Young Readers are the Future

"Young Readers are the Future," says Juvenile fiction author, Mary Cunningham.

(PRWEB) January 19, 2006 -- In "The Missing Locket," Book One of her fiction/fantasy series, "Cynthia's Attic," Ms. Cunningham is just gearing up, and has already connected with a fourth-grade class in her hometown, Corydon, Indiana…also the setting for the series.

As teacher Barbara Smith, of Corydon Intermediate School, reads this time-travel tale to her eager class, they are surprised that some Indiana history (a subject they are coincidentally studying this semester) sneaks on to the pages, tucked cleverly between magic trunks, disappearing stairways, and a spooky attic. The students enthusiastically let their imaginations take them back in time to 1914 with Augusta Lee (Gus) and Cynthia, as the two 12-year-old best friends, discover that life wasn't always easy for their 12-year-old grandmothers, Clara and Bess.

Once the class reads the book, they plan to e-mail the author with their "book reviews," and perhaps, ideas for future stories. For young readers to be able to read, talk about, and then communicate their opinions to the author, is an invaluable social function. Whether the discussion is in a book-club setting or a classroom, the group interaction can only inspire children to explore the magic of books.

With the help of teachers and librarians, authors can take a more active role in educating and entertaining the minds of youngsters everywhere. Children and Young Adult Book clubs could be the answer to many of society's issues with the supposed deterioration of educational standards and perhaps even decrease the number of crimes perpetrated by children under the age of eighteen. Organized events, workshops, and opportunities designed specifically for them, would allow children to participate in the development of their own unique characters.

Author:
Mary Cunningham is the author of CYNTHIA'S ATTIC: THE MISSING LOCKET. She hopes to expand her base of fans by visiting and involving herself in the development of children's readers groups. To organize an event for your group featuring Ms. Cunningham, please call Karen Syed at 410-878-7113. Echelon Press gladly offers group discounts for this title.

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