Gennifer Choldenko Visit

I just got back from meeting Gennifer Choldenko, author of Al Capone Does My Shirts. She gave a great talk to our school's group of fifth grade students at our local public library and I was so glad to be able to attend. I read Al Capone back when it was first published and enjoyed it a great deal....it also got me very interested in Alcatraz Island which caused me to purchase Children of Alcatraz: Growing up on the Rock by Claire Rudolf Murphy, a non-fiction book about life on Alcatraz Island for the children who lived there.

Choldenko was so knowledgeable about Alcatraz and Al Capone that she had her audience captivated- both the children and the adults. Her newest book, Al Capone Shines My Shoes was there on display and there were many of us there who looked longingly at it.

In addition to talking about Alcatraz, Choldenko also discussed her career as a writer. As an adult, and someone who would someday love to write a book, I am always interested to hear how others achieved success in writing. Choldenko's first book was amazingly published quickly. However, between her first and second book (Notes From a Liar and her Dog) seven years passed. Even Al Capone, which Choldenko thought was her best work, edited and revised many times.
I was quite excited to have her sign my copy of Al Capone and get a picture taken with her. Some people want to meet rock stars or athletes. Me? How about a children's author!