Coffee For The Brain Book Tournament - Author Contacts - Priscilla Cummings

As the judges submit their decisions about which books make it to the next round I have been trying to email or Tweet or Facebook the authors to let them know that their book has been nominated to move on. I have had some responses from the authors so far and just thought I would share them with everyone as I am still blown away that we can easily connect with these wonderful people. Nothing is more exciting than hearing back from the authors.

Here is the first post that has responses from several authors

Here is what I have sent them via my message format

Good afternoon, my name is Aaron Maurer and I am a gifted education teacher for Bettendorf Middle School in Bettendorf, Iowa. I have operated a blog now for students for the last two years where I read and review books. This year I was awarded grant money to run a book tournament where students nominated books to be read, we paired them off as judges to read the books, and they had to make a decision as to which book is better and why. You can find all the details on my blog(posted below).

Anyways, I am contacting all authors that I can to let them know when their book makes it to the next round. Your book has passed Round 1 and is now in Round 2. Congratulations to you and your novel.

I also am contacting you for the fun aspect that if you would like for me to add anything on my blog to help promote your book that I would be glad to do so. The students would to have any author participation in any capacity that they can. I am leaving things open as I know that you are probably super busy, but just wanted to make you aware of what some amazing students and staff members are doing in the state of Iowa.

Have a great day.

Here is a response from Priscilla Cummings, author of Red Kayak

Hi --

Thank you so much for the email. It's an honor to see RED KAYAK in such great company in your book tournament. It looks and sounds like a lot of fun. Just this week, I finished a followup story to RED KAYAK that will be published early next year. I had so many readers across the country ask me what happened to the boys that last year I finally decided to provide an answer. I have a busy stretch coming up, but would be glad to answer a few questions from students.

Again, my thanks. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that the book advances to the next round!