I was thinking about what part of ALA I would write about in today's post, and I was having trouble finding a good place to start. But then I came across the book trailer for Raymie Nightingale, and my reaction to it gave me the inspiration I needed.
I have watched this trailer before -- several times -- but THIS time, it brought me to tears. And that surprised even me. I guess it was because I thought once more of Raymie, and Louisiana, and Beverly -- and their story. The power and beauty of it came back to me all at once. And I was most likely especially susceptible to this because of part of my time at ALA 2016.
While in Orlando, I attended a breakfast event with Kate DiCamillo (thanks to the kind folks at Candlewick for the invitation). Here, I had the opportunity to chat with Kate, and tell her how much Raymie meant to me as a reader.
Kate DiCamillo and Candlewick staff in Orlando at ALA 2016
We heard from Kate's editor, and Candlewick staff, and then Kate spoke to us about Raymie and her recent book tour. I pretty much hung on her every word, and was really trying to remember everything she was saying. She spoke with such kindness, making us all feel like we were neighbors down the street, borrowing cups of sugar from each other for years. A calm and lovely way to start a busy day at a busy conference.
Kate DiCamillo spoke about books, of course, and how they do matter to kids. And she also spoke about read-alouds. She remembers a teacher (by name) reading aloud to her and her classmates every day after lunch, and how special that was. The fact that she remembers this speaks to the power of the read-aloud to create memories that young readers will carry forever. (I will share this with my teachers when I see them again in August.)
We had the chance to ask her questions about the book, and Kate answered them with wit, grace and humor. I left the event filled with a peaceful kind of joy -- a kind of overflowing gratitude. Reflecting now, I can see it was the satisfaction in knowing that we (in the world of children's literature) have authors like Kate DiCamillo who write books like Raymie Nightingale --- books that will matter to young readers.
There are many excellent things one could say about the much anticipated Raymie Nightingale (Candlewick, 2016), but the first thing I would say is that it begs to be reread -- because when you finish it, you'll want to relive the experience. Speaking for myself, I knew one quick reading back in January only gave me a cursory appreciation of the book -- enough to recommend it to fellow librarians and to know it was a work filled with the wonderful things we all love about Kate DiCamillo's books. A slow reread this weekend, however, helped me pinpoint exactly those qualities about it that made me want to reread it in the first place, and, therefore, helped me write this post. (I almost wish I could immediately start a Raymie Nightingale book club so I could discuss it with more friends.)
Why am I rereading this book? (And yes, I will more than likely reread it a third time.)
Well (for starters) it's written by Kate DiCamillo. I don't know of any librarian who hasn't reread at least ONE Kate DiCamillo book. When you think of Because of Winn Dixie, or Flora & Ulysses, you understand that the layers in these stories reveal themselves with more readings. In Raymie Nightingale, we see the world (summer of 1975 in Florida), through Raymie's eyes, but she is taking in so many sights, sounds, and people, and noticing them at different rates, that we can't comprehend the impact of this until we look at the story again. This time more watchful, this time more intentional -- taking everything in, just like Raymie.
Secondly, the cover and title must be appreciated. Before you have read the book, the title Raymie Nightingale immediately brings to mind Florence Nightingale, and once you read the book, you understand why this suits. A library book about Florence Nightingale plays a role in the story, and adds to an understanding of Raymie's life. (I especially loved that Raymie's school librarian, Mr. Option -- aptly named because librarians DO offer options -- recommends the Nightingale book to Raymie with a heartfelt reader's advisory on pg. 55 of the ARC.) And, regarding the cover, blue and yellow pairs well together, yes, but the real thing I love about it is that the girl (Raymie) is stepping in the water, baton in hand, her back to us.
Also, the characters in this middle grade novel are complex, beginning with Raymie. She is searching for answers. She is on a mission. She is doing what she can do to make things right in her world in her own way, just like her friends and fellow "Rancheros", Beverly and Louisiana. Their actions and words unfailingly build up our knowing of them. Beverly is the common-sense friend. Louisiana's actions can sometimes be explained by the needs she faces. (And she wears the loveliest of shimmery dresses, plus bunny barrettes.) And, well, Mrs. Borkowski (Raymie's strange neighbor who sits in the middle of the street)? Take note of everything she says - and does. And what Raymie says about her. Mrs. Borkowski may have had the answers all along.
Now that I've fully supported my reasons for a reread --- I can reflect:
Raymie finds friends who are in need of something -- just like her. They are valuable friends -- and friends with worries, too. They connect at Ida Nee's twirling studio, and spend the rest of the summer navigating through each other's challenges and worlds, united in the fact that they each need comfort. (They have much in common.) Brilliant, creative, and always interesting, together Raymie, Beverly, and Louisiana do what they can to get through this tough time in all of their lives -- even if it involves a few out-of-the-ordinary excursions, and interactions with other fascinating characters.
What I will take most from the story is this:
When you are going through a hard time, friends are everything. The reassurance, the conversation, and their presence are a comfort. And when a friend is there for you, even when facing their own difficulty, their help is all the more precious and meaningful. Together, you can make sense of things.
As I write this post, I am wearing my Ranchero bracelet. I've been wearing it ever since I received the ARC package from Candlewick:
I wear this wristband because I connect with Raymie, and Beverly, and Louisiana, and I join them in their quest to understand.
The package came with a jar of yellow candy corn (and a Rancheros t-shirt). Just like my Crenshaw purple jelly beans, I will never open or eat these, either. Saved forever! This jar is on my desk, a memory of my reading, taking in the light from the window, and glowing like the sun -- just like it does on Mrs. Sylvester's desk. (She's another character in the book you will meet as well.)
Raymie Nightingale has a book trailer:
Raymie Nightingale celebrates its book birthday tomorrow, April 12th, 2016.
Get yourself a copy of the book, a jar of candy corn, (and perhaps a baton), and thoroughly enjoy your first, and second readings.
