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Celebrity villains: Lee Bacon’s Joshua Dread gains international notoriety
Celebrity villains: Lee Bacon’s Joshua Dread gains international notoriety
The Texas Tour, Part 2
Time for another update on Lee Bacon's First Annual Texas Tour, better known as Lee Bacon's "FAT" Tour 2012 (I should probably think up a better acronym). It was such a blast to see friends and family again, to eat some amazing BBQ and of course, to visit lots of schools along the way. After swinging by BookPeople in Austin (AKA, my favorite bookstore in the world) they featured me in their blog. And while I was in College Station, my old hometown newspaper published a story about me! After so much great attention, I came pretty close to staying in the Lone Star State for good. But alas, the time had come for me to return home. And so I packed my bags, grabbed my heavy winter coat (which I hadn't worn once the entire trip) and boarded a plane back to New York.
And now that Lee Bacon's "FAT" Tour 2012 is over, it's time to look back at another batch of photos from my trip. Care to join me?
And now that Lee Bacon's "FAT" Tour 2012 is over, it's time to look back at another batch of photos from my trip. Care to join me?
I feel extremely fortunate to get the chance to meet so many smart, curious, incisive, attentive (I could go on...) young people while doing school events. A perfect example could be found at Jane Long Middle School in Bryan, TX.
The next day, it was on to Cypress Grove Intermediate School in College Station and an even BIGGER group of students. This photo was taken during the Q&A at the end of the talk. I've gotta admit, this is one of the best parts of being a children's book author. You wouldn't believe the great questions students ask at each and every school. Everything from, "Who inspired you?" to "Why is it that Dr. Dread was able to see the nano-bot in the tofu, but wasn't able to see the nano-bots as a part of the smoke creature?" I love it! And of course, almost every Q&A session included at least one student who asked, "Do you like bacon?"
And here I am saying hello afterward.
I was especially honored that my former middle school librarian, Ann Heuberger, came to see my talk. School librarians play such an important role in inspiring young people to read, leading kids to the books that will capture their attention and giving them a space to think creatively. Thank you, Ann, for helping me find the right book when I needed it!
And here I am with Luke, the librarian aide at Cypress Grove, who has quite possibly read every single book on the shelves (I know because I quizzed him).
Thus concludes Part 2 of my photo recap of the tour. If you haven't seen them yet, more photos are below in Part 1. There isn't a word in the English language that can sum up what a wonderful experience this has been, and so I'll just make one up. My Texas Tour was...
Funtrifazzling = adj., Extremely fun, terrific, somewhat frazzled, and completely inspiring.
Finally, I would like to say thanks to all the teachers, librarians, students, friends and family, my parents, the fine people of Random House (especially Mary Van Akin and Brenda Conway), Barnes & Noble (especially Alheli De Los Santos), BookPeople, Blue Willow (especially Cathy Berner)...I can hear the music swelling now and producers are frantically waving me off the stage, but I'm not done yet...all those who came out to my various events, told friends, posted nice things on Facebook, bought the book, recommended the book...
The trip was absolutely funtrifazzling! I'm already looking forward to Lee Bacon's Second Annual Texas Tour 2013, which I'm giving the slightly better acronym Lee Bacon's SAT Tour 2013. Hope to see you then!
Funtrifazzling = adj., Extremely fun, terrific, somewhat frazzled, and completely inspiring.
Finally, I would like to say thanks to all the teachers, librarians, students, friends and family, my parents, the fine people of Random House (especially Mary Van Akin and Brenda Conway), Barnes & Noble (especially Alheli De Los Santos), BookPeople, Blue Willow (especially Cathy Berner)...I can hear the music swelling now and producers are frantically waving me off the stage, but I'm not done yet...all those who came out to my various events, told friends, posted nice things on Facebook, bought the book, recommended the book...
The trip was absolutely funtrifazzling! I'm already looking forward to Lee Bacon's Second Annual Texas Tour 2013, which I'm giving the slightly better acronym Lee Bacon's SAT Tour 2013. Hope to see you then!
The Texas Tour, Part 1
I live in Brooklyn now, but I grew up in Texas and a part of me will always be a true Texan. This has become even more apparent over the last week as I've traveled around my native state, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather (short sleeves in December!) and meeting with booksellers, librarians, teachers, parents, friends, family and--of course--lots of students to talk about "Joshua Dread." It's been huge fun. And it's still going on.
I began the tour in Austin, then moved on to Houston. At the moment, I'm in College Station, the town where I grew up. I still have a couple of school visits ahead of me (including Oakwood, where I went to Middle School). But while I've got a few minutes, I thought I'd post a few photos from the tour so far.
I began the tour in Austin, then moved on to Houston. At the moment, I'm in College Station, the town where I grew up. I still have a couple of school visits ahead of me (including Oakwood, where I went to Middle School). But while I've got a few minutes, I thought I'd post a few photos from the tour so far.
I was amazed to see this mural upon entering the library at Morris Middle School in Houston. All artwork was done by students at the school. And in case anyone out there hasn't had a chance to read "Joshua Dread," you can get a pretty good idea of the book by scanning this great artwork. You've got Joshua and his friends (center), Micus the Mutant Ficus (bottom left), the Firebottomed Romper (on the right, with the fire shooting out of his bottom), Justice Jerky, Dr. Pepper and Meat Surprise (all around the Firebottomed Romper), a terrifying zombie and much, much more! I love it! I wanted to take it home with me to Brooklyn! But in the end, I let the good students of Morris Middle School keep it in their library. So cool!
And here I am posing with the talented artists.
And here I am posing with the talented artists.
That same day, I got the chance to visit Melillo Middle School, also in Houston, where I was lucky enough to meet Debra Yocum, the extraordinary librarian there. Smart, eager, personable and a tireless advocate for books, Debra is the kind of librarian who inspires young people to read.
And while chatting with Debra, I also signed a couple of books...
And while chatting with Debra, I also signed a couple of books...
The next day, it was on to a new school--this time, Valley Oaks Elementary--where I spoke to the 4th and 5th grades. Below is a pic of Mrs. Kleinhenz and some of her 4th grade class.
I've gotta say, it's such a blast to meet so many awesome students at each school. Writing can be a lonely, one-way process. The reader isn't around while I'm writing (which might be distracting for me) and I'm not usually hanging around while the book is being read (which might be weird for the reader). But meeting with students--reading to them and hearing all their terrific and insightful questions--is a rare chance to interact with readers. To find out what makes them laugh. To see what excites and confuses them. To chat with them afterward. It's a great way to break through the solitary, private act of writing and reading.
After an awesome time in Houston, it was on to Bryan, TX, where I spoke with an outstanding group of 6th grade students. A couple of them stuck around after my presentation to talk for a little while about the book and pose for this picture.
After an awesome time in Houston, it was on to Bryan, TX, where I spoke with an outstanding group of 6th grade students. A couple of them stuck around after my presentation to talk for a little while about the book and pose for this picture.
These are just a few snapshots from a fantastic tour through the Lone Star State. And there's still more to come! I'll be meeting with 4 more groups over the next 2 days, and will be back before too long with another update.
So stay tuned and see you soon!
So stay tuned and see you soon!
The Reviews Are In (And They're Good!)
"Bacon's deadpan narrative hums along with outrageous details, humor, and action...A hero with a double life and a colossal set of parental issues, Joshua handles zombies, killer robots, and teenage girls without losing his cool. Bacon's affectionately playful take on the superhero genre introduces bombastic personalities without reducing the characters to caricatures." - Publishers Weekly
"The current popularity of superheroes on television and in movies will make this book an easy sell to reluctant readers and to superhero fans, as well. Easily identifiable characters, fast-paced action and a very clever storyline will appeal to boys and girls of all ages." - ReadKiddoRead
"Joshua Dread by Lee Bacon features understated, deadpan narration and imaginative details (such as zombies that can be mollified with tofu) that add up to lots of fun." - The Horn Book
"Fast and often funny...A twisty, swiftly moving adventure sure to please superhero fans." - Kirkus Reviews
"One of the hardest things for an English teacher to do is get kids to read. They often find the classics boring, and can’t relate to them. Occasionally we have books like Harry Potter that help, but we need more of those. Joshua Dread might be the next book to help." - Comic Book Therapy
"If you have a child that loves heroes, comic books, or adventure, with just a bit of a mystery, then Joshua Dread is waiting." - SciFiPulse.Net
"'Our class got out of sixth period early the day my parents tried to flood the earth.' That’s the first sentence of this entertaining novel about what it’s like to be the son of supervillains...The author neatly dials up the suspense right up to the thrilling finale." - The Buffalo News
"A rousing tale...hopefully we will get to read many more of Joshua’s adventures over the next several years." - Cinegeek
"The current popularity of superheroes on television and in movies will make this book an easy sell to reluctant readers and to superhero fans, as well. Easily identifiable characters, fast-paced action and a very clever storyline will appeal to boys and girls of all ages." - ReadKiddoRead
"Joshua Dread by Lee Bacon features understated, deadpan narration and imaginative details (such as zombies that can be mollified with tofu) that add up to lots of fun." - The Horn Book
"Fast and often funny...A twisty, swiftly moving adventure sure to please superhero fans." - Kirkus Reviews
"One of the hardest things for an English teacher to do is get kids to read. They often find the classics boring, and can’t relate to them. Occasionally we have books like Harry Potter that help, but we need more of those. Joshua Dread might be the next book to help." - Comic Book Therapy
"If you have a child that loves heroes, comic books, or adventure, with just a bit of a mystery, then Joshua Dread is waiting." - SciFiPulse.Net
"'Our class got out of sixth period early the day my parents tried to flood the earth.' That’s the first sentence of this entertaining novel about what it’s like to be the son of supervillains...The author neatly dials up the suspense right up to the thrilling finale." - The Buffalo News
"A rousing tale...hopefully we will get to read many more of Joshua’s adventures over the next several years." - Cinegeek
New York Comic Con
At NY Comic Con this year I saw many strange and wonderful things: Spider-Man hanging out with Magneto, Darth Maul made out of Legos, and a convention hall crowded with mobs of nerds. In other words, my kind of place! Oh, and I also participated in a panel on otherworldly kids' lit with some terrific authors.
The Javits Center was packed. Everyone was there for one thing: to see the panel on "otherworldly weenies, time-traveling tweens, unexpected adventure and other things kids love."* Hosted by the witty and talented Matthew Cody and including yours truly.
*NOTE: a vast majority of the people didn't actually come specifically for the panel, although I'm sure they would've enjoyed it.
Before the panel, my wife and I had a little time for some sight-seeing. Like for example, these DC Comics characters made out of Legos.
Before the panel, my wife and I had a little time for some sight-seeing. Like for example, these DC Comics characters made out of Legos.
Ever wonder what a full scale model of Darth Maul made out of Legos would look like? Of course you did! And here it is!
But I wasn't only there to navigate the crowds of geeks and gaze at elaborate Lego figures. No, I was there with a purpose! To participate in a panel on kids' lit!
The table of panelists was packed with top notch middle grade authors: Matthew Cody (Super) behind the podium, John Kloepfer (Zombie Chasers), Gina and Annette Cascone (Deadtime Stories), David Lubar (In the Land of the Lawn Weenies), Elizabeth Cody Kimmel (ParaNorman), Tommy Greenwald (Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading) and me (You Probably Already Know the Title of My Book, So No Need To List It Here). Sitting to my left are two other authors who didn't make it into the picture: Gitty Daneshvari (Monster High) and Bianca Turetsky (The Time-Traveling Fashionista).
Now that it's over, the panel seems like a bit of a blur. I remember everyone agreeing that a good middle grade book should have short chapters. Also our brand of children's books was compared to pizza (as opposed to the classics that kids are assigned, which are obviously vegetables) and also to downhill skiing (because kids like reading books that are fast-paced and covered in snow, I guess). It was a lively discussion.
Some of the fine folks from Random House were representin'. Including my publicist Mary Van Akin (pictured on my right--your left, with the Hobbit bag) and my editor Wendy Loggia, along with her son, Will, who was one of the first people to read JOSHUA DREAD.
After the panel, there was a book signing. Lou Ferrigno was a few tables away! And Tom Felton (who played Draco Malfoy) was also nearby! I felt honored to be in the same airspace as them.
All in all, I'd say the 2012 New York Comic Con was a resounding success! I got the chance to hang out with my fellow nerds, meet and talk with some terrific authors, and witness a Manga gang fight. Can't wait till next year!
All in all, I'd say the 2012 New York Comic Con was a resounding success! I got the chance to hang out with my fellow nerds, meet and talk with some terrific authors, and witness a Manga gang fight. Can't wait till next year!
Joshua Dread -- Out Now!
It's been a long time in the making, but my first book, JOSHUA DREAD, is finally being published! I can't be more thrilled. And to celebrate, a book launch party was held at my fabulous local bookstore, BookCourt. Refreshments were served, superhero supplies were raffled, fun was had.
BookCourt is a short walk from where I live. I go by there nearly every day. But this was the first time there was a sign with my name outside.
Lots of people--friends, friends-of-friends, complete strangers--showed up for the event.
The author pontificates.
One of the great things about BookCourt is that its back room is perfectly suited for events. I've spent hours in that big, sun-lit room, flipping through random books that I pulled off the shelf, or sitting in the audience to watch some of my favorite authors give readings. It was surreal (and a bit nerve-racking) to be the one behind the podium this time.
Reading from chapter one of JOSHUA DREAD.
After the reading and Q&A, there was a raffle. Two lucky winners got to go home with items from the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store.
Signing a book.
I'm so grateful to all those who came out for my first ever book release party, and to BookCourt, for opening up their space for us. The event was a blast!
Joshua Dread an ABA 2012 Fall New Voices Pick!
I'm thrilled that JOSHUA DREAD has been selected by the American Booksellers Association as one of its Fall 2012 New Voices titles! New Voices recognizes "noteworthy and exciting debuts publishing between July 1, 2012, and the end of the year in two categories: Ages 8 - 12 and Teen." This is such an honor, especially because it comes from a committee of children's booksellers, reading superheroes who work so hard to spread the love of books.
Advance Copies Are In!
It's always exciting to receive a box in the mail with my name on it. But it was especially-exciting to open a box with advance copies of my book inside! The official version won't be available until September, but this was definitely a great preview!
Joshua Dread's International Adventure
JOSHUA DREAD isn't only going to be published in the US. I'm also thrilled that the novel has been sold in Germany, France, Spain, Israel and Australia/New Zealand! It's exciting to think that a book I wrote is being published in languages I don't read. Still no details on when the book will appear in the different countries, but here's a little more info on the publishers:
Germany: S. Fischer Verlag
France: Editions Milan
Spain: Random House Mondadori
Israel: Keter
Australia/New Zealand: Hardie Grant Egmont
Germany: S. Fischer Verlag
France: Editions Milan
Spain: Random House Mondadori
Israel: Keter
Australia/New Zealand: Hardie Grant Egmont