Bowllan's Blog

Writers Against Racism: Bowllan’s Blog Bids Farewell

amybowllan — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:38:28 +0000

After seven (wonderful) years of blogging for School Library Journal, I have made the difficult decision to resign from Bowllan’s Blog. UGH! It was certainly a decision that was mine and mine alone and one that I toiled with for weeks. Let me first say that School Library Journal is an amazing establishment with stellar folks at the helm. They have supported me and provided me with a much needed platform to share with readers the necessary issues affecting our world. So thank you, SLJ, for recognizing the importance of DIVERSITY in this literary-driven world we live in.

Actually, if you want to know the truth, my decision to move on came as a shock to me and I think I am still in shock. But as I was reflecting on my seven year anniversary and my inaugural post from May of 2005, entitled Our Journey Continues – at that moment I realized that my own journey needs to continue and now is the the time to start moving on. Have I defined that journey yet? No. That will come in time.

Lastly…

While there are too many people to thank, I would like to thank YOU, my devoted readers, who stayed with me during these long and (sometimes winding) roads. Life is never a straight line and neither is blogging, but I am most grateful that I had this ride with you.

Until we meet again, remember "Even the smallest crayon leaves a mark." -Amy Bowllan

Writers Against Racism: 2012 Children’s Choice Book Awards (Video Clips)

amybowllan — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:04:30 +0000

I managed to pull together just a few highlights from last night’s Children’s Choice Book Awards. You’ll have to pardon some of the shakiness, as I was using my iPhone and the battery – well, you know how that goes. The video does, however, give you a glimpse inside this night of the literary stars. And they were beaming brightly.

Writers Against Racism: 2012 Children’s Choice Book Awards (photos)

amybowllan — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:35:03 +0000

I am grateful to Robin Adelson, Executive Director of Children’s Book Council and Every Child A Reader, for inviting me to a wonderful evening in Celebration of Children’s Book Week. It was a night to remember! Once my videos are finished downloading, I will share some clips from the awards presentation but in the meantime, guess who?

Amy and Betsy Bird (Blogger Fuse8 who is lovely)

Amy and Author Jon Scieszka (HE makes me laugh so much!)

Amy and Rachel Rene'e Russell (Author of Dork Diaries)

SLJ's Rocco Staino and Amy

Writers Against Racism: My Interview on Ninon Speaks

amybowllan — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:27:30 +0000

On April 18, ~~2010~~ 2012, I was interviewed on the internet show, NinonSpeaks. Ninon DeVere De Rosa took me back in time to my tennis playing days and my life as an undercover journalist. Take a look.

http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=193096819 (full version)

by RCRN

Writers Against Racism: Character Animator and Activist, James Parris Visits Bowllan’s Blog

amybowllan — Sun, 06 May 2012 04:44:03 +0000

“James Parris was born to A Doctor/Nurse couple in New York City. He attended the prestigious High School of Art & Design, where he studied drawing and painting. He continued his Illustration studies at Pratt Institute, before diving into the world of Character Animation.

At the Walt Disney Feature Animation Studio, James contributed to the box-office triumphs of films like ‘The Lion King’, ‘Mulan’ and ‘Tarzan’. At Sony Pictures Imageworks, he helped make the first ‘Spider-Man’ movie a record-breaking success. James has helped breathe life into teleporting mutants, dancing lizards, transforming alien robots, swashbuckling raccoons and murderous snakes – as well as being a member of Digital Domain’s Oscar-winning ‘Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ visual effects team.

Having recently formed Paper Tiger Films, James is producing and directing ‘Pink and Blue’ in concert with 6360 Productions in Los Angeles.

And…

Back in February I shared with you one of my ‘homeboys’, James Parris, who’s doing big things in the animation world. He’s also doing amazing work in activism and supporting gender equality through his PINK AND BLUE campaign.”

(Bio Comes via Pink and Blue Website Bio)

There’s more from my interview with James (and personal stories), coming soon.

Writers Against Racism: Author Ana Castillo REJECTED (Tucson HS)

amybowllan — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:20:33 +0000

Over the weekend, I was catching up on my Facebook posts and resting. I had to cancel Jacquie Harvey’s interview for another day because I was truly exhausted. Anyway, while trolling, I saw a post from YA author Matt de la Peña…

How do you say no to Ana Castillo, Tucson? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeff-biggers/breaking-tucson-high-scho_b_1458984.html

Tucson High School Blocks Renowned Author Ana Castillo’s Visit: Community Hosts Events/Fundraiser

www.huffingtonpost.com

In a stunning rejection of celebrated author Ana Castillo’s offer to read and speak with Tucson high school students next week, Tucson Unified School District administrators added a new chapter to the nation’s most troubling censorship crackdown.What is going on in Tucson? What message is this sending to their young people? What can we do to help???

Writers Against Racism: Jacquie Harvey Teaser

amybowllan — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:54:10 +0000

I had the pleasure to spend time with Australian author, Jacqueline Harvey. She’s an amazing literary talent (and storyteller!) who wrote the ALICE MIRANDA series [Random House]. New York City is just one Jacquie’s stops on her speaking engagements at schools across the country. And based on what I saw at my school, everyone LOVES Alice Miranda, as she appeals to both boys and girls of all cultures.
Oh…on Saturday, Jacquie has agreed to an interview to tell me ALL about her travels.

Writers Against Racism: THE NEXT FULL MOON by Carolyn Turgeon

amybowllan — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:40:51 +0000

Shout outs to my loyal readers (and viewers)! Author Carolyn Turgeon was featured on my blog (in 2007!) and now I had the wonderful opportunity to meet her using Skype.

Writers Against Racism: STEM DAY Tomorrow @ Hewitt

amybowllan — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:39:01 +0000

Tomorrow, The Hewitt School will be hosting an all-day STEM program. In the morning, we will have a panel of distinguished conservationists from the Audubon Society. Please join us from 8:30 – 9:30. Here’s the ustream channel.

Live video by Ustream

Writers Against Racism: TWICE AS GOOD by Richard Michelson (Continued)

amybowllan — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:56:20 +0000

This is the final segment of my interview with Rich. Thank you, Rich, for sharing this important story with my viewers and readers.