The Children’s Book Review | May 18, 2016
Latest published book …
Alamo All Stars, aka Hazardous Tales #6
You wrote it because …
Texas history is a wild and crazy period, often overlooked in national history. But after visiting the Alamo a few years ago, I knew it would be a great story to add the the Hazardous Tales series.
Best moment …
A lot of famous moments come from the Alamo story: William Travis drawing a line in the sand, David Crockett swinging his rifle like a club to the very end—but these legendary moments aren’t backed by actual history. So one of my favorite things in the book is deconstructing these legends, and talking about what really happened. But, since the book is a graphic novel, I can show the legends and deconstruct them at the same time. It’s like having my cake and eating it too.
Your special place to write …
In my studio. A basement room in my house. I draw and write on the same computer setup.
Necessary writing/creativity tool …
My big comfy headphones. Some old Sennheiser 555s. Music while I’m writing, podcasts and audiobooks when I’m drawing.
Favorite bookshop …
My state unfortunately only has one longterm independent bookstore, so it has to be that one, The King’s English, SLC, Utah.
Currently reading …
Audiobook: A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving
Print: Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo by Capt. Ted W. Lawson (research)
Print Comics: The Complete Eightball by Daniel Clowes
All-time favorite children’s book you didn’t write…
Where the Wild Things Are, there’s no other answer
An author you idol …
I’m really enjoying what Steve Sheinkin is doing for young people’s non-fiction, I’m crazy for Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels, I’m jealous of how beautiful and well-drawn Jillian and Mariko Tamaki’s books are, I’m blown away by how terrifying Junji Ito’s manga horror is, same goes for Emily Carrol, my current favorite author is British horror novelist Adam Nevill—but it’s always changing.
Favorite illustrator …
Always changing, but I love J. C. Leyendecker, Moebius, Edward Gorey, Mary Blair, Eleanor Davis
A literary character to vacation with …
Man, I don’t want to babysit some damn literary character on vacation. Keep ’em on the page. I don’t need any confusing metaphysical nonsense when I’m trying to relax.
***
Written and Illustrated by Nathan Hale
Publisher’s Synopsis: From Nathan Hale, #1 New York Times bestselling author and Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List maker, comes the definitive graphic novel about the Alamo.
Hale relays the facts, politics, military actions, and prominent personalities that defined the Texas Revolution in factual yet humorous scenes that will capture the attention of reluctant readers and fans of history alike.
In the early 1800s, Texas was a wild and dangerous land fought over by the Mexican government, Native Americans, and settlers from the United States. Beginning with the expeditions of the so-called “Land Pirates,” through the doomed stand at the Alamo, and ending with the victory over Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto, the entire Texas saga is on display. Leading the charge to settle this new frontier is Stephen F. Austin, with a cast of dangerous and colorful characters, including Jim Bowie, William Travis, David Crockett, and others.
Through his vivid depiction and additional maps, and biographies located in the back of the book, Nathan Hale brings new insight for students, teachers, and historians into one of the most iconic structures in the United States.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Harry N. Abrams | 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1419719028
Available Here:
Connect with Nathan Hale …
Nathan Hale is the #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series, which includes One Dead Spy; Donner Dinner Party; Treaties, Trenches, Mud and Blood; Big Bad Ironclad!; and The Underground Abductor, one of which earned a place on the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List. He also illustrated the graphic novel Rapunzel’s Revenge, which was a TODAY show “Al’s Book Club for Kids” selection, an ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book, and a YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens, as well as the recipient of three starred reviews. Nathan lives in Provo, Utah.
For more information, visit: www.hazardoustales.com
Discover more books like Hazardous Tales: Book 6: Alamo All-Stars, written and illustrated by Nathan Hale, by checking out our reviews and articles tagged with Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Historical Figures, and Historical Periods; plus, be sure to follow along with our Writing and Reading Life series.