“There is a lot to unpack in this book…both a heartfelt eulogy and a musical inspiration for a new generation of young readers.” – Kirkus
“Hosea does more than entertain; he makes his own community as he shares his music and his warmth.” – Publishers Weekly
“Blasi skillfully weaves dialogue, nature sounds, and city noise throughout the musical narrative…” – School Library Journal
“Hosea Missouri Taylor, Jr., is brought to life by Blasi and Evans through a fictionalized example of his openhearted giving.” – Booklist
Rain or shine and with his saxophone case in hand, Hosea rides the bus to the City of Rochester Public Market. Joyfully, he plays for everyone there, but especially for the children. Today, will he earn enough money to surprise one special child?
An Author’s Note gives a deeper glimpse into the life of Hosea MIssouri Taylor, Jr. – a street musician and community advocate who elevated the lives of those in his community, “simply” by being himself.
Coming in Summer 2021!
Picture book Milo’s Moonlight Mission will be published with Yeehoo Press. Illustrator news coming soon!
Family History is Part of Who We Are
“A Name of Honor is an outstanding book to use for effective and meaningful integration of social studies and language arts. It draws students in with well-developed and believable characters and an engaging plot, rich in historic information. It complements, extends, and enriches, social studies curriculum.”
Which Side Will You Take?
Our Writer-in-Residence, Kathleen Blasi, delivered material to our students in a way that got them excited to write! She broke down her writing process, so that by the end, the students had a piece of writing to be proud of. I cannot say enough good things about Kathleen as a presenter, an example, and a teacher.
– Stephen Baker, Teacher, Warsaw (New York) Elementary School
Upcoming Events
Now Offering Virtual Visits
Schools and Libraries
Kathleen is now offering virtual presentations and writing workshops. Check out her “Visits” page for more details.
Writerly Ramblings
Puzzles
When I was a kid, my family spent time in the Adirondacks. No TV. Just board games and...puzzles. And I’m talking big puzzles with lots (millions?) of pieces. Everyone seemed to get into it. Everyone, that is, except me. Spatial relationships—ugh, too much like math!...
The Picture of Joy
I’m very grateful to have received this photo! For an author, there is no higher compliment than to see a child react so purely and joyfully to something we created. In the life cycle of a story, we begin with this same unbridled enthusiasm. Let’s call this the...
Renewed Gratitude
Early in my writing career, a colleague mentioned that the writing is life is not for the thin-skinned. After all, she said, why would you want to be in a business where two of the most frequently-used words are “submission” and “rejection?” At the time, I laughed at...
Schedule a Visit or Speaking Engagement
kathy@kmblasi.com
Contact Kathleen
kathy@kmblasi.com