Interview and Giveaway: Yona Zeldis McDonough, author of Little Author in the Big Woods: A Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder

I'm so thrilled to have author Yona Zeldis McDonough stopping by today to talk about her new middle-grade biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder! Plus, you can win a copy...

Little Author in the Big Woods

(A Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder)

by Yona Zeldis McDonough

9/16/14

Macmillan

Many girls in elementary and middle school fall in love with the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. What they don’t always realize is that Wilder’s books are autobiographical. This narrative biography describes more of the details of the young Laura’s real life as a young pioneer homesteading with her family on many adventurous journeys. This biography, complete with charming illustrations, points out the differences between the fictional series as well as the many similarities. It’s a fascinating story of a much-celebrated writer.

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What three words best describe Little Author in the big Woods?

Fun. Cozy. Inspiring.

Can you give us your best one sentence pitch to convince readers, especially reluctant readers, to give Little Author in the big Woods a try?

Here is a story about a plucky little girl who crisscrossed the country with her family more than a dozen times and who, despite so many hardships and interruptions, never lost her cheerful nature or optimistic outlook.

Grab a copy of Little Author in the big Woods and answer the following:

favorite chapter?  CHAPTER THREE: A TERRIBLE ILLNESS

favorite page?  PAGE 45

flip to a random page and give us a 1-2 sentences teaser:

“And although she did not know it, making pictures with words for her sister was preparing her for what would be her life’s work: it was turning a bright, observant girl who loved reading into a full-fledged writer.”

What was it like writing this biography for children?  

I had so much fun writing this book! I loved learning about the many correspondences between Laura’s life and the stories she wrote.

Was it difficult taking all the fascinating facts about Laura Ingalls Wilder and exploring them in a way that is appropriate for younger readers?

Not really because she had such an interesting childhood and it’s been my experience that kids love to read about the lives of other kids. Laura’s early life was so fascinating that she made it easy!

In all the research you did for this book you must have learned lots of interesting things! What are your top three favorite facts or things you learned about Laura Ingalls Wilder?

That she got her start writing about farm life

That she hated wearing a bonnet

That she was an early feminist who urged farmers’ wives to become active partners in their farms and made sure her own daughter got the best education possible.

Why do you think Wilder’s books and life still resonate with people today?

Life on the American prairie has an almost mythic attraction for so many people: it represents a combination of freedom, self-determination and courage. Laura’s books give us an insight into that life, and they chart its joys and sorrows with great specificity and detail.

What do you love most about this beloved author?

Her resilience and her perseverance.

Fill in the blanks:

I’m really awesome at baking banana muffins!

I’m really embarrassed to admit that I have dreadful penmanship!

The last great book I read was THE GOLDFINCH, by Donna Tartt.

If you were to create and bake a cupcake inspired by Little Author in the big Woods, what would it look and taste like, and what would you call it?

The cupcake would be made of yellow cake, to represent the golden plains of the prairie landscape.  The frosting would be green and blue butter cream, to represent the lush forests and cooling rivers that Laura knew so well.  I would call it Ode to America and it would taste fresh, sweet, delicious, and unlike anything else.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Yona!

website * goodreads * blog

Yona Zeldis McDonough is the author of many books for children, includingSisters in Strength, Anne Frank, and Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott. Ms. McDonough lives in Brooklyn, New York.

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Little Author in the Big Woods!

Macmillan has generously offered up one finished copy for one winner.

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Father's Day Book Giveaway: win a copy of James Madison, A Life Reconsidered by Lynne Cheney

Today, I have a book giveaway perfect for Father's Day! Now, normally I stick to YA, MG, and Picture Books here at Word Spelunking, but the very awesome people at Viking and Penguin contacted me about hosting a giveaway for JAMES MADISON: A Life Reconsidered, a book perfect for the dads out there that love history, reading, politics, and so much more, and I couldn't resist bringing this giveaway to y'all! Below, you can learn more about this much raved about book and enter two win a gorgeous copy...

James Madison: A Life Reconsidered

by Lynne Cheney

5/6/14

Viking Adult

$36.00

A major new biography of the fourth president of the United States by New York Times bestselling author Lynne Cheney
 
This majestic new biography of James Madison explores the astonishing story of a man of vaunted modesty who audaciously changed the world. Among the Founding Fathers, Madison was a true genius of the early republic.
 
Outwardly reserved, Madison was the intellectual driving force behind the Constitution and crucial to its ratification. His visionary political philosophy and rationale for the union of states—so eloquently presented in The Federalist papers—helped shape the country Americans live in today.
 
Along with Thomas Jefferson, Madison would found the first political party in the country’s history—the Democratic Republicans. As Jefferson’s secretary of state, he managed the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States. As president, Madison led the country in its first war under the Constitution, the War of 1812. Without precedent to guide him, he would demonstrate that a republic could defend its honor and independence—and remain a republic still.

WHO:  Lynne Cheney, wife of former Vice President Dick Cheney, is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. She is the author or co-author of twelve books, includes six bestsellers about American history for children and their families.  Cheney’s most recent book is We the People: The Story of Our Constitution (2008). 

WHAT: Cheney, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, has been studying Madison since 1987, when she was a member of the Commission on the Bicentennial of the Constitution.  She has spent the last five years immersed in Madison archival materials, and the result is a lively, intimate, and compelling narrative that takes the reader through the history-altering events in which Madison played key roles.  He was not only the Father of the Constitution, but the leader of the first Congress and President Washington’s most influential advisor.  He used both positions and a political savvy unmatched since to secure passage of the Bill of Rights. In 1812, he became the first president to lead the nation in war under the Constitution, and he was not only as steady a commander-in-chief as the nation has ever known, he was a friend of liberty, refusing to silence those opposed to war, although many pressed him to do so.

WHY: Father of the Constitution, principle author of the Bill of Rights, founder of the first opposition party, secretary of state, and fourth president, Madison was both a far-seeing theorist and a masterful politician, who despite all he accomplished has been overshadowed by other Founders.  Mrs. Cheney covers the sweep of Madison’s significant life, exploring his deeds, his mind, and his character to reveal the brilliance and determination that enabled this seemingly modest man to change the world.  Debunking the myths that have burdened his reputation, she shows us the Madison lauded by his famous contemporaries—Washington, Adams, Jefferson—and loved by his glamorous wife, Dolley.

PRAISE for James Madison: A Life Reconsidered

“Lucidly written… this is probably the best single volume bio of Madison that we now have.”

—Gordon Wood, New York Times Book Review

“The book is a lovingly researched tribute to an often-underestimated man. It does not explicitly refer to modern controversies. But present-day politics intrudes.”

—The Economist

“Cheney might have written a book that made Madison a prop in today’s political battles. She did not, which is greatly to her credit and true to the life of the man.”

—Washington Post

“Meticulously researched, richly detailed look at the life and times of Madison, former Second Lady Cheney fleshes out the achievements and struggles of this American founding father…authoritative, conversational, certainly confident in its analysis.” 

—Publishers Weekly 

“A proficiently argued account for Madison’s greatness.”

—Kirkus Reviews

"With this compelling, elegant, original biography, Lynne Cheney brings the great, elusive James Madison back to life, reminding us of how powerfully this brilliant Founder’s political and intellectual leadership has shaped the course of American history.  In this era in which Madison is too often eclipsed by more histrionic Founders, Cheney shows us his crucial, fascinating relationships with Dolley, Thomas Jefferson and an all-star cast, and lets us witness the growth of a world-changing political philosopher. Her book demonstrates why Madison deserves to stand near the center of our early American firmament.”  

—Michael Beschloss, author of The Conquerors and Presidential Courage

“James Madison did as much to put his stamp on the nation as any of the founders, yet too rarely is he given his due in the pantheon of America’s statesman. In this stunning, brilliant work, Lynne Cheney rectifies this glaring oversight, and brings Madison to life as never before. Written with subtlety and grace, the book is as groundbreaking as it is fresh, as enthralling as it is compulsively readable. It is nothing short of a masterpiece that deserves to be in the bookshelf of every history buff!”

—Jay Winik, author of April 1865 and The Great Upheaval

"After more than 25 years working on the Madison Papers, it's not often that I read something about him that is fresh and engaging, and discovers new aspects of his life and character.  Cheney's exploration of Madison's health issues, not only as a young man, but throughout his career, is imaginative and groundbreaking. Her writing is both fluid and polished; the tone is measured and judicious; there isn't a strident note in the whole book. And, an added plus, her treatment of Madison as a political actor is informed by a sophisticated knowledge of politics, without in any way being presentist.” 

—David B. Mattern, Research Professor and Senior Associate Editor, Papers of James Madison, University of Virginia

Win a gorgeous hardcover copy of James Madison: A Life Reconsidered (worth almost $40), to keep or give as a gift!

Viking will ship the book (to you or gift recipient) in time for 

Father's Day.

DETAILS

-US only (no PO Boxes)

-will end 5/31

-must be 13+, one free entry per person

-winner will have 48 hours to claim prize

-Word Spelunking is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen prizes

Fill out Rafflecopter form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway