GENRE: **Humor, Character Driven, Contemporary
WORDS: 580
Query:
Dear Judges, Agents, and Editors:
Thank you for another year of PBParty. Your time is very much appreciated.
Alicia Pérez would rather be beamed up by aliens than fumble through Ms. Taylor’s reading
test. . . again. But Principal Kanicky and pesky weather keep getting in her way—and without a UFO in sight—Alicia is forced to face her fears.
The innocent mischief of Magnolia in If You Ever Want To Bring An Alligator to School, Don’t! meets the anxieties of a developing reader in Lupe Lopez: Reading Rock Star! in ALICIA PÉREZ WILL ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NOT READ TODAY, a 580-word picture book.
As a reading interventionist, I have tested countless kiddos—many who have dealt with a myriad of negative reading experiences. The vulnerability and resilience they show when asked to demonstrate their developing skills is humbling. They inspired this story.
I am a SCBWI member and actively involved in two critique groups. In 2023, I was selected as an Honorable Mention recipient for both PBParty and 50 Precious Words. In my other life, I hold a MA in Mild-Moderate Special Education and currently have the privilege of supporting children as a reading and academic tutor.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Excerpt:
Alicia Pérez crossed her fingers and her toes.
She absolutely, positively didn’t want to take her end-of-year reading test.
What if I mix-up the sounds again? Or the words are super-duper long?
What if I have to tinkle? And—
[Imagines escaping test, sailing away on a sea of pee.]
“Ms. Taylor! May I go to the bathroom? It’s an emergency!”
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
In my Masters program, I learned about intensive reading programs and witnessed, in real time, the gains childrens made with proper reading instruction. I was hooked and worked the next six years supporting students as a resource teacher and reading interventionist. Learning to read is not a natural process and can be hard for many kids. This story stems from the vulnerability and resilience shown by so many students and the growth they make through hard work.
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