Sorry if I tricked you.
This is not a post about breaking picture-book-writing rules. (Although I will DEFINITELY get on that idea lickety-split!)
This post’s about the book BREAK THESE RULES!
Due from Chicago Review Press in September, yours truly plus 34 kidlit authors YOU’VE ACTUALLY HEARD OF (unlike me), take on typical life rules adults love to preach (like “Grow Up and Be Serious!”) and offer our experience of why it’s probably a BETTER idea to BREAK those rules.
The subtitle says it all: “35 YA Authors on Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Being Yourself”—and so do the yellow canvas sneakers clashing with the argyle socks.
Behold the brand-spanking-new cover!
My husband asked why my name wasn’t on the cover. Isn’t he adorable? (Seriously, I just wanna pinch his cheeks like a plump polyester-pant-suit-wearing Auntie.) Um, there’s no way anyone’s gonna pick up this book because it says “Tara Lazar”. But look—it says “Matthew Quick” and “The Silver Linings Playbook”. HOLY OSCAR-WORTHY GUACAMOLE, PEOPLE!
So be on the lookout for this extraordinary compilation come September because all proceeds benefit The Children’s Defense Fund. And it’s sure to be a POWERFUL read for adolescents and teens (and the occasional pusillanimous adult).
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
21 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 2, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Robin
Your husband’s right. There must be a mistake. I wonder if they could pencil it in next to Gary Schmidt, whose writings I adore.
February 2, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Tara Lazar
Oooh, you get a cheek pinch too!
February 2, 2013 at 2:03 pm
Anna Staniszewski
When I showed my husband the cover and told him my name wasn’t on it, he said: “Yes, it it” and point to “And Many Others.” Our men are such optimists!
February 2, 2013 at 2:05 pm
Tara Lazar
It should read “And Many Amazing Others”! LOL
February 2, 2013 at 3:03 pm
C. C. Gevry
Can’t wait. Congratulations on being part of what sounds like an amazing book.
February 2, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Shari Green
Ooh, that sounds awesome! I’ll definitely be watching for it! Thanks, Tara. (And I would totally pick up any book that has your name on the cover!)
February 2, 2013 at 4:50 pm
Tara Lazar
You’ve got good taste! LOL
February 2, 2013 at 4:48 pm
Joanne Roberts
Sorry your name isn’t on the cover, but aren’t those your feet in flip-flops?
Seriously though, congratulations in a big way. One out of 35 ain’t bad.
February 2, 2013 at 4:50 pm
Tara Lazar
Ha ha, that’s a great idea. I’ll just say those are MY FEET! (Maybe I’ll claim to be all 6 of them. I’ve got range.)
February 2, 2013 at 5:14 pm
evelynchristensen
Congratulations, Tara!! Sounds like a terrific book. And I’m right there rooting for your name on the cover, too. 🙂
February 2, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Carol Munro
I saw Sara Zarr and thought, “Oh, no, they got her name wrong! And she didn’t even mention it in the blog post. That woman is so full of grace:” LOL Congrats! btw, I think the 400+ members of 12 x 12 would recognize your name on the cover. We’d put it right above that Linings guy. 😉
February 2, 2013 at 8:34 pm
Tara Lazar
BEST COMMENT EVER.
February 2, 2013 at 6:50 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
OOOO AHHHH! I Can’t wait to read it! What a cool idea. Congratulations on being part of it!
February 2, 2013 at 8:34 pm
Tara Lazar
Thanks, Erik! I’ll try to send a review copy your way!
February 3, 2013 at 3:14 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
That is SO cool (and SO awesome!!!)
PS Tell your husband they left your name off because it would cause stampedes at the bookstores from all your fans!
February 2, 2013 at 8:04 pm
mydogisabonehead
Brava! Look forward to it.
Melissa
melissa sweet l 68 main street l rockport l me l 04856 melissa@melissasweet.net [p] 207-236-0348 http://www.melissasweet.net http://www.ASplashofRedBook.com ______________________ Books Balloons Over Broadway: the True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade Spike: the Mixed-Up Monster by Susan Hood A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant Brave Girl by Michelle Markel
February 2, 2013 at 10:06 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
You mean we are allowed, even encouraged, to break rules?! Congratulations, Tara! I think this could be a book I need to read.
February 3, 2013 at 12:59 pm
Quinn Cole
Thanks for letting us know. Looking forward to it!
February 4, 2013 at 12:40 pm
rayhunt3
thanks Tara!
February 4, 2013 at 2:35 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
All of your fans here at your blog would have been excited to see your name on the cover. And the other authors would have been happy to be listed in your awesome company. It sounds like such a great project. I look forward to being inspired.
February 5, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Kelly H-Y
Oh, I love that … your hubby’s response was absolutely perfect! Look forward to it!