IGKT in a Children's Book?

[WebAdmin]

I have just received the following email, addressed to webadmin@igkt.net .

"Do you guys know about a US children's book called "The Higher Power of Lucky"?  The IGKT is mentioned prominently.  (And it's a great book, too.)
 
Robert Teeter
rteeter@sonic.net

I have a feeling that it is Spam because I do get a lot of it sent to that address, and I can't find anybody with that email addy on the Membership List of the Guild or the Forum.   And if Robert Teeter is a member of the Forum, why has he not mentioned it here?

There is indeed such a book, but I cannot see why there should be any mention of the IGKT in a children's story.   Has anyone read it?   Apparently it is very good - I looked it up on Amazon and there are a lot of positive reviews.

Lesley

[aknotter]

This one is NOT spam. There is indeed such a book. I have "The Higher Power of Lucky" sitting right here in front of me. It was written by Susan Patron, an IGKT & PAB member. She received the "John Newbery Medal", " For the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for children."

I purchased a copy for my Grandson.

One of the characters in the book is an IGKT member and always has a piece of string with him and is always tying some kind of knot.

[squarerigger]

Hi Robert,

You may have also seen that one of the people whom the author thanks for helping her with factual information about knots, that a ten-year old tied, is myself.  It is a good book - a great story about a young girl's adoption and one that will have a sequel I feel sure.  Her friend is a ten-year old boy who loves to tie knots - carries around a piece of string in his pocket - can you imagine?  There was some controversy when it first came onto the bookstands in the USA and was reviewed by a prude in a local fish-wrapper who felt that one word describing the proper term for part of the physical anatomy of an animal was not appropriate in a children's book - I feel that all the words were entirely appropriate and exactly age-proper, particularly when you consider the inquisitive mind of a child - well, you've all been there, so I am preaching to the choir.  The author is a librarian and a member of the Pacific Americas Branch - she joined after hearing about our Branch and getting some advice about knots.  We are lucky to have her among our (and the Guild's) membership.  I don't know about Robert Teeter but she sure is a great lady - thanks for the compliments Robert and welcome aboard!

SR

[aknotter]

Lindsey - I should have mentioned your involvement in my post about the book. Please forgive me for the oversight!
(I'm still working on my "Tall Tale" re your accusations of my trying to sway the judges??)

[aknotter]

I just sent an email message to Ms Patron letting her know that her book has become a topic of discussion on our forum. I gave her the URL to the forum and perhaps she will join us?

[drjbrennan]

I'll go get it and read it, if it is suitable I'll let my daughter read it.

[aknotter]

I advised the author of the discussion of her book on the forum. She said she would love to join, but maybe later. Today is her last day of work - she's retiring - and she just doesn't have any spare time right now. She did, however send along a message to you all . . .

To my knotting friends:  The IGKT was a wonderful resource for me when I was writing The Higher Power of Lucky, particularly Lindsey Philpott, who sent materials and gave me much-needed advice.  I hope knotters enjoy the book and the character of Lincoln, who is passionate and skilled about knotting.  The sequel will require me to learn some important knots, and I hope to attend the So. Calif. conference in July.  Many thanks for all your support.  From Susan Patron

P.S. The "conference" she speaks of in July is the 10th anniversary Annual General Meeting event for the Pacific Americas Branch of the IGKT.

[WebAdmin]

Great response, guys.

The book sounds fascinating, although from the reviews I read on Amazon there has been some controversy about it.   However, the big majority though it was a great story - only a very few considered it not good and some parts of it innappropriate.

Ms. Patron will be most welcome when she has the time - retirement can be a busy time though (voice of experience<BG>)

Lesley

[aknotter]

Yes, there was some controversy about the book. But (personal opinion), when read in the proper context within the story line, I didn't find it out of line at all. And the fact that she won a quite prestigious award for children's literature should be taken into consideration. However, as with all literature for childeren, I think the parents should be the final authority as to whether the material is acceptable for their child or not. (I purchased the book for my Grandson who is now 3 years old. I'll save the book and give it to him when he is of an acceptable age [8-12 y.o.].)