Authors at the New York State English Council Conference

I spent Thursday at the NYS English Council Conference in Albany and had a great time talking with colleagues in both of my worlds – the English teachers and authors alike. 

Nancy Krulik, author of the Katie Kazoo series, was at the table next to me.  She’s written FORTY BOOKS in that series.  40!!  I find that amazing and love that she still gets excited talking about new ideas for Katie. 

From left to right, Tim Tocher, Joseph Bruchac, & Ann Burg

I met Tim Tocher, whose historical baseball novels look like just perfect for some of my boys at school.  It was also great to see Joe Bruchac, whose work I always love, and Ann Burg, whose YA novel in verse ALL THE BROKEN PIECES is one of my favorite new books of 2009. 

And here’s Michael Buckley, of SISTERS GRIMM fame, with his new NERDS book.  Michael captured all of our end-of-the-day silliness with his spirited hat. I’m not positive, but I think it’s actually a hot dog in a bun.  With mustard on top, too.

Many thanks to Scott and Alison of Merritt Books for hosting us at NYSEC!