Nancy Paulsen for her editorial guidance, alliance, and insight. I also extend many thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group for their continued support of my writing. To my children and grandchildren, thank you for being the luminous pieces in my puzzle of life. As always, I thank the Great and Holy Spirit for gently guiding me along this Earthly path. Love and kindness are essential in these times.

ALSO BY
brenda woods

SAINT LOUIS ARMSTRONG BEACH

Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Reading List

ALAN (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents) Pick

“Gripping. . . . Woods's marvelous characterizations of Saint and Miz Moran more than stand up to the vivid backdrop of the flooded, chaotic city. . . . A small gem that sparkles with hope, resilience and the Crescent City's unique, jazz-infused spirit.”

—
Kirkus Reviews
, starred review

“With his engaging voice, readers will quickly take a shine to Saint. The dialogue is strong, smooth, and natural. The food, music, and tempo of New Orleans all come to life. . . . Woods skillfully provides a sense of the growing tension as the storm approaches. The real-life events of Hurricane Katrina . . . are integrated smoothly into the story. While the tragedy of the event is not glossed over, the overall theme is one of hope.”

—
School Library Journal
, starred review

“Provides a vivid description of what life was like in pre-Katrina New Orleans, and how quickly peoples' lives were shattered. The characters are well-developed, and readers truly will care about their fates.”

—
Library Media Connection
, starred review

“Spare, moving novel. . . . Vividly portrays the force of the storm, and the authentic New Orleans setting works as a powerful character, adding an extra dimension to this compelling Katrina story.”

—
The Horn Book

MY NAME IS SALLY LITTLE SONG

Book Sense
Pick

Book Links
Best Books for the Classroom

“True to the child's voice, the terse, first-person narrative . . . brings close the backbreaking labor and cruelty of plantation life, then the flight to freedom, the sadness, and the hope. The action is fast, the journey fraught with danger; the details bring it home. . . . The searing historical fiction shows that there can be no sunny ending.”

—
Booklist
, starred review

“Offering a believable, horrifying portrayal of life as a captive. . . . Woods's account of how the surviving three family members assimilate into the Seminole culture is involving and bittersweet.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“Based on historical accounts, this novel provides readers with an alternative view of the realities of slavery. . . . Woods deftly teases out both the light and the dark moments of the experience. . . . This accessible tale will prove a rich resource for study and discussion.”

—
School Library Journal

THE RED ROSE BOX

Coretta Scott King Honor

PEN Center USA Literary Award Finalist

FOCAL Award

Judy Lopez Memorial Award

IRA Notable Books for a Global Society List

“This is a work that beautifully and accurately evokes a particularly painful and hopeful time through an insider's eyes, and yet it is also a timeless, universal tale of a young girl's road to maturity. An impressive debut.”

—
Kirkus Reviews

“Well-realized, believable characters. Ruth is the embodiment of a sassy eight-year-old and the adults are genuine, loving, and supportive. . . . This story of grief and loss ends on a hopeful note and will appeal to readers.”

—
School Library Journal

“Moving. . . . [Woods] creates some memorable characters . . . and probes historical events in a personal context that may open many readers' eyes.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“Language made musical with southern phrases . . . shapes the era and characters with both well-chosen particulars and universal emotions. . . . Young readers will connect with Leah and feel her difficult pull between freedom, comfort, and her deeply felt roots.”

—
Booklist

brenda woods
was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, raised in Southern California, and attended California State University, Northridge. She is the award-winning author of several books for young readers: Coretta Scott King Honor winner
The Red Rose Box
,
Saint Louis Armstrong Beach
(on eight state award lists),
VOYA
Top Shelf Fiction selection
Emako Blue
,
My Name Is Sally Little Song
(on four state award lists), and
A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
(Golden Sower Award finalist). Her numerous awards and honors include the Judy Lopez Memorial Award, FOCAL Award, Pen Center USA's Literary Award finalist, IRA Children's Choice Young Adult Fiction Award, and ALA Quick Pick. She is an avid reader, has two sons, and lives in the Los Angeles area.

Visit her at www.brendawoods.net.