Interview with a Zombie (Author)

Author Nadia Higgins

Nadia Higgins is the author of a new four-book series, Zombie Zappers, that will be published this fall under our new trade imprint, Speeding Star. Thanks to authors like Nadia, beginning in the fall of 2013, Speeding Star will be providing easy-to-read books on topics of high interest in an effort to keep boys and young men reading.

Now on with the interview!

How is the Zombie Zappers series different from other books you’ve written?

Well, put it this way. The last fiction series I did was a set of six fractured fairy tales ... the covers were light purple with fancy cursive writing. I also write 10-15 nonfiction school library books a year.

What kinds of research did you have to do in order to write a series about zombies?

I read every zombie book for kids I could find. I scoured the Internet and eavesdropped on zombie chat groups. The most fun was watching zombie movies with my husband every weekend. I think I was the first person ever to take notes while watching Night of the Living Dead. I didn't want to forget ideas that popped into my head while I was watching. So I'd scribble notes like, "Zombies as pets? ... Animal zombies? .... Strategy: pretend to be a zombie to escape zombies."

What types of things did you make sure you included in the Zombie Zapper series? What types of things did you try to avoid?

I have two kids of my own and we read together every night. So, in other words, I have read every kind of children's book out there with my own personal test audience. The books that we enjoy the most have a few things in common. One of them is that the protagonists are whip smart and wildly imaginative. They make mistakes, sure, but they almost always solve their problems on their own. That's what I was going for as I developed the main characters.

As far as what to avoid--two things: stereotypes and that snarky tone you see out there a lot in dialogue for this age group.

  Why do you think kids are so fascinated by zombies?

What an interesting question. The gross-out factor is big, for sure. But I also think zombie combat is more interesting than other kinds of monster battles. It requires more strategy and wit. Then there are so many awesome questions to ponder: how to reverse a zombie back to a human, how to tame a zombie, how to survive a zombie apocalypse . . . Zombies are a fun-scary way to think about life-and-death questions.

One of the main characters, Roger, is Leo’s secret half-zombie friend living in his bedroom closet. What challenges does being friends with a half-zombie have?

Ha! Well, for one, you have to make sure that none of your friend's body parts accidentally fall off in public. Neighbors tend to get freaked out by stuff like that.


Zombie hunting is what bring these characters together but what is the real central theme readers will find in each of these books?

In addition to the zombie action, each book explores a theme about relationships. In Next-Door Zombie, for example, Leo blogs some lies about his next-door neighbor. His thoughtless remarks have serious consequences, and he needs to find a way to make things right.

What does it feel like when your best friend gets another good friend? What about when a friend takes credit for your work? How does it feel to be left out? These are some of the basic issues that the set explores.

Do you suspect that there are any zombies living in your neighborhood?

Yes--my kids when I try to wake them up in the morning!

What advice would you give kids if they ever meet a zombie on the street?

Whatever you don't, don't scream! That draws the hordes. Remember that you are a lot faster and smarter than zombies. You'll have to use your wits to outsmart them. Also, adults are rarely helpful during a zombie outbreak. It's up to you, kid!




Nadia Higgins is the author of more than sixty books for children. In addition to Zombie Zappers, her fiction includes Fiona and Frieda's Fairy-tale Adventures and a series of comical picture books, Barnacle Barb and Her Pirate Crew. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband, two daughters, and their "guard" fish, Marie.

Please note: Members of the media who wish to review Zombie Zappers may request advanced reader copies by sending an email to: customerservice@enslow.com.

Science + Fun = Enslow's Graphic-Style Series About Body System Diseases

We want to introduce you to Annie Biotica. This fictitious character is an investigator in Enslow Publishers' new Spring 2013 series "Body System Disease Investigations." Ms. Biotica tracks down the causes, impacts, and possible treatments for various infectious diseases. In addition to the Annie Biotica character device, each 48-page book uses a logical structure, solid facts, and graphic-style illustrations to create a fun, highly informative work. The series's writer, Michelle Faulk, Ph.D., skillfully integrates the real-world use of the scientific method into each title's narrative. In Faulk's The Case of the Flesh-Eating Bacteria, the author five unique medical cases, along with scenarios which the reader must solve.

The Case of the Flesh-Eating Bacteria, as well as other titles in this five-book series, is available in a library-bound edition for $17.95. That price represents a 25% school/library discount. The series is also available from your preferred vendor.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-4099-1

As part of its Famous African Americans series, Enslow has recently published an elementary biography about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Even though Martin Luther King's actual birthday is January 15, his life and accomplishments are celebrated on the third Monday of January.

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3043-5

In another Enslow title, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, elementary readers will learn more about this man. President Reagan signed a law in 1983 making Martin Luther King, Jr., Day a national holiday. Coretta Scott (Martin's widow) formed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia. This center teaches visitors about nonviolence, and are able to read Dr. King's papers to see for themselves how he lived his life.

Edgar Allan Poe Birthday January 19th

Edgar Allen Poe was born January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. U.S. American short-story writer, poet, critic, and editor Edgar Allan Poe's tales of mystery and horror made him known as the inventor of the detective story and the master of the macabre. 

In Dark Graphic Tales by Edgar Allan Poe from our Dark Graphic Novels series, playright and theater director Denise Despeyroux and illustrator Miquel Serratosa take you on a dark, mysterious journey through three of Poe's short stories: 

Embark on a treasure hunt in "The Gold Bug"

 Visit an insane asylum in "The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether"

Face psychological terror in "The Fall of the House of Usher"

ISBN: 978-0-7660-4086-1

This middle-school-level graphic novel features vivid illustrations and simplified language while keeping the dark, eerie tones of the original works. All of the titles in this series includes safe 'PG' text and illustrations.

This book is available from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your preferred vendor.

Happy Birthday Michelle Obama!

Michelle Obama is celebrating her 49th birthday today. She was born in Chicago, Illinois. Did you know that she is the great-granddaughter of a slave? Michelle Obama made history when she became the first African-American first lady of the United States. She is a hardworking wife, mother, Harvard graduate, and community volunteer who brings grace and style to a new era in the White House. We wish her a happy birthday!

To read more about this amazing woman check out our book, Celebrating First Lady Michelle Obama from our Obama Family Photo Album series. 

From her childhood in Chicago to her days in the White House, this photo-biography celebrates the events in Michelle Obama’s life during her journey into history. Kids will also enjoy some fun photos of Michelle riding a bike with her daughter and doing the hula hoop!

Happy Birthday Albert Pujols!

January 16th, 1980 is the birthday of philanthropist and star baseball player Albert Pujols.  Born in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, Pujols and his family  emigrated to the United States in 1996.  Pujols has had a stellar career playing for the Cardinals and now the Angels, and, through his non-profit Pujols Family Foundation, he is a major advocate for individuals with Down's syndrome.  To learn more about Albert Pujols, check out Tom Needham's Albert Pujols: MVP On and Off the Field from the "Sports Stars With Heart" series.

And the winner of our Rafflecopter Giveaway is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations to Roy who wins five books of his choice from our new Spring 2013 Catalog.

New elementary series about farm animals

Library ISBN 978-0-7660-4206-3

Enslow will soon be publishing a six-book series entitled Animals on the Family Farm. Written for the early elementary reader, this series explains the roles these different animals have on a real family farm, their diet, and how the farmer's family cares for them. Also included is a spread explaining the life cycle of that particular animal, as well as another spread with words to know and a photo of that animal, using arrows to point to the different body parts.

Written by Chana Stiefel, these books will interest and entertain elementary readers. The six animals featured are: chickens, cows, goats, pigs, sheep, and turkeys.

The answer is....

Walter Dean Myers!

Drawing upon his own struggles and experiences, Myers has written award-winning novels such as Hoops, Scorpions, and Slam!–realistic stories that appeal to readers of all backgrounds and cultures. Today, Walter Dean Myers is a New York Times bestselling and critically acclaimed author who has garnered much respect and admiration for his fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for young people. Winner of the first Michael L. Printz Award, he is considered one of the preeminent writers for children.

Walter Dean Myers: A Biography of an Award-Winning Urban Fiction Author from our African-American Icons series is available just in time to celebrate Black History Month.

Available from Enslow, Barnes and Noble, Amazon or your preferred vendor.

Guess the African-American Icon

We've created a word cloud using words that describe an African-American icon that we have just published a new biography about. Can you guess who it is?

Congratulations to our December 2012 raffle winner!

Sorry for the delay in posting this information. We were waiting to hear back from our raffle winner before posting.

Congratulations to Waverly Junior High School in Tennessee! They won $100 in free books!

Ready for another giveaway?

We're as happy as pigs in mud about our new spring books so we're giving away free books from our new Spring 2013 Catalog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tennessee Celebrates Elvis' Birthday and Peyton's Playoff

Mississippi-born Elvis Presley and Louisiana-born Peyton Manning have one thing in common: they both made their names in Tennessee. We were reminded of this when we looked at the calendar today. January 8th is the late King's birthday; he would have been 78 years old and, well, still the King. Young readers can find out more about Presley's fascinating career in Enslow Publishers' unauthorized biography of the entertainer. Author John Micklos, Jr.'s 160-page work explores Presley's background, his rise through the music business, and his evolution into a movie and Vegas star.

Meanwhile, aristocrats of a different type will perform in the National Football League playoffs this Sunday. Peyton Manning, who graduated from and played for the University of Tennessee football team, will lead the Denver Broncos in their quest for a championship. Peyton, his brother Eli, and their father Archie  have been characterized as football royalty. That family connection is only part of what makes Peyton Manning's life such an uplifting, page-turning story. For readers in Grades 3-4, Enslow's Peyton Manning: Champion Football Star offers an exciting account of the NFL quarterback's life and career. Author Ken Rappoport's 48-page book, part of Enslow's "Sports Star Champions" series, is accompanied by excellent color photos and eye-catching design that will please young readers and especially reluctant readers.

Peyton Manning: Champion Football Star is available directly from Enslow in a library-bound edition for $17.95; that represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price. It is also available from Barnes and Noble or Amazon or your preferred vendor. Meanwhile, Elvis Presley: "I Want to Entertain People" can be purchased in a library-bound edition for $25.95 from Enslow; that price is a 25% discount from Enslow's list price. It is also available from Barnes and Noble,  Amazon, or your preferred vendor.

New elementary titles for Black History Month!

Looking for titles for your elementary students for Black History Month? Enslow has just published 12 titles in its Famous African Americans series. Written by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack, these easy-to-read biographies cover contemporary nineteenth and twentieth century African Americans.

Looking for a book about a great teacher? How Booker T. Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune, or Carter G. Woodson?

For a book about a fighter against slavery, look at Frederick Douglass, or Ida B. Wells-Barnett, who wrote about the injustices against African Americans.
Louis Armstrong (a jazz musician) and Marian Anderson (an opera singer) are biographies about people in the music industry.
Martin Luther King, Jr., was a civil rights leader.
George Washington Carver studied plants and farming. Read about how he helped make peanuts popular!
Jesse Owens was an Olympian athlete.
Madam C. J. Walker invented hair care products for African-American women.
Paul Robeson was an actor.

Any of these titles would be helpful in teaching children about overcoming life's challenges and making something of oneself.

Did You Know That Louis Braille Could See When He Was Born?

Braille is named after the person who invented it. Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809 in a town near Paris, France. He could see when he was born but when he was three years old, he had a terrible accident. One day, he went to his father's workshop and poked himself in the eye while playing with one of the very sharp tools. His eye became infected and the infection spread causing Louis to become blind.

When Louis was ten, he was sent to a special school for blind children. They had some books written in large capital letters that were raised so that the students could feel them and put them together to figure out the words. Louis read these books, but he thought he could figure out a better way to make books for blind people.

One day when Louis was twelve, a soldier named Charles Barbier visited the school. He told Louis and the other children about his invention called night writing that used raised dots and dashes to represent words. The soldiers used this system to talk to each other in the dark and without speaking so enemy soldiers could not hear them.

Louis thought he could change night writing to make a code for blind people. At fifteen years old, after many tries, Louis created a dot code. He called his system Braille. In 1829, when Louis was twenty years old, he published the first Braille book.

Today, blind people all over the world use Braille to read. Thanks to Braille, words, numbers, and musical notes are no longer just something people see. They are also things people can feel.

View a sample chapter here of What is Braille? from our Overcoming Barriers series which is available from Enslow, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or your preferred vendor.

Happy Birthday J.R.R. Tolkien

Born John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, on this day in 1892, he is best known for his original worlds and creatures, many of whom appear in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings stories. Through a thorough exploration of his life and work, Edward Willett brings to life the inner workings of the mind of J.R.R. Tolkien who made fantasy writing what it is today. 

This book includes an "In Your Own Words" section. which draws on several interviews with Tolkien, a timeline, a major works and a selected additional works list, as well as "Words to Know" and a "Further Reading" list. You can preview this book on google books.

J.R.R. Tolkien: Master of Imaginary Worlds from our Authors Teens Love series is available from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your preferred vendor.

Meet Annie Biotica!

Look what's new in 2013!

Presented with real-life scenerios of infections, secondary-level readers will experience the scientific method that medical teams and scientists use to decipher symptoms and lab test results in our new Body System Disease Investigations series written by Michelle Faulk, PhD.

Using this mystery diagnosis format, each book contains five chapters, in which each chapter covers a different disease/ailment set up as a "case." 

Helped by the super-sleuth character, "Annie Biotica," this engaging and fun series makes the health and life science content more relevant to the student's own life. 

This series covers life science, body systems, and health in a fun way by formatting each case study in a CSI-like presentation.

Readers will enjoy the graphic-style illustrations and easy-to-read text in these 48-page books. 

This series is available from direct from Enslow as well as from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or your preferred vendor.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from all of us at Enslow Publishers! Our offices will reopen on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.

Happy Kwanzaa from Enslow Publishers!

WISHING EVERYONE, WHO CELEBRATES, A HAPPY KWANZAA!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Enslow wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Our offices will be closed until January 2, 2013.

Kwanzaa Craft

Kwanzaa is a family holiday that lasts from December 26 to January 1. Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor, and his friends created Kwanzaa in 1966. They wanted African Americans to have a special holiday to celebrate family and community.

Mkeka Craft 

The mkeka (m-KAY-kah) is the woven mat that decorates the Kwanzaa table. It is usually woven from straw or other natural fibers. Kwanzaa symbols such as the kinara, the seven candles, the unity cup, the ears of corn, and the basket of fruits and vegetables are placed on a mkeka.

What You Will Need

ruler
pencil
scissors
yellow construction paper
light-brown construction paper

What to Do

1. Use a ruler and pencil to draw lines that are 2 inches apart and 18 inches long on yellow construction
    paper. Use a ruler and pencil to draw lines that are 2 inches apart and 18 inches long on the light-brown
    construction paper.

2. Cut along the lines on both sheets of paper.

3. Weave all the strips of light-brown paper and all the strips of yellow paper together.

4. Glue all loose ends. Let dry.

Why Is It Winter? Experiment

We're not counting on the world ending today and neither is NASA. What we can count on is another winter solstice. Why is winter weather cold? What happens to plants in the winter? Where do animals go in the winter? What is hibernation? This book answers these questions and many more. There's even a simple experiment related to winter that will engage young readers and create a fun learning environment.

Experiment
You will need:

• 2 ice cubes
• 2 bowls or cups
• salt
• clock or watch

1. Put one ice cube in each bowl.

2. Pour some salt over one ice cube. Add nothing to the second ice cube.

3. Check the ice cubes every ten minutes. Which ice cube melts fastest? Can you guess why people put salt  

    on the streets and sidewalks in the winter?

Why Is It Winter? is from our Why Do We Have Winter? series for grades 1–2 is available from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your preferred vendor.

Available with library binding and in paperback

Enslow Provides Hurricane Relief for Libraries

How do you spell relief? B-O-O-K-S. 

When Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast it caused devastation to many homes and businesses. There were school and public libraries that suffered losses as well.  This week we're packing up book donations to send to some of the libraries that need help rebuilding their book collections. We hope to hear that these libraries will be re-opening in the near future with shelves stocked with books. 

In the meantime, many librarians are temporarily sharing space with other districts or public libraries or they have been moved into trailers while repairs are taking place. Some librarians have been provided space to receive donations, while others must wait until repairs to their space are completed. 

If your school or public library needs assistance due to damage caused by the hurricane, please contact us at customerservice@enslow.com with "Hurricane Relief" in the subject line. 

Enslow Publishers Will Be Closed for the Holidays

Enslow Publishers will be closed from December 24, 2012 through January 1, 2013.  Enslow Publishers will re-open on January 2, 2013.

Happy Holidays!