Admittedly I am not the widest read in Young Adult literature. I perceived it a mishmash of coming-of-age-science-fiction-vampire-and-fallen-angels-love. But my recent encounter with Rebecca Stead’s ‘When You Reach Me’ has revolutionised such perceptions.

The first three reasons I implore you all to read the book are:

1. It has just won the 2010 John Newbery Medal for outstanding children’s literature. This is part of the American Library Association awards, which are considered to be the ‘Oscars’ of children’s book awards.

2. The author is an R STEAD becoming world-renowned in the book world. Go R Steads of the world I say.

3. The cover is great – a persuasive ingredient for any reader dubious of YA fiction.

(Plus, there was no mention of vampires or fallen angels in the synopsis. Another persuasive ingredient).

The book has been meticulously crafted. It weaves strands of day to day life with more reflective theories of existence, back and forward, weft and warp in a seamless manner. That it can be read on varying levels, and by varying age groups is testament to its brilliance. Some kids will read it and love it solely for its quick plot, likeable characters and surprising ending. Others will read it in much the same way as the protagonist, Miranda, read’s her favourite book – over and over each time with a deeper search for understanding.

The work still envelops an air of mystery and fantasy to soothe all those souls out there who want some sci-fi on their young adult shelf. But it is quirky and charming in a way that will still leave OA (older adults – in comparison to the Young Adult level the book is pitched at) deciphering what enigmas riddle the life of twelve-year-old Miranda.

And then there is the simplicity of the structure, the swiftness of the plot, the shock of an ending. Not to mention the delicious slices of dry humour.

Does it all sound too good to be true? It isn’t. The only fault I can mention is that in my version there are two full-stops missing. But I implore you further: read the book. Recommend it to your students. The first page will have you hooked – and from there on in you can work out what is true and what isn’t – for yourself.

So, knock out the fruit, probably the French – and by the looks of it the fine weather -and over the next 24 days I’ll be nominating 12 books I recommend for Christmas and 12 great tipples to go with them.

Let’s call it LitVit.

Or rather LitVit ©

On the first day of Christmas…

I wouldn’t be a true young publisher/Frankfurt fellow/ campaigner against tall poppy syndrome if I didn’t start LitVit with my favourite project of the year. (Yes, you can have favourites): Jandal Prints on the Globe

This collection of short stories and photography is written by young New Zealanders as they travel around the world. Not only is it truly iconic of our nation, but it speaks to everyone who has travelled, wants to travel, or would rather stay at home (with a glass of wine) and be an armchair traveller. The stories vary in length, location and content- some of them are hilarious, many are mischievous and some of them have elements of sorrow. As do all worthwhile journeys!

To quote editor Jane Gilkison: “The stories are short, engaging and easy to read. Even after a glass of wine”.

And my pairing from the vine? Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009.

Oyster Bay is a bit of an iconic Sauvignon Blanc, and I know many homesick New Zealand expats who manage to sniff out a bottle to reminisce over the tropical flavours. Oyster Bay sauv has successfully exported itself with a great reputation, just like our travellers.

Oyster Bay 2009 Sauv: young, refreshing and a little bit zesty.

A bit like Jandal Prints on the Globe, really.

The Good Morning Show

Media 7

Frankfurt Book Fair

Wanganui Chronicle

NZPA

“Your Weekend” – Dominion Post

Her Magazine

“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it”

- oscar wilde

Welcome to 2010

This year is full of exciting initiatives here at Stead & Daughters Ltd. Some are still under wraps, some are a little technological and some involve international travel. First up, Renee will be heading to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair next month. Upon her return, Lesley and Rochelle are jetting off to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

Stay tuned for updates from around the world. The team is bound to come back with loads of new books, projects, ideas… and some good travel tales.