Attention Massachusetts teachers, librarians, writers, and readers! I'm participating in a couple free local events in the coming month, and one or both may be interesting to you. Here are the details ...
Educator Appreciation Week
March 8-12, 2013
Annie's Book Stop of Worcester
65 James Street, Worcester, MA
Events are held each evening at 7pm and include local authors and shopping discounts for teachers. I'll be at Annie's on Monday night to talk to teachers and librarians (and whoever else pops in!) about science in the classroom and my books, but there are authors scheduled every night. Check out the full lineup of speakers and topics at the Annie's Book Stop blog.
Groton READS & WRITES Author Panel
March 19, 2013 at 7pm
Groton Public Library
99 Main Street, Groton, MA
This event is part of Groton's super-cool townwide celebration of reading and writing. The entire town is reading Steven King's ON WRITING (!) and then gathering for a series of panel discussions, writing workshops, open mic nights, and author visits. Check out the full details on the official Groton READS & WRITES webpage.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
I'm pleased and honored to announce that Citizen Scientists has been named a Green Earth Book Award winner! I'll be traveling to Salisbury, Maryland to accept the award in early April, and am looking forward to participating in the Read Green Festival at Salisbury University while I'm there. Many thanks to the award sponsor, The Nature Generation; be sure to visit their website for the complete list of the 2013 Green Earth Book Award winners.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Boston is hosting the annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science this weekend, and there is lots of crazy cool science-y stuff going on.
Saturday and Sunday are dedicated to kids and families, with interactive science exhibits, tabletop science demos, and plenty of science peeps to talk shop and answer questions for students of all ages. These Family Fun Days are held in the Hynes Convention Center from 11am to 5pm on both days and are completely free. Check out the details here.
If science books are your thing, consider attending the award ceremony for the SB&F Prizes on Saturday. Here are the details:
Saturday, February 16, 2013
6:30-8pm
Sheraton Hotel, Liberty Ballroom
39 Dalton Street, Boston, MA
And on Sunday, SB&F authors (including me!) will be reading and signing books at the Hynes Convention Center as part of the Family Fun Days festivities. Here's our schedule:
Readings in Booth (#69/70)
11:30 -12:00 Sy Montgomery (author of TEMPLE GRANDIN)
12:15-12:45 Penny Chisolm (author of OCEAN SUNLIGHT)
1:00-1:30 Loree Griffin Burns (author of CITIZEN SCIENTISTS)
1:45-2:15 Terrie M. Williams (author of THE ODYSSEY OF KP2)
Signings in Booth #321
12:15-12:45 Sy Montgomery (author of TEMPLE GRANDIN)
1:00-1:30 Penny Chisolm (author of OCEAN SUNLIGHT)
1:45-2:15 Loree Griffin Burns (author of CITIZEN SCIENTISTS)
2:30-3:00 Terrie M. Williams (author of THE ODYSSEY OF KP2)
I hope to see you in Boston!
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
The past few months have brought some nice accolades for CITIZEN SCIENTISTS, each of which makes me proud and very, very grateful. Thank you to the teachers, librarians, scientists, reviewers and children's book lovers who make these awards happen ...
- It was awarded an AAAS/SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books (Hands-On Science category). You can read more about this award and all the 2013 finalists here.
- The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) named it an Orbis Pictus honor book. You can read about the Orbis Pictus winner, the Orbis Pictus honor books, and more NCTE Recommended titles here.
- The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) included it on their list of Outstanding Trade Books for Students K-12. Access the complete list here.
- The New York Public Library included it on their 2013 list of 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing. You can see that complete list here.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 - Friday Night Lecture Series
© Loree Griffin Burns
I'm pleased to be part of MassAudubon's Friday Night Lecture Series at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary (113 Goodnow Road) in Princeton, Massachusetts this winter. Check out the complete list of the series speakers below, and join us for one or all events. Lecture admission is $7 for MassAudubon members and $10 for nonmembers, and all lectures begin at 7:30pm. Call the Sanctuary at 978-464-2712 if you have any questions.
January 11
Belize it or Not: Mass Audubon's Tropical Connection
Leader: Bancroft Poor, Mass Audubon's Vice President
January 25
How Can I Help? Empowering Citizens with Science
Leader: Loree Griffin Burns, Scientist/Author
February 8
A Forest Journey
Leader: Matthew "Twig" Largess, Certified Arborist, Largess Forestr, Inc
February 22
Management of Grassland and Shrubland Habitats for Declining Wildlife Species in Massachusetts
Leader: John Scanlon, Forestry Project Leader
March 8
Life as a Field Artist
Leader: Gordon Morrison, Artist, Naturalist and Author
March 22
The Nature of Mongolia
Leader: Chris Leahy, MassAudubon Bertrand Chair of Natural History and Ornithology
April 12
Nature Potpourri
Leader: Gail Hansche Godin, Photographer/Naturalist
Thursday, November 08, 2012 - If you are in the neighborhood ...
Join me at the Wallingford Public Library in Wallingford, Connecticut for a program called "Science for Everyone!"
Friday, November 9, 2012
7:00 p.m.
Community Room
Wallingford Public Library
200 North Main Street
Wallingford, CT
There will be a book sale and signing after the event.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Science Books & Film (SB&F) magazine sponsor the SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books each year. Why am I telling you this? Because CITIZEN SCIENTISTS has been named a finalist this year!
Thank you AAAS, and thank you SB&F. It's a thrill and an honor to have my book recognized alongside this amazing collection of science books.
You can find all the books that were named finalists in my category (Hands-On Science) here, and you can navigate to lists of the finalists in the other categories from this page.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
The 2012 Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Award season is underway, and I was thrilled to learn that CITIZEN SCIENTISTS has been nominated in the Middle Grade Nonfiction category.
To learn more about the Cybils, or to see lists of nominated titles in all the categories, check out the website.
Friday, September 07, 2012
Students, teachers, and other science lovers:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, publishers of the much-lauded Scientists in the Field series, has recently launched a website just for you. This is the place to go for a complete list of Scientists in the Field titles, sneak peeks at upcoming books in the series, biographies of the authors (including yours truly!), and updates from the field. I hope you'll check it out ... its one more place where science meets adventure.
Enjoy!
Sunday, July 08, 2012 - Upcoming Ladybug Events
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary
113 Goodnow Road, Princeton, MA
978-464-2712
Friday, July 27, 10am-noon
Saturday, August 25, 10am-noon
Scientists at The Lost Ladybug Project are searching for rare native ladybug species, and you can help find them. Spend the morning with author and naturalist Loree Griffin Burns brushing up on ladybug biology, learning to identify common and rare species, and documenting ladybugs at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary … then go home and survey the ladybugs living in your backyard. Bring sharp eyes and a digital camera, if you have one. Please dress for meadow hiking, and remember that it is tick season!
Please note: Registration is required for this event, and fees apply. See this link for details.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012 - Ladybugging at Day of Play
Worcester's Day of Play
Saturday, June 9, 2012
11am - 5pm
Elm Park
Worcester, MA
On Saturday at 2pm, I'll be leading a ladybug hunt at Worceser's Day of Play at Elm Park. You can find a detailed overview of all the planned festivities (Chuck and Mudd! Fancy Nancy! Twister!) at the official Day of Play website.
I'd love to see you there on Saturday. Bring the sun with you, okay?
Thursday, May 10, 2012 - Citizen Science in Central Mass
I’m participating in some pretty cool citizen science events in the coming months and hope you’ll consider joining me:
Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA
508-753-6087
Saturday, May 19, 1-3pm
In this free event, participants will learn about four important citizen science projects ongoing at Broad Meadow Brook (Monarch Larval Monitoring Project, Oriole Project, and Lost Ladybug Project and a Red-backed Salamander study). After a brief introduction to each, we’ll head out into the field to try our hand at the various projects. I’ll be on hand to talk about Lost Ladybug Project (see below) and to talk about my new book, Citizen Scientists: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard.
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary
113 Goodnow Road, Princeton, MA
978-464-2712
Saturday, May 26, 1-3pm
Friday, June 22, 10am-noon
Saturday, July 28, 10am-noon
Saturday, August 25, 10am-noon
Scientists at The Lost Ladybug Project are searching for rare native ladybug species, and you can help find them. Spend the morning brushing up on ladybug biology, learning to identify common and rare species, and documenting ladybugs here at Wachusett Meadow … then go home and survey the ladybugs living in your backyard. Bring sharp eyes and a digital camera, if you have one. Please dress for meadow hiking, and remember that it is tick season!
Please note: Registration is required for this event, and fees apply. See this link for details.
Thursday, May 10, 2012 - A Citizen Science Sampler
I'll be celebrating citizen science with naturalists from the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA) on Saturday, May 19 from 1-3pm. Here's a link to all the details. Join us if you can!
Monday, April 09, 2012
I'll be talking with science fans at the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 28. (Woot! Woot!) You can find details about the festival, the festival book fair, and all the featured authors on the official festival website. I'll be posting regular updates here and on my blog, too.
Stay tuned!
Friday, March 23, 2012 - Free Books at NSTA!
In addition to the two presentations described below, I'll be signing copies of Tracking Trash and The Hive Detectives at the NSTA conference in Indianapolis next week. Here are the details:
Friday, March 30
1-2pm
Indiana Convention Center
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Booth #1467
And get this: the fine folks at HMH are giving the books away, while supplies last. Come and get one. I'll sign it all pretty-like.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - NSTA Conference
This week I'm putting the finishing touches on a presentation for the National Science Teachers Association annual conference, and preparing for a panel presentation too. If you're planning to join the festivities in Indianapolis, I'd love to see you at one or both events. Here are the details:
How Can I Help? Empowering Students with Citizen Science
Thursday, March 29, 2012
3:30-4:30pm
Westin Indianapolis, Capitol II
As a scientist, a writer, and a mother, Dr. Loree Griffin Burns is committed to providing children with accurate, age-appropriate information about real world events. Drawing on her experiences researching and writing about environmental issues from ocean pollution to the collapse of honey bee populations, Burns proposes a formula for sharing these stories without scaring students: give them something meaningful they can do to help. From tallying beach debris (International Coastal Cleanup) and monitoring native bee populations (Great Sunflower Project) to tagging monarch butterflies (Monarch Watch) and hunting ladybugs (Lost Ladybug Project), Burns has practiced citizen science in her own backyard, coordinated events in her community, introduced projects into schools, and observed events from Central Park to central Mexico. In this workshop, she’ll recommend a variety of nationally organized and freely available citizen science projects, pairing them with trade books to help teachers promote both inquiry and literacy in their science classrooms.
Integrating Science and Literacy: A Journey, Not a Destination
Friday, March 30, 2012
8:00-11:00am
JW Marriott Indianapolis, White River Ballroom D
This session offers teachers and administrators an opportunity to learn from authors how to integrate their award-winning trade books into science instruction. Participants can get up close and personal with these acclaimed authors:
Loree Griffin Burns
April Pulley Sayre
Peggy Thomas
Pamela S. Turner
Sallie Wolf
Wendy Saul
Other presenters are educators who have served or chaired the NSTA/CBC Outstanding Trade Book Committee. Opportunities will be available to work in small groups with the authors and vetted activities will be shared.
Sunday, February 26, 2012 - Leap Week Book Launch!
Ellen Harasimowicz and I will be celebrating the release of Citizen Scientists with three public book signing events this week, one of which falls on Leap Day. If you're in the neighborhood, drop in and say "Ribbit!" You might inspire me to do my American toad impersonation ...
Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 1:30pm
Harvard Public Library
4 Pond Road
Harvard, MA
Saturday, March 3, 2012, 10am-12noon
Tatnuck Bookseller
Route 9 & Lyman Street
Westborough, MA
Thursday, March 8, 2012, 6pm-8pm
Beaman Memorial Public Library
8 Newton Street
West Boylston, MA
All three events will feature a short presentation, a reading, and a booksigning. Hope to see you there!
Monday, January 30, 2012 - Leap Day Book Launches!
“What is citizen science, anyway?” So begins this journey into the surprising world of science for everyone, everywhere. Part job description, part nature study, and part beginner field guide, Citizen Scientists invites readers of all ages to think of themselves as scientists, encouraging them to begin by tagging butterflies, counting birds, identifying frogs, and hunting ladybugs.
It's here! It's finally here! My newest book for young readers, Citizen Scientists: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard will be published on February 14, 2012. Photographer Ellen Harasimowicz and I will be launching the book in two public events, one at her local library and one at mine. In keeping with the books outdoorsy nature, and in celebration of the amphibians that star in chapter three ("Frogging in Spring"), we're holding these events on Leap Day, February 29, 2012.
We'll share the people and places that helped us create the book in a short, all-ages presentation. A book sale and signing will follow. Here are the details:
Harvard Public Library
4 Pond Road
Harvard, MA
Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 6pm
Beaman Memorial Public Library
8 Newton Street
West Boylston, MA
If your free, we hope you'll come and help us celebrate!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I'll be appearing at the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 28. (Woot! Woot!) You can find details about the festival, the festival book fair, and all the featured authors on the official festival website. I'll be posting regular updates here and on my blog, too.
Stay tuned!
Sunday, January 15, 2012 - Sneak Peek!
I’m thrilled to be part of the Worcester Writers Collaborative Author Explosion on January 29 at Tatnuck Bookseller in Westboro, Massachusetts, where more than a dozen local authors will be reading and signing copies of their books in a single afternoon. We are a diverse group of writers, creating books for children as well as adults, works of fiction and of nonfiction, books published traditionally and books published on our own. If you live in central Massachusetts and would like to learn more about the variety of writers living and working near you, do stop in and say hello. We'd love to meet you. Here are the event details:
Tatnuck Bookseller
18 Lyman Street
Westborough, MA
I’ll be on hand to talk about and sign copies of The Hive Detectives and Tracking Trash. Since Citizen Scientists releases just two short weeks later, however, I’ve decided to dedicate my reading time to a Sneak Peek!
I’m scheduled to read at 1:30pm, but plan to hang around, enjoy the festivities, and mingle with attendees and with my fellow authors all afternoon. I hope to see you there!
Wednesday, November 02, 2011 - Entomological Society of America
I'm heading to "the biggest little city in the world"* this month to participate in the Entomological Society of America annual conference. I'm part of a group of scientists and educators who'll speak about the wonder of insects, especially in science education. You can read more about our symposium here, or simply join us here:
Identify, Clarify, Speak Out: Turning Young People onto Science Through Insects and Ensuring a Future for Entomology!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011: 8:00 AM-10:55 AM
Room A4, First Floor (Reno-Sparks Convention Center)
* You knew this referred to Reno, Nevada, didn't you?
Wednesday, November 02, 2011 - Coming Soon!
Citizen Scientists:
Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard
by Loree Griffin Burns
Photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz
Henry Holt, February 14, 2012
I cannot even tell you how excited I am about this book! SUPER. EXCITED. And did you notice its release date? Valentine's Day! Shouldn't you order one for your valentine?
Thursday, October 06, 2011 - Speaking this Fall
I'll be at the National Science Teachers Association regional conference in Hartford, Connecticut at the end of October:
On Thursday, October 27 at 5pm, I'll join professors Susannah Richards and Jeanelle Day and author Melissa Stewart for a presentation called "Invitations to Inquiry"On Friday, October 28 at 8:30 am, I'll be speaking at the Council for Elementary Science International (CESI) breakfast, where I'll share with attendees ideas for empowering students with citizen science.
For more information on these events or the NSTA regional conference, visit the conference website.
I'll also be at the Entomological Society of America (ESA) annual conference in Reno, Nevada in November:
On Tuesday, November 15 I'll be spreading the buzz alongside Tom Turpin, Sharron Quisenberry, Brad Vinson, and others in a day-long symposium about turning kids onto science through insects. I'll be signing copies of The Hive Detectives in the Entomological Foundation booth later in the day.For more information on ESA 2011, visit the conference website.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - Nonfiction Book Blast at ALA 2011
The American Library Association Annual Conference kicks off on Friday in New Orleans, and I’m super excited because I'LL BE THERE! I'm teaming up with nine fantastic nonfiction writers in a massive celebration of writing and reading and sharing nonfiction. Here are the details:
Nonfiction Book Blast: Booktalks and Activities for Your Library
Sunday June 26, 2011, 8am-10am
Morial Convention Center Room 243
Start school with new booktalks and activities from ten nonfiction authors: April Pulley Sayre (Rah, Rah, Radishes), Kelly Milner Halls (In Search of Sasquatch), Deborah Heiligman (Charles and Emma), Loree Griffin Burns (The Hive Detectives), Carla Killough McClafferty (The Many Faces of George Washington), Christine Taylor-Butler (Magnets), Shirley Duke (You Can’t Wear These Genes), Darcy Pattison (Prairie Storms), Carla Mooney (Explorers of the New World) and Anastasia Suen (Read and Write Sports). (Handouts)
I’ll also be signing books in the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt booth (#1539-1540) immediately after the presentation and until 11am. I’ve packed scads of honey candy, so please do stop by.
For a complete list of all the Book Blast authors and their signing schedules, visit our blog.
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - Looking for Lost Ladybugs
I’ll be looking for lost ladybugs at the Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton, Massachusetts this summer, and I could use your help. Are you up for it?
Leader: Loree Griffin Burns, Author and Naturalist
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary
113 Goodnow Road
Princeton, MA 01541
978-464-2712
Saturday, May 28, 10:00am – noon
Saturday, June 18, 10:00am – noon
Saturday, July 16, 10:00am - noon
Scientists at The Lost Ladybug Project are searching for rare native ladybug species, and you can help find them. Spend a few hours brushing up on ladybug biology, learning to identify common and rare species, and documenting ladybugs here at Wachusett Meadow … then go home and survey the ladybugs living in your own backyard. Bring sharp eyes and a digital camera, if you have one; we’ll provide the rest.
Registration is required and fees apply, see the program website for more information.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - 2011 Nonfiction Book Blast!
I'm excited to be part of a panel of nonfiction writers sharing books with librarians at the American Library Association annual conference in New Orleans this summer. To give everyone a taste of ourselves and our books, we’ve started blogging together over at Nonfiction Book Blast . There will be a new post every Monday between now and our presentation on June 26. Be sure to check us out!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
I'll be speaking with the Norfolk County Beekeepers Association at their annual meeting this April, on the subject of trash in the ocean, chemicals in the environment, and why it is important to share these difficult issues with young people in honest and age-appropriate ways. Please join us if you can!
Norfolk County Beekeepers Association
Monday, April 4, 2011, 7:30pm
Norfolk County Agricultural High School
400 Main Street
Walpole, MA 02081
Tuesday, March 08, 2011 - NSTA Conference 2011
I'm heading to the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) annual conference ... in San Francisco, baby! I'm excited at the prospect of all those science teachers to mingle with and learn from. Sunshine and warmth? Total bonuses.
At the conference, I'll join Professors Susannah Richards and Jeanelle Day, and my colleague Alexandra Siy, to talk about practicing science in childhood, in the field, in books, and in the classroom. Ours promises to be a lively and informative discussion; please join us if you are at the conference. Here are the details:
Behind the Scenes with Scientific Trade Books that Invite Inquiry
Thursday, March 10, 2011
3:30pm-4:30pm
Hilton San Francisco, Union Square
Golden Gate Room 8
Thursday, October 07, 2010
I was tickled to find out today that THE HIVE DETECTIVES has been named a finalist for the 2011 AAAS/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Excellence in Science Books. This mouthful of a prize was created six years ago in order to "encourage outstanding science writing and illustration for children."
Check out the entire list of finalists here.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
© Ellen Harasimowicz
Researching THE HIVE DETECTIVES was a project that relied heavily on the kindness of beekeepers in central Massachusetts, where I live. Members of the Worcester County Beekeepers Association welcomed me to years of meetings and events, exposing me to the endless passion of beekeepers and, of course, the endless allure of honey bees. Mary Duane, WCBA president, even let me suit up and explore her hives with my own gloved hands. (That’s us together in the photo above. I’m the one taking notes, she’s the one working the bees!)
If you've read the book, you know Mary became an important part of the story I told ... which is why it will be super fun to reunite with her on Sunday to talk about bees at MassAudubon. We'll be speaking at the Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary at 2pm, and there will be a book sale and signing following the presentation.
I hope you can join us ...
Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
414 Massasoit Road
Worcester, MA
Sunday, September 19
2pm
Adult Fees: $6 Members, $8 Nonmembers
Children’s Fees: $3 Members, $4 Nonmembers
You can find more information at the MassAudubon website.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Milkweed blooming at Wachusett Meadow
© Loree Griffin Burns
I usually take the summer off, but not this year. I’ll be visiting a handful of public libraries to talk about my books, and also running a hands-on introduction to the Lost Ladybug Project at my local Audubon sanctuary. The library events are free and open to the public, and I’ve included a description of the Audubon event, including the associated fees. I hope some of you can join us!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
6:30 pm
Richards Memorial Library
44 Richards Avenue
Paxton, MA
Thursday, July 8, 2010
10:15 am
Conant Public Library
4 Meetinghouse Hill Road
Sterling, MA
Saturday, July 17, 2010
10:00am-12noon
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary
113 Goodnow Road
Princeton, MA
Program Fees:
Adults: $6.00 Members, $8.00 Nonmembers
Children: $3.00 Members, $4 Nonmembers
Program Descrption:
Scientists at The Lost Ladybug Project are searching for rare native ladybug species, and you can help find them. Spend a few hours brushing up on ladybug biology, learning to identify common and rare species, and documenting ladybugs at Wachusett Meadow ... then go home and survey the ladybugs living in your backyard. Bring sharp eyes and a digital camera, if you have one.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
7:00 pm
Groton Public Library
99 Main Street
Groton, MA
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
7:00 pm
Melrose Public Library
69 West Emerson Street
Melrose, MA
Monday, June 21, 2010
THE HIVE DETECTIVES had a nice mention in the New York Times Sunday Book Review yesterday; you can check it out here.
Hooray!
Thursday, June 03, 2010
I have a few public appearances this month that I wanted to mention here. Actually, I meant to mention them a week ago, since the first event is tonight. I'm sorry! But if you live near Harvard, Massachusetts or Manchester, Vermont, and are inclined to listen to me babble about bees, please feel free to stop in ...
Harvard Public Library
4 Pond Road
Harvard, MA
Please join Harvard resident Ellen Harasimowicz and Loree Griffin Burns as they share their new children's book, The Hive Detectives: Chronicles of a Honey Bee Catastrophe. Loree is also the author of Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion. Loree and Ellen will talk about the bee adventures they experienced while creating the book, show some images from the book, answer questions, and conclude with a book signing.
Hildene – The Lincoln Family Home
1000 Hildene Road
Manchester, Vermont 05254
Author and scientist, Loree Griffin Burns (The Hive Detectives) will lead an interactive program appropriate for ages 8 to adult in the Welcome Center Beckwith Room. It will end at the observation hive and will be followed by a booksigning. Registration is strongly recommended. $3 per person. Members are Free.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Adorable honey bee by Kathy, GFL librarian
This Thursday night I’ll be launching THE HIVE DETECTIVES … again.
I know! Crazy! But here’s the thing: I only get one book launch every three years or so. I should totally make the most of the opportunity, right? Plus, I am re-launching* for a great cause: the Gale Free Library (GFL) in Holden, Massachusetts.
Soooo … if you are free this Thursday, consider joining photographer Ellen Harasimowicz and I for an evening of buzzy celebration. We’ll be sharing some stories from our days researching THE HIVE DETECTIVES, selling copies of the book, and signing them, too. All proceeds will be donated directly to the Gale Free Library. Here are the details:
Thursday, May 27, 2010
6:30-8pm
Gale Free Library
23 Highland Street
Holden, Massachusetts
We hope you can join us! And please spread the word!
* Our first launch raised $380 in honor of the Beaman Memorial Library in West Boylston, Massachusetts. If you're interested, you'll find details here and here.
Friday, April 16, 2010
I was lucky enough to grow up in a town with three libraries … and with the freedom to spend a lot of time in them. I remember all three vividly, and connect certain books with each; I discovered HONESTLY, KATIE JOHN (by Mary Calhoun) on the narrow shelves of the East Everett Branch library, THE PINBALLS (by Betsy Byars) downstairs in the children’s room of the Shute Memorial Library, and JANE EYRE (by Charlotte Bronte) while working as a page at the Parlin Memorial Library. The seeds for my life in books were sowed in these buildings, and nurtured by the librarians who welcomed me into them.
These days, my library loves include the Beaman Memorial Libraray and the Gale Free Library. I couldn’t do the work I do without constant access to their services. My life--the lives of everyone in my family, actually--would be irrevocably changed without them. To celebrate these two havens, and the communities they hold up, I’m launching THE HIVE DETECTIVES in their honor.
So, if you’re in the central Massachusetts area and would like to learn a little about bees, please join Ellen Harasimowicz and I as we launch THE HIVE DETECTIVES, our newest book for your readers, at the Beaman Memorial and Gale Free libraries. Books will be sold at both events, and all proceeds will benefit the two libraries. Here are the deets:
6:00-8:00 pm
Beaman Memorial Library
8 Newton Street
West Boylston, Massachusetts
Thursday, May 27, 2010
6;30-8:00 pm
Gale Free Library
23 Highland Street
Holden, Massachusetts
I’d love to see YOU there!
For more about celebrating local libraries, check out the American Library Association's National Library Week festivities.
Monday, April 05, 2010
The softcover edition of TRACKING TRASH is officially released today! You can purchase copies at bookstores everywhere ... or, if you act quickly, you can win a free copy here.
Monday, March 22, 2010
If you live in or around Hudson, New York, consider attending the second annual Hudson Children's Book Festival. Here are the details:
Saturday, May 1, 2010
215 Harry Howard Avenue
Hudson, New York
10am - 4pm
For more information, visit the official festival website, which includes a list of all the participating authors and illustrators. I'll be there!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
I'll be speaking at the Harvard Public Library in Harvard Massachusetts tomorrow night; do stop in if you are in the area! Here are the details:
A Warner Free Lecture
Friday, March 12, 8pm
Harvard Public Library
4 Pond Road
Harvard, MA
978-456-4114
In her new book The Hive Detectives, Loree Griffin Burns provides middle school children and their families a window into the secret lives of bees and the cause of recent disease problems in the honeybee population. This is a rare opportunity to meet this West Boylston author before the book arrives in local book stores in May 2010. Photographs for the book and the lecture were taken by Harvard resident Ellen Harasimowicz, who will also be on hand to answer questions.
Monday, February 22, 2010
TTHE HIVE DETECTIVES was named a Junior Library Guild selection for 2010.
Hip! Hip! Hooray!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
I'll be attending the American Library Associations Midwinter Meeting in Boston later this month. The highlight of the conference will surely be the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt banquet on Sunday, January 17. I'll be speaking with other HMH authors about our new spring 2010 books. If you know me and my book love issues, you'll understand how excited I am to be speaking alongside:
Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Jeanne Birdsall
Beth Fantaskey
Russell Freedman
Lois Lowry
Sally Mavor
Linda Urban
There are lots of other exciting events going on at the midwinter meeting, including the ALA Youth Media Award announcements, which take place at 7:45am on Monday, January 18. So many of the books I adored this year are up for awards; best of luck to all the nominated authors!
Hope to see YOU in Boston ...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
I’ll be at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) annual convention in Philadelphia later in the week. I’m looking forward to catching up with old friends, and to making some new ones. Here’s my schedule for the trip …
Friday, November 20
4:15pm-5pm
Convention Center, Room 107B, Street Level
Stories and Standards: Pairing Fiction and Nonfiction for Interdisciplinary Connections
Moderator: Teri Lesense
Author Panel: Kate Messner, Tanya Lee Stone, Jenny Moss and Loree Griffin Burns
Saturday, November 21
10am-11am
Convention Center, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Booth (#500)
I’ll be signing copies of TRACKING TRASH*
12:00pm-2:30pm
Books for Children Luncheon
Marriott Grand Ballroom, Salon A
I’m told I am hosting a table at this event. From what I can tell, this means that a dozen of the teachers who come to hear a keynote by the amazing Brian Selznick are going to be stuck with, er, me. But I plan to be very nice to them as we sit together and admire Mr. Selznick, and each will leave my table with a signed copy of TRACKING TRASH, compliments of Houghton Mifflin.
Hope to see you there!
*I’m not sure that F&Gs of THE HIVE DETECTIVES will be ready, but my amazingly talented photographer/partner-in-bookmaking, Ellen Harasimowicz, turned final color proofs of the book into a gorgeous preview, and I’ll be bringing that along. Do stop by and have a look if you are in the vicinity!
Monday, July 27, 2009
My newest book for young readers is on the horizon! THE HIVE DETECTIVES will be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in May 2010. Here's a sneak peak at the cover:
Well, what do you think? Drop me a line and let me know!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
I’ve been featured on Heather Zschock’s Doodlebuds blog this week, as part of her Author/Artist series. Please go check it out!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
This message is for a student named Meredith M., who I met at a Sustainability Fair last fall. I hope she finds her way here, because her project is due very soon and I am at a a loss as to how else I can reach her ...
Dear Meredith,
I have gotten your emails, and I have responded to each and every one. Clearly my replies are not reaching you. If you are reading this, please check the SPAM folder of your email system to see if my errant emails are there. In them you will find the information you asked about.
Best wishes,
Loree Griffin Burns
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
I just returned from a six-day trip to Michoacán, Mexico, where I visited three monarch butterfly sanctuaries. The trip was in support of a book I am writing on citizen science. You can see photos and read from my travel journal here.
Enjoy!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
On Saturday I attended the first New England Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Salon. It was a fabulous event and I have to start my recap by encouraging published New England SCBWI members to consider attending future Salons. (Find more information here.)
The forty writers and illustrators in attendance were treated to an overview of “Working with Independent Booksellers” by Carol Stoltz of Porter Square Books, Alison Morris of Wellesley Booksmith and Carol Chittendon of Eight Cousins Bookstore.
These women are passionate about books and experienced in the art of connecting books to readers in their community. They freely shared their wisdom with us and I left inspired to find more ways to support independent booksellers … even though I live in an area without one.
So, how can we writers and readers support independent booksellers and other retailers in our communities? It's actually pretty easy, thanks to IndieBound. Check out this IndieBound Declaration:
When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for individuals to denounce the corporate bands which threaten to homogenize our cities and our souls, we must celebrate the powers that make us unique and declare the causes which compel us to remain independent.We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all stores are not created equal, that some are endowed by their owners, their staff, and their communities with certain incomparable heights, that among these are Personality, Purpose and Passion. The history of the present indies is a history of experiences and excitement, which we will continue to establish as we set our sights on a more unconstrained state. To prove this, let’s bring each other along and submit our own experiences to an unchained world.
We, therefore, the Kindred Spirits of IndieBound, in the name of our convictions, do publish and declare that these united minds are, and darn well ought to be, Free Thinkers and Independent Souls. That we are linked by the passions that differentiate us. That we seek out soul mates to share our excitement. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the strength of our identities, we respectively and mutually pledge to lead the way as we all declare that we are IndieBound!
As writers, we can support this movement by becoming IndieBound Affiliates (much like you can with other online bookstores) and encouraging our readers to buy our books through local, independent bookstores. You can add an IndieBound button to your website and give readers the option to support their own local booksellers at the same time that they support you. I plan to do that as soon as humanly possible. (Read: As soon as my web guy can do it!)
In the meantime, if you need a copy of TRACKING TRASH, just click the link below. You'll be taken to an IndieBound webpage; simply punch in your zipcode and you are hooked up with a bookstore near you that carries my book. Go ahead, test it out!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
I am thrilled to be planning a visit with students from schools in the Castine, Maine area this spring. Castine is quite a drive from my home in central Massachusetts, so I am reaching out to other Maine schools in that area or on my travel route in hopes of coordinating additional visits.
The visits would happen the week of Monday, April 6 through Thursday, April 9, 2009. Interested teachers and librarians can find information on me, my books, my school visit presentations, my fees, and how to reach me on the School Visits page of this website.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
My neighbor called me on Monday and said to my answering machine: “Hi Loree. I’m thumbing through the new issue of Ranger Rick and found an article called ‘Trash Tracker’ by a Loree Griffin Burns. Is that you?”
Tee hee. Can you imagine another Loree Griffin Burns out there writing about trash for young people?!
Anyway, if you have the October issue of Ranger Rick handy, check out the feature article on page 31. It’s me!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
I will be participating in two wonderful events on September 20, 2008:
At 10am, I'll be joining volunteers at Salisbury Beach State Reservation to help kickoff the COASTSWEEP season. This important beach cleanup event is part of The Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup, a worldwide effort to record and discard trash and debris from beaches everywhere. EVERYWHERE! Check out the COASTSWEEP website to find a cleanup near you. If you live outside of Massachusetts, you can find a cleanup through The Ocean Conservancy's ICC website.
Also happening on September 20 is a massive celebration of the arts in West Boylston, Massachusetts. The West Boylston Arts Foundation is sponsoring the Arts Festival, and I am thrilled to be part of the festivities. I'll be speaking at 3pm, but there is plenty to see and do all day ... come early and stay late!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
I am thrilled to announce that TRACKING TRASH has been included on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award List. Each year a DCF selection committee chooses thirty books for the List, which then serves as a reading guide for Vermont fourth-through-eighth grade students. At the end of the year, students vote for their favorite. You can see the complete 2008-2009 list here.
Thank you DCF Selection Committee ... and Happy Reading Vermonters!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Boston Authors Club has honored TRACKING TRASH with its Highly Recommended Book designation. You can learn more about the awards here. I'll be attending the annual awards luncheon at the Boston Public Library on May 15.
Thank you Boston Authors Club!
Saturday, March 08, 2008
More good news to share!
The International Reading Association has given TRACKING TRASH a 2008 IRA Children's and Young Adult Book Award. I'll attend the IRA convention in Atlanta this May to accept the award.
And ...
The John Burroughs Association has given TRACKING TRASH a Young Readers Award. I'll be at the American Museum of Natural History on April 7 to accept the award. Read more here.
I am thrilled and overwhelmed and very, very grateful to both the IRA and the John Burroughs Association.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
More good news for TRACKING TRASH: the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) has included it on its list of Recommended Nonfiction. Thank you NCTE!
You can read the complete list of NCTE Recommended books, including the Orbis Pictus Winner and Honor Books here.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
TRACKING TRASH was named a 2008 Notable Book for Children by the American Library Association. You can see the complete list here.
Many thanks to the American Library Association and the Association for Library Services to Children for this honor!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
The Horn Book website now has video, audio, and print access to the ceremony celebrating the 2007 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards for Excellence in Children's Literature.
I was thrilled to be part of the ceremony this year; you can see (or hear, or read) my acceptance speech at the links above.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
TRACKING TRASH was named a Best Book for Young Readers by Natural History magazine.
Yahoo!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
TRACKING TRASH has been named a finalist for the 2008 SB&F Prize. Sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Subaru, this award honors excellence in science books. You can check out the full list of finalists here.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
I was interviewed recently for the Winter Blog Blast Tour. It was a thrill to talk to Colleen Mondor of Chasing Ray fame ... you can read our interview here.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
TRACKING TRASH was reviewed in the NEW YORK TIMES today! You can read the full article here.
Nice!
Monday, September 24, 2007
TRACKING TRASH was mentioned in the Sunday L.A. Times yesterday. You can read the entire article, which reviews several children's books with environmental themes, here.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - Toot! Toot!
I have been invited to participate in the Fish Tales, Tugs & Sails festival in New London, Connecticut on August 11.
The outdoor, waterfront festival runs from 11am to 6pm and looks to be a blast. I will be arriving at the festival by tugboat (!) and presenting in the Author Tent at 2:30pm.
Click the link above to read more about the day's activities, including the list of fabulous children's book authors who will be speaking and signing books. I hope to see you there!
Monday, June 04, 2007 - Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor!
TRACKING TRASH has been recognized by the 2007 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards for Excellence in Children's Literature!
The book was designated an Honor Book in the Nonfiction category ... you can read about the award and all the winners here.
Saturday, May 26, 2007 - I'm on TV!
You can catch me on Ramona Interviews, a program on Worcester's own cable access station, TV13, during the month of June. Host Ramona Marangos and I discussed TRACKING TRASH, the problem of marine debris, and ways for chidlren and families to become citizen scientists.
The program will air on these dates:
Monday, June 4, 2007 at 10:30pm
Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 10:00am
Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 4:30pm
Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 6:00pm
Tune in if you can!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - Updates!
There have been several updates to my website recently ...
- find out what the major review journals are saying about TRACKING TRASH by visiting the Books page
- see where I am speaking or visiting on the Schedule page
- read the stories behind the creation of TRACKING TRASH on my blog
- and if you'd like to hear me on National Public Radio, click here
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Not sure how to celebrate Earth Day? Consider a day of family fun and Earth Day activities at the Ecotarium. I will be there!
I'll post more details as they are announced ...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Hear ye! Hear ye!
The publication of my first book, TRACKING TRASH: FLOTSAM, JETSAM AND THE SCIENCE OF OCEAN MOTION will be celebrated on April 18, 2007 at the Barnes & Noble store in Worcester. Mark your calendars!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
7pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
541 Lincoln Street
Worcester, MA
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Early reviews of TRACKING TRASH are rolling in. Here's what the big review journals are saying:
"The well-written narration will keep readers engaged, and it's excellent for reports. The science is clearly explained, and the vivid and lively photographs and well-labeled charts and diagrams help to create interest and build understanding."
School Library Journal, Starred Review
". . . engaging description of research involving familiar objects . . . "
Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Scientific information builds from chapter to chapter, creating a natural detective story."
The Horn Book
Friday, January 12, 2007
This just in ...
The library journal VOYA has given TRACKING TRASH top marks in both quality and popularity. On their quality scale, the book was rated 5, which means "hard to imagine it being better written"; on the popularity scale the book was also rated 5, which translates to "every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday".
Michele Winship's complete review will run in the February 2007 issue of VOYA.
Stay tuned for more early reviews of TRACKING TRASH!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
TRACKING TRASH has been honored as a Junior Library Guild selection for 2007.
Hooray!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
I am officially planning my spring book tour! I will be bringing TRACKING TRASH to the Seattle area March 2 through March 10, 2007 (or thereabouts). Tour specifics will be posted as they are confirmed.
Meanwhile, Seattle-area parents and teachers are welcome to browse my new School Visits page ... I'd love to talk to children at YOUR school about researching, writing and publishing children's books!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Kelly A. Bishop wrote a wonderful article about me and my first book for VITAE, the alumni magazine of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. You can read the full article here. (Note: you will need to scroll down to page 7.)
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
And now you can pre-order copies of TRACKING TRASH from amazon.com. Buy them now for the young scientists-to-be in your life!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
I am official! You can now find an entry for TRACKING TRASH: FLOTSAM, JETSAM AND THE SCIENCE OF OCEAN MOTION on the Houghton Mifflin Company web page. To see for yourself, click here.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Back in March I spoke at the monthly meeting of the Society of Professional Communicators in Worcester, MA. SPC member Elizabeth Regan later interviewed me for their newsletter ... you can read her article here.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
You can now access my blog from this website ... simply click the "Blog" link on the menu to your right. Voila!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
I've added a list of writing books to my Suggested Reading page ... check it out!
Monday, May 01, 2006
If you are in Central Massachusetts this spring you can find me at these events:
On Tuesday, March 14 I will talk to the Society of Professional Communicators about my work writing for children. You can find more details at their website.
On Friday, April 7 I will be presenting at the Mayo School Science Exploration Night.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
I am thrilled to announce that I was awarded a Work-In-Progress grant from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). SCBWI offers Work-In-Progress grants annually in four categories and my proposal, WEE BEASTIES, won in the non-fiction category. WEE BEASTIES is a book for middle grade readers, and I will be telling you more about it soon. In the meantime, you can read more about the Work-In-Progress grant awards at the SCBWI website.
Friday, September 09, 2005
I've updated my Research Trips pages to include a summary of each trip and a collection of photographs. I hope you'll check them out!
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Highlights for Children will be publishing an article I wrote about Tyler and Dean Orbison, a father and son beachcombing team in Alaska. "Surprises from the Sea" has not been given a firm publication date yet, but I will keep you posted!"