SUMMER 2010
"This is an author who really has his finger on the way kids think." -- The New York Times

 

Growing up in a gang-infested inner-city project, DeShawn is forced to confront choices no young man his age should have to face.

 

Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2010, a cooperative project of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children's Book Council

 

Now in its third hardcover printing! "This reviewer found the superlative story riveting." -- VOYA 5Q 3P

 

"Strasser loads the book with startling true statistics." -- Booklist

 

"Tight plotting and a crisp style will satisfy readers." -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

 

 

RAVES ABOUT TODD'S SCHOOL VISITS:

 

"Your visit in March was wonderful. Our students were so engaged and are still talking about you and your books. The teachers who attended your writing workshop loved your approach and decided to use some of your techniques in their classes. As usual, you were able to connect with our students and captivate their attention with your humor and inspiration. Our students felt very comfortable with you and even our reluctant readers continue to come to the library seeking your books. We thank you again for a very special day that was both informative and fun." (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 last Wednesday. I've had terrific feedback from both teachers and students. The Writing Workshops were both practical and inspiring. Connie Chapin, our 6th grade English teacher (and Head of the English Department) was very impressed with how 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. I've had lots of requests from students, teachers and even a parent, for the titles that you mentioned." (October, 2009) Judy Simons, Coordinator of Library Services, Derby Academy, Hingham, MA (781) 749-0746 ext. 57, jsimons@derbyacademy.org

 

 

 

For readers in grades 4 - 6
For readers in grades 2 - 3
For readers in grades 7 and up

 

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... What more can a reader ask for?" - Voice of Youth Advocates

 

Culca uses her nimble wits and unflagging bravery to save her brother's life. Female roles and Spanish colonial exploitation of land 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
A long time ago Todd wrote a short story that many schools continue to use today. Curious? Click here to read it. Feel free to make copies for your students.

 
THE WAVE and how to order the video
After years of requests, we've finally found a copy of Ron Jones' original essay, The Third Wave. Click here to see it. Also, for information on how to order the video Click here.

 

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.