I'm writing this in the Milwaukee airport while waiting for my plane to Chicago---from which I then head back to Boston.  I was overnight here in order to be keynote speaker  at the WSRA (Wisconsin State Reading Association) convention----so nice to be surrounded by teachers, and people concerned with and passionate about books.  Many writers there as well, including my good friend Susan Goodman.

Here is the view from my 24th floor hotel window:

and what does one see, from a Milwaukee hotel? A Miller beer sign!

In the email that I've been sitting here trying answer are some that are tough, one being a long letter in French---very official looking, apparently from a French library, telling me that my book THE GIVER---called LE PASSEUR in that country---has, ah, something or other. Been nominated for something?  Been awarded something?  Been denounced?  They want me to do something on June 13th. Deliver a lecture? Accept a prize? Appear in court?  Oh dear, I wish I could read French.

 I will have to get my friend Andy to translate it for me.

I had not expected it to be available yet, but my brand new GOONEY BIRD book was there for sale at the convention, so I was very glad that I had included an excerpt from it in my speech. When I get back home I'll post the jacket on this blog.