Tag: kidlit

Book news

Book news — new novel in the works!

Rebecca Balcarcel

In Fall of 2022, I started drafting a new novel about an adoptee who visits her home country of Guatemala to meet her birth family for the first time. With ten chapters and an outline, my agent submitted the book, and by December we had a handshake agreement.

Now it’s official! Neal Porter Books will release SUNCHILD in fall 2024. I’ve just finished the first draft, and it’s on my editor’s desk. (which always makes me nervous! will she like it?)

Next steps: Editor Taylor will analyze the whole book — characters, themes, and wording — and send me feedback. After a couple of rounds of editing, we can move on to copyediting, proofreading, and cover design. Hopefully, we’ll have a new book on the shelves in Fall 2024!

(banner photo is Arco Santa Cristina in Antigua, Guatemala)

Book news, Latina Heritage, Uncategorized

Cover reveal for SHINE ON, LUZ VÉLIZ!

Rebecca Balcarcel

I must admit: I squealed with joy a couple of weeks ago to learn that Mr. Schu, THE John Schu, had agreed to host the cover reveal of my new novel on his blog. A rock star of the kid lit world, a teacher and blogger, Mr. Schu has done posts about almost all of my favorite middle grade books! I did my fangirl dance in private, lol.

John Schu, cover revealer!

But the next thing I did would be very public. My mission: answer his interview questions in a way that would connect with the audience, make my book sound fun and interesting, and also wouldn’t take up a dozen screens! No one wants to scroll forever, no matter how clever my writing is!

Well, how did I do? Check out the interview and let me know! I hope you enjoy the tidbits about the book and especially its cover! Artist Caribay Marquina and the Chronicle design team deserve a 60-second round of applause and probably ten pounds of chocolate, but my deep gratitude will have to do. 🙂

Click here for Rebecca and Mr. Schu in a short conversation about Shine On, Luz Véliz!

Book Reviews

FOR BLACK GIRLS LIKE ME by Mariama J. Lockington — book review!

Rebecca Balcarcel

Braided with songs and poetry, this story follows Keda’s journey to know herself. With profound final lines and yes-that’s-exactly-what-it’s-like images, the prose poem chapters shine individually and collectively. Much in Keda’s life is complicated, so she reaches for songs, gropes for her heritage, and digs for inner resources to cope. A few friends brighten her life, but when it comes to truly managing an unstable mother, a mostly-absent father, and a big sister who is less fun and also less nurturing than she used to be, Keda is on her own. Her love of Billie Holiday and the intuitional grasp she has of the Blues give her something to hold on to, but when her summer goes from bad to worse, Keda needs courage. Readers will cheer her on as she finds the strength to speak her own truth.

Find this book on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40864854-for-black-girls-like-me

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Book Reviews

THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF COYOTE SUNRISE by Dan Gemeinhart — book review!

Rebecca Balcarcel
cover of MG novel by Dan Gemeinhart

When I found out that I would be on a panel with author Dan Gemeinhart, I thought, “Who is this guy?” I ordered his book and found out!

This guy is an author who tells a good story with sensitivity and artistry. I thought I would like his novel because I have homeschooled, have a cat, and once spent a couple of years in a semi-nomadic state — just like the father and daughter in this book. BUT, I didn’t expect that Coyote’s tale would be told with such emotional honesty. Gemeinhart walks right up to hard truths and writes them down. And the best part? Coyote comes across as a real kid with a funny, smart voice, and the resourcefulness to reach her goals.

If you’re in the mood for a road trip and the chance to meet a crew of inspiring misfits with troubles of their own, this book will be a joy. If you’ve ever noticed that kids and parents sometimes switch roles and have trouble switching back, you’ll recognize the crux of Coyote’s problem — how to protect people she loves from the pain of the past while also coming to terms with it. If you’ve ever wondered how to live in a school bus, you’ll learn that, too!

I highly recommend The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. It’s a stand-out. Find it on Goodreads here.

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