What is Mrs. K. reading today?
I’m reading a YA novel called Sparrow Road by Sheila O’Connor. Twelve year old Raine must spend an entire summer at Sparrow Road, a remote and scenic getaway for artists. Raine’s mother accepted a job as a maid and cook in the main house for the summer so Raine has no choice but to follow. Mysteries abound at Sparrow Road as Raine meets the artists in residence and learns that the old mansion they live in was once an orphanage. No one may talk during the day at Sparrow Road. In the beginning Raine resents this rule. When she begins to write in a journal, however, she discovers that her creative mind thrives in this foreign environment where there are no televisions, telephones, or radios of any kind. A former orphan resident mysteriously replies to the questions Raine asks about the orphanage in her journal. Is he a ghost?
These and other questions have yet to be answered as I have only read a third of the book. Sparrow Road sounds like a marvelous retreat for writing. I think I could handle the no talking during the day rule, but no phones at all?… This book is full of secrets, and I love a good mystery. The possibility of ghosts is an added bonus!
Writing Update:
I am currently entertaining a new story character. She is slowly evolving, and I know she will soon reveal her story to me. She is strong and resilient, this much I know. She also has a name, but I’m not telling!
Land of the Librarian 
This book sounds fabulous! My kind of book!… adds it to list.
Enjoy your time with your new character.
Thanks, Beth. I’m excited about the possibilities for this character-not sure if she is a PB character or a novel character yet.
I do like the sound of the mix of mystery and emotion in Sparrow Road.
Most of my stories begin with a character. Enjoy your time with ………!
Thanks, Joanna! Most of mine tend to start with a character or a title… 🙂
This sounds like a wonderful read. I like the mystery element, and the ghosts!
I love ghost stories! I would really like to write one. Maybe even for a PB-just not too scary! 🙂
I love the sound of Sparrow Road and the cover is beautiful!
I like the cover as well-love this type of collage art. 🙂
Oh, I like this book. Love the emphasis on creativity and mystery. A ghost writer??
I know! I really need to write, but I want to know more about these mysterious orphans! This book is quite different than others I have read lately. Hoping for a strong middle and ending!
Hi! I found your blog through my online friend, Catherine Johnson. I am an elementary school librarian’s assistant and absolutely love my job! I started my blog as well when I began my journey to write a picture book. I co-authored one with a friend of mine and it will be published by Putnam in 2014. Where are you on your publishing journey?
Hi, Beth! Congrats on your new book! 🙂 I am literally just beginning my PB journey. For many years I focused on my teaching and library science career but felt something was missing. When I stumbled upon Picture Book Idea Month, I knew it was just what I needed to reignite my passion for writing. So I’m really a newbie! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I can’t wait to read yours!