Books with author Jane Kurtz

Twice, on the last day of her childhood, Moralin sees death coming straight at her. The first time, in the fighting yard, she saves herself. But the second time, outside the city walls . . .Moralin is captured by the Arkera, age-old enemies of her people. They dress in rough clothes and use a language Moralin can't understand. Why have they kidnapped her? Why are they taking her with them into the heart of the red forest, where the fire-breathing skulkuk lives? And if Moralin can escape, can she survive the skulkuk and the other perils of the wilderness?Moralin is about to face death again. She is also about to uncover secrets—secrets about the Arkera, her own people, and herself.

Dakar is scared. When her family left East Africa to spend a year or two in Cottonwood, North Dakota, Dakar's older sister, Jakarta, was adamant about staying behind. Now Jakarta is all by herself in Kenya...and she's missing.It's terrible to go through life cringing, sure that at any minute a blow is going to come from somewhere. Dakar doesn't want to worry, but she can't help it. What if Jakarta was in the middle of a Nairobi bombing? What if Mom gets caught by hoodies and forced back into that place when Jakarta isn't even there to help? What if Dad decides to go off to save lives and is seized by some mysterious disease? If Dakar were able to do three really brave things, would that be enough to keep her family together?Almost everything in Cottonwood, North Dakota, requires bravery from a girl who has grown up in Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Senegal. The possibility of a new friend, navigating a new school, and preparing for snow -- the first Dakar will ever see -- is the least of it. Jakarta is missing...when she's home and when she's not. And for Jakarta, Dakar will battle the universe.

<p>What is it like to grow up in different parts of Africa today? </p><p>And what's it like to be a child of two cultures -- an American living in Africa, or an African living in America? </p><p> In South Africa visit the Bushman Farm, where a lonely girl meets a group of Bushmen who are making their living as a tourist attraction -- and finds friendship and family as she's never known them before. In Tanzania join an American family on an unforgettable safari whose highlights include a broken car, a camp of armed men, heat, tsetse flies, and laughter. In Los Angeles be surprised by what happens when a teenage veteran from war in Sierra Leone comes into conflict with a local gang leader.</p><p> Jane Kurtz, who is herself a child of two cultures -- Ethiopia and America -- has gathered a remarkable collection of voices. These twelve stories and three poems sing of Africa, of America, and of people changing, growing, crying, and laughing under the same sun.</p>

Award-winning author Jane Kurtz spent most of her childhood in East Africa. In Jane Kurtz and YOU, she writes about animal spotting on the savanna, all-day treks on a treacherous road, and periodic visits to the United States where her fellow students asked, Did you see Tarzan? Each chapter contains a section that focuses on writing traits and the writing process, unlocking the mysteries of how authors come up with interesting ideas, hunt for vivid details, use words with sparkle and pizzazz, craft sentences and paragraphs that have pleasing rhythms, organize in clear and compelling ways, find their writing personality, and revise for big and little changes. Grades K-6.This title features the personal reflections on Kurtz's books for readers in grades K-6; including insight into her life, her path to becoming a successful children's author and the back story behind her books. Kurtz provides many suggestions for ways to think about writing- suggestions for connecting her books to common traits of good writers. Award-winning author Jane Kurtz spent most of her childhood in East Africa. In Jane Kurtz and YOU, she writes about animal spotting on the savanna, all-day treks to manage thirty-two miles on a treacherous road, periodic visits to the U.S. where her fellow students asked, Did you see Tarzan? Each chapter contains a section that focuses on writing traits and writing process, unlocking the mysteries of how authors come up with interesting ideas, hunt for vivid details, use words with sparkle and pizzaz, craft sentences and paragraphs that have pleasing rhythms, organize in clear and compelling ways, find their writing personality, and revise for big and little changes. The book's many photographs offer fascinating glimpses into the experiences that shaped Jane's picture books and novels for young readers and that nudged her to help start the first free library for children in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. Grades K-6.

Twice, on the last day of her childhood, Moralin sees death coming straight at her. The first time, in the fighting yard, she saves herself. But the second time, outside the city walls . . .Moralin is captured by the Arkera, age-old enemies of her people. They dress in rough clothes and use a language Moralin can't understand. Why have they kidnapped her? Why are they taking her with them into the heart of the red forest, where the fire-breathing skulkuk lives? And if Moralin can escape, can she survive the skulkuk and the other perils of the wilderness?Moralin is about to face death again. She is also about to uncover secrets -- secrets about the Arkera, her own people, and herself.

Award-winning author Jane Kurtz spent most of her childhood in East Africa. In Jane Kurtz and YOU, she writes about animal spotting on the savanna, all-day treks on a treacherous road, and periodic visits to the United States where her fellow students asked, Did you see Tarzan? Each chapter contains a section that focuses on writing traits and the writing process, unlocking the mysteries of how authors come up with interesting ideas, hunt for vivid details, use words with sparkle and pizzazz, craft sentences and paragraphs that have pleasing rhythms, organize in clear and compelling ways, find their writing personality, and revise for big and little changes. Grades K-6.This title features the personal reflections on Kurtz's books for readers in grades K-6; including insight into her life, her path to becoming a successful children's author and the back story behind her books. Kurtz provides many suggestions for ways to think about writing- suggestions for connecting her books to common traits of good writers. Award-winning author Jane Kurtz spent most of her childhood in East Africa. In Jane Kurtz and YOU, she writes about animal spotting on the savanna, all-day treks to manage thirty-two miles on a treacherous road, periodic visits to the U.S. where her fellow students asked, Did you see Tarzan? Each chapter contains a section that focuses on writing traits and writing process, unlocking the mysteries of how authors come up with interesting ideas, hunt for vivid details, use words with sparkle and pizzaz, craft sentences and paragraphs that have pleasing rhythms, organize in clear and compelling ways, find their writing personality, and revise for big and little changes. The book's many photographs offer fascinating glimpses into the experiences that shaped Jane's picture books and novels for young readers and that nudged her to help start the first free library for children in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. Grades K-6.

Say hello to Mr. Geo, everybody's favorite geography teacher! Today he's visiting Colorado, the Centennial State. He's going to explore four gorgeous national parks, participates in daring sports, visit a dude ranch, climb to the top of Pikes Peak, and much, much more. Together, you will discover what makes Colorado a state to celebrate. Includes maps and learning activities. Colorful, you-are-there illustrations and easy-to-read text are great for beginning and newly independent readers!

Say hello to Mr. Geo, everybody's favorite geography teacher! Today he's visiting Louisiana, the Pelican State. His first stop is New Orleans for the Mardi Gras parade. He's going to sample Cajun cooking, listen to jazz, ride riverboats and tour eery swamps and beautiful mansions too. Together, you will discover what makes Louisiana a state to celebrate. Includes maps and learning activities. Colorful, you-are-there illustrations and easy-to-read text are great for beginning and newly independent readers!

"The titles in this series are perfect for reports on the fifty states." —Kiss the Book blog Say hello to Mr. Geo, everybody's favorite geography teacher! He loves to explore new places. Today he's visiting Georgia, the Peach State. His first stop is a peach festival to bake the world's biggest peach cobbler. Then he's headed to a farm to pick peanuts and pecans. He'll also explore the cities of Savannah and Atlanta. Join Mr. Geo and discover what makes Georgia a state to celebrate. Includes maps and fun facts. Colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text are great for beginning and newly independent readers!