WINTER 2011-2012

"This is an author who really has his finger on the way kids think."
-- The New York Times

Shelby never imagined that her family would be the subject of a police investigation, but that's what happens when three teenage clients of her fashion photographer father go missing. Shelby's seemingly perfect life of hot sports cars, travel, and unlimited shopping trips crumbles when her dad is named a prime suspect in the girls' disappearance.   What's the connection between the missing girls and her father? Is he as innocent as he claims? Does the great-looking guy who works with her dad have anything to do with the threatening e-mails she's been receiving?

 

Classes Skype with Todd. For information, e-mail todd@toddstrasser.com   "GREAT skype yesterday! The kids LOVE you! This one experience got the kids all hyped up now to skype with authors, so job well done. You are very entertaining! But then you know that! Lol" -- Denise Monegato, Library Media Specialist, West Leyden High School, Northlake, IL   "I cannot thank you enough for the Skype session this past Friday. I received many compliments throughout the day from other teachers who heard their students talking about "how cool" it was and how it made the reading assignment so much better. Your words were so honest and I really appreciate you speaking so candidly about your struggles with spelling and grammar - I think it struck home for a lot of kids who may struggle as well. So thank you again for helping me out and showing my class how cool reading can be!" - Hayley Garner, Mill Creek High School, Hoschton, GA   RAVES ABOUT TODD'S SCHOOL VISITS:   "It's unanimous among the teachers, principal, librarian, and students: Todd Strasser's visit to our middle school was a big hit! We loved how he modified the presentation slightly for each age group. In humorous and memorable fashion, he emphasized the importance of reading and writing, and the need for perseverance in the face of setbacks. We will definitely have Todd back for another visit." (May, 2011) Melissa Azarian, co-chair of the PTO Visiting Authors Committee for Long Hill Township, NJ azarian14l@aol.com   "Hi Todd, Thanks so much for an amazing visit. I have heard great feedback from many students. I also want to thank you for the book recommendations. My son Ty is nose deep in Holes. Thanks again for everything!" (April, 2011) Kendra Griffin, District 64 Elementary Learning Foundation, PO Box 114, Park Ridge, IL 60068, griffins421@gmail.com   "Your visit in March was wonderful. Our students were so engaged. The teachers who attended your writing workshop loved your approach. As usual, you were able to connect with our students and captivate their attention with your humor and inspiration. Even our reluctant readers continue to come to the library seeking your books." (March, 2010) Rosemarie Scutero, Literacy Resource Specialist, Louis M. Klein Middle School, Harrison, NY (914) 630-3059, scuteror@harrisoncsd.org   "Thank you so much for your wonderful presentations at Derby. I've had terrific feedback from both teachers and students. The Writing Workshops were both practical and inspiring. You related to the 6th graders at exactly the right level for them. The large presentations in Larson Hall were funny, informative and perfectly tailored to each of the groups you were addressing. I loved the way you mentioned books that you enjoy written by other writers." (October, 2009) Judy Simons, Coordinator of Library Services, Derby Academy, Hingham, MA (781) 749-0746 ext. 57, jsimons@derbyacademy.org         The Help! I'm Trapped in... series is now available on Nook and Kindle! Click here for Kindle and here for Nook.         BACK IN PRINT - The Accident, The Diving Bell and Abe Lincoln For Class President Three of Todd's most popular novels are now back in print. Order from Amazon or Barnes and Noble or directly from Todd.

THE DIVING BELL     "History, adventure, excitement, and a strong heroine..." - Voice of Youth Advocates   "Culca uses her nimble wits and bravery to save her brother's life. Female roles and Spanish colonial exploitation are the themes." - School Library Journal THE ACCIDENT     American Bookseller Pick of the Lists   "Weaving together a stern indictment of drunk driving, and serious commentaries on race prejudice in local government and big money influence on the larger plitical scene, Strasser portrays a tough moral dilemma." ABE LINCOLN FOR CLASS PRESIDENT   American Bookseller Pick of the Lists   Four score and seven years ago a mess this big would have been impossible!   This funny, award-winning book is filled with historical information about Abe Lincoln's early years. It's a great read for students in grades 4 -6.

ON THE BRIDGE is a short story used in many schools. Click here to read it. Feel free to make copies for your students.

THE WAVE Click here to read a copy of Ron Jones' original essay, The Third Wave.   Todd loves NPR's Car Talk radio show. One day he noticed that at the station break in the middle of the show, Click and Clack always played a different country western song about cars. So Todd wrote a song called "My Mother Was The Other Guy." It was played on show #200641, which probably aired on the 41st Saturday of the year 2006. But you can listen to it here.