There is a real need for children's book clubs, and with the help of the educational community, I'm certain that young adult/young reader authors will enthusiastically jump in to help fill a emptiness in this vital area.

"The Missing Locket," Book One of my middle-grade fiction/fantasy series, "Cynthia's Attic," was just gearing up when I had the privilege of connecting with a fourth-grade class in my hometown, Corydon, Indiana…also the setting for the series.

As teacher Barbara Smith, of Corydon Intermediate School, read this time-travel tale to her eager class, they were surprised that some Indiana history (a subject they were coincidentally studying last semester) sneaks on to the pages, tucked cleverly between magic trunks, disappearing stairways, and a spooky attic. The students enthusiastically let their imaginations take them back in time to 1914 with Augusta Lee (Gus) and Cynthia, as the two12-year-old best friends, discover that life wasn't always easy for their 12-year-old grandmothers, Clara and Bess.

Nothing is more satisfying than when a target audience becomes completely engrossed in an author's work, but there is a deeper, more important mission. The enthusiasm of the young reader has to somehow perpetuate all through school, and into their adult lives. This is where authors, teachers, and librarians must work together, and remain vigilant.

Once the class finished reading the book, Ms. Smith encouraged them to e-mail me with their "book reviews," and perhaps, ideas for future stories. Although this can be a scary proposition for authors—reviews from the actual audience—I welcome their comments because it can only make me a better writer. For young readers to be able to read, talk about, and then communicate their opinions to the author, is also an invaluable social function. Whether the discussion is in a library, a classroom, or a book-club setting, the group interaction will inspire children to explore the magic of books.

I believe there is a real need for children's book clubs, and with the help of the educational community, I'm certain that young adult/young reader authors will enthusiastically jump in to help fill a emptiness in this vital area. Young readers would be able to develop their creativity in ways they never imagined, and would also be able to fill a social void that sitting alone at a computer simply does not meet. It is crucial to find innovative ways to teach our children the value of books and book discussions. They will benefit both intellectually and sociologically…and so will we.

Mary Cunningham, Author

Cynthia's Attic: The Missing Locket (Book One)

Cynthia's Attic: The Magic Medallion (Book Two)

www.marycunninghambooks.com

Echelon Press

ISBN: 1590804414

ISBN: 978-1-59080-460-5