One of the things I really like about hosting this blog is the opportunity to introduce new authors. Here I go again.
A couple of months ago, Laura Renzi, the current ALAN President, asked me to review a book for this year’s ALAN Workshop. She asked me to review a first novel by a new writer. Well, not a new writer, but a new novelist. I am not sure, but I don’t think Laura knew that Aaron Levy and I have known each other for over ten years. Many of the ALAN members know Aaron as a university professor and a playwright. He is the author of the young adult play, Pizza with Shrimp on Top.
I already had a copy of Aaron’s novel and he and I had talked about highlighting it on Dr. Bickmore’s YA Wednesday at some point. Now is the right time as we get ready to attend NCTE and ALAN.
Blood Don’t Like is a wonderful new addition to YA coming of age fiction. Aaron was kind enough to make sure I had a copy. I have to say, not all book covers draw me into the book. In this case, however, the cover was clearly a teaser for the action and the trouble to come. For the plot of the book, Aaron draws on his Jewish heritage to heighten the tension of this coming of age story. I was impressed how the book draws on the themes of religion, bullying, war, violence, and family. As you can tell, I am trying to figure out how to talk about this book in thirty seconds. This is probably impossible. In my mind, this book deserves more than 30 seconds. It deserves the time you need to read it.
A couple of months ago, Laura Renzi, the current ALAN President, asked me to review a book for this year’s ALAN Workshop. She asked me to review a first novel by a new writer. Well, not a new writer, but a new novelist. I am not sure, but I don’t think Laura knew that Aaron Levy and I have known each other for over ten years. Many of the ALAN members know Aaron as a university professor and a playwright. He is the author of the young adult play, Pizza with Shrimp on Top.
I already had a copy of Aaron’s novel and he and I had talked about highlighting it on Dr. Bickmore’s YA Wednesday at some point. Now is the right time as we get ready to attend NCTE and ALAN.
Blood Don’t Like is a wonderful new addition to YA coming of age fiction. Aaron was kind enough to make sure I had a copy. I have to say, not all book covers draw me into the book. In this case, however, the cover was clearly a teaser for the action and the trouble to come. For the plot of the book, Aaron draws on his Jewish heritage to heighten the tension of this coming of age story. I was impressed how the book draws on the themes of religion, bullying, war, violence, and family. As you can tell, I am trying to figure out how to talk about this book in thirty seconds. This is probably impossible. In my mind, this book deserves more than 30 seconds. It deserves the time you need to read it.
You should follow Aaron on Facebook and on twitter @AaronHLevy. His book getting quite of bit of play in Georgia, where he lives. My guess, is that he would be willing to visit schools in a lot of places.
Below, you can find Aaron’s answers to my interview questions. If you are at NCTE and ALAN, I am sure that Aaron would be willing to answer more questions.
Below, you can find Aaron’s answers to my interview questions. If you are at NCTE and ALAN, I am sure that Aaron would be willing to answer more questions.
Thanks for following. If you would like to contribute a post or you know an author I should cover, please contact me at steven.bickmore@unlv.edu
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