About the Book
This is the story of Felix Maldonado, a sensitive ten-year-old living in the central coast region of California. What begins as a school project blossoms into a powerful friendship when Felix writes a letter to an American soldier serving in Afghanistan. Their pen pal friendship grows more important than ever when Felix's older brother, Quin, enlists in the military to raise money for college. Told entirely through Felix's letters, emails, and postcards to the soldier, the novel traces the boy's growth as he grapples with bullies, the fear arising from his brother's enlistment, and the meaning of bravery itself. Humorous, timely, and deeply moving, this unforgettable tale is not to be missed.
About the Author :
Michael Scotto has worked as a filmmaker, a saxophone player, and an engineer's assistant, but his true passion has always been writing. He earned a degree in creative writing from Carnegie Mellon University in 2004, and he received his MFA in dramatic writing there in 2007. Today, he is the author of the Tales of Midlandia picture book series, as well as the middle-grade novel "Latasha and the Little Red Tornado." In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, photography, and working on his house. He currently lives with his wife and their very naughty dog, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where in 2011 he was honored for his civic contributions as an author and youth education advocate. "Postcards from Pismo" is his second novel.
Review :
Author/illustrator book signing, 400 copies: ALA Midwinter Meeting in Dallas, TX -- January 23rd 2012 Author talk & signing, St. Lucie County Reading Festival: Port St. Lucie, FL, projected attendance 3500 -- April 21, 2012
This is a heartwarming story of Felix Maldonado, who befriends a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan through a school pen-pal project. Told exclusively through the 10-year-old's letters to Lt. Marcus Greene, this believable and timely tale will engross even reluctant readers. Children learn about Felix's life in Pismo Beach, CA, with his father, who rents ATV's to tourists, and his mother, who photographs parties and makes postcards, which he learns to create and sends to the soldier. Felix seeks guidance from Lt. Greene when the bullying he has endured since first grade becomes too much for him to handle. When Felix tries to be brave and stand up to the bully, readers get to see the problem from both sides. Lt. Greene's friendship and advice become even more vital in Felix's life when his older brother enlists in the National Guard to pay for college, which his parents can't afford. The letter format allows students to read the story in small digestible chunks, one or two at a time. Illustrations of Felix's photographs and postcards add dimension and life to the story. Highly recommended for sensitive and artistic students, those dealing with bullying, and those with family members in the service. --Danielle Farinacci, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, San Francisco, CA
This is a heartwarming story of Felix Maldonado, who befriends a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan through a school pen-pal project. Told exclusively through the 10-year-old's letters to Lt. Marcus Greene, this believable and timely tale will engross even reluctant readers. Children learn about Felix's life in Pismo Beach, CA, with his father, who rents ATV's to tourists, and his mother, who photographs parties and makes postcards, which he learns to create and sends to the soldier. Felix seeks guidance from Lt. Greene when the bullying he has endured since first grade becomes too much for him to handle. When Felix tries to be brave and stand up to the bully, readers get to see the problem from both sides. Lt. Greene's friendship and advice become even more vital in Felix's life when his older brother enlists in the National Guard to pay for college, which his parents can't afford. The letter format allows students to read the story in small digestible chunks, one or two at a time. Illustrations of Felix's photographs and postcards add dimension and life to the story. Highly recommended for sensitive and artistic students, those dealing with bullying, and those with family members in the service. --Danielle FarinacciSacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, San Francisco, CA
