JUDY YOUNG
Author & Poet

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About Judy Young

Judy remembers showing her grandmother a poem she wrote at age ten and she has been writing ever since. The author of children's nonfiction, poetry and fiction, Judy’s books are favorites of young readers, have been used by classroom teachers across the country and have received numerous awards. Minnow and Rose won the 2010 Storytelling World Award and is nominated for three 2010/2011 State Book Awards: the PA Keystone to Reading Award, DE Diamond Book Award and AL Camillia Book Award. The Lucky Star is a 2010/2011 MO Show Me Award Nominee and received a 2009 Storytelling World Honor Award. R is for Rhyme, A Poetry Alphabet won the 2008 Mom's Choice Gold Award as well as the 2008 Educators' Choice Award.

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 the Young's traveling studio, "Arlo."

PUBLISHED BOOKS

Missouri Reader (State Readers) by Judy Young (author), Kate Darnell (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 9-12Hardcover: 89 pagesPublisher: Sleeping Bear Press (April 4, 2010)


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)


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 You Tube

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  order.gif (1197 bytes) 94X32-W-LOGO.GIF (1338 bytes)
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.

 

AWARDS

2010 Storytelling World Award

2010/2011 PA Keystone to Reading Award Nominee

2010/2011 DE Diamond Book Award Nominee

2010/2011 AL Camillia Book Award Nominee

 

The Lucky Star (Tales of Young Americans)
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

It's 1933 and the Great Depression has left millions of people without work. Like thousands of families, Ruth's family struggles just to keep food on the table. And now, ten-year-old Ruth has just learned that school is a luxury her town cannot afford. She will not be going on to fifth grade. Ruth sees very little in her life to count as lucky stars. But when Ruth stops focusing on the hardships and focuses on solutions, she discovers the importance of being a lucky star for someone else.
 
2010/2011 MO Show Me Award Nominee
2009 Storytelling World Honor Award

Editorial Review

Looking Glass Review:  This very moving and powerful book beautifully captures the problems that people experienced on a daily basis during the Great Depression. With great care the author includes all kinds of details that help the young reader get a sense of what it was like to live in  in the 1930s when school closed, jobs were lost, and when children had to look long and hard to find lucky stars. Though this story is sad at times, readers will find that the tale is also full of hope.

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..."

Top Five Book selected by Rutgers University's Project on Economics and Children:
This outstanding book will help children to gain a richer exposure to lessons about unemployment, scarcity, and recession. Teachers and parents can use the books poignant illustrations and clear text to help children come to terms with potentially difficult economic times they may be experiencing themselves.  

H is for Hook: A Fishing Alphabet (Sports!)

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
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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.

 

LazyDaysOfSummer.jpg (64329 bytes) 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 order.gif (1197 bytes) 94X32-W-LOGO.GIF (1338 bytes)

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 beenjoying 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 childs 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) 

ShowMetheNumber.jpg (34853 bytes)Show Me the Number, A Missouri Number Book by Judy Young, illustrated by Ross B. Young Reading Level: Ages 5-10 Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (August 2007)

ISBN-10: 1585361569
ISBN-13: 978-1585361564
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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.

 

RisforRhyme.jpg (58737 bytes)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 order.gif (1197 bytes) 94X32-W-LOGO.GIF (1338 bytes)

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 and Honors:

2008 Mom's Choice Award Gold Recipient: Educator's Choice

2006 Missouri Writers' Guild Best Juvenile Book Award 2006 NAPPA
(National Parenting Publications)

Honor Award for Ages 9+ Category
Selected by the Virginia Tanner Creative Dance Program
and Children's Dance Theatre of the University of Utah to be choreographed
for their 58th annual performance in May 2007.

Featured by the Albuquerque Public Schools
for their "Words and Images" ARTS Program, 2006/2007 school year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

ShowMe.jpg (36473 bytes) 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 order.gif (1197 bytes) 94X32-W-LOGO.GIF (1338 bytes)

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

Presentations and Workshops For Students

R is for Rhyme Student Presentations: grades K-8

From 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-6

Students 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.

So You Want To Be An 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.

Playday with an Author: grades K-4

Is your school planning a playday, party or special celebration? Make these special activities not only fun but educational as well by inviting Judy Young, author of Lazy Days of Summer. Judy shares poems and unique historical facts about a variety of traditional games described in her book, as well as the writing process of both poetry and nonfiction. Then, the students have the opportunity to do what kids love: PLAY! as they try out some of the games from the book.

Evening or Special Events: for mixed audiences of children and adults

Invite 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 2-8

Poetry 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!"
Kathy Schroeder, teacher
North Jefferson Intermediate
High Ridge, MO

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. "
Kerri Bruce, Literacy Coach
Weaver School
Springfield, MO

 

Presentations and Workshops For Educators

Meet the Author Judy Young!: for all educators, K-12

Judy 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.

Hot Damn! Its a Poetry Slam!: for all educators, K-12

Spice 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-8

Judy 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

To schedule a speaking engagement or if you have any questions, please contact Judy by phone or email. She will responded to you as soon as possible.

Judy Young
6155 E. Farm Road 132
Springfield, MO 65802

Phone 417-866-1800

Mailbox.gif (1210 bytes) mailto:judyyoung@hughes.net

website: http://www.judyyoungpoetry.com

 


06/21/10 date this page was last edited      Click HERE to return to state page