May 30, 2013 Transcript - Craft Potpourri & Favorite 1st Lines

KristineAsselin Hey everyone! Who has a fave 1st line to share? Or your own first line you might like feedback on! #mglitchat -9:00 PM May 30th, 2013

May 23, 2013 Transcript - Reading the Movies- Movies based on MG

KristineAsselin Welcome to #mglitchat! Our topic tonight is Reading the movies, Movies based on MG novels. #mglitchat -9:01 PM May 23rd, 2013

May 16, 2013 Transcript- Aging a Character Across a series

rachelnseigel It's time for #mglitchat. Tonight's topic: Aging characters in a series. -9:00 PM May 16th, 2013

matt_janacone is #mglitchat on tonight? -9:01 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @matt_janacone We are just starting! #mglitchat -9:01 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly Hi #MGLitChat friends! :) -9:01 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel how many series do you think we'll touch on tonight? every one? #mglitchat -9:01 PM May 16th, 2013

matt_janacone @rachelnseigel And what r we chattin' about? #mglitchat -9:02 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @matt_janacone aging your character across a series. #mglitchat -9:02 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @AnshaKotyk #mglitchat I think we can cover just about every series- those where the character ages, those where they don't -9:02 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel #mglitchat in the Charlie Bone books, Charlie eventually ages a year, but never more than that. In HP, he ages with each book. -9:03 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws Interesting when the series reading level seems to age with the characters…#harrypotter #mglitchat opinions, everyone? -9:04 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel #mglitchat In my mind, aging works initially- when your audience grows with the books, but not with the next generation. -9:04 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel The fact that we can choose which way to go, age, not age our characters is awesome. #mglitchat -9:04 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel Though I love that Laura Ingalls gets older in Little House. Never bothered me as a child reader #mglitchat -9:04 PM May 16th, 2013

matt_janacone If you can age a character through a series w/o compromising the quality of character or original story, I say do it! #mglitchat -9:05 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @lisabrowndraws I lost interest in her when she got too old. #mglitchat as I did with Anne of Green Gables. -9:05 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel agreed. I don't feel that it was intentional, somehow. #mglitchat -9:05 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws What about Beverly Cleary? Ramona gets older each book… #butshestartedoutsoyoung #mglitchat -9:06 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @lisabrowndraws I think she intended her audience to grow with the books. Maybe didn't realize that audience would b so young? #mglitchat -9:06 PM May 16th, 2013

dianezahler Are there others like the Betsy-Tacy series, where there are actually 2 series, one for younger, one for older? #mglitchat -9:07 PM May 16th, 2013

matt_janacone I don't think writers should force series for the sake of $$$. #mglitchat -9:07 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel #mglitchat I was also thinking of the ALICE books by Phylis Reynolds Naylor. There r in effect 3 different series. -9:07 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @dianezahler I can't think of current series, but decades ago, the Sweet Valley twins had multiple series for different ages. #mglitchat -9:08 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel Beezus got teenager, tho #mglitchat -9:08 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @ShellSly @dianezahler #mglitchat I read a couple of them concurrently, but they were really different series for different age categories. -9:08 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @childbkauthor @lisabrowndraws #mglitchat Interesting perspective- I don't remember thinking about it like that as a kid. -9:10 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @childbkauthor @lisabrowndraws #mglitchat I remember feeling aged out of some series when they got too old. I lost interest. -9:10 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel Yes, innocent but there are undertones of mature themes -- fear that Ramona's father will lose his job, for one #mglitchat -9:10 PM May 16th, 2013

matt_janacone I think characters should have to lead writers to a sequel much like they lead writers through a stories. #mglitchat -9:10 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws Aging your characters in a series provides a natural overarching narrative. #mglitchat It's gotta end sometime -9:11 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @lisabrowndraws #mglitchat I'd forgotten about that. So what crosses the line beyond innocence in a series where characters age? -9:12 PM May 16th, 2013

LaurelSnyder hey all! #mglitchat -9:12 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder Hi Laurel! #mglitchat -9:13 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel well, mg readers can handle a lot of mature subjects if it's presented in an age-appropriate manner. #mglitchat -9:13 PM May 16th, 2013

LaurelSnyder @lisabrowndraws Nosmo King. #mglitchat -9:13 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws Hey yerself RT @LaurelSnyder: hey all! #mglitchat -9:13 PM May 16th, 2013

LaurelSnyder I see we're talking series... #mglitchat -9:14 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws characters aging/not aging within series RT @LaurelSnyder: I see we're talking series... #mglitchat -9:14 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @KatBrzozowski @rachelnseigel Those books are wonderful. Really more sophisticated and literary than they get credit for #mglitchat #cleary -9:15 PM May 16th, 2013

dianezahler Lots of chs in the series I read as a kid didn't age -- Danny Dunn, Encyclopedia Brown, Henry Huggins (why are they all boys?) #mglitchat -9:16 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel @KatBrzozowski It's a oft-used mom's trick. #mglitchat -9:16 PM May 16th, 2013

dianezahler @lindaurbanbooks You mean, before LH in the Big Woods? #mglitchat -9:18 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @childbkauthor @lisabrowndraws @KatBrzozowski #mglitchat and where the interactions between children and adults feel real. -9:18 PM May 16th, 2013

gregpincus @dianezahler I was thinking that, too: Encyclopedia Brown, Sally, Bugs didn't age. And at a certain point, I stopped reading 'em #mglitchat -9:18 PM May 16th, 2013

SafiyyahKathimi @dianezahler good question! #mglitchat -9:18 PM May 16th, 2013

matt_janacone Wait. R we talking about characters that don't age through series? #mglitchat -9:18 PM May 16th, 2013

KatBrzozowski @lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel Agree. Those books defined my childhood reading pretty much - those and Babysitter's Club. #mglitchat -9:19 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @matt_janacone those that age, and those that don't #mglitchat -9:19 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel @childbkauthor @KatBrzozowski Your secret is safe with me. #mglitchat -9:19 PM May 16th, 2013

lindaurbanbooks @dianezahler I believe they did Ma's girlhood, other cousins etc. #mglitchat -9:20 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws In the CS Lewis books the kids age. And it's quite satisfying. #mglitchat And a plot point. -9:20 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly Characters that DO age: Greg from Wimpy Kid. He's quickly advancing thru middle school. Will the books stop before high school? #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel that last one was too heavy. And religious. At least for this Jew. #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 16th, 2013

dianezahler Good point! RT @lisabrowndraws: In the CS Lewis books the kids age. And its quite satisfying. And a plot point. #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 16th, 2013

SafiyyahKathimi @gregpincus Like the Magic Tree House kids who never age. #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 16th, 2013

Danaalisonlevy To me the question of aging directly relates to the kind of series. Mysteries and other episodic series can go forever... 1/2 #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 16th, 2013

lindaurbanbooks Just checked GoodReads. Chapter books: The Carrie Years, The Rose Years etc. @dianezahler: You mean, before LH in the Big Woods? #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws :) RT @KatBrzozowski: @rachelnseigel They had like 17 summer experiences but never graduated to high school. #longestsummerever #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 16th, 2013

Danaalisonlevy 2/2 ...whereas character-driven ones need growth and closure. #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 16th, 2013

SafiyyahKathimi Percy Jackson and friends age, but the content is kept MG. #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 16th, 2013

matt_janacone Wouldn't characters who grow/age progress into more advanced genres/reading levels? #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @rachelnseigel Exactly. Plus, he'll lose his "wimpy" charm if he gets too old. #MGLitChat -9:22 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @lindaurbanbooks @dianezahler Ugh, dead writers' estate sequels. Save me. #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 16th, 2013

dianezahler @lindaurbanbooks Somehow that bothers me. I'm a purist. #mglitchat -9:23 PM May 16th, 2013

dianezahler RT @lisabrowndraws: @lindaurbanbooks Ugh, dead writers estate sequels. Save me. #mglitchat -9:23 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @SafiyyahKathimi Interesting about Percy. I feel like if he got any older, it would definitely be YA. #mglitchat -9:24 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @matt_janacone think it's problematic. Kids read FAST, the books would soon become too old for them. #mglitchat -9:24 PM May 16th, 2013

SafiyyahKathimi @Danaalisonlevy Useful distinction! #mglitchat -9:24 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @Danaalisonlevy #Mglitchat like Nancy Drew. -9:25 PM May 16th, 2013

RosanneParry @matt_janacone It's the authors choice. Heather Vogel Frederick won't be taking the Mother-Daughter Book Club girls into hs. #mglitchat -9:25 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @rachelnseigel Good question! They do sell *very* well, so who knows? #MGLitChat -9:25 PM May 16th, 2013

matt_janacone I believe writers show their age or where they are in life through their characters. #mglitchat -9:25 PM May 16th, 2013

LaurelSnyder I think maybe the more formulaic a series is, the harder it is for the characters to age. Formula would have to change. #mglitchat -9:25 PM May 16th, 2013

Danaalisonlevy The question I struggle with is how to age the characters and still keep them true to an MG audience? #mglitchat -9:25 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel #mglitchat Actually, Nancy Drew is an interesting case- she was originally a teenager, but the series was 4 a younger audience. -9:25 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @Danaalisonlevy I like that. Episodic vs. character-driven series. Good to keep in mind! #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 16th, 2013

matt_janacone I think you can tell where writers are in life through their books. #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @Danaalisonlevy Good q. But think about books where the main characters aren't necessarily the age of the readers #frogandtoad #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 16th, 2013

dianezahler @rachelnseigel that's right, she drove her little red roadster, didn't she? #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 16th, 2013

SafiyyahKathimi @rachelnseigel Yes! Perfect for the voracious MG reader who needed 100+ stories not limited to a school scene. #mglitchat -9:27 PM May 16th, 2013

Danaalisonlevy @rachelnseigel Exactly! Compare Nancy Drew with Anne of Green Gables. One required stasis and the other change #mglitchat -9:27 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel preteens like to read about teens, teens about young adults, etc. #mglitchat #aspirationalreading -9:27 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws Good pt RT @Danaalisonlevy: @rachelnseigel Exactly! Nancy Drew vs Anne of Green Gables. One required stasis and the other change #mglitchat -9:27 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @rachelnseigel I think the pacing can be adjusted to slow aging, but as a reader, I'd notice. #MGLitChat -9:27 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @lisabrowndraws #Mglitchat they do say kids read about 3 years up right? But not all books about 16 year olds r appropriate 4 12-13. -9:28 PM May 16th, 2013

Danaalisonlevy @lisabrowndraws Very true...esp. with animal/fantasy MG. I guess I was thinking contemp #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @KatBrzozowski @rachelnseigel Downton IS too fast, isn't it? #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 16th, 2013

akossket RT @rachelnseigel: #mglitchat Actually, Nancy Drew is an interesting case- she was originally a teenager, but the series was 4 a younger audience. -9:28 PM May 16th, 2013

AniProf #mglitchat Just stopping by to say sorry, but I won't be joining in; season finale for Elementary. -9:29 PM May 16th, 2013

RosanneParry @Danaalisonlevy I think this is why authors opt to stop a series at a certain age. Or use animal characters. ex Hank the Cow Dog #mglitchat -9:29 PM May 16th, 2013

LaurelSnyder I bet if Nancy was done today, she'd be younger. #mglitchat -9:29 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @KatBrzozowski @childbkauthor @lisabrowndraws #mglitchat I confess I've never tried it, but I'm open. -9:29 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @AniProf Thanks for stopping in to say hi! :) #mglitchat -9:30 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder #Mglitchat she is being done again- and I think they've aged her down. And then there is the clue Crew where she's 7 or 8. -9:30 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly What about fairytale rewrites, where a princess is old enough to fall in love? Is that too much of an age gap for young readers? #mglitchat -9:31 PM May 16th, 2013

MissionRead #PageChallenge book hint # 2 Age: MG #mglitchat -9:31 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @AniProf #mglitchat isn't that at 10? I'm going to have to catch Office finale on timeshift later. Or on Hulu. ;-) -9:31 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @KatBrzozowski @lisabrowndraws #mglitchat lesson there is sometimes the charm is in the original age- not when they get older. -9:32 PM May 16th, 2013

Danaalisonlevy @rosanneparry I agree. Their ages become a character arc. But when they're still in the "sweet spot" of MG the challenge is...1/2 #mglitchat -9:32 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @KatBrzozowski @lisabrowndraws #mglitchat that is way too fast! I'd hate to read a series that jumped ahead years with each book. -9:33 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws @rachelnseigel @KatBrzozowski sometimes is key. #mglitchat -9:33 PM May 16th, 2013

Danaalisonlevy @rosanneparry 2/2 ...while still pleasing the audience. #mglitchat -9:33 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @lisabrowndraws @KatBrzozowski #mglitchat which brings us back to Wimpy Kid- would kids read Greg's high school years? -9:33 PM May 16th, 2013

lisabrowndraws Fun but gotta run before my own kid ages out of me reading to him before bed. #mglitchat -9:33 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @KatBrzozowski @lisabrowndraws Loved that show when it was on. New series is dubious. ;-) #mglitchat -9:34 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @lisabrowndraws Thanks for joining in! #mglitchat -9:34 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel @lisabrowndraws thanks for joining, I'm dealing with my own kids, g'night! #mglitchat -9:35 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @lisabrowndraws Have a good evening! #mglitchat -9:35 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel we're learning a lot about what works and doesn't work by what has been done. #mglitchat -9:36 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @AnshaKotyk #mglitchat agreed! -9:36 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel you spoke of Nancy Drew being redone, and I have to agree, much younger now. #mglitchat -9:37 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel #mglitchat I would love to hear from any Librarians or teachers what their kids think- do they like seeing their favourite characters age? -9:38 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @AnshaKotyk #mglitchat A few years anyway. But she keeps coming back. Quite amazes me. -9:38 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel Classic Girl Sleuth. ;) #mglitchat -9:39 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @AnshaKotyk #mglitchat I was more of a Trixie Belden fan myself. ;-) -9:39 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @rachelnseigel Used to teach special ed reading. Noticed kids loved series, but sometimes avoided "irrelevant" books... 1/2 #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel now see I was busy reading "choose your own adventures" no one aged. #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 16th, 2013

melissawiley @rachelnseigel Often when romance is involved, mg readers like to see the characters age. Laura/Almanzo, Anne/Gilbert, Betsy/Joe. #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel actually I don't even remember any main characters #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @rachelnseigel ...such as fifth graders reading Junie B "First Grader" books, but otherwise read other Junie B. 2/2 #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 16th, 2013

melissawiley Reader craves that happy ending where they finally get together. #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly Edit: Meant to say, fifth graders *avoiding* "First Grader" book. Twitter needs an edit button! #mglitchat -9:41 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @melissawiley yes, any romance, would def require the characters age. #mglitchat -9:41 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly @melissawiley Good to know Re: romance and aging. I've been trying to find the perfect age for a MG fairytale romance. #mglitchat -9:42 PM May 16th, 2013

PagesCorner RT @MissionRead: #PageChallenge book hint # 2 Age: MG #mglitchat -9:43 PM May 16th, 2013

melissawiley @rachelnseigel @rachelnseigel Depends on the reader, right? At 11 I was GLUED to the unfolding saga of Anne & Gilbert. #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @melissawiley Loved that saga too! #mglitchat -9:45 PM May 16th, 2013

KatBrzozowski @rachelnseigel @lisabrowndraws I'm retreating back to manuscript reading world, but it was lovely chatting with you two! #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @KatBrzozowski Thanks for stopping by and chatting! #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @KatBrzozowski @lisabrowndraws #mglitchat same! Thanks for joining in tonight! :-) -9:46 PM May 16th, 2013

Danaalisonlevy Thanks for all the good thinky thoughts! Have a great night! #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 16th, 2013

melissawiley @rachelnseigel I didn't enjoy the later Little House books until I was older. Loved Farmer Boy at 8, loved Golden Years at 11. #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 16th, 2013

SafiyyahKathimi @melissawiley Yes! It's also nice to have a sense that life is still interesting (from a kid perspective) in adulthood. #mglitchat -9:47 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @mjtlbarrie @AnshaKotyk #mglitchat she was just more interesting- less goodie goodie. And loved her family! -9:48 PM May 16th, 2013

JoAnnYhard Doing that now. It's a year later for book #3 as setting is iceberg season in NL in June, so had to be 1 yr later. #mglitchat -9:48 PM May 16th, 2013

KatBrzozowski Awww too sweet. RT @lisabrowndraws: Fun but gotta run before my own kid ages out of me reading to him before bed. #mglitchat -9:50 PM May 16th, 2013

KimJGaneWCPosse RT @AniProf: #mglitchat Just stopping by to say sorry, but I won't be joining in; season finale for Elementary. -9:52 PM May 16th, 2013

melissawiley @rachelnseigel The First Four Years is a hard book at any age, I think. Even for adults. So very bleak. #mglitchat -9:53 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel #mglitchat We have just under 10 minutes left. Any final thoughts on the subject of aging characters over a seires? -9:53 PM May 16th, 2013

SafiyyahKathimi This just guts me. Read for your lives! MT @lisabrowndraws: Gotta run before my own kid ages out of me reading to him before bed. #mglitchat -9:53 PM May 16th, 2013

KimJGaneWCPosse @AniProf Ha! Same boat! Popped in though to see what I was missing, since I totally forgot last week. Hello from the couch! #mglitchat -9:53 PM May 16th, 2013

rachelnseigel @childbkauthor @lisabrowndraws #mglitchat some do for sure- depends on author and series. Had this chat with @kevinarts a while ago. -9:54 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @KimJGaneWCPosse Howdy! I'm still wrestling kids... or rustling... ;) #mglitchat -9:54 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel Depends def on what the author is trying to accomplish with the series, where the arc is if there is one. #mglitchat -9:56 PM May 16th, 2013

JoAnnYhard @rachelnseigel Age 13 for books 1&2, time 2 months apart, now 14 in book 3. Also each book from a different main character POV. #mglitchat -9:56 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk I'll have our transcript up in a few minutes. #mglitchat -9:57 PM May 16th, 2013

ShellSly Thanks for chatting tonight, everyone. Good topic! #mglitchat -10:00 PM May 16th, 2013

AnshaKotyk @ShellSly Thanks to everyone for stopping by tonight and discussing our topic #mglitchat -10:00 PM May 16th, 2013

May 9, 2013 Transcript--Fantasy vs Magical Realism

AniProf And so we start! #MGLitChat -7:00 PM May 9th, 2013

May 2, 2013 Transcript -- Middle Grade or Early Chapter Book? Knowing the difference

KDuBayGillis It's officially 9 pm....time for #mglitchat! Hi, everyone! #mglitchat -9:01 PM May 2nd, 2013


KDuBayGillis Topic tonight is comparing/contrasting MG novels to chapter books. #mglitchat -9:01 PM May 2nd, 2013