It’s Taylor Swift, country’s hottest music star! May 6, 2010

Taylor Swift is one of today's hottest performers!

Most people have heard of this young lady during her rise to stardom in the past three years. Taylor Swift has been at the top of the charts for the past couple of years with multi-platinum selling albums full of songs she wrote.  That’s amazing, especially since she was only 16 years old when she wrote them!

I love her music! My favorite song is ‘Our Song’, but ‘Picture to Burn’ is fun too.  What’s your favorite Taylor Swift song? Write and let me know: xxx kjreusser xxx @adamswells.com (take out the xxx’s and spaces)

The book is written for students in grades 4-8, although younger and older kids will like it too. When I speak to groups of kids, I make a point to show the photos inside the book, especially Taylor’s gorgeous dresses! 

If your library doesn’t already have this book, ask one of the librarians if they will order it. Here is the ISBN which the librarian will need to order the book:

9781584156758

Remember– librarians want to know what kids like to read! I work in a public middle school library and listen to what boys and girls tell me they have read or would like to read more of. So let your voice be heard! (You can order the Taylor Swift from me. See the Books page of this website for more info).

Here’s a smidgen of the info you’ll find inside the book:

• Taylor’s family lived in an area of the US where country music was not popular. This caused Taylor to feel alone and isolated from people around her.
• Taylor gave up going to slumber parties and other fun events to work on her music.
• She practiced playing the guitar so much her fingers bled!

Once you’ve read this Blue Banner biography about Taylor Swift, write and let me know what you think. As the author of nine children’s books, I love to hear what kids think and what they like to read.

I’ll write about my other books in future posts.

Take care and have a great day!

Kayleen Reusser                                    xxxkjreusserxxx@xxxadamswells.com    (remove the x’s)

June 13, 2010

I recently spoke at the ACPL in downtown Fort Wayne. This lovely facility has been a favorite of mine since it opened in 2007. It is spacious, aesthetically appealing with a great hall that reminds one of the dining hall in Harry Potter movies. Of course, the resources available there are outstanding as well. I’ve written many articles and books using their materials.

On June 3, 2010, I spoke to a group of homeschoolers in the Young Adult section about the importance of dreaming to see your goals in life achieved. The talk lasted 45 minutes. I led them through a brief exercise to help them understand the concept of dreaming, which should be done daily for maximum effect.

Cathy Lambert, Young Adult Librarian at Allen County Public Library, had this to say about my remarks to the group:

“Kayleen Reusser’s talk was very inspiring. As I watched the faces of those in attendance (22 in all, from toddler to older adults) I could tell she related well to all ages. Aside from the specific information she gave about the writing/getting published process, I found Ms. Reusser to be an excellent motivational speaker. I know this both from feedback and for myself personally… Ms. Reusser is a great example of a person who has set a goal and taken steps to achieve it. She needs to keep telling her story! We plan to have her return to discuss future books.”

If your library or school or other group would be interested in having me come to speak, please contact me at wwwkjreusser@xxxadamswells.com (remove the xxx’s). Details about my fees for speaking can be on the “Speaking” page.

Here are a few photos of the day’s happenings. Have a terrific day! You’re special. Believe that. I do.

ACPL staff and me

If you’d like to contact the ACPL here is their address:

200 E. Berry St.
Fort Wayne, IN  46801
260.421.1200 ext 2452

http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/

June 2, 2010

 

Seeing a Chicken Soup for the Soul book with one of my stories on the shelf in Barnes & Noble a few years ago made me feel like one of my dreams had come true!

I’ll be speaking tomorrow at the Allen County Public Library (downtown Fort Wayne) to middle schoolers on the subject of creating dreams. The 45-minute talk begins at 1pm.

This is a passionate subject for me – I wholly believe every person on earth needs to dream and keep dreaming all of their lives. It is dreams that keep us charged up and ready to go for another day. It is dreams that make us believe the world can be a better place with our input. It is dreams that teach us that our minds are not static (stationary, dull things), but wonderfully creative elements that are limitless in scope!!!

I’m talking about dreaming about goals you’d like to accomplish. Some people give up dreaming or never even start because they don’t know how. I’ll lead everyone in a demonstration of just how to dream to see your goals happen at this talk. Please come if you’re available!

I’ll give you a heads-up about something I’m planning to show at the talk. If you’ve never dreamed, you need to check out a music video on Youtube by Brandon Heath. It is called “Wait and See”. It shows exactly what I think people – especially kids – should do on a daily basis to create dreams. We may not all have access to gigantic telescopes (nobody that I know has one in their backyard!), but it’s the same principle if we use our minds. By using our imaginations, we can “see” what we can be.

 Go to Youtube and check out Brandon Heath’s vid, “Wait and See”. I guarantee it will inspire you. Write and tell me what you think and what your dream is. I’ll share my dream in a future post. Keep tuned!

Colten Talks about Hades, God of the Underworld May 26, 2010

Colten does a good job with his book report on my children’s book of Hades

Colten is a good friend of mine. He’s a smart kid and always a pleasure to talk to in the library or anywhere in our school. He wrote and recorded a book review of on my children’s book of Hades (Mitchell Lane Publishing). Hades was the god of the Underworld in Greek mythology. He managed to control his kingdom, although at times he did have an occasional problem working with others…

I won’t give anything away because I’m hoping you’ll read the book. Colten does a good job with his book report on my children’s book of Hades (Mitchell Lane Publishing).

Go to Youtube and listen to Colten’s book review of Hades. Thanks, Colten!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu04rg29hXs

or do a search on my name at Youtube

Kayleen Reusser

Look for Colten among the other kids who have recorded book reports.

 They’re all great!

My Books May 24, 2010

Covers of each of my six children's books

Here is a photo of my books. The girls are on the back row, while the guys (Greek gods) are on the front. At some future point I may move them around and shoot another picture, just to give the girls prominence. Taylor Swift was my first book and it continues to sell well. She is a great role model for kids and I think adults like her too!

 Selena Gomez and Leona Lewis came next. They are also famous although they sing pop music.

 The Greek Gods books are popular—if you’ve heard of the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” movie, you’ll understand why.

I have copies of the Taylor Swift book for purchase at $15.00 each. If you’re interested in having your own copy, let me know.

Take care and have a great day!

Jen checks out the Greek god Hermes May 9, 2010

My nieceJen enjoyed learning about the Greek god Hermes in my book by Mitchell Lane Publishing.

Ever heard of the Greek gods? Maybe you have but don’t know what they’re about. Hollywood has stirred up interest with their movie “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”. This movie is based on a book by author Rick Riordan called The Lightning Thief. I’m nearly done reading this book and really love it. It reminds me a little of the Harry Potter books but better. There are other books in the series to The Lightning Thief so be sure to check them out: The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and finally, The Last Olympian.

 And if you want to learn more about the Greek gods, check out my book called Hermes (Mitchell Lane Publishing). Jennifer read this book and wrote a great review for it. This chapter book tells about the Greek God Hermes who was trouble from Day One! As soon as he was born, Hermes was crawling out of his cradle and getting into trouble! No human can do that!

 Stories about the Greek gods are called myths. They are made up by humans. Some of the stories are really weird, like the one about Hermes, who as a baby, stole a herd of cows. Now what baby is going to want to mess with a bunch of big, stinky bovines (that’s the fancy word for ‘cows’)? Most babies want to play with toys and coo “Da-da” and “Ga-ga”. But not Hermes! You can hear Jen’s complete review of the book Hermes on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJiZOZir8NA

 Thanks, Jennifer! You did a great job!

Look for a copy of Hermes at your local library. While you’re at it, you may also want to look for other books I’ve written about the Greek gods– Hephaestus and Hades. They are all published by Mitchell Lane. If you don’t find copies of these books at the library, ask your librarian to order them.

After you have read them, I’d love to hear from you about the books. Do you like learning about Greek mythology? What do you think of the stories in my books? Maybe you prefer learning about one Greek god more than another – let me know which one and why. Your opinions count!

You can write me at kjreusser @ adamswells.com (take out the spaces).

If you want to learn more about Rick Riordan who wrote The Lightning Thief for his son (what a gift!), go to http://www.rickriordan.com/.

Enjoy learning about the Greek gods and have a great day! You’re special!

Claudia writes her report about my Leona Lewis bio May 5, 2010

Claudia is excited to learn about a famous British singer, Leona Lewis

My friend Claudia read the book I wrote on the British pop star Leona Lewis (Mitchell Lane Publishing). The chapter book tells about this young woman who has knocked the socks off of people around the world with her singing. In England Leona won first place on a talent show that is like “American Idol.” Many Americans recognize Leona’s voice when they hear her most popular song, “Bleeding Love.” Leona Lewis worked hard to achieve her dream of being a singer. She worked at Pizza Hut to pay for singing lessons. Claudia did a nice job with her book report. You can hear it on Youtube at “http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flqRHvxAPV8&feature=related” and “http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY0m66wTe4Y&NR=1”. (Claudia added so many good details we had to make 2 vids!) Thanks, Claudia! You did a great job!

Look for a copy of this Blue Banner biography about Leona Lewis at your local library. If you don’t find a copy, ask your librarian to order one. After you read it, I’d love to hear from you about it. Do you like learning about people from England? Do you like Leona’s music? If you don’t, that’s OK. Personally, I like her song “Better in Time” better than “Bleeding Love.”

Let me hear from you at kjreusser @ adamswells.com (take out the spaces).

Enjoy Leona’s music and have a great day! You’re special!

Sabbian reports on Hephaestus April 28, 2010

Sabbian reports on my book on the Greek god called Hephaestus

My friend Sabbian read the book I wrote on the Greek god Hephaestus (Mitchell Lane Publishing). The 5-chapter book tells various stories about this god of the forge.

In today’s world Hephaestus would be called a blacksmith. He was also the only Greek god to be described as physically disabled.

Hephaestus would never win Mr. Congeniality. Some kids, after reading about Hephaestus’ life, would say he had good reasons to be grouchy and suspicious of people. In the video Sabbian describes episodes in Hephaestus’ life when the god was thrown out of a window. Then he was rescued and lived under the sea. You can listen to Sabbian’s great book report on Hephaestus at “http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYt4m6Q7p4U”

Look for a copy of Hephaestus at your local library. If you don’t find a copy, ask your librarian to order one. Tell me what you think about this important, but often misunderstood, god.

Sabbian did a nice job with his book report. Thanks, Sabbian!

Jillian reports on my Leona Lewis book April 25, 2010

Jillian loves Leona Lewis' biography!

My young friend, Jillian, volunteered to read my children’s chapter book biography of Leona Lewis (Mitchell Lane Publishing) and then write and read a book report on it. Leona is a British pop star whose song, “Bleeding Love” has topped song charts around the world. Jillian does a great job telling the main points of the 32-page book and creating reader interest in the book. She did an ace job. Thanks, Jillian!

You can see the fine job Jillian did writing the report and then filming the video on Youtube. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZaOub2e9mQ

Some other friends will be adding their thoughts of my other children’s books in future posts. Stay tuned!

Speaking in Las Vegas April 11, 2010

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Last month I had the privilege of speaking at the Aliante Public Library in North Las Vegas, Nevada. My audience was a group of children ages preschool through adult.  One little precious darling walked in and asked, “Is Selena Gomez going to be here?”

I had to disappoint her and say no, there was just a book about her. She looked like she might cry, but she didn’t. She and the others listened well as I talked to them about writing my nine books.

An extra plus was my son, whom I was visiting that week, agreed to go with me. Even better, he wore his flight suit. Christopher is a First Lieutenant in the Air Force. He’s also a pilot and stationed at Creech Air Force Base. There he flies planes by remote control over Afghanistan and other countries around Afghanistan. It’s all very complicated, but he’s catching on and making us proud. 

Anyway, Chris not only served as my chauffeur that week, he was a live model for my talk. The kids seemed awed by his flight suit. I told the kids they should dream about what they wanted to be when they grew up. That’s what the three young ladies I’ve written biographies on — Taylor Swift, Leona Lewis, Selena Gomez — all did and still do. They all wanted to sing (yeah, Selena wanted to act first but she’s known as a singer, too). Then I walked them through a 1 minute exercise in how to practice dreaming. It was fun and I think they enjoyed our time together.

We chatted with all of them before and after the meeting and it was a joy meeting so many readers interested in reading biographies. Afterward, we had a book signing. Here are some photos of the event.

Donna Stephenson, Children’s Library Assistant at Aliante Library, sat in on our talk. She had these comments about the event, which she emailed to me later: “You provided a wonderful program for our youth. I really appreciated the way you tied the subjects of your writing to the children’s lives (current movies, songs, etc.). I also liked the way you talked about how all of the ladies you wrote about were dreamers. I think it is important for the kids to see how they can be like people they see on TV just by going for their dreams. I liked that you allowed them to share their dreams with the group and also that they got a chance to play the guitar. You gave them more than just a speech, it was an experience they will remember.”

If you need help dreaming about what you want to be when you grow up, read these books about Taylor Swift, Leona Lewis, Selena Gomez. Ask your local librarian to order them if you can’t find them at your library.  I’m sure they will provide inspiration for you!

Have a nice day!