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Lisa Sukenic is a poet, author, and fourth-grade teacher at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Her fiction and poetry appear in Everyday Haiku and two Off Campus Writers Workshop anthologies. MILES FROM MOTOWN placed first in the 2016 SCBWI-IL Prairie Writers Day Manuscript Contest and was a finalist in Fitzroy Books 2019 Kraken Book Prize. MILES FROM MOTOWN (August, 21, 2021, Fitzroy/Regal House), was selected as a 2022 Michigan Notable Book by The Library of Michigan. Latest BookMiles from Motown (Fitzroy Books, 2021)  MILES FROM MOTOWN is an upper-middle grade historical novel-in-verse set in Detroit in 1967. Twelve-year-old Georgia Johnson is sure she can win the "Spirit of Detroit Poetry Contest," judged by her idol Gwendolyn Brooks. After moving from her beloved Detroit neighborhood to an unfamiliar suburb on the outskirts of the city, Georgia lies to prevent becoming disqualified from the contest (which is for Detroit residents only) by using her aunt Birdie's address. With her older brother deployed to Vietnam, and her family worried about when -or if- he'll make it home. Georgia tries to settle into her new life. But she misses the old- her best friend Ceci, the cracks in the sidewalk that used to catch her skates, and the hide- and-seek tree. She wonders if she'll ever make friends or feel like she belongs. To make matters worse, she must also find a way to intercept the contest finalist announcement that will be mailed to Aunt Birdie's mailbox before her family uncovers her deception. During that summer, Georgia discovers her own resiliency in the face of upheaval and the power of truth when lies ring hollow. MILES FROM MOTOWN includes many themes that work well for presentations, discussion groups and writing lessons. Having taught for thirty-eight years, I have a keen understanding for the developmental needs of students of all ages and can adapt my curriculum and presentation accordingly. These topics include but are not limited to resiliency, belonging, change, voice, friendship, family, moving, truths and lies, war and peace, conflict resolution, responsibility for your own actions, choices, and the challenges of growing up. At the elementary level students can relate to these life transitions and reflect on their own lives. Many students also have family serving in the military and can relate to this as well. Timelines are important concepts for students to learn. Music and popular culture of the era are of high interest and allow children to compare and contrast current events to reflect on history.
Since my story is written in verse, poetry is a natural focus for diving deeper into the story. While most of the poems are written in free verse, there are list poems and many other poetic devices employed in the novel that can be explored. Gwendolyn Brooks serves as Georgia’s poetry muse and this area is a natural study to learn more about the Pulitzer Prize winning, Chicago poet. MILES FROM MOTOWN received a 2022 Notable Book Award from The Library of Michigan, which afforded me the opportunity to go on a book tour in Michigan. I have given readings at bookstores in person as well as virtually. I am adaptable to a variety of programming including upper elementary level through adults. MILES FROM MOTOWN has received positive reviews from ALA Booklist “Sukenic’s verse is compact and lively, telling Georgia’s first-person story with sparkle and verve. She evokes detailed images with her carefully chosen words and captures Georgia’s story perfectly.” -Donna Scanlon. |
