Preparing for Renovation: A Podcast of "Angela's Wisdom"

Angela’s Wisdom, published at the 2001 Worldcon, was written by a mother and daughter. The daughter,- now 18, reads a story about the importance of literacy.

When you listen to the podcast episode you will hear that the producers Dave and Ben recorded a brief introduction (in addition to the usual AboutSF podcast intro) which includes information on RFF and information about the workshop at Renovation, the 2011 Worldcon.

The podcast and interviews are mentioned on the AboutSF website, too. There you can listen to the podcast, read more about the education workshop at Renovation from the AboutSF perspective, and then explore the many lessons and book reviews available on the site. You can also check out the AboutSF forum on science fiction.


Visit the podcast production site to get a link that can be used on Facebook, your website, email or your blog:

http://aboutsf.podomatic.com/entry/2011-04-23T11_33_40-07_00

A Message from Ben

"All of these more technical issues aside, what a wonderful story! I want to thank all of you so much for your great efforts and your willingness to share "Angela's Wisdom" with people through the AboutSF podcast. Also, I hope that the podcast episode will help to advertise the workshop at Renovation reno-teachingsf@renovationsf.org.

"So far this month we've had 231 new subscribers to the podcast, and I believe last month there were 180 new subscribers. Hopefully the podcast will encourage people to attend Renovation and to sign up for the workshop.

"Thanks again, to everyone, for all of your help!"

~ Ben Cartwright, Volunteer coordinator, AboutSF

Full details of the workshop program and information on how to register can be found at renovationsf.org/te achingsf.php
Sign-up for the workshop ends on June 30, 2011.

Additional information is at Reading4Future@gmail.com

About the Organizers

Reading for the Future, Inc (www.readingforfuture.com) is a grassroots volunteer organization whose aim is to help young people develop a love of reading and intellectual adventure through the vehicle of science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction.

AboutSF (http://www.aboutsf.com) is a resource center for speculative literature, science fiction, and education. It is a joint project of the University of Kansas, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and the Science Fiction Research Association, with generous support from Tor Books, The Heinlein Prize Trust, and several individual donors.

~written by Dave Anderson and Valerie Coskrey

RFF and AboutSF Sponsor an Educational Workshop at WorldCon Renovation

Renovation, the 2011 World Science Fiction Convention
August 17-August 21, 2011

Press Release of Monday, April 18, 2011

-- Reno, Nevada, USA --
Want to build an alien or explore science fiction in the classroom?

Renovation, the 69th Worldcon, today announced "Teaching SF", a workshop for teachers, librarians and parents on how to use science fiction as a teaching tool.

Workshop speakers will include Renovation Guest of Honor Tim Powers, Peadar Ó Guilín, Mary Robinette Kowal, John DeChancie, Daniel M. Kimmel, Gary K. Wolfe, L. E. Modesitt, Jr. and G. David Nordley. The workshop is a collaborative effort, organized and presented by Reading for the Future, Inc, from a proposal by AboutSF at the University of Kansas.

The workshop will be held alongside Renovation in the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, running from 9 a.m. to around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17. Renovation members with full attending memberships can attend the TeachingSF workshop at no cost, but must sign up in advance as space is limited.

Adults who are not Renovation members may attend the workshop for a $40 fee; this fee includes a one-day pass to attend Renovation on Wednesday after the workshop. Young Adults (those aged 21 or under on the day of the workshop) may attend for a reduced fee of $25.

Full details of the workshop program and information on how to register can be found at www.renovationsf.org/teachingsf.php Sign-up for the workshop ends on June 30, 2011. Additional information is at Reading4Future@gmail.com

About the Organizers

Reading for the Future, Inc (www.readingforfuture.com)is a grassroots volunteer organization whose aim is to help young people develop a love of reading and intellectual adventure through the vehicle of science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction.

AboutSF (http://www.aboutsf.com)is a resource center for speculative literature, science fiction, and education. It is a joint project of the University of Kansas, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and the Science Fiction Research Association, with generous support from Tor Books, The Heinlein Prize Trust, and several individual donors.

FB Report: Lots of Links on Speculative Fiction -- 3/24/11

Reading For the Future Thank you Lawrence Santoro for this information.
Free Complete Works of H.P. Lovecraft for Nook and Kindle – Cthulhu Chick
http://cthulhuchick.com/free-complete-lovecraft-ebook-nook-kindle/
cthulhuchick.com
Presenting a free eBook (EPUB and MOBI) of the complete works of H.P. Lovecraft. eBook is compatible with Nook, Kindle, KOBO, Sony and more.
[3/24/11]

Reading For the Future They have a section for teachers.
Welcome to CritterZoom! Streaming video of critters and offering interactive, online animal classes!
http://www.critterzoom.com/
www.critterzoom.com
Critterzoom educational wildlife videos for schools and home. Responsible internet content. Welcome to CritterZoom! Streaming video of critters and offering interactive, online animal classes!
[3/22/11]

Reading For the Future Supreme Court Justice William Brennan tackled the issue of how people will govern themselves in space settlements in a 1988 speech.
The Space Review: The path to the future, from a voice from the past
http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1804/1
www.thespacereview.com
The overarching goal of space advocates is to create “a spacefaring civilization.” A key aspect—some say a key precondition—will be the existence of a legal structure governing how people will live and work in space.
[3/22/11]

Reading For the Future In honor of World Storytelling Day, Michele Wilson is offering some of her fantasy short stories suitable for children of all ages from 8 to over 80.
Index
http://artbymichelewilson.com/storyindex.htm
artbymichelewilson.com
I am currently working on a collection of Fantasy short stories entitled Sean's Stories. Sean is one of my favorite characters to write. A huge shape-shifting elf, he is an excellent Bard and would much rather sing and tell stories then do that hero stuff. Unfortunately for him, he is also an excell...
[3/20/11]

Reading For the Future Here's another great eBook for only 99 cents. Tim Pratt, the author, says it's for ages 10 and up - the protagonist is age 13, too!
Remember, the great thing about cheap and free eBooks is that there are quite a few free apps for reading them on Smart Phones.
And that's cool.
The Nex
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045JL56K
www.amazon.com
Teenager Miranda Candle finds a mysterious necklace and is suddenly transported to The Nex, the bizarre city at the center of all possible universes, where she falls in with a pair of would-be revolutionaries -- the skinshifter Howlaa and the bodiless Wisp -- fighting the oppressive regime of the ci
[3/15/11]

Reading For the Future Now you can watch Isaac Asimov’s unaired science show.
(and at a great price, too)
io9.com
http://io9.com/#!5782023/now-you-can-watch-isaac-asimovs-unaired-science-show
io9.com
In the two years before he died, Asimov was prepping a TV series about the thin line between science and science fiction - and how we need to embrace the future. Now you can see footage from it for free online.
[3/15/11]

Reading For the Future What can science fiction tell us about the future of social media?
io9.com
http://io9.com/#!5781908/what-can-science-fiction-tell-us-about-the-future-of-social-media
io9.com
Right now, you are reading a piece of social media. That means it's designed to be passed around on social networks - though it appears on io9.com, can easily be transplanted to Facebook, Twitter, Stumble Upon, and dozens of others.
[3/15/11]

Reading For the Future ‎Alex Knight is doing something amazing! Her new eBook, What Luck! is only 99 cents but royalties from all sales during the month of March (even the sales made before this disaster will count) will go to various organizations for earthquake & tsunami relief. (for ages 14+)

What Luck!
http://www.amazon.com
www.amazon.com
Margaret Anne and Maxwell Sinclair have lost their only son and one another. “I shall love you forever.” Her prophetic last words to Maxwell haunt him for what seems like an eternity. Reunited by a miracle, they have little time for bliss as their idyllic existence is once again threatened. When an
[3/13/11]

Book Review: Space Winners by Gordon R. Dickson

3 Post Sections:
Initial problem; book review; teaching with science fiction.

Pardon the [editing]. This book review was part of a message that included the original problem. To separate the parts, I had to be heavy-handed with the editing.~valerie

Rozalyn Mansfield Reviews Space Winners

Peep,[the small furry pet of Space Winners] only superficially resembles Stitch [of Disney's "Lilo and Stitch"]. Although the description [previous post][of a furry pet] was accurate, there is quite a bit of difference between the characters. However, there is enough similarity to hook kids into reading the book.

Our daughter is reading it now and really enjoying it.

It's an excellent, thought-provoking book with one of the best defenses ever for the idea of the "Prime Directive." It shows a very interesting interaction between highly advanced and more primitive cultures; and also has extremely intriguing interactions between the characters, especially the kids in it who are chosen by extraterrestrials to be "space winners". The kids have differing viewpoints about interaction with aliens and how beings with higher levels of technology and knowledge should treat other less-advanced beings they know about.

There are a number of used copies available through Amazon and other sources, but unfortunately the book is presently out of print. If anyone out there has ideas about ways to get it re-printed, it would be a great book to use in school classes....

Rozalyn went on to make a few teaching suggestions. These are in a post in the series Teaching with Science Fiction.

As to getting copies of the book in the future, maybe someone will place it on Project Gutenberg or the owner of Dickson's estate will republish the story, maybe as an ebook. ~Valerie

FB Report: Lots of Link on Speculative Fiction -- 3/2/11

Reading For the Future Lynda Williams reviewed this book for us. As it turns out, the book is suitable for youth and was actually listed on the ALA List of Best Books for Young Adults.~Valerie C.
Reading for the Future Reflections: Book Review: Summers at Castle Auburn by Sharon Shinn
http://rff-reflections.blogspot.com/2011/02/book-review-summers-at-castle-auburn-by.html
rff-reflections.blogspot.com

Reading For the Future
Love what YOU love – Ray Bradbury
http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2011/02/28/love-what-you-love-ray-bradbury/
www.geeksaresexy.net
This amazing letter was sent to a child by Fahrenheit 451 author Ray Bradbury back in October 1991. Unfortunately, we don't have the context in which the


Reading For the Future A nice bit of historic science
Space Shuttle Launch: Viewed From an Airplane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE_USPTmYXM
www.youtube.com
The captain can be heard over the loudspeaker saying, "Those on the right side can see the space shuttle. Those on the left side can probably see the people on the right side looking at the space shuttle." You gotta love airplane humor.

Reading For the Future' On November 30th and December 1st, 2010, at the TIME Conference Center in New York City, many of the most innovative people and organizations in the science and technology world came together for an historic gathering - the 2010 World Technology Summit & Awards, the eighth Summit and ninth Awards thus far!'
Does Sci-Fi Influence the Future?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJP-YqAJT9c
www.youtube.com
Tech Nation's Moira Gunn and science fiction author Paul Levinson explore the influence of sci-fi on technological breakthroughs of the future, from space exploration to time travel.

Reading For the Future A Program Designed For Teen Writers Interested in Today's Hottest Fantasy Fiction Genres.
SharedWorlds
http://www.wofford.edu/sharedworlds/
www.wofford.edu
Here there be monsters! And beasts! And fantastical creatures. The faculty of Shared Worlds creative writing camp has called on some of speculative fiction's most compelling storytellers to chase down and gather up all manner of wondrous beasts. Scroll through our Fantastic Bestiary and don't forget

Reading For the Future Some of my favorite authors publish with Baen, however a couple of their works were left off the list. But it is a start. Fledgling and Saltation, both by Lee and Miller were both left off the list, although Baen published them last year or so. At least the ones on the list were personally vetted by someone who has read each one. ~Valerie C.
Young Adult Reading List - Baen Books
http://baen.com/ya_list.asp
baen.com
This is a preliminary list of books published by Baen deemed by me, Toni Weisskopf, executive editor, (with help from editor Hank Davis) to be suitable for an intelligent young adult reader. These are the books I would have read (and in some cases did read) when I was in middle and high school.

Reading For the Future Good luck if you have been nominated! :)
SFWA announces the 2010 Nebula Award Nominees
http://www.sfwa.org/2011/02/2010-nebula-nominees/
www.sfwa.org
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America

Book Review: Summers at Castle Auburn by Sharon Shinn

Lynda Williams of Okal Rel Universe fame has written this book review.

Lynda Williams Reviews Summer at Castle Auburn

Summers at Castle Auburn by Sharon Shinn is a charming tale of disillusionment and romance set in a classical fantasy setting with some unique touches.

I picked it up second hand for the sake of the endorsements from Peter S. Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn, and I wasn't disappointed.

Image used with permission.

It's a gentle story, although the protagonist has to live through discovering the ugliness behind her rosy childhood vision of the courtly relatives. I enjoyed the fey species called the aliora, prized as slaves for their unfailing kindness even in captivity, and the many well integrated subplots.

Like many strong-minded heroines in medieval fantasies, the heroine Corie gets away with more than might be historically justified, but not so much that her choices are easy ones. Corie's training in the healing arts of her grandmother, a village wise woman, makes her independence more believable.

A manageable read for young lovers of romantic fantasy and entertaining for adults, also.

by Lynda Williams
Author Okal Rel Universe

More About Sharon Shinn

Sharon Shinn's website lists this book in the novels section where it is described as, "Named to the ALA list of Best Books for Young Adults."

Sharon Shinn writes fantasy for adults and young adults alike. On her website she lists 5 novels and 1 short story written specifically for young adults. Among these, 3 deserve special mention.

• The Safe-Keeper's Secret, first published in 2004, "was named to the ALA list of Best Books for Young Adults."
• The Truth Teller’s Tale was "named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age and made it onto the 2006 Bank Street Children’s Book List."
• The short story "Wintermoon Wish" was published in the young adult anthology Firebirds Rising 

I enjoyed exploring Sharon Shinn's beautiful website and reading the extremely interesting descriptions of her books. Who knows, maybe I will begin to read more fantasy, a feat that I currently do on a limited basis as I am such a die-hard hard SF fan. Am I mellowing as I age? Of course, I have always loved a good romance novel!

Thanks, Lynda, for this introduction to another spec fiction author.

~Valerie

Facebook Report: Lots of Links on Speculative Fiction -- 2/22/11

Reading For the Future Some of my favorite authors publish with Baen, however a couple of their works were left off the list. But it is a start. Fledgling and Saltation, both by Lee and Miller were both left off the list, although Baen published them last year or so. At least the ones on the list were personally vetted by someone who has read each one. ~Valerie C.
Young Adult Reading List - Baen Books
http://baen.com/ya_list.asp
baen.com
This is a preliminary list of books published by Baen deemed by me, Toni Weisskopf, executive editor, (with help from editor Hank Davis) to be suitable for an intelligent young adult reader. These are the books I would have read (and in some cases did read) when I was in middle and high school. I en
[2/23/11]

Reading For the Future Good luck if you have been nominated! :)
SFWA announces the 2010 Nebula Award Nominees
http://www.sfwa.org/2011/02/2010-nebula-nominees/
www.sfwa.org
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
[2/22/11]

Reading For the Future Three great books represented here, so it was a must share
(even though only two were SF) __this refers to an image posted by REading For the Future.

Reading for the Future: 'Admiral Richard Byrd said on the eve of his polar voyage "Jules Verne guides me."'
There are some great examples here. Answer the call for help, or use it as a jumping off point in a discussion.
Inspired By Science Fiction?: Science Fiction in the News
http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=3210
www.technovelgy.com
Inspired By Science Fiction? I'm doing a talk on science fiction and innovation at the Wharton business school, and I need a list of people who were inspired by science fiction in their careers. Also, I need more examples of modern-day scientists who have specifically stated that particular ideas we.....153 ImpressionsRaw number of times this story has been seen on your Wall and in the News Feed of your Fans · 0% FeedbackNumber of Comments and Likes per impression
[2/18/11]

Reading For the Future Futuristic Movie Timeline, also by Dan Meth.
Yes, these are movies, but most started out as great books.
Notes by the creator:
No one really pays much attention to what year sci-fi movies take place. I thought it would be interesting to arrange some classic films about the future into chronological order and see what we’d find. I’ve als...o charted the years in which they were released as well as the current year. This is by far the geekiest thing I’ve ever done.
* I only included movies in which Wikipedia knew the exact year.See More
[2/17/11]

Lynn E. Cohen Koehler
Today's Al's Book Club for Kids pick! Tony DiTerlizzi!!
The Search For WondLa
wondla.com
[reposted from 1/31/11]

The Fantasy World Map by Dan Meth (an image)
..270 ImpressionsRaw number of times this story has been seen on your Wall and in the News Feed of your Fans · 1.85% FeedbackNumber of Comments and Likes per impression
[2/17/11]

Reading For the Future Very interesting contest - Imaginary books!
Lost Pages’ Imaginary Book Contest :: ChiZine Publications
http://chizine.com/chizinepub/contests/lost-pages/
chizine.com
[2/17/11]

Reading For the Future
http://www.facebook.com/notes/reading-for-the-future/reading-for-the-future-encouraging-literacy-through-speculative-fiction/196939027000102
READING FOR THE FUTURE ~ ENCOURAGING LITERACY THROUGH SPECULATIVE FICTION
"IT IS THE MARK OF AN EDUCATED MIND TO BE ABLE TO ENTERTAIN A THOUGHT WITHOUT ACCEPTING IT." - ARISTOTLE Re....
[2/17/11]

Reading For the Future Who we are and how to reach us
(Link to Notes where information is kept for websites, blog and physical address of RFF,Inc.)
[2/17/11]

Reading for the Future~Valerie via EDGE Publishing
As you may already know, "Tesseracts Fifteen: A Case of Quite Curious Tales", edited by Julie Czerneda, and Susan MacGregor (Fall 2011) is the ONLY Tesseracts in the 16 edition all-Canadian speculative fiction series to be developed for a YA audience. So, in celebration of T15, our question for you today i...s: "What was your favorite fantasy story growing up?". Would you read it again now?See More
[2/16/11]

Comments
Laura Lind What got me into SF was _Black Cauldron_, but now I can't stand it.
February 16
Reading For the Future I loved the juvenile Heinleins. I no longer get surprised to have adults say certain books are boring and formulaic. After all, kids like different stuff. And although I love H. Beam Piper, who writes suitably for YA, I cannot make myself finish reading Fuzzy Sapiens even though I recommend it highly for YA and junior high along with a science class discussion of scientific method and a history discussion on colonization sociology and politics.
February 17

Reading For the Future
Mars Needs Moms by Berkeley Breathed, 2008 winner of the Golden Duck for Best Picture Book, now a motion picture from Disney
Mars Needs Moms | Disney
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/marsneedsmoms/?cmp=dmov_dpic_mars_psg_Title_mars+needs+moms_extl
disney.go.com
Learn about Milo, Ki, Gribble, and the gang from Mars Needs Moms... with videos, games, character bios, and more.
[2/16/11]

Reading For the Future
Get ready for the 2011 Renovation, the WorldCon in Las Vegas this August. RFF will be there with this teaching workshop called Roadshow. ~Valerie C.
http://rff-reflections.blogspot.com/2011/02/announcement-rff-teams-with-aboutsf-for.html
rff-reflections.blogspot.com
Reading for the Future Reflections: Announcement: RFF Teams with AboutSF for Roadshow at Renovation
[2/16/11]

Reading For the Future This newsletter links to several new articles posted to the RFF blog. Enjoy!
Check back in a couple of days, too, because some articles mentioned are still in draft form. I plan to edit the newsletter with links as I get the articles completed.
Reading for the Future Reflections: Reflections Collections -- 2/15/11
http://rff-reflections.blogspot.com/2011/02/reflections-collections-21511.html
rff-reflections.blogspot.com.
[2/16/11]

FB Report: Lots of Links on Speculative Fiction -- 2/18/11

Reading For the Future ~Valerie via EDGE Publishing
As you may already know, "Tesseracts Fifteen: A Case of Quite Curious Tales", edited by Julie Czerneda, and Susan MacGregor (Fall 2011) is the ONLY Tesseracts in the 16 edition all-Canadian speculative fiction series to be developed for a YA audience. So, in celebration of T15, our question for you today i...s: "What was your favorite fantasy story growing up?". Would you read it again now?See More
[2/16/11]

Comments:

Reading For the Future I had to shorten EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing to make the item fit in the space.~Valerie
[2/16/11]
Reading For the Future From Cie: Sword of Shanara. I must have read it five times before I went to college. I reread it recently and was so disappointed. It seemed like a LotR clone. But from 10-17 I love it :D
[2/16/11]
Laura Lind
Not exactly fantasy, but in elementary school it was D'Auleries (sp?) Greek Myths. I didn't actually get into SF until middle school, but then it was the Alanna books by Tamora Pierce. Now there's more in the same world, & I still enjoy t...hem. In high school, I think my favorites were the Pern books. Of course, my answer to "What's your favorite book" has always been "Whatever book I'm reading now." Just looking back, I can see that I read those books more than anything else during those years.See More
[2/16/11]
Laura Lind What got me into SF was _Black Cauldron_, but now I can't stand it.
[2/16/11]
Reading For the Future I loved the juvenile Heinleins. I no longer get surprised to have adults say certain books are boring and formulaic. After all, kids like different stuff. And although I love H. Beam Piper, who writes suitably for YA, I cannot make myself finish reading Fuzzy Sapiens even though I recommend it highly for YA and junior high along with a science class discussion of scientific method and a history discussion on colonization sociology and politics.
[2/17/11]

Reading For the Future Mars Needs Moms by Berkeley Breathed, 2008 winner of the Golden Duck for Best Picture Book, now a motion picture from Disney
Mars Needs Moms | Disney
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/marsneedsmoms/?cmp=dmov_dpic_mars_psg_Title_mars+needs+moms_extl
disney.go.com
Learn about Milo, Ki, Gribble, and the gang from Mars Needs Moms... with videos, games, character bios, and more.
[2/16/11]

Reading For the Future Get ready for the 2011 Renovation, the WorldCon in Las Vegas this August. RFF will be there with this teaching workshop called Roadshow. ~Valerie C.
Reading for the Future Reflections: Announcement: RFF Teams with AboutSF for Roadshow at Renovation
http://rff-reflections.blogspot.com/2011/02/announcement-rff-teams-with-aboutsf-for.html
rff-reflections.blogspot.com
[2/16/11]

Reading For the Future This newsletter links to several new articles posted to the RFF blog. Enjoy!

Check back in a couple of days, too, because some articles mentioned are still in draft form. I plan to edit the newsletter with links as I get the articles completed.
Reading for the Future Reflections: Reflections Collections -- 2/15/11
http://rff-reflections.blogspot.com/2011/02/reflections-collections-21511.html
rff-reflections.blogspot.com
[2/16/11]

Reading For the Future "All persons, living and dead, are purely coincidental."
15 Things Kurt Vonnegut Said Better Than Anyone Else Ever Has Or Will
http://www.avclub.com/articles/15-things-kurt-vonnegut-said-better-than-anyone-el,1858/
www.avclub.com
1. "I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, 'If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.'" The actual advice here is technically a quote from Kurt Vonnegut's "good uncle" Alex, but Vonnegut was nice enough to pass it on at speeches and in A Man Wit...
[2/16/11]

Comments

Lawrence Morrison I knew Kurt since I was seven. wonderful man, remembered me at Noreascon3, years later, fantastic mind!!!!
[2/16/11]

Reading For the Future You are privileged :)
Slaughterhouse 5 has always been one of my favorite books.
[2/16/11]

Lynn E. Cohen Koehler Today's Al's Book Club for Kids pick! Tony DiTerlizzi!!
The Search For WondLa
http://wondla.com/?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly%27s+Children%27s+Bookshelf&utm_campaign=0738b84f72-Simon+&+Schusters+-WondLa++-20110131&utm_medium=email
wondla.com
January 31 [Reposted 2/16/11]

Reading For the Future
Alpha SF/F/H Workshop for Young Writers
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alpha-SFFH-Workshop-for-Young-Writers/133481160019572
The Alpha SF/F/H Workshop for Young Writers is a ten-day workshop for speculative fiction writers aged 14-19 at the University of Pittsburgh's Greensburg campus. At Alpha, students write and revise a short story, give and receive critiques, work with four ...professional authors, and form friendships that often last for years. They also get the opportunity to do a public reading of one of their stories or poems. During or after Alpha, many students submit their work to professional magazines for the first time. Previous attendees have placed in the Dell Magazines Award and Writer’s of the Future contests, and have sold stories to Boys’ Life, Realms of Fantasy, Fantasy Magazine, Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, Fantastic Stories, Corpse Blossoms, Aberrant Dreams, and Fantastical Visions. Want more details? Check out the website.
[2/12/11]

Reading For the Future via David Brin Change is the principal feature of our age and literature should explore how people deal with it. The best science fiction does that, head-on.
–from an interview for Locus
[2/12/11]

Reading For the Future Sad news
Brian Jacques, Writer of Redwall Series, Dies at 71
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/09/arts/09jacques.html?_r=2&hpw
www.nytimes.com
Mr. Jacques worked many trades before finding his métier as a writer of the Redwall children’s fantasy books.
[2/10/11]

Reading For the Future More to celebrate Jules Verne's birthday
8 Jules Verne Inventions That Came True (Pictures)
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/02/pictures/110208-jules-verne-google-doodle-183rd-birthday-anniversary/?source=link_fb20110208julesverne
news.nationalgeographic.com
See eight real-life inventions dreamed up decades earlier by Jules Verne—whose 183rd birthday is honored Tuesday with a Google doodle.
[2/8/11]

To Share or Not to Share; How does one Decide what Books to Recommend to Youth?

The Birth of Human Intelligence, an image by ©AlienCat - Fotolia.com.

This image may only be used with permission of Fotolia.com. It is used here by Valerie Coskrey, who purchased a license for its use.

About the series "To Share or not to Share"

I asked this question of the rff Yahoo! Group and got a dialog that is currently 60 messages long and still growing. To share the insights of these science fiction fans will take several blog posts. Look for the To Share or not to Share series.

You can read the original messages in the topic thread "Why would you not share a book with a kid?" In the blog series some messages will be skipped, summarized or quoted in full or quoted in part; i.e., edited, you know.

Skins and other Shows:
The eMail that Started the Dialog

My local paper had this heading by Frazier Moore, AP Television Writer:

"'Skins' viewership plunges for its second airing."

"Skins" was criticized as too sexual, even practically pornographic, by folks on MSNBC, FSTV and even CNN when it first came out.

There is much criticism of TV shows for violence. And goodness knows the dramas like the soaps, 90210, and dozens more deal with all kinds of sexuality. Cable movie channels and The Comedy Channel makes no bones about profane language.
My favorite shows Highlander, Burn Notice and even the movies Terminator, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Bladerunner and hundreds more have heroes who break laws, kill, destroy property and all in the guise of helping others. Heck, we are at war. I consider these examples of situational ethics. What values are being taught here?

Got a question or two:

• What makes an adult book of speculative fiction unsuitable/suitable for youth (YA)?
  
• What adult sci fi books do you recommend for youth? Which ones would youabsolutely NOT give to a teen under 18?
  

This email above was from Valerie Coskrey of Valerie Coskrey's Classroom Tools and Ideas

First Response

"The Puritans ride forth to defend the country from thinking," said one RFFer.

Others were equally concerned about censorship, to which Valerie responded:

"... I do not want censorship, but guidance might help. As a teacher in high school, what limits should I
put on my recommendations to my students? (I am not teaching this year, but have years of experience in the science classroom.)

"I have recommended Brightness Reef. Another of Brin's is The Practice Effect. I am wondering about Moon's Vatta's War series and Esmay Suiza series. Then there is Weber's On Basilisk Station and the Prince Roger series. His Dalak series I would recommend, but there is lots of violence in the Prince Roger series. The Weber's Honor Universe books about other characters seem to be suitable to me. But why? or why not?"

Rule of Thumb from a Teacher

One high school teacher, Mary, claiming that she is "not talking censorship," but in recognition of and respect for the opinions of parents, offered a personal guideline.

"I find that if I would be hesitant or embarrassed to speak with my grandmother (may she rest in peace) about the book and its contents, I would not recommend it to a student...I have suggested Vonnegut, Heinlein (yes, even some "adult" titles to carefully screened students--and sometimes I've talked with parents), Gibson, Butler, and others. But I generally stick with the "old school" authors and titles unless I have really found the kid has special interest. (I gave a Senior who is a (mostly) devout Catholic Stranger in a Strange Land; he was really intrigued and enjoyed it.)

"I found that as a kid -- 4th grade and up -- I was generally drawn to 'classic' authors with minimal gore and/or sexual content. I tend to recommend books like that to kids as well."

On Parental Resistance and Personal Opinions

Valerie responded.

"...I had resistance from parents, too, when I had books in the classroom and let the kids borrow them. One parent even threw away one of my favorite paperbacks. I do not think she believed that I had lent it to the student. It was The Prince of Mercenaries so maybe I should have known better.

"I would have loved to use Vonnegut's Galapagos in biology, but never dared to because of the in-vitro-type of impregnation that allowed the species to continue. Was I too cautious?

"I found H. Beam Piper and Asimov safe to use. Fuzzy Sapiens and a few others are similar to Heinlein's juveniles, which I shared with students. I would not use the Methuselah's Children or Cat who Walks through Walls because of the incest."

A Librarian Weighs in

Librarian Sandy Moltz had this to say.

"My biggest concern--and why I mentioned Cryptonomicon--is turning off a kid. I don't want to give them a book that is not just a stretch, but too difficult for them, either the vocabulary or the plot. I don't mind if they don't like a book I recommend - that makes for an interesting discussion - but I want them to have felt up to the task of reading the book. My goals include confidence building and encouraging creativity of the teens.

"I also tell them about books I am reading, even if the book is not something they are ready to read. For example, the teens loved hearing about the crazy off-the-wall description I gave them of Cory Doctorow's Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town. Heavy sexual content so I would not give it to a middle school student. But maybe they'll remember it and read it on their own some day.

"Besides the authors I've mentioned in this and the previous e-mail, the other adult authors I give the kids include Bradbury, Douglas Adams, and Bradbury."

The Dialog Continues

From here the direction of the conversation shifted a bit to talking about the value of science fiction. Look for that part of the conversation in the next post in this series "To Share or Not to Share."


~Valerie

FB Report: Lots of Links on Speculative Fiction -- 2/3/11

Today's FB Report covers 2 weeks. Life is just too busy to keep to the weekly schedule. It is possible that a biweekly FB Report is to be the pattern of the future. We will see. ~Valerie C.

Reading For the Future After the sad and unnecessary death of Melissa Mia Hall, aka MMH, all writers should know there is now an option out there.
Please, pass this along
We Now Offer Health Insurance to Our Members | NWU - National Writers Union
http://www.nwu.org/we-now-offer-health-insurance-our-members
www.nwu.org
Effective immediately, the National Writers Union is offering our members a chance to buy quality health insurance. This program offers the most comprehensive health insurance package available to individual freelance writers in the U.S.
[2/2/11]

Reading For the Future My 11-year-old is very interested in History and Greek Mythology; I can't think of any science fiction that has _more_ gore and sexual content than History and Greek Mythology. - Alberto Monteiro

This quote is from our Talking RFF Yahoo group discussion entitled 'Why would you not share a book to a kid?'. If you'd lik...e to join in, pop on over to Yahoo and join the group :)
[2/2/11]


Comments:

• Lawrence Morrison Could not find the forum, hope someone suggested the Percy Jackson series.!
• 
  
• Reading For the Future  Lawrence, so glad you looked for it! :D
• Talking RFF is a Yahoo Group, not a forum. I am unsure if I can post a link to the group section, since the one downside is that everyone does need to create a Yahoo ID to join. However, I have all upd...ates sent to me once a day at my regular address. Feel free to msg me, Cie McCullough, with any questions.See More
• 
  
• Reading For the Future In the Yahoo! Group directory the group is called rff. Hope this helps. More links to come soon.~Valerie C.

Reading For the Future Thank you Jan Howard Finder for this, although I would still like my pneumatic people tube.
Ray Bradbury Prunes Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5NxG_rr5aU&feature=player_embedded
www.youtube.com
Strange prunes commercial from, I believe, the 60s.
[1/31/11]


Reading For the Future courtesy of Lynn E. Cohen Koehler: Today's Al's Book Club for Kids pick! Tony DiTerlizzi!!
The Search For WondLa
http://wondla.com/?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly%27s+Children%27s+Bookshelf&utm_campaign=0738b84f72-Simon+&+Schusters+-WondLa++-20110131&utm_medium=email
wondla.com
[1/31/11]


Reading For the Future What vintage science fiction has to do with the future of self-directed learning.
Isaac Asimov on Creativity in Education & The Future of Science | Brain Pickings
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2011/01/28/isaac-asimov-creativity-education-science
www.brainpickings.org
In a rare 1988 interview, iconic sci-fi author Isaac Asimov shares cunning insights on the role of creativity in education and predicts the future of technology with astounding accuracy.
{1/28/11]

Reading For the Future SF a la Bollywood
Endiran - Enthiran - எந்திரன் Excellent HD Quality
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCGm3e4A-GQ&feature=fvw
www.youtube.com
Summa Adhirudhulla..... Enthiran (Tamil: எந்திரன்) is a forthcoming Tamil science fiction film co-written and directed by S. Shankar. The film features Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai in the lead roles with A. R. Rahman working on background score and soundtrack. Produced by Kalanidhi Maran, it is kn
[1/28/11]

Comment

• Reading For the Future If you can't find the DVD, whole thing's on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRaWoN6lRiI -- subtitles are in the closed captions.

Reading For the Future I just re-read Salvage and Destroy by the late Edward LLewelyn. I remembered enjoying it but this re-read was extra fun. Although the first person narration follows an alien's entry into puberty and hence a subtheme of sexuality runs through the book, I think the book is suitable for youth. Toss in some sociology conce...pts, and the book could spark great discussions.
[1/28/11]

Reading For the Future
http://www.facebook.com/notes/reading-for-the-future/asimov-on-art-versus-science/190437600983578
Asimov on Art versus Science
How often people speak of art and science as though they were two entirely different things, with no interconnection. An artist is emotional, they think, and uses only his intuition; he sees all at once and has no need of reason...
[1/24/11]


Reading For the Future Forwarding to the teachers here. Thank you to Don Glover.
NASA Offers Space Shuttle Tiles to Schools
http://go.nasa.gov/gpkYzD
go.nasa.gov
NASA offers shuttle tiles to preserve the Space Shuttle Program's history and inspire the next generation of space explorers, scientists and engineers.
[1/24/11]

Reading For the Future After a holiday break, the newsletter for the RFF blog is out. There are 2 new articles mentioned and 2 new FB Reports. Check it out.
Like the alien? It's a royalty free image from Fotolia donated by me--hey it only cost $1.00-- for shared use with my websites and RFF. Isn't he cute? ~Valerie C.
Reading for the Future Reflections: Reflections Collections -- 1/21/11
http://rff-reflections.blogspot.com/2011/01/reflections-collections-12111.html
rff-reflections.blogspot.com
[1/21/11]

Reading For the Future From Jeff VanderMeer: I always loved the Infinity Plus website. Now they're doing e-books.
Omnivoracious: Infinity Plus: New Science Fiction/Fantasy Books for the Kindle
http://www.omnivoracious.com/2011/01/infinity-plus-new-science-fictionfantasy-books-for-the-kindle.html
www.omnivoracious.com
For years, Infinity Plus provided a source for high-quality, free science fiction, fantasy, and horror short stories online, plus nonfiction and some novellas. You can still access their website and read hundreds of great stories. But now, too, they've launched a great new e-book series that's very ...

[1/20/11]


Reading For the Future Thanks to Christopher Barzak for this link: 'If you like Steampunk, and if you like YA, here's your anthology, hot off the press from Candlewick Books, one of my favorite YA publishers, edited by Gavin Grant and Kelly Link, two of my favorite people.
Steampunk! ToC | Small Beer Press
http://smallbeerpress.com/not-a-journal/2011/01/19/steampunk-toc/
smallbeerpress.com
Today Kelly and I are handing over the final copyedited manuscript of the anthology we've been working on for the last year or so: Steampunk! An Anthology of
[1/20/11]

Reading For the Future News from Nichelle Nichols Communications Page:
Tonight on PBS at 8pm - Gene Roddenberry, Rod Serling, & Irwin Allen.
Great way to introduce the Golden Age of SF
Season Two Preview, Pioneers of Television, PBS Video
http://video.pbs.org/video/1694653879
video.pbs.org
PIONEERS OF TELEVISION returns with new stories of the visionaries who shaped the medium.
[1/18/11]

Reading For the Future Just in case you have not heard the nominations yet.
Philip K. Dick Award
http://www.philipkdickaward.org/
www.philipkdickaward.org
The judges of the 2010 Philip K. Dick Award and the Philadelphia SF Society, along with the Philip K. Dick Trust, are pleased to announce seven nominated works that comprise the final ballot for the award:
[1/18/11]

Many thanks to Cie for her tireless efforts to keep this page interesting. You can locate Cie as a Friend of the page. Thanks to other contributors to the page, too.

Visit the Reading For the Future page on Facebook!

Book Review: The Grandmothers' Hive by Donna Barr

I explored Donna Barr's works at Lulu.com after reading her comments on self-publishing. Low and behold, I found a book written for children with an intriguing description. I immediately schemed to get a review of the book. June Vigants, a fan of Barr's and an artist herself, agreed to write a review for this blog.

I could not get the photos from the passworded sites to work, so I copied the one below from Donna Barr's DeviantArt album. The image is not from the book, but is in the basic style of the book's cover as pictured at Lulu.com.

Donna Barr has given permission for me to use what images I can retrieve for use in a review of her book. ~ Valerie C

This image of Donna Barr's is available at DeviantArt

June Vigants Reviews
The Grandmothers' Hive by Donna Barr

I first happened upon the work of Donna Barr in 2008 when my dear friends at the comics shop in my hometown of Manchester, Connecticut (Buried Under Comics) referred me to her successful series The Desert Peach. It was love at first sight, and I haven’t looked back since. The historical context of "The Desert Peach" lured me in, but it was Barr's artwork (which is something entirely unique) that kept me hooked. Two years later over Winter Break, the same comic shop friends introduced me to yet another of Barr's masterpieces: The Grandmothers’ Hive.

The Grandmothers’ Hive is a visual wonderland which people of all age groups would find captivating. An impressive amount of detail is put into every texture, patchwork, shading and border. From the clever design of each page to Barr’s own whimsical handwriting, The Grandmothers' Hive is nothing short of inspirational and sensational.

One feature of the tale which readers and listeners alike will find entertaining is the poetic narrative perspective and tempo maintained throughout the story. As if Barr's unique design of the text itself was not alluring enough, the lyrical words are delightfully reminiscent of classic fables.

All the artistic skill aside, the plot itself is very alluring. The Grandmothers’ Hive tells the tale of a young boy named Ben and his adventure through what seems to be the neighboring “Haunted House". Led by a mysterious girl by the name of The Rat, Ben soon learns that this seemingly Bedeviled Abode is actually a Magnificent Mansion occupied by The Rat's eccentric Grandmothers. One feature I greatly enjoyed was that each grandmother comes from a different cultural background, a detail mirrored in each grandmother's actions and speech. Included in the back is an index explaining what the grandmothers reference, information which I found to be stimulating and educational.

The Grandmothers' Hive is a story about facing your fears and trying things new to you. It is a tale suitable for children of younger ages with wonderful illustrations which will delight older audiences as well. Every aspect of the work points to one thing: If you do not have a copy in your library, you are missing out.While The Grandmothers’ Hive is suitable for younger audiences, older youth brackets and young adults may enjoy Barr’s other series, “The Desert Peach” and “Stinz”, both of which have their own unique flavor--being great additions to the Barr collection. Needless to say, it was The Grandmothers’ Hive which really made my WinterBreak magical.

About June Vigants

June Vigants currently attends the School of Visual Arts, studying Animation. She possesses a deep passion for history and comic books and more than often, these two collide. This past November, she launched her first comic series “Benny and Fritz”- which takes place during the First World War and tells the tale of two soldiers who have left their bodies but not quite left Earth, and their trials and tribulations in the trenches. Her blog can be followed here, where there will be updates on the comic as well as other artwork: http://theargylearmory.blogspot.com

Reflections Collections -- 1/21/11

In this issue

• Happy New Year and Congratulations to RFF,Inc
• New Blog Articles
• Hanging out around the RFF Mailbox
• Stats

Alien © julien tromeur - Fotolia.com
Alien ©julien tromeur - Fotolia.com

Happy New Year and Congratulations to RFF,Inc

I do hope you all had a marvelous holiday. With school and colleges back in session, and business picking up as the economy improves, I assume life is busier than ever. May this year be good to you all.

Reading for the Future is now, finally, officially, incorporated as a non-profit headquartered in Utah. This incorporation became official around mid-December, 2010, so we rffers are starting the New Year with a new identity. As part of our growth out of infancy, there is work being done to update the Bylaws and to file papers for federal non-profit status.

New Blog Articles

Have you tried Self-Publishing? Donna Barr talked about self-publishing on Facebook. Her remarks are printed here: Donna Barr Speaks Out on Self-Publishing

How do we know that a book is good for children and youth? As I explore this question, I--and hopefully others-- will be writing short posts on the topic until, eventually, I can develop a rubric that I can use to judge books for kids with an eye out for usefulness in a classroom.

The first article in this series is Beginning a Checklist for Evaluating Children's Literature

After a holiday break, there are 2 new FB Reports:1/13/11 and 1/19/11.

Hanging out around the RFF Mailbox

James Gunn invited us all to explore this cause listed on Facebook: "Support Writing in Schools."

Happily, about 1/2 dozen new members joined TalkingRFF during the months of December and January.

Cie McCullough is busily writing blog posts in which she mentions RFF and children literacy. She lists here posts on the Reading For the Future page on Facebook.

There is a group of members working on the WorldCon workshop project that will teach teachers how to use science fiction in the classroom.

Others have attended/presented/organized writer workshops, convention panels, and more at recent libraries, museums, and fantasy/science fiction conventions.

Stats

Facebook page stats for 1/17/11, copied directly from the emailed report:

203 monthly active users (+0 since last week)
302 people like this (-3 since last week)
30 wall posts or comments this week (+20 since last week)
55 visits this week (+0 since last week)

Hats off to Cie, the admin for the Reading For the Future page on Facebook, for her hard work in locating those links! Thanks to others who have contributed to the Page in the recent weeks, too. Keep the data flowing in, ya'll!

Blog stats for 1/20/11, copied directly from Stats page on the blog Dashboard and slightly reformatted.

Pageviews yesterday ...........9
Pageviews last month ........192
Pageviews all time history...745

----

Til next time, Valerie C.

FB Report: Lots of Links on Speculative Fiction -- 1/19/11

We have a busy page at Facebook. Here are the week' stats.

fb page stats for 17jan11
203 monthly active users (+0 since last week)
302 people like this (-3 since last week)
30 wall posts or comments this week (+20 since last week)
55 visits this week (+0 since last week)

From Other Walls

This might be a bit outdated, but the museum is perpetual!~Valerie C.
via Cie McCullough
Join author Jane Yolen and illustrators Jane Dyer, Barry Moser, Ruth Sanderson and Bruce Degen as they discuss the interplay of words and pictures in the process of creating a picture book. Hear firsthand how the whole emerges greater than the sum of its parts.
1:00 pm panel discussion
2:00 pm book signings
2:30 pm Jane Yolen takes you on a gallery tour of her art collection.See More
Home - The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
http://www.carlemuseum.org/Home
www.carlemuseum.org
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the first full-scale museum in this country devoted to national and international picture book art.
[1/15/11]

via Lynda Williams
Writers - input welcome on the Writer's Craft blog.
Clarion Blog
http://clarionfoundation.wordpress.com/
clarionfoundation.wordpress.com
Writers are often asked to explain how their favorite authors have influenced their work over the years. But how about what we are reading today? Does it percolate into what we write tomorrow?
[1/16/11]

From the Wall of Reading For the Future

Reading For the Future News from Nichelle Nichols Communications Page:
Tonight on PBS at 8pm - Gene Roddenberry, Rod Serling, & Irwin Allen.
Great way to introduce the Golden Age of SF
Season Two Preview, Pioneers of Television, PBS Video
http://video.pbs.org/video/1694653879
video.pbs.org
PIONEERS OF TELEVISION returns with new stories of the visionaries who shaped the medium.
[1/17/11]

Reading For the Future Just in case you have not heard the nominations yet.
Philip K. Dick Award
http://www.philipkdickaward.org/
www.philipkdickaward.org
The judges of the 2010 Philip K. Dick Award and the Philadelphia SF Society, along with the Philip K. Dick Trust, are pleased to announce seven nominated works that comprise the final ballot for the award:
[1/17/11]

Reading For the Future From Tim Pratt: 'Damn, this video makes me want to write hopeful science fiction.'
NASA - The Frontier Is Everywhere
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY59wZdCDo0
www.youtube.com
FULL CREDIT goes to Michael Marantz for his brilliant original: http://vimeo.com/2822787 http://michaelmarantz.com/ AND OF COURSE to Carl Sagan. I made an entire page of credits and forgot to cite The Pale Blue Dot. Total brain fart on my part. I miss the man dearly. NASA - http://www.youtube.com/u
[1/15/11]

Reading For the Future Valerie C. via Julie Czerneda
Tesseracts 15 update is now available at www.czerneda.com.
Julie Czerneda Official Site
http://www.czerneda.com/
www.czerneda.com
Julie Czerneda's Official Site,Science Fiction and Fantasy Author and Editor, Information on her Work, Stories, and Educator Materials
[1/15/11]

Reading For the Future I complained to the site that they were not putting out enough hard sci fi. Rome wrote back for suggestions. I mentioned my interest in YA and YA suitable books. Rome gave me the name of 3 currently available. I invite him to view this page and help with our book list. See comment below.
Science Fiction Book Club
http://www.facebook.com/ScienceFictionBookClub?ref=mf
The Science Fiction Book Club is one of the best-known resources for science fiction and fantasy books. Our goal is to provide our community of book-lovers with a carefully edited selection of science fiction and fantasy titles all at a significant cost savings. W...e believe in providing our members with the best of the best including original anthologies available only to our members.
[1/15/11]

Reading For the Future commented:
My dialog with Rome included this comment about YA and YA suitable sci fi:
"Science Fiction Book Club Thanks for the great feedback, Valerie - its helpful for me to keep improving SFBC. I'll keep an eye out for more hard sf and some of the t...itles/authors you ment...ion. In the meantime, you might want to check out CHAOS WALKING by Patrick Ness - it's a 2-in-1 omnibus of a YA trilogy - and the third book, MONSTERS OF MEN. Both are available through the club and are very good reads for both YA and adults. Another one is NOMANSLAND. -Rome" ~Valerie c.See More
Saturday at 5:07am
Reading For the Future commented:
If anyone has read these books, do let us know what you think of them! Shall we add them to our book list? ~Valerie C.
Saturday at 5:08am

Reading For the Future Something for writers, and readers, to watch for: pirated eBooks.
little bits of everything - Don't Steal Books
http://renesears.livejournal.com/52367.html
renesears.livejournal.com
So, this morning, a reader tweeted sarahtales that she had illegally downloaded The Demon's Lexicon, Sarah Rees Brennan's first book, because the e-format she wanted wasn't available in her region. (The paper book was.) She then didn't understand why Brennan was upset. ...She claimed she was making a s...
[1/14/11]

Eric Warren commented:
just another reason that technology and easy access is not always better...here we go again!
January 14 at 10:22am

Reading For the Future commented:
Actually, I am quite upset at a friend's comment to my own posting of this:
'What if I already own the book? Could I then feel like the pirated ebook is more like a backup of something that I have already purchased and to which I have user r...ights? I have transferred video cassettes to DVD without guilt if there is no DVD available, but don't do that if I could buy a legitimate copy. If I buy the book and there is no ebook available, I would probably feel ok doing this, but if there was an ebook option? This is actually something that I have been thinking about a great deal lately.'See More
January 14 at 3:32pm

Eric Warren commented:
stealing is stealing...period...there is no way to justify 'pirating' or downloading anything without permission or purchase other than greed and wanting something for free...authors, artists, publishers have rights...they create and produce the product, it is not anyone's to steal...you want it, buy it...if you cannot afford it, that's why there are libraries! haven't we been through this before with illegal music downloading? people need to stop trying to justify a crime...
January 14 at 5:42pm

Reading For the Future ?'H.P. Lovecraft was the forefather of modern horror fiction having inspired such writers as Stephen King, Robert Bloch and Neil Gaiman But what led an Old World, xenophobic gentleman to create one of literature’s most far-reaching mythologies? What attracts even the minds of the 21st century to these stories of unspeakable abominations and cosmic gods?'
Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown - Watch the Documentary Film for Free
http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/lovecraft_fear_of_the_unknown/
www.snagfilms.com
Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown - The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is Fear of the Unknown.. Watch free documentaries. Share documentary films.
[1/13/11]

(I apologize if these 3 below are duplicates from the last posting.)

Reading For the Future This also comes from SFBC; they expect the show to pay tribute to all of our beloved authors and classic novels as well as films.~Valerie
Ridley Scott pays tribute to "Prophets of Science Fiction"
http://io9.com/5727097/ridley-scott-pays-tribute-to-prophets-of-science-fiction
io9.com
For a guy who felt that science fiction was dead a few years ago, Ridley Scott seems to have renewed his interest in the genre of late. He's producing a show for the Science channel paying tribute to scifi's creators.
[1/11/11]

Reading For the Future I offer this because the SFBC made this announcement with the posting:
"Congratulations to Paolo Bacigalupi, whose YA novel, SHIP BREAKER, has won the American Library Association's Michael L Printz award for literary excellence in Young Adult literature- a well deserved achievement! -Rome" `Valerie
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi, Science Fiction Book Club® - sfbc.com
http://www.sfbc.com/pages/nm/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1065626490
www.sfbc.com
Author: Paolo Bacigalupi, Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA, Price: $11.99 with Science Fiction Book Club® Membership, Length: 336 pages - sfbc.com
[1/11/11]

Reading For the Future This came to my wall via Lynda Williams. ~Valerie
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150119235341667&id=576430978&ref=mf
BBC Book Nerd Challenge
Have you read more than 6 of these books? The BBC believes most people will have read only 6 of the 100 books listed here. Instructions: Copy this into your NOTES. Bold those books you've read in their entirety, italicize the ones you started but didn't finish or read an excerpt....By:Lynda Williams
[1/11/11]

FB Report: Lots of Links on Speculative Fiction -- 1/11/11

From the Wall of Reading For the Future page on Facebook

Reading For the Future This came to my wall via Lynda Williams. ~Valerie
BBC Book Nerd Challenge
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150119235341667&id=576430978&ref=mf

Have you read more than 6 of these books? The BBC believes most people will have read only 6 of the 100 books listed here. Instructions: Copy this into your NOTES. Bold those books you've read in their entirety, italicize the ones you started but didn't finish or read an excerpt....
By:Lynda Williams
[1/11/11]

Reading For the Future Just in case you want to read some classic SF in German, here are some German Vintage Science Fiction Posters.
kino-50er.de
http://www.kino-50er.de/filmplakatescifi.htm
www.kino-50er.de
[1/10/11]

Reading For the Future Apparently, today is 'National Science Fiction Day'. I was told this by an educational newsletter I subscribe too. Here is a sampling of some of their offerings.
CurrClick - Advanced Search
http://www.currclick.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=science+fiction&x=0&y=0&quicksearch=1&search_filter&filters&search_free&search_in_description=1&search_in_author=1&search_in_artist=1
www.currclick.com
The purpose of this Enrichment4You e-guide is to provide a brief overview of mutations in science fiction and real life. A special focus on 1950’s style science fiction featuring “The Creature From the Black Lagoon” and the real science of amphibians with massive mutations will be discussed. You wil
[1/2/11]

Reading For the Future I have been reminded that the Hugo Nomination Period has begun.
Locus Online News » Hugo Nomination Period Open
http://www.locusmag.com/News/2011/01/hugo-nomination-period-open/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
www.locusmag.com
Nomination ballots will be accepted from January 1, 2011, to Saturday, March 26, 2011, 23:59 PDT for the Hugo Awards and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. Members of Renovation who join by January 31, 2011, and all members of Aussiecon 4, the prior year’s Worldcon, are invited to submi...
[1/2/11]

Reading For the Future Just wanted to tell everyone - we have reached 300 'likes' on this page :) Quite appropriately, it is Isaac Asimov's birthday today.
If you would like to become more involved with Reading For the Future, please check out our website www.readingforfuture.com or think about joining our Yahoo group - Talking RFF (lurkers welcome).
Reading for the Future
http://www.readingforfuture.com
www.readingforfuture.com
Reading for the Future is a grass roots group of parents, teachers and librarians that have banded together to help excite children, to inspire them to read, to study, and to learn by useing Science Fiction (SF, Sci Fi) in the classroom.
[1/2/11]

Reading For the Future Finalists for the 2010 Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards have been named. Here is the link for the Fantasy & Science Fiction nominees in the Young Adult category:
Cybils: 2010 Finalists Fantasy & Science Fiction (Young Adult)
http://www.cybils.com/2010-finalists-fantasy-science-fiction-young-adult.html
www.cybils.com
The Children's and YA Bloggers' Literary Awards
[1/1/11]

Reading For the Future Finalists for the 2010 Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards have been named. Here is the link for the Fantasy & Science Fiction nominees in the Middle Grades:
Cybils: 2010 Finalists Fantasy & Science Fiction (Middle Grade)
http://www.cybils.com/2010-finalists-fantasy-science-fiction-middle-grade.html#tp
www.cybils.com
The Children's and YA Bloggers' Literary Awards
[1/1/11]

Reading For the Future About 6 or 7 are SF.
11 YA Novels We Can’t Wait To Read In 2011
http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2010/12/30/2011-ya-novels/?xrs=share_fb
hollywoodcrush.mtv.com
Now that we've decided which 2010 YA novel was tops, it's time to turn our attention to the plethora of books that will fill our shelves, nightstands, desks, coffee tables in 2011. Happily, many of our favorite authors will be back with sequels and spin-offs, meaning a year of guaranteed great reads...
12/30/10]

Reading For the Future Introducing young people to SF does not mean we have to limit ourselves to prose.
Science Fiction Poetry Association
http://www.sfpoetry.com
www.sfpoetry.com
Science Fiction Poetry Association, an international organization of speculative poets.
[12/28/10]

Reading For the Future Great video of this morning's eclipse.
Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMw7yamP4Rw
www.youtube.com
Time Lapse Video of Lunar Eclipse on December 21, 2010 from Gainesville Florida. 1:10 AM EST (6:10 GMT) to 5:03 AM EST (10:03 GMT). Music is Claude Debussy Noctures: Sirènes
[12/21/10]

From Other Walls

David Brin Lovely! A video of Richard Feynman and the difference between knowing the name of something & knowing something. Great perspective on how to talk to kids about science. By the way, I met Feynman when I was a student at Caltech. I’ll tell that story another time…
R. P. Feynman and the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05WS0WN7zMQ
www.youtube.com
[1/11/11]

David BrinInstitute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies IEET Fellow David Brin muses about the challenge of governing a galactic civilization.
Isaac Asimov and Human Destiny
http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/brin20110107
ieet.org
Ever notice how many futuristic authors toy, now and then, with the concept of a global overmind?
[1/7/11]

Science Fiction Book Club Congratulations to Paolo Bacigalupi, whose YA novel, SHIP BREAKER, has won the American Library Association's Michael L Printz award for literary excellence in Young Adult literature- a well deserved achievement! -Rome
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi, Science Fiction Book Club® - sfbc.com
http://www.sfbc.com/pages/nm/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1065626490
www.sfbc.com
Author: Paolo Bacigalupi, Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA, Price: $11.99 with Science Fiction Book Club® Membership, Length: 336 pages - sfbc.com
[1/11/11]

Science Fiction Book Club Get the tivo ready - Ridley Scott's on-again-off-again relationship with science fiction seems to be on again. We can now look forward to him profiling some of sf's brightest lights, including Isaac Asimov, Gene Roddenberry and others. No, it's not on Syfy (they really should have thought of it first), but on the Science channel. -Rome
Ridley Scott pays tribute to "Prophets of Science Fiction"
http://io9.com/5727097/ridley-scott-pays-tribute-to-prophets-of-science-fiction
io9.com
For a guy who felt that science fiction was dead a few years ago, Ridley Scott seems to have renewed his interest in the genre of late. He's producing a show for the Science channel paying tribute to scifi's creators.
[1/7/11]

FB Report: Lots of Links on Speculative Fiction -- 12/20/10

Reading For the Future Via Valerie's Wall, who received it from Vonda McIntyre: Free ebook to be given away for a limited time in multiple formats.
Book View Cafe - McIntyre - The Starfarers Quartet
http://www.bookviewcafe.com/index.php/McIntyre-The-Starfarers-Quartet
www.bookviewcafe.com
Book View Cafe - Because you can never have too many ebooks
[12/19/10]

Reading For the Future In the Broad Universe science fiction catalog are numerous novels marked as YA suitable. These are listed in the Discussions thread for YA suitables.
All authors listed are members of the organization. Also, there is a catalog of fantasy works and children's literature. Visit the webpage
http://www.broaduniverse.org/catalog/science-fiction
for ISBN, publisher, pub. date, and also awards and award nominations.~Valerie
Welcome to Broad Universe - Broad Universe | Promoting science fiction, fantasy, and horror written.
http://www.broaduniverse.org/
www.broaduniverse.org
Broad Universe is an international organization dedicated to promoting, encouraging, honoring, and celebrating women writers and editors in science fiction, fantasy, horror and other speculative genres.
[12/18/10]

Reading For the Future Reading IN the Future?
Color E-Readers Open Way for Picture Books
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/15/business/media/15ebooks.html?_r=1&hpw
www.nytimes.com
The abilities of devices like the iPad and the Nook Color are leading publishers to produce illustrated e-books, particularly picture books for children.
[12/15/10]

Reading For the Future Evelyn Perkins, RN,MS, PMH-BC, NE-BC, is a nurse who is fascinated with the emerging science of nanomedicine. She has written the first book in a trilogy of children's si-fi books, Nanorobots and the Hunt for H1NO1. It introduces nanomedicine concepts in a thrilling adventure where 2 virologists and their 4 kids risk everything in their hunt for the killer virus, H1NO1 and the evil scientist who genetically engineered
Evelyn Perkins
http://www.facebook.com/profile
[12/15/10]

Reading For the Future Very interesting blog article about Mega-Scale Planet Engineering.
Dark Roasted Blend: Megastructures: Bigger-Than-Worlds
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2010/12/megastructures-bigger-than-worlds.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheThrillingWonderStory+%28Dark+Roasted+Blend%29
www.darkroastedblend.com
Overheard in the future: "We already talked about how to add extra storage space to your continent by turning mountain ranges into bookcases, turning lakes into bath tubs, and continental shelves into decks (see also our popular Future Plate Tectonics article). Well, in this special episode we're go...
[12/15/10]

Reading For the Future I just found this site. I believe they are still working on it and are continually looking for updates. An excellent resource, even before it's finished.
The Internet Speculative Fiction Database
http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/index.cgi
www.isfdb.org
The ISFDB is a community effort to catalog works of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. It links together various types of bibliographic data: author bibliographies, publication bibliographies, award listings, magazine content listings, anthology and collection content listings, and forthcoming bo
[12/13/10]

Reading For the Future I like both - separately or together
There's not that much difference between mysteries and science fiction, really.
http://io9.com/5711775/theres-not-that-much-difference-between-mysteries-and-science-fiction-really
io9.com
What's the difference between mysteries and science fiction? Not as much as you'd imagine, says Michael Marshall Smith who's written both.
[12/13/10]

Other Walls

via Valerie: Valerie Coskrey via David Brin: Reality games!
David Brin
Smash an asteroid into Earth on your computer – and calculate the resulting damage. Impact: Earth is an interactive website that allows you to enter the diameter, density & velocity of the incoming object, its angle of entry and target on Earth. Bam! Gives data on tsunamis, crater size, seismic effects, airblasts, ejecta, as well as global changes (will it shift earth’s axis?) Great for classrooms.
Impact: Earth!
http://www.purdue.edu/IMPACTEARTH
www.purdue.edu
Impact: Earth! written by Gareth Collins, H. Jay Melosh and Robert Marcus Developed by ITaP for Purdue University.View the text-only version. Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA, (765) 494-4600© 2010 Purdue University. An equal access, equal opportunity unive
[12/19/10]

Valerie Coskrey via David Brin:
Darryl Cunningham Investigates: Climate Change
http://darryl-cunningham.blogspot.com/2010/12/climate-change.html
darryl-cunningham.blogspot.com
Wow, excellent. That's one smart penguin!One very small typo I found: "The Kochs want to pay less tax, keep more profits, and be retrained by less regulation." I'm pretty sure you meant "restrained" not "retrained".
[12/19/10]

Valerie Coskrey via Cie McCullough: Merry Christmas to all.

THE DIGITAL STORY OF NATIVITY - ( or Christmas 2.0 )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZrf0PbAGSk
www.youtube.com
To see other great viral videos visit my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/viral.videos.nr1 How social media, web and mobile tell the story of the Nativity. Christmas story told through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google, Wikipedia, Google Maps, GMail, Foursquare, Amazon... Times change, the
[12/19/10]

Valerie Coskrey via Pamela Sargent: Pamela writes both YA and Adult sci fi. Each is an exciting read.
After decades, 'Seed' bears fruit - Times Union
http://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/article/After-decades-Seed-bears-fruit-904477.php
www.timesunion.com
Almost 30 years after science-fiction author Pamela Sargent introduced audiences to a faraway planet that a sentient starship had populated with people, animals and plants to resemble Earth, she has finished her "Seed" trilogy. A character named Nuy, the daughter of original settlers of the planet,
[12/19/10]

Valerie Coskrey via Lynda Williams: I reviewed a book in a saga I hope to read more of.
Valerie's Soapbox
soapboxbyval.blogspot.com
I recently discovered a new science fiction universe to explore. The deftly built Okal Rel Universe is visited through the books of the Okal Rel Saga by Lynda Williams and her proteges. The central character of the saga is introduced in The Courtesan Prince as Von who is, well, a popular gigolo of t
[12/19/10]

Valerie Coskrey Free ebook that is suitable for YA
The Punishment of Phoebus Apollo, an Ebook by Brenna Lyons
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/8301
www.smashwords.com
Download "The Punishment of Phoebus Apollo" for free from Smashwords.com. From the ancient Greek myths... When Apollo forgets the tender art of mercy, his father arranges a lesson he'll never forget. Adapted by Brenna Lyons to expand on the original tale.
[12/18/10]

Valerie Coskrey via David Brin:
David Brin's Blog: Tomorrow Happens -
http://open.salon.com/blog/david_brin
open.salon.com
Tomorrow Happens - ...trends slamming at us from the dark
[12/18/10]

Valerie Coskrey via Bobby DuFault
Valerie Coskrey: sounds like a memorial for past fans and authors
The Celestial Convention - Star Ceremony
Location:RustyCon 2011
Time:12:
[12/18/10]

Valerie Coskrey I found this article when I was exploring criteria for children's literature. To me it is a humanistic approach to judging the multi-cultural value of a children's lit work. In other words, I personally agreed with it and and liked the way my values were expressed, even though I am not Jewish. It is an older article that I do believe is still relevant.

Assessing Children`s Literature
http://www.adl.org/education/assessing.asp
www.adl.org
Assessing Childrens Literature
[12/18/10]

Valerie Coskrey Found this item about 5 questions for evaluating your non-profit.
Charitable Advisors: Can Five Short Questions Change the Nonprofit World?
http://charitableadvisors.blogspot.com/2010/11/can-five-short-questions-change.html
charitableadvisors.blogspot.com
[12/15/10]

FB Report: Lots of Links on Speculative Fiction -- 12/15/10

Traffic Report

This is the traffic report for the page during the first week of December for Reading For the Future page on Facebook:

213 monthly active users; 20 since last week
286 people like this; 3 since last week
22 wall posts and comments this week; 10 since last week
58 visits this week 13; since last week

From the Wall

Reading For the Future I just found this site. I believe they are still working on it and are continually looking for updates. An excellent resource, even before it's finished.
href="http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/index.cgi
The Internet Speculative Fiction Database
www.isfdb.org
The ISFDB is a community effort to catalog works of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. It links together various types of bibliographic data: author bibliographies, publication bibliographies, award listings, magazine content listings, anthology and collection content listings, and forthcoming bo...
[12/14/10]

Reading For the Future I like both - separately or together.
http://io9.com/5711775/theres-not-that-much-difference-between-mysteries-and-science-fiction-really
There's not that much difference between mysteries and science fiction, really.
io9.com
What's the difference between mysteries and science fiction? Not as much as you'd imagine, says Michael Marshall Smith who's written both.
[12/14/10]

Reading For the Future I personally doubt any son of Kurt Vonnegut could be 'average'.
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Life-with-a-dad-called-Kurt-875899.php
Life with a dad called Kurt - Times Union
www.timesunion.com
A shy and socially awkward boy, Mark Vonnegut lived in fear of being the target of the most withering question possible that could be lobbed by his father, the famous author Kurt Vonnegut: "Do you want to be average?"
[12/13/10]

Reading For the Future Give the gift of SF! I am. My son is getting Mike Resnick's "New Dreams for Old", a series of short stories. If there is a young person on your list, give a book. If not, find a young person to add to your list :D
[12/13/10]

Reading For the Future Here is the reference to an author post mentioned below. Robert J. Sawyer writes books suitable for teens.
http://rff-reflections.blogspot.com/2010/12/wake-far-seer-and-their-author-robert-j.html
Reading for the Future Reflections: Wake, Far-Seer and their author Robert J. Sawyer
rff-reflections.blogspot.com
[12/9/10]

Reading For the Future There are two new RFF Reflections articles this week. One is a book review; the other is a reference to an author and his books. Here is the latest post.
http://rff-reflections.blogspot.com/2010/12/book-review-krysia-andersons-misfit.html
Reading for the Future Reflections: Book Review: Krysia Anderson's Misfit Leaves Home
rff-reflections.blogspot.com
[12/9/10]



Reading For the Future I came across a review of RFF member Lynda Williams' book Avim's Oath today. Turns out that it is considered a teen or YA book.
Visit this link to read the review.
http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol17/no8/avimsoath.html
In the review, Ronald Hore recommends Avim's Oath (The Okal Rel Saga, Part Six ) by Lynda William...s for ages 13 and up; grades 8 and up. ~Valerie C.
See More
http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol17/no8/avimsoath.html
CM Magazine: Avim's Oath. (The Okal Rel Saga, Part Six).
www.umanitoba.ca
Lynda Williams. Calgary, AB: EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing, 2010. 266 pp., pbk., $16.95. ISBN 978-1-894063-35-7.
[12/9/10]


Reading For the Future [in comment: posted by David-Glenn Anderson via the RFF Yahoo group]
http://www.facebook.com/notes/reading-for-the-future/have-you-given-away-a-book-today-by-kristen-lillvis/177651835595488
Have you given away a book today? by Kristen Lillvis
AboutSF Saving the world through Science Fiction   Have you given away a book today?...
[12/8/10]

Recent Activity:

Reading For the Future discussed Books Suitable for Youth on the Reading For the Future discussion board.
Reading For the Future discussed Books for Middle school on the Reading For the Future discussion board.
3 more similar stories
[12/8/10]

Reading For the Future A page of reviews of graphic novels.~Valerie C.
http://blog.patrickrothfuss.com/2010/12/delicious-webcomics-and-guest-appearances/
Delicious Webcomics and Guest Appearances
blog.patrickrothfuss.com
Before I talk about today’s donation, I need to mention that some of the auctions we’re running will be over soon. Most specifically, the signed ARC from Neil Gaiman and the signed collection of Girl Genius trades.
[12/8/10]

Reading For the Future A graphic novel give-away in support of Heifer International, a worthwhile charity.~Valerie C.
http://blog.patrickrothfuss.com/2010/11/worldbuilders-2010/
Worldbuilders 2010
blog.patrickrothfuss.com
Heifer International is my favorite charity. It helps people raise themselves up out of poverty and starvation. All over the world Heifer promotes education, sustainable agriculture, and local industry.
[12/8/10]

Reading For the Future [in comment: I have posted the entirety of my GeekMom article in the notes section, so there is a copy on hand for anyone who wishes to reproduce it.
~Cie]
Reading For the Future
http://www.facebook.com/notes/reading-for-the-future/reading-for-the-future-uses-scifi-to-spark-kids-sense-of-wonder/177002672327071
Reading for the Future Uses SciFi to Spark Kids’ Sense of Wonder
I love reading Science Fiction. Well, I love reading almost any type of Speculative Fiction, whether it be Science, Fantasy, Alternate History, Supernatural, maybe even a bit of Horror around Halloween...
[12/6/10]

Reading For the Future This is the first image ever taken of Earth from the surface of a planet beyond the Moon. It was taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit one hour before sunrise on the 63rd Martian day, or sol, of its mission. (March 8, 2004)
From the website www.lightsinthedark.com/
The image is a mosaic of images taken by the rover's navigation camera showing a broad view of the sky, and an image taken by the rover's panoramic camera of Earth. The contrast in the panoramic camera image was increased two times to make Earth easier to see.The inset shows a combination of four panoramic camera images zoomed in on Earth. The arrow points to Earth. Earth was too faint to be detected in images taken with the panoramic camera's color filters.
Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell/Texas A&M
Image: http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs611.ash2/156321_159513910759937_128034957241166_326773_1945219_s.jpg
[12/6/10]

Reading For the Future Now open for business. Large selection of -free- ebooks too :)
http://books.google.com/ebooks?uid=2278874564547928826&as_coll=1220&source=gbs_ws2_subj&as_brr=5
Science Fiction - Google eBookstore
books.google.com
* General * Adventure * High Tech * Military * Short Stories * Space Opera
[12/6/10]

Reading For the Future Many of the works of H. Beam Piper are available free as ebooks. His works are suitable for YA and can be used to support science concept lessons. For instance Fuzzy Sapiens is perfect for teaching response to environmental stress, carrying capacity, nutrients/nutrition, endangered species, and ecology for grades 6-10.
http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/authors/p
Browse By Author: P - Project Gutenberg
www.gutenberg.org
33000+ free ebooks online
[12/6/10]

Reading For the Future Baen Books has listed its books for young adults. It is primarily a list of adult sci fi that most consider suitable for youth. Maybe a couple of the books are actually YA. It is incomplete, as stated by the editor of the list and as I know because I have read several Baen books not yet listed. Check it out and maybe help Toni complete the list. ~ Valerie C.
http://www.baen.com/ya_list.asp
www.baen.com
[12/5/10]

Reading For the Future VOYA reports on a Scholastic report on what motivates children to read.
http://www.voya.com/2010/09/29/new-study/
New Study on Reading in the Digital Age
www.voya.com
Scholastic surveyed 1,045 children age 6-17 and their parents (for a total of 2,090 respondents) in an online survey in the spring of 2010.
[12/5/10]

From other Walls

David Brin A one-word interview: Science fiction authors respond in 50 or fewer words to the word SPARK. Here is my response, along with those of Orson Scott Card, Nancy Kress, Jay Lake, Larry Niven and others.
http://emunderwood.com/2010/12/13/one-word-interview-spark/
One Word Interview: SPARK
emunderwood.com
Spark is the seed of a story, a flash of an idea...
[12/14/10]

Valerie Coskrey Just finished reading Lynda Williams' The Courtesan Prince. Enjoyed it immensely. Will be writing a review in my blog soon.
http://www.edgewebsite.com/books/courtesanprince/cp-catalog.html
www.edgewebsite.com
[12/14/10]
In comment:
Valerie Coskrey: To RFF group: Unfortunately I would not, as a teacher, recommend this to YA due to adult sexual situations and abuse referenced, although not explicitly depicted.
As a parent, Yeah, read it and learn about human nature--but my kids read and watched whatever interested them. It is a rousing beginning to a space opera.
[12/14/10]

Julie Czerneda I had to share. Wow!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11988466
Voyager near Solar System's edge
www.bbc.co.uk
The most distant spacecraft from Earth, Voyager 1, returns new data suggesting it is very close to leaving the Solar System.
[12/14/10]

Bobbie DuFault RustyCon is getting closer. Have you checked out the Web page? RustyCon doesn't run all on it's own. We need... http://fb.me/xvtLdMju