1.19.2012

Welcome!

"Cha-Cha Chimps" illustration © Eleanor Taylor


Thanks for stopping by. Here you'll find information about:
  • my books (or click on the covers to the right)
Happy reading!

1.18.2012

Author Visits



Engaging, fun presentations designed to:

* spark creativity
         * encourage innovative thinking
                 * promote multicultural awareness
                         * inspire readers and writers of all ages!


School Visits (K - 8)
Julia’s 45-minute presentations are specifically tailored for both the age range and group size of the intended audience. Each presentation is a fast-paced, interactive experience, incorporating a variety of book-based activities to involve the audience, such as choral read-alouds, readers’ theater, “pop quizzes,” and multimedia props. As a former school librarian, Julia draws upon her experience with a variety of literacy strategies and the Common Core Standards to ensure that her presentations inform as well as entertain.


Skype Visits (K - 8)

Julia’s 30-minute Skype visits are an affordable way for students to “meet” an author and have the opportunity to exchange ideas and ask questions. These visits work best if students are already familiar with Julia’s books and have prepared their questions in advance. 
                      


Rates (as of 9/2012)

School Visits: $1000/day for up to 3 presentations (45 minutes each).
Travel expenses additional for visits beyond a 100 mile radius of Ottawa, Illinois.

Skype Visits: $200/session          



For more information, please send an email to juliadurango(at)yahoo(dot)com

6.30.2011

Under the Mambo Moon


By Julia Durango
Illustrated by Fabricio VandenBroeck

Charlesbridge Publishing
July 2011


On summer nights Marisol helps out in her father's music store and chats with the customers who arrive throughout the evening. In a dazzling array of poetry, each customer tells of a favorite form of Latin dance or music—from salsa to tango to the cha-cha-cha. Back matter includes a map, an author's note, and further information about the diverse musical heritage of Latin America.


Hearts fly home when
the music's
Just Right.


* "A vivid mingling of poetry, narrative, and art." ~ Publishers Weekly (starred review)

* "This lively book will delight independent readers, dancers, and artists and provide a fun and accessible introduction to Latin American history and its lasting heritage of music and dance." ~ Booklist (starred review)

* "A sparkling addition to any library." ~ School Library Journal

* "Each poem swings, sways and dances to a different rhythm." ~ Fort Worth Star-Telegram 

* "These lively poems by Julia Durango capture the rhythm and energy of the dances themselves, with Fabricio VandenBroeck’s illustrations a vibrant swirl of color and line."
~ Washington Parent 


* Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List 2012 - 2013

* Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year 2012

* Included in Fox News Latino's 5 Children's Books That Teach about Latino Culture.

* Listed on Book Links Lasting Connections of 2011 for books that "most effectively connect to school curriculum."

* Named a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2012, a cooperative project of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children's Book Council.


"Parents and teachers: This book is an awesome resource if you are studying music, Latin America, culture, traditions, multiculturalism, the colonization of the Americas, etc." ~ Latin Baby Book Club


Teacher Guide by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Meet the Author Audio by TeachingBooks.net

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Buy the book

If your local bookstore does not have this book on the shelf, they should be able to order it for you. To find an independent bookseller near you, check 
IndieBound (US only).


Book Mouse, our wonderful independent bookstore in Ottawa, Illinois, has autographed copies and can ship them to you. Be sure to note in the comment section that you would like a signed copy.

You can also order it directly from Charlesbridge Publishing or online retailers like 
Amazon and Barnes & Noble