She's The Hero!

It started last summer.  I've always read book after book during June, July and August but the summer of 2012 was different.  I was participating in the #bookaday challenge.  I will be this year too; Donalyn Miller wrote about it yesterday on the Nerdy Book Club blog.

I was reading so fast I could not keep up with posts about them on my blog.  Then too, there were a handful of books so powerful I could not begin to express in words their meaning for me or for others readers. They are still in a small stack waiting for me to have the courage to write about them.  One of those books was by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, One for the Murphys. 

Summer ended, school started and the year was off and running.  In the middle of January Lynda Mullaly Hunt posted this tweet on Twitter.  It was a game changer for my students, their teachers and me.

Author's Confession Post--Huge giveaway for teachers and librarians. ARC, Skype, signed copies of One for the Murphyslyndamullalyhunt.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/ful…
— Lynda Mullaly Hunt (@LynMullalyHunt) January 19, 2013

It was followed by a series of tweets back and forth between Lynda and I.  Again, I can't stress enough the connections made on this social network between authors and illustrators and the people who wish to bring their work to readers.  This ability to converse with writers and artists still amazes me.

@loveofxena Thanks so much for the RT, Margie! Happy, happy Saturday :-)
— Lynda Mullaly Hunt (@LynMullalyHunt) January 19, 2013

@loveofxena & what a lovely, sweet comment it is--thanks so much, Margie. Do wish I could actually join you for hot chocolate. Some day!:-)
— Lynda Mullaly Hunt (@LynMullalyHunt) January 19, 2013

@loveofxenaIndeed It would.
— Lynda Mullaly Hunt (@LynMullalyHunt) January 19, 2013

When the deadline for the offer arrived, Lynda sent out this tweet to her followers.  Readers of her book already knew about her huge heart.  What she did for so many nearly leaves me speechless.

I just couldn't choose ONE!! The giveaway winners are:lyndamullalyhunt.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/ful…
— Lynda Mullaly Hunt (@LynMullalyHunt) January 24, 2013

When her original tweet was followed by this tweet, I literally started dancing.  I could not believe it.  I called one of our fifth grade teachers immediately.  We were like two kids laughing and talking a mile a minute; so excited by this opportunity for our students.

@lynmullalyhunt What!?Walking the dog, came in and saw this.Scurrying to the web site.
— Margie Myers-Culver (@Loveofxena) January 24, 2013

A literacy grant was already in place allowing for the purchase of a paperback copy of One for the Murphys for every fifth grade student.  In the months following the "win" all three classes read the book; the conversations between the students and their teachers were some of the best.  I reread the book, liking it even more, and wrote a review linked here.

Lynda and I continued to stay in touch via email planning for the Skype visit.  As the library filled with students eager to meet the author of a book they had shared together, anticipation was high.  I don't think any of us were prepared for how truly special April 25, 2013 would be.  As soon as I could I sent out a tweet, thanking Lynda Mullaly Hunt for one of the best author visits I have ever experienced.

@loveofxena Thanks, Margie--very sweet. :-)I loved your class--lot of enthusiasm and personality. Loved their reactions and questions. :-)
— Lynda Mullaly Hunt (@LynMullalyHunt) April 25, 2013

@loveofxenaWell, that foundation--enthusiasm-was laid before I met them #kudostoyouI like this mutual admiration society we have going
— Lynda Mullaly Hunt (@LynMullalyHunt) April 25, 2013

@loveofxena Well, it isn't every day you get perfect! :-)
— Lynda Mullaly Hunt (@LynMullalyHunt) April 25, 2013

I wish I could have recorded the event.  The personal level of information Lynda included in her presentation, how the story (One for the Murphys) came to her and how she developed it, her use of photographs and the possible covers for the book, her ease in speaking with the students and answering their questions thoughtfully and going to get her dog for part of the Skype was "one for the books".  It wasn't until I received an envelope filled with student letters two weeks ago that the full impact of her Skype was abundantly reinforced.  Here are some of the comments.

• I really liked the Skype. I had no idea you could not pick your own cover for the book.  The best part was when people read their questions and she really thought.
• I liked the Skype visit for One for the Murphys because we got to ask some really good questions about the book like for example "Why did you pick a girl to be in foster care instead of a boy?"
• My favorite part was when she told us about her next book and how it's about Toni's point of view.
• I really liked when she told us about her childhood.
• It was so cool to learn how she came up with the book. 
• What I really liked about the book was that it was all kinds of mixed emotions, like, happy, sad and tears of joy. 
• I love how she plays with words because it just makes you think harder about things.
• My favorite part was when she showed pictures of her house.
  

I know sixty plus people who will never forget April 25, 2013.  I know sixty plus people who will never forget reading One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.  These are the moments to treasure; an author connecting with her readers.  You are our hero, Lynda and we thank you with all our hearts.