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By Steve Anichowski

January 19, 2000

Kimberly Willis Holt

Interview with the Author: http://www.henryholt.com/byr/99f/whenzacharybeaverq-a.htm

My Louisiana Sky by Kimberly Willis Holt

Kimberly Willis Holt’s first novel, My Louisiana Sky, was named an ALA Notable Book and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. It also received a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor for Fiction as well as the Josette Frank Award for fiction (given by The Bank Street College of Education).

My Louisiana Sky Middle-Grade Fiction Ages 9-12; Grades 5-8

My Louisiana Sky

Tiger Ann Parker wants nothing more than to get out of the rural town of Saitter, Louisiana--far away from her mentally disabled mother, her "slow" father who can't read an electric bill, and her classmates who taunt her. So when Aunt Dorie Kay asks Tiger to spend the summer with her in Baton Rouge, Tiger can't wait to go.

But before she leaves, the sudden revelation of a dark family secret prompts Tiger to make a decision that will ultimately change her life.

Set in the South in the late 1950s, this tender coming-of-age novel explores a twelve-year-old girl's struggle to accept her grandmother's death, her mentally deficient parents, and the changing world around her. It is a novel filled with beautiful language and unforgettable characters, and the importance of family and home.

(Publisher: Henry Holt, 1998)

My Louisiana Sky

Booklist 1999 Editors' Choice http://www.ala.org/booklist/v94/youth/ap2/57holt.html

American Library Association– 1999 Best Books for Young Adults (YALSA Division)

http://www.ala.org/news/archives/v4n12/yalsabooks.html

Reviews http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ts/book-reviews/0805052518/ref=pm_dp_ln_b_1/002-2291584-3246620

Read Chapter One http://www.henryholt.com/byr/98s/mylouisianaskychp.htm

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town is the winner of the 1999 National Book Award For Young People's Literature.

When Zachary Beaver Came to TownMiddle-Grade Fiction Ages: 10-15; Grades: 5-9

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

The red words painted on the trailer caused quite a buzz around town and before an hour was up, half of Antler was standing in line with two dollars clutched in hand to see the fattest boy in the world.

Toby Wilson is having the toughest summer of his life. It's the summer his mother leaves for good.  The summer his best friend's brother returns from Vietnam in a coffin. And the summer that Zachary Beaver, the fattest boy in the world, arrives in their sleepy Texas town. While it's a summer filled with heartache of every kind, it's also a summer of new friendships gained and old friendships renewed. And it's Zachary Beaver who turns the town of Antler upside down and leaves everyone, especially Toby, changed forever.

(Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, 1999)

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

Winner of the 1999 National Book Award http://www.publishersweekly.com/articles/19991117_82873.asp

– National Book Award Homepage http://www.publishersweekly.com/nbf/

Reviews http://www.henryholt.com/byr/99f/whenzacharybeavrev.htm

Press Release http://www.henryholt.com/byr/99f/whenzacharybeavpr.htm

Read Chapter One http://www.henryholt.com/byr/99f/whenzacharybeavchp.htm

Mister And Me by Kimberly Willis Holt Illustrated by Leonard Jenkins Recommend Age Range: 7 to 11

Mister And Me

When Leroy Redfield starts taking her momma dancing, Jolene won't call him anything but Mister. Without a name, he can't really be a whole person to her. The last thing she wants is somebody coming along trying to fill the space her daddy left when he died. But then Jolene learns that big, loud Mister wants to marry Momma, and when she gets the chance to hurt him, she acts. What will Momma do when she finds out? And will she marry Mister anyway?

Kimberly Willis Holt has written a poignant, humorous story about change and acceptance, and a little girl who ultimately gives name to what she wants most.

(Publisher: The Putnam Publishing Group, 1998)

Mister And Me

Horn Book Review http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ts/book-reviews/039923215X/ref=pm_dp_ln_b_1/002-2291584-3246620

School Library Journal Book Reviewhttp://shop.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=4MZWBC4JJA&mscssid=XGDBS3XCRVS12GHX001PQU6AVNFG303D&srefer=&isbn=039923215X

Forthcoming:

Dancing in Cadillac Light– (G.P. Putnam’s Sons)