XiaolinMama

Youth Adult Book Club: Piper Reed Navy Brat

My son and I have always loved reading books together before bed time when he was little.  But as he has grown bigger, picture books aren't as exciting as they used to be.  So when we received a copy of Piper Reed Navy Rat in the mail , I was excited to try having a private book club with my 8 year old son.  I thought we could both read the book and compare notes.  Though, I admit having to bribe my son with a pack of Pokemon cards.   We then asked the daughter of one of my best friends, who is 10, to join in on the fun!  An avid reader, she was game. Now we're cookin!

We had the chance to interview the author Kimberly Willis Holt via email.  The kids came up with the questions and I submitted them.  It was a great opportunity for them to ask an author anything they wanted.  Kimberly took their questions seriously, just as she did with all the other participants of her blog tour.   It was fun and I hope the kids and I get to do it again.  I highly encourage these book clubs with your kids.  I am sure I will not have to bribe my son again:)

We thought the book was pretty good and since this is the beginning of a series, we are looking forward to seeing what happens next in Piper Reed's life adventures.  It was an easy read, with interesting details for younger ones.  My son is now obsessed with seeing the Blue Angels!

Here are Kimberly Willis Holts' responses to the kids questions - my budding Anderson Coopers!

How do you relate to Piper?
Piper is the middle daughter of a Navy Chief. I'm the daughter of a Navy chief, too, but I'm the eldest daughter. I moved a lot like she did and was born on NAS Pensacola, the same base where her father is assigned.

How did you create the characters?
In every book, the main characters come to almost magically. I hear their voice and that first statement usually becomes the first sentence in the book. Other characters come to me as I explore the story. Sometimes I might notice someone and I'll take one bit of them and embellish their physical traits. Other times I might overhear something that makes me think of a character.

I try to never put a real person in a book. Piper was inspired by my middle sister but she is not based on her. I believe there is a difference. Still my sister was the clever one. Everyone thought she was funny. She was fearless when it came to meeting people. The opposite of me--shy, serious, and according to my sisters--bossy.

Is this your first book?
No, this is my ninth. My first book was My Louisiana Sky. My most popular book is When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. If their interested, your readers can learn more about my other books on my website: www.kimberlywillisholt.com.

How do you come up with ideas for books?
When I hear the voice of that character speaking to me, I usually know what the story is going to be about. I even know the ending. However, I don't know the huge part between the beginning and the ending. That discovery is usually unveiled on the first draft.

What was the most difficult part about writing this book? and why?
Actually this book wasn't difficult, but I did have a few challenges. I needed to find out what military kids today were going through. That took research.

I returned to Pensacola and visited the base. I also watched and met some of the Blue Angels. And probably the most important thing I accomplished on that trip was interviewing kids that had a parent in the military today. I spoke with three groups at a Pensacola school. They told me about how they could stay in touch with their parents while they were on a ship or serving in Iraq. Today they use e-mail. The internet has made the world a lot smaller.

Did you use memories to help create this story?
Yes, some of my memories I used in the book  were the long car journeys to a new destination, visiting with relatives that we hadn't seen for a couple of years, and the dynamics of interacting with my sisters.

What is your favorite part of this book?
The ending because it shows that even though the girls might have had their differences, they were still a family that loved each other.

Would you want to be in the the navy army, airforce or marines today?
I couldn't see myself serving, but I think I would have enjoyed being a spouse of someone in the military. I would have tried to do what my mother did--make each destination a home. And I'd make sure I did what my dad did too--explore each destination.

Have you ever seen the Blue Angels?
Yes. Aside from my research trip,  I was lucky enough to see them perform several times. They were a part of my childhood. That's why I wanted them to be a part of Piper Reed's.

We are giving away one copy of Piper Reed Navy Brat to one lucky reader.  Simply write a comment here by January 5th. Be sure to include your email so we can contact you and mail you the book.  My son will choose one winner at random.
Thanks!

This Mama wants Edwards to write us a new song!

Media play up the notion that meeting Barack Obama is like meeting a rock star. I fully admit it. I drank the Kool Aid and was an early Obama supporter.  I was in awe of him hearing him speak at the Democratic Convention. I LOVE his brilliant wife and that she can talk about his dirty socks.  I love that to me he is what America can be again - optimistic, energized and ready to take on the world. I even wrote a check to support him.  I matched someone's gift and even sent emails to encourage others to do the same. I had never done that in my life for a national political campaign.

But as people asked me about why I supported Obama, it soon became clear to me that what I was "in love" with was the "idea" of it all.  The idea of one man breaking down ALL the barriers and changing my/our world for the better.  I had become a "groupie" without checkin' out who else was playin'.

I'm a product of the 80's. I was glued to my TV when Bob Geldoff and other rocker artists sang, "Do they know it's Christmas?" in 1984 at Live Aid.  Remember that?  It put the spotlight worldwide on hunger and poverty in Ethiopia.  They inspired a generation of kids like me to work to make our community a better place. Bono, George Michael and David Bowie were rock stars who were simply part of the collective.  No personality or ego was more important than the collective goal of the song.

I bring you all down memory lane because I think we need a president who can creatively write a whole new book of songs.  More specifically, tangible strategies and plans for health care, taxes and education that is bold, practical and makes you want to download it right onto your itunes now. Barack may be a rock star, but I think we need a movement builder.  I liken John Edwards to Bob Geldoff, the founder/songwriter of "Do they know it's Christmas?", who was the unknowing architect of a movement.  I think an architect rocker is exactly what our country needs today.

"It's beginning to look alot like Christmas..."

Finally, after weeks of the Pre-Holiday scramble (five birthday parties, four holiday get togethers, three all nighters for work, two soccer games and a partridge in a pear tree);  I finally, finally wrapped my first batch of gifts!  Yee haw. There is something under the tree!!

I hummed Christmas songs, busted out tape and scissors and found a few rolls of paper.  The kids and I ate ginger bread cookies and milk.  (Okay, I had wine too!) Then the kids got board of cutting tape and left to watch some holiday Sponge Bob show.  But it was great 30 minutes of being together - aaah the holidays.  Bring 'em on!