7 SECRETS TO CREATE AVID TWEEN READERS

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7 SECRETS TO CREATE AVID TWEEN READERS

avid tween readersThe reason we have 7 secrets to create avid tween readers is because recent statistics by the National Endowment for the Arts shows us that there is a rapid decline in reading skills of American children.  As the author of Saltwater Taffy and a literacy advocate for children, I find this disturbing and sad.  Something must be done!

Despite the popularity of Harry Potter and other children’s books that have flown off the shelves in recent years, the following statement should be a wake-up call for parents, teachers and our entire nation:

“Americans ages 15-24 spend almost two hours a day watching TV, and only seven minutes of their daily leisure time on reading.”

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AUTHOR VISITS – MERCER ISLAND, WA

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Author visitsAUTHOR VISITS – MERCER ISLAND, WA

With multiple author visits on Mercer Island, WA. we are happy to report that Saltwater Taffy is alive and well on the island.  After the Mercer Island BOYS READ BOOK CLUB fell in love with Saltwater Taffy, the PTA got together and flew us up for an author visit to Mercer Island.  First up was the famous Lakeridge Elementary School, which is the top book buyer for all schools participating in the Scholastic Book Fairs.

Then it was across the island to West Mercer Elementary School.  It was a fun-filled day of 2, yes…count them 2 school assemblies!!!  Needless to say I was a tired after this amazing day, but the kids were AWESOME, or….as we say here at the Saltwater Taffy Network, “Those kids were SAWEET!”  More videos to come, so stay tuned!

Mercer Island Author visit and Saltwater Taffy

A LETTER FROM TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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A LETTER FROM TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Teacher of the YearFan mail from a Teacher of the Year?  When I sat down to write the Saltwater Taffy book, I knew I was onto something special in the eyes of teachers, parents and children, but getting a letter like this from an award winning TEACHER OF THE YEAR?  Well, my Taffy Head friends, it is super saweet Saltwater Taffy cool!  Yes, it just makes all the hard work worth it.

This little book is up against some of the biggest publishers in the world and we are happy to report, we are more than holding our own.  We are KICKING some rooty tootie fruity booty!  Here’s the latest letter from our 12th Teacher of the Year!

October 3, 2011

Dear Eric,

I sat down at 10:00 this morning to read Saltwater Taffy.  I intended to read a chapter or two and then do some of the errands that always get delayed until Saturday.  Yet, by page 7, I was hooked.  I didn’t stop when I finished chapter 2; I read until I reached page 252 and that was 4 hours later.

Where was this book when I was a kid?  I would have… Read more

7 AMAZING HAPPINESS SECRETS FOR TWEENS

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Happiness secretsHAPPINESS SECRETS FOR TWEENS

As the author of Saltwater Taffy, happiness secrets for Tweens is the easiest post I could ever write.  The reason is because I know what you are going through.  Being a Tween-Ager can be confusing, challenging, and sometimes…well, for lack of a better word, it can downright be very frustrating.   That being said, there are some amazing happiness secrets for tweens that can help make this time feel more like an adventure than an ongoing nightmare.

Being happy in life takes practice.  Ask you parents.  It is an ongoing choice we all get to make, day in and day out.  No matter what you go through in life… Read more

MIDDLE GRADE FICTION

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middle grade fiction

MIDDLE GRADE FICTION

Our middle grade fiction tour carries on.  Walking the streets of New Orleans with Saltwater Taffy under my arm brought back an afternoon of memories from my days on the USA NETWORK show, THE BIG EASY.

On this trip we met some amazing parents, educators and children of all type in the Crescent City.  I think the coolest thing about the trip was discovering the indie bookstore of OCTAVIA BOOKS, located in the Garden District.  Filled with best selling books, Tom and Judith Lafitte (yes, Judith is related to the great pirate, Jean Lafitte) are two amazing bookstore owners.  Their store is intimate and friendly, which was perfect for the kids who showed up for the Saltwater Taffy book sining.  I especially… Read more