⚽ Live Match: Match Update & Schedules

Where’s Echo: Level 4, Advanced

September 19, 2026 / jimmy / No comments

–

I don’t believe I’ve ever done this here at Ye Olde Blog, but on Facebook from time to time I’ll pass along a photo of my dog Echo “hidden” in various landscapes. There are various levels of difficulty.

Yesterday we hiked Big Slide in the ADKs, a 9-mile loop trail via The Brothers. Early in the hike, I snapped this shot.

Where’s Echo?

–

I’ll wait.

Echo is a dog who is almost never on a leash, though he is always under control. I am the leash. He’s a very smart dog who wants to be good, which is an unbeatable combination. A rescue from down South, his mother was a border collie.

Anyway, done looking?

I’ll give it another minute.

Okay.

Here you go . . .

–

Or, okay, bigger . . .

–

For those of you who’ve never had a good look at him, here’s another random shot, from a different day, so you can get a gander . . .

–

LOVE THAT DOG!

–

By the way, I have a picture book coming out sometime in the Summer of 2027, titled What Dogs Don’t Know, illustrated by the remarkable Laura Sandoval Herrera. I’m super happy with this book and love — adore, worship — what Laura’s done with it. Feeling very lucky about this one.

A Soccer Book for Soccer Season!

September 15, 2026 / jimmy / No comments

–

It’s soccer season — Shaken is a book

about a 7th grade soccer player

who suffers from a serious concussion.

It throws her life, and sense of identity,

up in the air.

–

Fun, right?

–

Bank Street Center for Children’s Literature named it one of the Best Children’s Books for 2025 (of books published in 2024).

–

It was not a widely reviewed book, which has become a serious problem for me, and others, and for certain types of literature in general. It’s a failure of the industry overall, for a variety of reasons. I don’t think a lot of folks have read SHAKEN. Oh, well. Maybe it’s just not that kind of book. Maybe it’s simply very hard for quiet books to cut through an increasingly cluttered marketplace.

–

Here’s the Kirkus review:

–

>> Life changes quickly for a middle schooler after an accident forces her to slow down and reevaluate who she is.

–

Thirteen-year-old Kristy Barrett has always attracted attention on the soccer field: As a 4-year-old, people saw her playing and just knew there was something different about her, from her focus to her speed. She was special. This phrase has been repeated her whole life. Now, as a seventh grader, Kristy is starting on the varsity girls’ soccer team, dominating players who are several years older than she. Soccer isn’t just her passion, it’s her identity, the thing that people notice her for—and she loves it. But after she’s kicked in the head while diving for the ball, she suffers a traumatic concussion. Suddenly, Kristy is a different person—and no one seems to understand her or what she needs or even how to talk to her now that she’s not that special soccer player. Preller’s careful pacing matches the fuzziness and slow healing of Kristy’s brain, introducing readers to the realities of the pain, loss, and feelings of isolation that dedicated athletes often experience when they can no longer play. The somber tone of the story is lightened by the presence of two minor characters who bring levity and humor. Strong themes of healing (both physical and emotional), family, and friendship abound. Main characters cued white.

–

An introspective and realistic coming-of-age story about rediscovering oneself. (Fiction. Ages 9-13.) <<

–

Category: Shaken / Tags: Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year, Books for soccer girls, Concussions in children's books, Shaken by James Preller

The Reading Log

September 14, 2026 / jimmy / No comments

–

Just passing this along.

A meme that’s been around for a number of years. But it still contains an elemental truth . . .

–

Category: Around the Web / Tags: Reading Log, This is when my lying started

Sharing: “The Parts of Speech Poem”

September 9, 2026 / jimmy / No comments

–

Just passing this along, since maybe there’s a teacher in the world who doesn’t already know it. I assume I’m late to the party.

Note: After some light research, I concluded that there’s no reliable attribution for this poem. I think we’re in “Author Unknown” territory.

–

Category: Around the Web / Tags: Parts of Speech Poem

Chappaqua Book Festival, Coming 9/26

August 28, 2026 / jimmy / No comments

–

They do an amazing job at the Chappaqua Book Festival. And if you find yourself remotely in the area, I urge you to check it out. The list of authors and illustrators — and the whole book scene — is just kind of staggering. It can be overwhelming at first. These huge tents packed with people. But take it slow, make it small. Look at some books. Chat with some authors. Bump into an old friend. Talk to someone else. Think of books as gifts. Spend money. Support the arts. Make it a day.

–

Anyway, the Festival organizers posted this the other day . . .

–

Welcome back to CCBF acclaimed author of books for kids of all ages, James Preller

–

James Preller has written a wide variety of books that meet young readers exactly where they are, from playful books for the youngest readers, to the beloved Jigsaw Jones mysteries, to powerful young adult novels that tackle important topics for teens.

–

James’ featured title, Shaken, is an honest and powerful story about identity, friendship, and how to navigate unexpected changes! It is the story of 7th-grade soccer player, Kristy Barrett, whose life revolves around soccer. It is her source of friendships, self-esteem, dreams, and identity. When faced with a serious concussion, she’s forced to pivot and try to figure out who she is, what she wants, and how to get there.

–

James will also be signing:

–

Blood Mountain