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I’m always eager to read your comments about my books and stories, so please feel free to pitch in. Here are a few things for you to know:
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955 entries.
Dear Mr. Coville,
I read a thing recently where a gay man said that as a kid in the 90s, the first time he learned homosexuality existed, it was in the context of a gay man who had been a very dangerous criminal. It was basically presented that the person being gay and being a dangerous criminal were the same level of bad, and it had a profound impact on his youth.
This made me realize that the first time I learned homosexuality existed was from your book The Skull of Truth in the hilariously awkward Thanksgiving dinner scene, where everyone in the family is magically compelled to tell the truth. The main character’s uncle was being needled about getting a girlfriend, and he said (with perfect truthfulness) that he had a boyfriend, and everyone would be happier if the accepted that. I remember being about 8 and going “neat, didn’t know that was a thing”. The main character’s uncle later tried to say that he couldn’t hang out with his uncle now, but couldn’t (it not being true) and instead said it would feel weird. This element of the minor character wasn’t dwelled on more heavily than any other serious issue in the book, such as cancer, but it stuck with me. The book also taught me that a lot about truth, and how although it is good, it can also be scary, and painful, and even dangerous. It’s rare, especially for kids literature in that era, to find a book that handles such heavy topics and does so with such finesse and respect.
I remember feeling like your books never talked down to kids (and I read many of them), but The Skull of Truth taught me a lot, and I recently realized that it helped me grow up as the well-adjusted person (and gay uncle) that I am now.
I wanted to thank you for that.
I read a thing recently where a gay man said that as a kid in the 90s, the first time he learned homosexuality existed, it was in the context of a gay man who had been a very dangerous criminal. It was basically presented that the person being gay and being a dangerous criminal were the same level of bad, and it had a profound impact on his youth.
This made me realize that the first time I learned homosexuality existed was from your book The Skull of Truth in the hilariously awkward Thanksgiving dinner scene, where everyone in the family is magically compelled to tell the truth. The main character’s uncle was being needled about getting a girlfriend, and he said (with perfect truthfulness) that he had a boyfriend, and everyone would be happier if the accepted that. I remember being about 8 and going “neat, didn’t know that was a thing”. The main character’s uncle later tried to say that he couldn’t hang out with his uncle now, but couldn’t (it not being true) and instead said it would feel weird. This element of the minor character wasn’t dwelled on more heavily than any other serious issue in the book, such as cancer, but it stuck with me. The book also taught me that a lot about truth, and how although it is good, it can also be scary, and painful, and even dangerous. It’s rare, especially for kids literature in that era, to find a book that handles such heavy topics and does so with such finesse and respect.
I remember feeling like your books never talked down to kids (and I read many of them), but The Skull of Truth taught me a lot, and I recently realized that it helped me grow up as the well-adjusted person (and gay uncle) that I am now.
I wanted to thank you for that.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Marco -
Many thanks for this warm and heartening message. At the time I wrote SKULL, the few books for that age group that dealt with homosexuality were "problem novels" - that is, books where an issue was the main driving force of the story. My goal with SKULL was to integrate the issue into the fabric of the story, not as a PROBLEM, but as simply a part of real life that Charlie had to deal with. Your message is a clear affirmation that I managed to pull that off!
I did, as I had anticipated, suffer some blowback for it (canceled school speaking engagements). But I figure what's the point of being an author if you don't talk about things that matter to you!
Anyway, I wanted to let you know that your message was received and much appreciated!
All good wishes,
BC
Many thanks for this warm and heartening message. At the time I wrote SKULL, the few books for that age group that dealt with homosexuality were "problem novels" - that is, books where an issue was the main driving force of the story. My goal with SKULL was to integrate the issue into the fabric of the story, not as a PROBLEM, but as simply a part of real life that Charlie had to deal with. Your message is a clear affirmation that I managed to pull that off!
I did, as I had anticipated, suffer some blowback for it (canceled school speaking engagements). But I figure what's the point of being an author if you don't talk about things that matter to you!
Anyway, I wanted to let you know that your message was received and much appreciated!
All good wishes,
BC
My dearest sir! I hope you are well. We have "met" in the past through our correspondence and you actually video chatted with my class several years ago. I had told you how I had been using your "My Teacher is an Alien" series in my classroom for what has to be 3 decades now. After having to use a godawful reading curriculum set (that we, thankfully have since gotten rid of), I just received permission to use that series in my classroom again as my official reading for the curriculum. I already have 25 of each of the books, but now as I am teaching 2 classes my school is kindly purchasing a second set of each book. I am excited to be using these books again. I had already created materials in the past and now have a whole catalog of necessary resources to support my newest foray into using these books again. Since I teach science as well, much of the science fiction you offer in these novels will give my students food for thought. Even though they were not used as curriculum these past years, I continued to read them and the children enjoyed as much as my past students have and we discussed the science fictions aspect such as the transcendental elevator and the URAT. We've have some fun conversations about those, I have to tell you! I can't wait to start this new journey with my students in September! Thank you for such a wonderful series of thought provoking books!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Jeannine -
Many thanks for this delightful message! I used to be a teacher myself, and created a novel-based reading curriculum for my classroom that was soooo much more effective than the basal readers. It thrills me to my toes to know that another teacher is using my own books in the same way!
Please tell your students I said hello . . . and to keep their eyes on the stars!
All good wishes,
Bruce
Many thanks for this delightful message! I used to be a teacher myself, and created a novel-based reading curriculum for my classroom that was soooo much more effective than the basal readers. It thrills me to my toes to know that another teacher is using my own books in the same way!
Please tell your students I said hello . . . and to keep their eyes on the stars!
All good wishes,
Bruce
I am Pastor Paul of Christ Church Orphanage. We urgently need new adopters to provide a loving family. People from all walks of life can adopt children, but in particular we are looking for adoptive parents who will be able to meet a child’s needs. And to those of you looking for a baby to adopt, there are children; twins, boys and girls here. Like all families, adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes. Interested couples looking forward to adopting the babies should please contact us now. So if you’re thinking about starting the adoption process then please contact us now at: christchurchorphanage@gmail.com and you can also give your donations and charity to the orphanage. There is no need for these children to suffer any more so PLEASE HELP by coming to take them for adoption or donating to the orphanage. Help the little children. Thank you very much. God bless you as you come.
Dear Mr. Coville,
I am writing to convey my deep appreciation for the special magic your books have brought into my life, and now into my kids' lives too. I've always found so much to enjoy in the worlds you create. Over the years, I've really enjoyed many of them, including "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher," "Fortune's Journey," and your short story collection, "Oddly Enough."
"The Unicorn Chronicles" holds a particularly special place in my heart and home, largely because my grandmother read it to me, creating memories I really cherish. It was actually after she passed away that I decided to start reading the series to my boys, as a way to share that piece of my childhood and her memory with them. Now, I'm reliving those moments in a new way as I read it to them, and it's a truly special experience to share Cara's journey and the world of Luster with them. They are absolutely captivated by the adventure in Luster, and Squidgim has become a particular favorite of theirs. It's wonderful to see them so engaged with your stories, especially during the many memorable and suspenseful moments in the Unicorn Chronicles series. I get a thrill seeing their faces light up as we explore Luster together. You really are an incredible storyteller. And honestly, while I love rereading the books I know with them, I'm also very excited because I haven't read the seventh book yet and that means we get to discover that part of Cara's story all together!
That feeling of discovering a story together for the first time is a big part of why I'm also so looking forward to reading "Goblins in the Castle" to the boys. I very much enjoyed that book myself, and I haven't read its sequel yet either, so we'll all get to discover that next one together too!
Thank you once again for these wonderful stories. They have meant so much to me personally, and it's a real joy to now be making new memories with my boys as we read your books together. I hope your stories have brought as much joy and wonder to your family as they bring to mine.
Wishing you a long and inspired life with a quick mind and nimble fingers!
Sincerely,
Brandon Coley
I am writing to convey my deep appreciation for the special magic your books have brought into my life, and now into my kids' lives too. I've always found so much to enjoy in the worlds you create. Over the years, I've really enjoyed many of them, including "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher," "Fortune's Journey," and your short story collection, "Oddly Enough."
"The Unicorn Chronicles" holds a particularly special place in my heart and home, largely because my grandmother read it to me, creating memories I really cherish. It was actually after she passed away that I decided to start reading the series to my boys, as a way to share that piece of my childhood and her memory with them. Now, I'm reliving those moments in a new way as I read it to them, and it's a truly special experience to share Cara's journey and the world of Luster with them. They are absolutely captivated by the adventure in Luster, and Squidgim has become a particular favorite of theirs. It's wonderful to see them so engaged with your stories, especially during the many memorable and suspenseful moments in the Unicorn Chronicles series. I get a thrill seeing their faces light up as we explore Luster together. You really are an incredible storyteller. And honestly, while I love rereading the books I know with them, I'm also very excited because I haven't read the seventh book yet and that means we get to discover that part of Cara's story all together!
That feeling of discovering a story together for the first time is a big part of why I'm also so looking forward to reading "Goblins in the Castle" to the boys. I very much enjoyed that book myself, and I haven't read its sequel yet either, so we'll all get to discover that next one together too!
Thank you once again for these wonderful stories. They have meant so much to me personally, and it's a real joy to now be making new memories with my boys as we read your books together. I hope your stories have brought as much joy and wonder to your family as they bring to mine.
Wishing you a long and inspired life with a quick mind and nimble fingers!
Sincerely,
Brandon Coley
Reply by Bruce Coville
Brandon -
Many, many thanks for this lovely message. Reading to my own kids when I was a young father was one of the great joys of my life, and knowing that other dads now use my own books in the same way gives me enormous pleasure.
I was especially pleased that you mentioned FORTUNE'S JOURNEY, as that one never got much attention, though I personally think it's a terrific book . . . and the very rare piece of historical fiction from me.
Please give my regards to your boys!
All good wishes,
BC
Many, many thanks for this lovely message. Reading to my own kids when I was a young father was one of the great joys of my life, and knowing that other dads now use my own books in the same way gives me enormous pleasure.
I was especially pleased that you mentioned FORTUNE'S JOURNEY, as that one never got much attention, though I personally think it's a terrific book . . . and the very rare piece of historical fiction from me.
Please give my regards to your boys!
All good wishes,
BC
Bruce,
You were one of my favorite authors when I was younger - thank you for writing so much wonderful speculative fiction for kids! I found Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher especially emotionally resonant (as a quiet, artistic kid I related a lot to Jeremy and often wished that I could have a dragon of my own), but I also enjoyed the other Magic Shop books, My Teacher is An Alien, and several of your "Bruce Coville's Book of..." short story collections.
Now that I am an adult, it also means a lot to me to learn that you are bisexual (I am too!) and that you are a vocal ally to the queer community. Thank you for all that you do!
You were one of my favorite authors when I was younger - thank you for writing so much wonderful speculative fiction for kids! I found Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher especially emotionally resonant (as a quiet, artistic kid I related a lot to Jeremy and often wished that I could have a dragon of my own), but I also enjoyed the other Magic Shop books, My Teacher is An Alien, and several of your "Bruce Coville's Book of..." short story collections.
Now that I am an adult, it also means a lot to me to learn that you are bisexual (I am too!) and that you are a vocal ally to the queer community. Thank you for all that you do!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Many thanks for this, Emily.
Editors have sometimes said to me that they would like me to write another book like JEREMY. I always say that if I could, I would. Sometimes a piece of writing comes together in a way beyond what you could have expected. This was one of them.
I'm glad you appreciate my ally-ship!
BC
Editors have sometimes said to me that they would like me to write another book like JEREMY. I always say that if I could, I would. Sometimes a piece of writing comes together in a way beyond what you could have expected. This was one of them.
I'm glad you appreciate my ally-ship!
BC
I wrote to you on 2020 regarding if the series would get an anniversary edition because I was trying to watch all episodes and got to see the 1st edition. I found all the other episodes streaming at a Latin American website, I'm happy that at last I completed the series. Thank you Bruce!
Reply by Bruce Coville
I'm guessing you were talking about the SIXTH GRADE ALIEN series. I'm glad you found a way to watch the second season. It's an amazement to me how something like this can still be found in the world!
Mr. Coville,
I recall discovering your books as early as second grade, when Into The Land of the Unicorns was exactly what my young heart loved reading. Over the years I've enjoyed your Nina Tanleven books, Jennifer Murdley's Toad, Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher, and many many more.
Since The Unicorn Chronicles has always been a favorite, I've enjoyed reading the sequels as you've published them over the years (The Last Hunt came out when I was getting close to finishing my Ph.D 🙂 ) I, too, was disappointed not to have matching copies, and thrilled when I found your new editions of the story. I've ordered my copy and am very much looking forward to a reread, and displaying them proudly on my shelf.
I'm also excited to introduce my nieces to these books - Cara is a heroine I'd love for them to meet and Luster is a magical world I'm sure they'll love.
With much gratitude,
Elizabeth Saltmarsh Wilson
I recall discovering your books as early as second grade, when Into The Land of the Unicorns was exactly what my young heart loved reading. Over the years I've enjoyed your Nina Tanleven books, Jennifer Murdley's Toad, Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher, and many many more.
Since The Unicorn Chronicles has always been a favorite, I've enjoyed reading the sequels as you've published them over the years (The Last Hunt came out when I was getting close to finishing my Ph.D 🙂 ) I, too, was disappointed not to have matching copies, and thrilled when I found your new editions of the story. I've ordered my copy and am very much looking forward to a reread, and displaying them proudly on my shelf.
I'm also excited to introduce my nieces to these books - Cara is a heroine I'd love for them to meet and Luster is a magical world I'm sure they'll love.
With much gratitude,
Elizabeth Saltmarsh Wilson
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Elizabeth -
Many thanks for this lovely message. The Unicorn Chronicles turned out to be a much vaster project than I had envisioned when I first started working on the series. (It seems to have become my Magnum Opus! ;>)
Your enduring love of the series means a great deal to me. I hope your nieces will enjoy the books as much as you have!
All good wishes,
BC
Many thanks for this lovely message. The Unicorn Chronicles turned out to be a much vaster project than I had envisioned when I first started working on the series. (It seems to have become my Magnum Opus! ;>)
Your enduring love of the series means a great deal to me. I hope your nieces will enjoy the books as much as you have!
All good wishes,
BC
Hello, Mr. Coville!
I've been a fan for ages, but have never found your delightful website until today. Though I've read many of your books, the "Aliens Ate My Homework" series will forever be my favorite. I can still picture myself in 3rd grade, finding them on the library shelf, and subsequently checking them out many times. In high school I spent hours recording my own audiobook of the first installment, and just gifted myself a new boxed set this past Christmas. (I wanted to re-read the rest of the series, and was dismayed to discover that NONE of the nearby libraries had them! Some good came of my search, however, as their catalog introduced me to your work with audiobooks, and I enjoyed both an old favorite, "Half Magic," and discovered a new one: "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel." The Full Cast model is such a great idea!) In short, thank you for the part you have played in both infusing my childhood with imagination, and continuing to inspire me now as an adult. I have 2 young boys, and I can't wait to share Rod's adventures-- and many others!-- with them when they are ready.
Best wishes,
Carolyn
I've been a fan for ages, but have never found your delightful website until today. Though I've read many of your books, the "Aliens Ate My Homework" series will forever be my favorite. I can still picture myself in 3rd grade, finding them on the library shelf, and subsequently checking them out many times. In high school I spent hours recording my own audiobook of the first installment, and just gifted myself a new boxed set this past Christmas. (I wanted to re-read the rest of the series, and was dismayed to discover that NONE of the nearby libraries had them! Some good came of my search, however, as their catalog introduced me to your work with audiobooks, and I enjoyed both an old favorite, "Half Magic," and discovered a new one: "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel." The Full Cast model is such a great idea!) In short, thank you for the part you have played in both infusing my childhood with imagination, and continuing to inspire me now as an adult. I have 2 young boys, and I can't wait to share Rod's adventures-- and many others!-- with them when they are ready.
Best wishes,
Carolyn
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Carolyn -
Many thanks for this. I love hearing from folks like you, who have carried a love for my books into adulthood with them.
Also glad that you enjoyed the Full Cast Audio productions. I somewhat short-circuited my writing career by diverting so much time to audio production, so it's good to know that people are listening. I have a special fondness for HALF MAGIC because (1) I loved it as a kid and (2) it was the only time I got to play the romantic lead!
All best,
BC
Many thanks for this. I love hearing from folks like you, who have carried a love for my books into adulthood with them.
Also glad that you enjoyed the Full Cast Audio productions. I somewhat short-circuited my writing career by diverting so much time to audio production, so it's good to know that people are listening. I have a special fondness for HALF MAGIC because (1) I loved it as a kid and (2) it was the only time I got to play the romantic lead!
All best,
BC
Hi Mr. Coville!
I have super fond memories of the Nina Tanleven series. I went hunting for the books recently, and was so sad to see that there weren't many entries in the series. Have you ever considered bringing the series back?
Thank you so much for writing books that kept the desire to read burning in my mind. I can't wait to share the Nina Tanleven series with my nieces!
- Fiona
I have super fond memories of the Nina Tanleven series. I went hunting for the books recently, and was so sad to see that there weren't many entries in the series. Have you ever considered bringing the series back?
Thank you so much for writing books that kept the desire to read burning in my mind. I can't wait to share the Nina Tanleven series with my nieces!
- Fiona
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Fiona -
What a timely message! I started a fourth Nina Tanleven book about 25 years ago, but was never able to crack the plot, despite having written nearly half of it. Just about a month ago a friend challenged me to finish it, so I dug into my files and found what I had already written. To my happy surprise, it was pretty good. So I have made it a mission to complete the thing and send it out. I don't know if I can get a publisher to bite on a new book for a series that's 30 years old, but I am going to give it a shot! Thanks for confirming that this is a good idea!
BC
What a timely message! I started a fourth Nina Tanleven book about 25 years ago, but was never able to crack the plot, despite having written nearly half of it. Just about a month ago a friend challenged me to finish it, so I dug into my files and found what I had already written. To my happy surprise, it was pretty good. So I have made it a mission to complete the thing and send it out. I don't know if I can get a publisher to bite on a new book for a series that's 30 years old, but I am going to give it a shot! Thanks for confirming that this is a good idea!
BC
Hi Mr. Coville,
This is Mrs. Moore's 5th-grade class from Ypsilanti, Michigan. We just started reading your book, My Teacher is an Alien, and we like it so far. We will ask our librarian to add more of your books to our school library. Thank you for writing books for us!
Mrs. Moore's Students
This is Mrs. Moore's 5th-grade class from Ypsilanti, Michigan. We just started reading your book, My Teacher is an Alien, and we like it so far. We will ask our librarian to add more of your books to our school library. Thank you for writing books for us!
Mrs. Moore's Students
Reply by Bruce Coville
Ahoy Mrs. Moore's 5th Grade!
I'm delighted to know that you are reading - and enjoying! - MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN. I am highly in favor of your plan to ask your librarian to get more of my books for the library! ;>
I hope you will enjoy the rest of MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN. I had a lot of fun writing that book!
your friend,
BC
I'm delighted to know that you are reading - and enjoying! - MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN. I am highly in favor of your plan to ask your librarian to get more of my books for the library! ;>
I hope you will enjoy the rest of MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN. I had a lot of fun writing that book!
your friend,
BC