How do writers turn ideas into a book?
Are you a young writer--or a Baby Boomer with writing aspirations? Check out Mary Amato's short movie above.
by Sandy Moore
When local children's book author Mary Amato addressed her young audience at a March 13th book signing for her new novel, Invisible Lines, she issued a challenge: "If you ever see me without my writer's notebook, I'll give you $100."
Amato is passionate about writing. She's ready to write anywhere, anytime.
Mary started to write as a young girl, filling her first writer's notebook when she was seven. " I became best friends with children's book character, Harriet the Spy" she says, "and started writing in a notebook, just like Harriet." Mary entered writing contests, penned magazine stories, wrote manuscripts and eventually (fast forward) built a career as a children's book writer. Her nine books have won her a national following. But local fans are equally impressed by her devotion to young writers in Silver Spring's Passion for Learning ("P4L") program.
Alexander Amaya is one of those young writers. He participates in the Young Writer's Academy sponsored by P4L at Strathmore Elementary. Amaya was hooked after reading Amato's Please Write in This Book, about an epic classroom battle waged entirely through journal entries. "The part about three boys in a bikini was pretty funny," said Amaya, "and I got to write in the back of the book!" But now he writes stories about his favorite subject: soccer. Kenia Villatoro, a fifth grader from Oakview Elementary said she likes writing plays best. "In one of my plays," said Kenia, "the main character gets Superpowers from a bug bite."
Local children's book author Mary Amato greets fans and fellow writers Alexander Amaya (left, center) and Kenia Villatoro (right center).photo by Julie Wiatt
Both Kenia and Alex were excited to hear about Mary's new book,
Invisible Lines. At the book signing, Mary read a suspenseful part of
the new novel for middle grade readers (ages 10 and up), leaving the two
hungry for more. "That scene was fascinating," said Kenia, "where the
main character is furious with his younger brother for throwing out the
notebook he worked on, so hard."
When Amato was a full-time
teacher, she knew kids like her protagonist, Trevor, who didn't have the
money for school supplies, or a computer at home -- or even a stable
home. "Trev" loves to play soccer, but his single mom can't afford
cleats or shin guards that are required for "A" league play. His family
is still adjusting to apartment life after a short stay in a homeless
shelter. Trev figures out how to turn his talent as a graffiti artist
into a business, decorating kids' sneakers to earn money for soccer
gear. He's also determined to gain the respect of the science teacher
at his new school and scores big with a notebook full of beautifully
illustrated mushrooms.
One book reviewer wrote : "Amato's
mushroom metaphor aptly fits her young hero, who emerges from
unpromising surroundings by following his mom's advice "to rise above
it" (Kirkus Reviews). Mary Amato has created a character whose pluck
and perseverance will inspire her students -- as well as other young
readers in our community.
Author Mary Amato has written nine
books for children, beginning with middle grade novel The Word Eater,
followed by The Riot Brothers series, and including a picture book The
Chicken of the Family Her most recent novel, Invisible Lines, was
published in fall 2009 by Egmont USA.
Amato is also a talented
songwriter/singer who performs locally with a duo called "Two-Piece
Suite." They will perform at The New Deal Café in Greenbelt on April
24.
Leave a comment