National Book Festival - September 26, 2009

Graced by the wonderful art by the talented AG Ford, MICHELLE hits the bookstands today, but crowds at the National Festival of Books in Washington, DC got a sneak preview on Saturday. I was honored to represent Oregon in the Pavilion of the States. Thousands of people streamed by throughout the day. It was great to see so many parents and kids celebrating books and reading. Oregon's contribution to the map that folks were trying to fill with a sticker or stamp from each state was a stamp of Ramona. With 130,000 people attending, it's hard to say how many we stamped in our booth, but it was a lot!

The most heard-question when seeing the cover: "Is Michelle from Oregon?"

Answer: No, Chicago (though her brother, Craig, coaches basketball at OSU). But I am the author and I AM from Oregon.

And then there was the most-heard comment about First Family -- "Oooh, look at Bo!"

In addition it was great to share other books, including Stagecoach Sal, Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek, Apples to Oregon, and the recent Oregon Book Award winner, Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole.

OREGON READS MUSINGS

Since September, I've had the great fortune to be part of celebrations for Oregon Reads, a statewide reading program in honor of Oregon's 150th anniversary this year.

My travels have taken me to Coos Bay and Cottage, Newport, Seaside, Ontario, Bend, Sisters, Sunriver, Pendleton, and Hood River.

I really have driven more than a thousand miles: it's almost 400 miles one way from my home in West Linn to Ontario, which is in a different time zone! I've also had the pleasure of visiting libraries closer to my home in West Linn: Wilsonville, Tigard, Oregon City, Sherwood, Canby, and more.

Along the way I've met children and families, and dedicated teachers and librarians who work and volunteer their time to encourage reading and literacy in community after community. I also had the privilege of presenting with two wonderful authors, Virginia Euwer Wolff and Lauren Kessler. Thank you to everyone at the Oregon Library Association and all the generous donors to this project, who gave money, time, talent -- and apples!

To fill out an evaluation and learn more, visit the Oregon Reads website: http://www.oregonreads2009.org/

Of course, 2009 isn't over yet so there is still time to celebrate Oregon's Sesquicentennial -- and to read all three Oregon Reads selections.

Thank you!

Deborah Hopkinson

deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com

April 6 is the 100th anniversary of Peary and Henson's arrival at the North Pole.

My new book, Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole, includes some of Henson's own words about his many years of experience in the Arctic.

Watch for a story in the LA Times Kids' section on Sunday, April 5 about this amazing explorer.

Contact me at: deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com

Website: www.deborahhopkinson.com