December 2013
Photo © Alan Pearlman.
Selene Castrovilla is the award-winning author of two young adult novels and three picture books about the American Revolution.
Her latest book, Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, received a starred Booklist review, and it is a Booklist Top Ten Biography for Youth, 2013. It has been recommended by the International Reading Association as a book for learning American history, and it meets common core standards. It is also a Eureka! Nonfiction Honor Book 2013 (from The California Reading Association) and is a School Librarian International Honor Book, 2013.
Upon Secrecy was a Bank Street Best Children’s Book, 2010.
By the Sword was an International Reading Association Notable Book, 2007.
Ms. Castrovilla holds an MFA in Creative Writing from New School University and a BA in English from New York University. She lives on Long Island with her two sons. Read more about Ms.Castrovilla and her work at SeleneCastrovilla.com.
What are you reading? What's on your nightstand?
Re-reading As I Lay Dying. Also reading Dr.Bird's Advice for Sad Poets & Coraline (the book & the graphic novel.) I keep Bird by Bird, my favorite book about writing & life, on my nightstand - along with a purple book of Shakespeare quotes (I love purple & Shakespeare.)
Where do you go to get inspired?
The number one place is my deck on the water. I love watching the current. Especially wonderful are sunrise & sunset, which mimic our lives - always beautiful, ever-changing, made of fleeting moments we must experience and let go.
That said, I find inspiration everywhere. In strangers' conversations, in children's play, in animals' tranquility.
In a NYC crowd, in my car alone. We don't need to seek inspiration, we just have to embrace it.
What's something that surprised you recently (in a good way)?
Where do you write?
If possible, outside on my deck - on the water. Or in my office, where there's a view of the water. But anywhere, really - I bring my laptop on the train for 45 minutes of writing each way. I also print pages of my works in progress so I can revise if I'm waiting for an appointment or I'm on the subway...etc.
What/who makes you laugh? Why?
The Howard Stern Show. Because it magnifies the absurdity of life, and you never know what's coming next.
Favorite fictional character ever?
Holden Caulfield
What are you working on?
The sequel to my novel Melt, called Signs of Life. Also a screenplay adaptation of novel and another picture book about George Washington's humanity.
"This oversize, handsome package will introduce a little-known aspect of the Revolutionary War history through pithy words and often dramatic pictures. It respects its audience as well as the historically significant friendship it portrays."
—Booklist, ***Starred Review***
"Reminiscent of Lurlene McDaniel's novels, this look at first love is at once heartrending and healing."
—Booklist
"...this is an excellent introduction to the use of primary-source material to create a plausible historical narrative that also adds a human face. A time line of Tallmadge's life, a list of places to visit, research notes, and an excellent print bibliography are included."
—School Library Journal
Melt by
Set against the backdrop of The Wizard of Oz, this tale is both a chilling story of abuse and a timeless romance. Sixteen-year-old good girl Dorothy just blew into the small town of Highland Park--where the social headquarters is Munchkinland (Dunkin' Donuts). There, she meets Joey--a bad boy who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey's reputation, and his alcoholism? And then there's his family secret which is about to be unleashed. Joey's words are scattered on the page--reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason--until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away? Drawing from true events, this brutal love story will hit like a punch in the face and is sure to reach into the soul of every reader.
Revolutionary Friends by
In this riveting story about an important friendship, Selene Castrovilla introduces young readers to the tender side of George Washington when he meets the youthful Marquis de Lafayette during the Revolutionary War. Lafayette has come to America to offer his services to the patriotic cause. Inexperienced but dedicated, he is a much-needed ally and not only earns a military position with the Continental Army but also Washington’s respect and admiration. This lively picture book presents the human side of history, revealing the bond between two famous Revolutionary figures. Both the author and illustrator worked with experts and primary sources to represent both patriots and the war accurately and fairly.
Upon Secrecy by
How George Washington's spies saved America. In 1780 France entered the American Revolution. A French fleet was bringing crucial aid to the patriots. Did the British know? Would they intercept? George Washington needed answers--fast. To get them, he turned to his most trusted spies. Upon Secrecy follows the members of the Culper Spy Ring on their most daring and important mission. Washington couldn't outfight the British. Could he outspy them?
