gina capaldi

Silver Medal Eureka! Award for Red Bird Sings!

2011-12-11T00:29:00.000-08:00

We are delighted and thrilled to announce that Red Bird Sings has won the Silver Medal Eureka! Award from the California Readers Association (CRA). Indeed, this is a real honor!

The California Reading Association established this award to celebrate and honor nonfiction children’s books and to "assist teachers, librarians, and parents in identifying outstanding nonfiction books for their students and children." Eligible books required to be non-fiction but written in any genre.
Please visit http://www.californiareads.org/awards/eu/2011-eureka.htm for a list of other winners. Note what an amazing job the CRA does to promote reading for California children.

Red Bird Book Launch

2011-11-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

We are delighted to share with you the Red Bird Sings book launch held at Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop in LaVerne, Ca. Our special thanks to Andrea Vuleta and Judy Nelson for allowing us the opportunity to share the publication of our book with family and friends. We are forever grateful to you!

Also, our amazing violinist, Asha, who performed period music of the 1800's on her violin.

With regard,

Gina and Q

Starred Review for Red Bird Sings!

2011-10-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

We are so happy to announce that our book, Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Sa, earned a starred review from the School Library Journal! (October 2011)

CAPALDI, Gina & Q. L. Pearce, adapts. Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Ša, Native American Author, Musician and Activist. illus. by Gina Capaldi. 32p. photos. bibliog. further reading. CIP. Carolrhoda. Oct. 2011. PLB $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5257-0; ebook $13.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7159-5. LC 2011003014. Gr 3-6–This picture-book biography of Zitkala-Ša, a young Sioux girl born in 1876 in South Dakota, adapts and paraphrases some of her own autobiographical writings to trace her life from youth to adulthood. Born Gertrude Simmons, she was sent to an Indian boarding school in Indiana when she was eight, and it was through this education that she discovered a love and talent for music, writing, and public speaking, among other things. Her journey took her ever farther east, from college in Indiana to teaching in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, to finally fighting for Native American civil rights in Washington, DC, in the early 1920s. Each spread shares moments from her life as she struggled to survive in two very different worlds: the familiar Sioux reservation and the Anglo world that was opened up to her. While the text is modified for clarity for young audiences, it is still lyrical and compelling, drawing readers into the woman’s life and work. The accompanying paintings are textured and sometimes layered with maps, pictures, and magazine pages that provide a rich complement to the story, conveying both emotion and depth. This unique format brings Zitkala-Ša’s intriguing story to life, and engenders further exploration. Extensive back matter includes suggested readings, useful websites, and a bit more detail about Zitkala-Ša.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Red Bird Sings Wins Gold Medal Award!

2011-06-12T14:43:00.001-07:00

We are delighted to announce that Red Bird Sings has won the Moonbeam Children's Book Award gold medal for Multicultural Picturebooks.

The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards contest is designed to honor the year's best children’s books, authors and illustrators. The awards are presented by Jenkins Group and Independent Publisher magazine. The guiding factor behind the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards is noble as these awards "bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading. Awards are given in 38 categories covering the full range of subjects, styles and age groups that children’s books are written and published in today"

Both Q and I are honored and thrilled to recieve this gold medal award for Red Bird Sings!!

Red Bird Sings

2011-06-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

My Book in National Archives

2010-10-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

Recently we went to Washington, D.C. to do a bit of research at the National Archives. But, true to my nature, I had to first visit the gift shop! Lo and behold, we found a book which I co-wrote with Douglas Rife.

The book, Letters of the American Revolution (Innovativekids) was a delight to work on. Currently, we are pulling together the last edits for Letters of the American Civil War, in which we will use excerpts from real letters during that period.

It is an honor to have a book part of the selection from the National Archives!!!!!!

Induction into International Honor Society

2010-10-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

I have the great pleasure to announce that I have been inducted into the Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society (Beta Mu chapter).

Delta Kappa Gamma is an international educator's society. It's hard to describe this society because it is so multi-faceted. They are a progressive advocacy group focusing on education legislation, gender equality, educators concerns, betterment of children, youth, women and students. At least this is what they state in their programs. I have found it to be an organization of brilliant educators who donate an extraordinary amount of time to education, empowering teachers, and inspiring children for the betterment of the world.

Delta Kappa Gamma became known to me two years ago. I was approached to speak about my book, A Boy Named Beckoning, to over 200 DKG members. While I was up for the challenge, I was concerned as I had never spoken to so many before. However, past president-honoree, Donna Stevenson, gently and warmly guided me through the process; she shared her own stories and cheered me on. I adore this woman, and her daughters, Candise and Camille, who have treated me more like a sister than anything else.

But this post is really not about me as it is about how lucky I feel to be a part of such an august group of DKG's Betu Mu chapter. I've never seen a group so dedicated and enthusiastic about education as these women. They inspire me and I hope I live up to their expectations.

On November of this year, I hope to give another talk specifically to my own Beta Mu chapter. I look forward to it as I know these woman will somehow glean out my own silliness and apply the substance of what is offered to make it their own- better versions for their students.

NCSS Honor Book Awards for A Boy Named Beckoning

2009-11-19T23:01:00.001-08:00

On November 14, 2009, my book, A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, was honored by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) during their annual convention in at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

I cannot tell you how honored I am to have received this award. The NCSS's mission is to 'engage and support educators in strengthening and advocating social studies... humanities...and, to promote civic competence.' The NCSS acknowledges exemplary researchers, educators, supports projects that improve social studies education, and promotes effective citizens through grants...and, promotes outstanding social science books, and much more!

My day began by being warmly greeted by Mr. Patrick Westcott, chair of the Carter G. Woodson Book Award Selection Committee. He acted as the moderator in a panel with myself and two other honorees, middle-grade author, award winner-Dr. Robert H. Mayer, author of When the Children Marched: The Birmingham Civil Rights Movement (Enslow Publ., Inc.); and, John Wukovits, author of Booker T. Washington and Education (Lucent Books).

We spoke on various subject related to our books and the process of creating them. Afterward we were asked various questions from the audience. Once our panel ended, we were escorted to do a book signing. It looked as if Dr. Mayer's books sold out...Not surprised, his book is magnificent!

After a short break, we met in the International Ballroom of the Omni Hotel, where we were presented with our stunning crystal awards. Once again, Mr. Westcott introduced us to the audience. I was twice honored by his introduction of my book, Mr. Westcott stated, "The National Council for the Social Studies established the Carter G. Woodson Book Award for the most distinguished social science books appropriate for young readers that depict ethnicity in the United States. The purpose of this award is to encourage the writing, publishing, and dissemination of outstanding social science books for young readers that treat topics related to ethnic minorities and relations sensitively and accurately.

This year's Elementary Level Carter G. Woodson Honor Book is A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero, adapted and illustrated by Gina Capaldi, published by Carolrhoda-Lerner Publishing Group."

While I shy away from most public display's, I felt as if I was 'Queen for a Day.' This moment was a culmination of many years, with many people to thank. So, in the spirit of gratitude I have written my little 'acceptance speech' that I gave.
"Good Evening, I'd like to begin by offering my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Sue Blanchette, Mr. Isaac Larison, Mr. Patrick Westcott, the Carter G. Woodson Book Award selection committee, and all members of the NCSS. What an incredible organization! I am so grateful and amazed to receive this Honor. I would also like to congratulate the other honorees. You are my heroes and my inspirations.

One night about 12-14 years ago, I cane across a letter written to the Smithsonian Institution in 1905 by a 'Dr. Carlos Montezuma'. It explained his painful young life with such profound dignity, poise and strength that it captivated me. I had found my hero. I sought to learn more about this man and discovered that Dr. Carlos Montezuma was one of the foremost Native American Civil Rights activists of his day. His powerful words were read on the senate floor.
I wondered why Dr. Montezuma was not recognized as an equal to other well-known activists. Over time, I eventually unearthed information on him that not only confirmed his place in history...but, also made him come alive.

A Boy Name Beckoning, touches the surface of this extraordinary human being. It is a biography. It is also a story that reveals history, time, place, Native American assimilation, and self-determination, Finally, A Boy Named Beckoning is an emotional story. It tells of rising above insurmountable circumstances, bigotry and ignorance.

When I began marketing my manuscript, I was told that Beckoning, was an 'admirable' project. But, no one would take the chance on publishing it because they had never heard of Carlos Montezuma. It took another 5 or 6 years to find an editor and publishing house that had the vision and foresight to publish my book. Therefore, I accept this honor on behalf of Carolrhoda, division of Lerner Publishing Group, and especially, my wonderful, insightful, and very brave editor, Jean Reynolds."

YouTube - Chris Raschka, Once Upon a Book

2009-10-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

YouTube - Chris Raschka, Once Upon a Book

Participating in San Diego County Library's Page One Book Festival October 16-18, 2009

2009-10-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
Just wanted to share that I have been invited
to participate at San Diego Library's One Book Festival on October 17, 2009., at 11 am.

I will be sitting in on a panel with two other
middle grade authors, Dr. Virginia Loh and Carolyn Marsden. I will be speaking on illustrating and nonfiction, and my book, A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero. Published by Carolrhoda/Lerner.

For more information for the Poway Library Branch and other information please visit:
www.sdcl.org/locations_ALL-BRANCHES.html.

2009-09-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I have the great pleasure of showing my art with awsome illustrator, Diane Greenseid.

The work went up a week or so ago and we're really quite pleased with the results. The art is a great mix of our styles. Diane's work is highly sought after. Her illustrations just pop off the page in color, whimsy and perspective. My work is more old world historical.

The show will be going on until the end of November. So, if you get a chance, go see the work at
Ed''s Coffee Shop
460 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90048-1732 -

(310) 659-8625

Open Weekdays 7am-3pm; Sat 7am-1pm

(Between Melrose and Beverly Blvd.)

Special thanks to David Baiz for being a good sport and setting everything up!
We'd love to hear your comments!

First time

2009-09-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

Hello,

This is the first time I've ever blogged. Not sure I have a lot to say but what the heck, I'll give it a shot. Most of what I'll write about will be on illustrating, telling stories...my books and exciting news about them that I'd like to share...

Love to hear your comments as we go on.

Thanks for being there.
Gina