JUDY YOUNG
Author & Poet
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About Judy Young
Judy is a frequent speaker at schools, children's literature
festivals and young author conferences as well as at professional
educational conferences nationwide. With twenty years experience in
the public schools, Judy easily relates to students, as well as
their teachers. Her first hand knowledge in improving students'
writing skills allows her presentations and workshops to directly
correspond with school curriculum, thus providing unique and
exciting learning opportunities for her audiences.
Judy resides near Springfield, MO, with her husband, Ross B. Young,
a professional artist who illustrated Judy's "Show Me" books. They
have two grown children and several dogs. When not writing or
speaking professionally, Judy can be found reading, hiking, fishing,
and gallivanting around the country in “Arlo,” the Young's traveling
studio.
A
Book for Black-Eyed Susan (Tales of Young Americans)
by Judy Young
(Author), Doris Ettlinger (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (March 10, 2011)
ISBN-10:
1585364630 ISBN-13: 978-1585364633
When ten-year-old Cora and her family leave their home in Missouri, their hearts are filled with the hopes and dreams of a bright future gleaming with promise and opportunity.
But the journey west by wagon train is harsh, and tragedy strikes swiftly and unexpectedly. Now Cora and her father must steel themselves for a different future from what they had carefully planned. How can they move forward when their hearts are broken?
But move on they must, and Cora takes comfort in her new baby sister (named Susan after the black-eyed flowers). When Cora learns she and Susan are to be separated at the end of their journey, she looks to the past to help craft a link to their new lives.
From Kirkus Review: "This is a story of heartbreak and resolve, of the punishing tribulations that were once part and parcel of the frontier experience... [Ten]-year-old Cora wakes to a new day on the Oregon Trail and /earns that her mother has just died giving birth. Time to mark her grief is brief; all too soon the grave marker dwindles into the horizon... Then comes a second wrench, when Susan and Cora are separated, as it is not feasible for her and her father alone to look after Susan. But Cora has made for her a book of quilted-cloth pages, the tale of their family's life told through fabric scraps found in their mother's sewing box... Young's telling is raw but tempered by an oblique approach to the crudest moments and softened by a lovely chance encounter years later, the type of encounter that would only happen if one took the time and effort to fashion a book from the scraps of a life with little comfort and fewer promises."
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by Judy Young
2011 Parents Choice Approved Book Award Winner
2011 Louisiana Reading Association Child Choice Award List
ISBN-10: 1585365092 ISBN-13: 978-1585365098
Miss Wright is a writer. She enjoys her work. Each day she sits at her desk and writes stories with marvelous characters who live exciting lives. But, except for the click-click-click of the keyboard, it is quiet in Miss Wright’s office. Too quiet. And too lonely.
So Miss Wright decides she needs a pet to keep her company.
But finding the perfect pet may not be as easy as it sounds. A mynah bird is too quiet, a cat makes her sleepy, and a hamster running around on its wheel makes Miss Wright dizzy. What’s a lonely writer to do?
As the happy ending to her story, Miss Wright finds not only the perfect pet but also the perfect helpmate to her work.
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus
Reviews: "Miss Wright is a lonely writer, tapping away at
her computer..She decides to acquire a pet to keep her company, and
one by one she tries a mynah bird, a monkey, a tropical fish and a
cat. Each pet creates a problem of some sort that interferes with
Miss Wright's work ... Finally she tries a dog, a basset hound that
lies quietly near her feet as the writer works. In a delightful and
unexpected plot twist, the unnamed dog can read, and he becomes Miss
Wright's first reader and, eventually, her editor as well. He even
offers a thesaurus and a dictionary as part of his editorial advice.
When Miss Wright's book is accepted for publication, writer and dog
celebrate together with appropriate howls of delight. Both the story
and the illustrations have a light, charming flavor, with
understated humor and a sophisticated air that assumes that
intelligent children will enjoy this story".
From Through the Looking Glass
"I truly identify with the human character
that you will meet in the book I reviewed below. Though this book Is
of course for children, adults will also greatly enjoy it. Miss
Wright is an author... but her life is very quiet and rather lonely,
so she decides that she needs "something to keep me company," and so
she goes to the local pet store.
The man at the pet store gives Miss Wright a mynah bird
...
Unfortunately, the mynah bird does not turn out to be a good fit
because the only sound it makes is to mimic the tap tapping sounds
of computer keys. Miss Wright then brings home a monkey, which is
more of a nuisance than anything else. A fish distracts Miss Wright
so much that she does not write anything, a hamster running in its
wheel makes her dizzy, and a cat lies across her keyboard making it
impossible for her to work. Miss Wright is determined that a pet is
not the answer to her problem, and then the pet shop man gives her a
dog. Miss Wright does not think that the dog is going to suit her
either, but she gives it a try all the same. Little does she know
that the dog is going to be a bigger asset than she ever imagined...
With wonderful illustrations and delightful characters that will
appeal to readers of all ages, this is a picture book that will warm
the heart and put a smile on a face."
Missouri Reader (State Readers) by Judy Young (author), Kate Darnell (Illustrator)
ISBN-10: 1585364371ISBN-13: 978-1585364374
The Missouri Reader is filled with something for every reader grades K-4. Filled with fiction, nonfiction and poetry, this book based on the McGuffy readers, has a rebus fable about a stubborn mule, letters “sent by Pony Express, riddles, hidden pictures, stories, biographies, even a song, a play and a “chapter book!” A must for all Missouri students, as well as others who wish to learn more about the Show Me State.
The Hidden Bestiary of Marvelous, Mysterious, and (Maybe Even) Magical Creatures
by Judy Young
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher:
Sleeping Bear Press (September 2009)AWARDS
2012 Louisiana Young Readers Choice Award List
ISBN-10: 1585364339 ISBN-13: 978-1585364336
Judy
Young's new children's picture book, The Hidden Bestiary of Marvelous, Mysterious and (maybe even) Magical Creatures (Sleeping Bear Press) was released in September, 2009. You can see a book promotional on youtube as Judy transforms into Basil B. Barnswhitten, the great explorer and animal scout who searches the world for creatures and tries to determine if they are extinct, endangered or never even existed! Just go to
2011/2012 LA Young Readers Choice Award Nominee
Minnow and Rose (Tales of Young Americans)
by Judy Young (Author) Reading level: Ages 4-8,Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (April 2009) ISBN-10: 1585364215 ISBN-13: 978-1585364213
Minnow lives with her family in one of the many native villages scattered across the plains. She loves to swim, which is how she got her nickname. Rose is traveling with her family on the Oregon Trail. The journey is tiresome, and Rose can't wait for something exciting to happen. Then, one day it does. On the banks of a rushing river, the two very different cultures come face to face and through the seeds of curiosity, a friendship blooms.
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AWARDS 2012 NY Charlotte Award Suggested Reading List |
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2010/2011 MO Show Me
Readers Award Nominee |
by Judy Young (Author)Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (May 3, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1585363480 ISBN-13: 978-1585363483
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2010/2011 MO Show Me Award Nominee |
Editorial Review
From Kirkus Review: "Counting 'lucky stars' isn't easy when you own the world's ugliest hand-me-down shoes, your school has closed and your dad is permanently out of town. Ruth wants to pursue her dream of education, but how can she do that during the Great Depression?...Young's positive, feel-good story succeeds in showing how applying a good attitude and creativity will make life shine brighter than a lucky star..."
by Judy Young (Author) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (April 2, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1585363472 ISBN-13: 978-1585363476
From A for Anglers to Z for Zzzzzzzzzing, the sound all anglers love to hear as a fish takes out the line, H is for Hook, A Fishing Alphabet will have readers captured, hook, line and sinker! Award-winning author Judy Young combines both poetry and sidebar information about all aspects of fishing while Gary Palmer vividly depicts the number one outdoor sport enjoyed by millions of all ages.
Lazy Days of Summer by Judy Young, illustrated by Kathy O’Malley, Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (May 2007)
ISBN-10: 1585362417 ISBN-13: 978-1585362417
From earliest times, “playing” has been part of the human experience and many of today’s familiar games have been played for centuries. Lazy Days of Summer explores long-loved games and activities with fun poems, lively illustrations, interesting historical facts, simple rules and fun variations. Young readers and their friends and families are invited to leave the techno-driven world for a little while and “get outside and play!”
Editorial Reviews
Catholic Library World Journal: Summer the way it should be enjoying the outdoors and having fun. The Lazy Days of Summer captures the magic of childhood games. Wonderful full-color illustrations with the long shadows characteristic of a summer evening invite the reader into a child's day of outdoor exercise. What a great way to end the school year in the library!Playthings Magazine Young’s lively language and the bright yet dreamy illustrations by Kathy O’Malley evoke summer days filled with outdoor fun from dawn until dusk…a charming read-aloud for today’s kids. (Karyn M. Peterson)
Show Me the Number, A Missouri Number Book by Judy Young, illustrated by Ross B. Young Reading Level: Ages 5-10 Hardcover: 40 pages
ISBN-10: 1585361569
ISBN-13: 978-1585361564
From the husband-and-wife, author-illustrator team that produced S is for Show Me, A Missouri Alphabet, comes its companion book Show Me the Number, A Missouri Number Book. Readers will count their way through Missouri as they race through the first U.S. Olympics, measure a Missouri Fox Trotter horse, discover sunken treasures and dig down to see what’s holding up the Arch. The fun-to-read poems and entertaining facts, accompanied by illustrations you can “count on,” show you more of the Show Me State.
R Is for Rhyme: A Poetry Alphabet by Judy Young, Victor Juhasz (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 46 pages Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (January 30, 2006)
ISBN: 1585362409
Discover the magic of poetry with R is for Rhyme: A Poetry Alphabet. From acrostics and ballads to meter and metaphor, author and poet Judy Young has written a delightful collection of poems that are brought to life by the colorful illustrations by Victor Juhasz. In addition, poetic tools, terms and techniques accompany each poem in sidebar information allowing readers to learn about how poems are written. Whether haiku or rap, sonnets or cinquains, readers of all ages will enjoy the beauty and humor expressed in poetry and will be inspired to put their imaginations to work Crafting their own poems.
Awards 2008 Mom’s Choice Award Gold Winner 2008 Educator’s Choice Award 2007 58th Annual Performance by Univ. of UT’s Creative Dance Dept 2006/07 Albuquerque Schools ARTS Program Featured Book 2006 MO Writer’s Guild Best Juvenile Book Award 2006 National Parenting Publications Honor Award |
Editorial Reviews
From Twila C. Liggett, Ph.D., Founder of PBSs Reading Rainbow and Professor at Marymount Manhattan College: This is just an incredible book. By coupling the styles of poetry with such wonderful collection of poems, this book is a delight. Furthermore, it is also a "text" for teachers to use in teaching writing to upper elementary students through the college level. I plan to use this lovely book in my college level teacher education and Children's Literature classes. Bravo!
From Kirkus Starred Review "Twenty-six sidebar lessons on poetry, each linked to both a poem and a cheeky colorful illustration. The wit and mischief in the painterly illustrations welcome even new poetry readers to give verse a try.
From Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review "In this unique alphabet book readers will get to meet a whole new set of poems which show us the different faces and forms that poetry can take this book certainly is one of the most creative poetry picture books that has been published because it not only gives us poems to read but it also helps us to better understand the whole wonderful world of poetry and to see that poetry can convey a feeling or an impression in an unforgettable way."
From International Reading Association's Reading Today: "One of the best new books on the market for your children, your class and even yourself... R is for Rhyme presents a multileveled look into all things poetic." By David L. Richardson
S Is For Show Me: A Missouri Alphabet Edition 1. (Discover America State By State. Alphabet Series) by Judy and Ross B. Young Reading level: Ages 4-8 Board book: 40 pages Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press; 1 edition (September 17, 2001)
ISBN: 1585360260
What a fun way to learn about Missouri? Author and poet, Judy Young, and illustrator, Ross B. Young, invite children of all ages to go with them on an alphabetical adventure through Missouri, as they "show you" the Show Me State with poems, pictures and facts about Missouri's, geography, history, famous people, events, plants and wildlife. In a multi-tiered approach for Pre-K to 6th grade readers, hidden images within the illustrations are fun for all ages to find, a short poem for each letter of the alphabet is a good read aloud for pre-readers, and older readers learn of the rich heritage of Missouri, which is a statewide focus in MO elementary schools.
Selected by the Missouri Center for the Book to represent Missouri
at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.
Presentations and Workshops For Students
R is for Rhyme Student Presentations:
grades K-8From ballads about butterflies, jingles about jellybeans and quatrains about quilts, students will discover the magic of poetry. As Judy reads her poems and shares the stories behind them, students actively enter into the poetry writing process, becoming "poetry detectives" by discovering poetic tools, terms and techniques such as rhythm and rhyme, metaphor and alliteration, and specific poetic structures. Students then get the opportunity to become poets, as Judy leads them through group poetry writing activities.
Show Me Missouri Student Presentations:
grades K-6Students go on an adventure through Missouri with author Judy Young as she presents her books, S is for Show Me, A Missouri Alphabet and Show Me the Numbers, A Missouri Number Book. Students will actively participate by choosing "artifacts" which relate to the books poetry and expository text about the history, geography, people, events, wildlife and resources of Missouri. In addition to her enthusiasm in exploring the gateway to the west, Judy shares the behind-the-scenes stories about the writing and publishing processes, including the rare opportunity to see some of the original artwork.
What's My Job? I'm a Children's Author:
for grades K-8"What's it like to be an author?" is a frequent question that students have. Your students find out with this special opportunity to meet award-winning author Judy Young. Judy will share passages from her fiction, poetry and nonfiction books as well as the stories behind the books, how ideas change to words and the writing and publication process. Students also get the opportunity to write with Judy, as she leads students grades 2-8 through a group writing activity.
Facts and Fiction, A Close-up Look at The Lucky Star:
grades 3-8When upper elementary and middle school students write fiction, it's usually picture book "size." As Judy reads from The Lucky Star, an award-winning historical fiction picture book set during the Great Depression, students actively participate in discovering the process of writing fiction, from what goes in the beginning, middle and end of stories, to how to use research to make fiction seem true. (Judy will gladly provide an age appropriate program to include grades K-2 during her visit to your school.)
Westward Bound grades K-8
The Hidden Bestiary grades K-8
With a surprise visit by “Basil B. Barnswhitten” the main character from The Hidden Bestiary of Marvelous, Mysterious and (maybe even) Magical Creatures, your students will not only discover whether hidden creatures are endangered, extinct or never existed but will also discover the unique writing process of this book, in which Judy wrote in a ‘reversed” sequence, writing to illustrations that were created first! Your students will also write to illustrations in a group activity!
Evening or Special Events:
for mixed audiences of children and adultsInvite a special speaker to your schools parent night, reading fair, literature festival, young authors celebration or other special event. In an informal presentation style designed for a mixed audience of both children and adults, Judy takes you "behind the scenes" to discover the working life of an author, including the illustration process from an author-married-to-an-illustrators point of view. As an option to schools who are trying to boost parent attendance, Judy offers a student poetry contest in which a Poet Laureate is chosen for each grade participating. Winners are announced at the event.
Poetry: Write Away! A Classroom Writing Workshop Residency
: grades 2-8Poetry is often the first type of literature heard by children and young children are eager to learn to write poetry. Likewise, older students are learning to use the unique voice of poetry to express themselves. As your school's writer-in-residence, Judy Young comes into the classrooms to work directly with the students on their own poetry writing. Students explore a variety of poetic tools, techniques and terminology used in poetry such as metaphor, simile, and alliteration as they learn to write in variety of poetic structures. A different poetry writing assignment is given in each classroom. Teachers can then share their class lessons with their peers, turning the writing workshop into an observational writing workshop in-service for educators as well.
| What teachers are saying! |
| I am still receiving lots of compliments from parents, students and fellow teachers. Judy, your event, I feel, tops all of literacy events we ever had at Zia. The kids are asking if we can have you come back again next year. Thanks ever so much for working with me and lifting our teachers and students with your gift of word. Peggy Miller Zia Elementary Albuquerque, NM |
| We all enjoyed your visit and there is now poetry written by students appearing all around our school! Cheryl Biwer Gilcrist Elementary Gilcrist, CO |
"Judy, your visit not only helped us complete our "Buddy Book" project, it is helping with setting up a writing workshop this year. I loved seeing how the kids responded to you conferencing with them. Thank you!" |
Penny, a 5th grade teacher who attended your after school workshops, wrote a grant ...to receive 30 copies of the book [R is for Rhyme, A Poetry Alphabet] to teach poetry. Your workshop motivated her. " |
Presentations and Workshops For Teachers
Meet Judy Young, Counting Her Lucky Stars:
for all educators, K-12Judy Young is living proof that dreams really do come true! Join this author and poet as she shares her unique and humorous story of how her career changed from teacher to author! In this 60-90 minute presentation, you'll see a behind the scene view of the publication process from initial concept to rough drafts, final drafts, and galley proofs, as well as the illustration process from the author's perspective. Judy also gives suggestions on how her books can be used in the classroom. 60 minutes Perfect for your conferences Breakfast or Lunch Presentations and Breakout Sessions.
Poetry Slam! A Special Program for Your Educational Conference
for all educators, K-12Spice up your conference luncheon, dinner or evening event with a poetry slam hosted by the author of award-winning book, R is for Rhyme, A Poetry Alphabet! Judy Young will host a poetry slam in which, in addition to starting the event with her Poetry from A to Z Rap and reciting some of her own poetry, Judy invites others to join the fun in reciting or reading their own work or work of others in a relaxed and lively contest. Length varies, depending on conference needs. No additional fee for Poetry Slam if Judy is scheduled for other sessions at your event.
Poetry: Write in the Middle of Class, A Writing Workshop for Teachers:
for teachers K-8Judy Young, author of award winning R is for Rhyme, A Poetry Alphabet, wants teachers to feel more comfortable and confident in teaching poetry writing. In this hands-on workshop, teachers learn how easy it is to get their students creative juices flowing. Teachers will actively participate in a variety of poetry writing activities that can be used immediately in the classroom, from free verse, to rhyming verse, to non-rhyming structures such as acrostics, cinquians, haiku, etc., as well as use of poetic tools such as metaphor, simile, alliteration, and onomatopoeia. Judy also gives suggestions on integrating poetry into all curriculum areas.
Judy is very flexible in tailoring her workshops to fit your conference or professional development workshop needs. Workshops can be tailored toward a wide grade range audience K-8, or smaller grade range audiences, such as K-2, 3-5, 6-8. In addition, workshops can be scheduled for a full day, half-day, or 60-120 minute mini-workshops. Simply contact Judy to discuss your school, district or conference needs.
Fees
Speaking honorariums range from $600-$1,200 per day
plus expenses (travel, lodging, etc. as applicable) depending on
the event. To obtain a price quote, ask questions or schedule an
event, simply click on Contact Judy on my website at
www.judyyoungpoetry.com (link below). Judy will respond to you
as soon as possible.
Contact Information Judy Young Phone 417-866-1800 website: http://www.judyyoungpoetry.com
01/23/12 date this page was last edited Click HERE to return to state page
6155 E. Farm Road 132
Springfield, MO 65802
