The Children's Book Guild of Washington D.C.

Rebecca C. Jones 1692 Coventry Place Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 571-8427 rebjones99@aol.com
My name is Rebecca C. Jones, and I am the author of 15 books for kids. The "C" in my name stands for Castaldi, and the picture on the left shows what I looked like when I was in the fifth grade at West Wayne Elementary School in Warsaw, Indiana, and my name was Becky Castaldi. The picture below shows what I look like today. In the fifth grade, I knew two things for sure: I hated school, and I wanted to be a clown in the Shrine Circus. I never made it to the circus. Instead, I became a writer. I've written for newspapers, magazines, and even TV stations. I've also written 15 books for kids. Most of my books have been fiction, based on things that happened to me or to someone I know. But some of my books--and all of my newspaper and magazine articles--have been nonfiction, about things that really did happen. Now that I'm safely grown up, I enjoy going to schools, sometimes to get information for a report or article and sometimes to talk with kids about writing books.
My Books
Nonfiction The Mystery of Mary Surratt The Plot to Kill President Lincoln Jacket photos courtesy of the Surratt House Museum. Tidewater Publishers, 2004, ISBN 0-87033-560-X, $9.95. Ages 9 and up. "The Mystery of Mary Surratt is a straightforward treatment of a controversy in American history, concerning the role of Mary Surratt in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. ... [It] is a head-on, no-nonsense, and engrossing look at an individual criminal justice case presented in plain terms for general readers of all ages." --The Midwest Book Review.
The Biggest (and Best) Flag That Ever Flew illustrated by Charles Greer, Tidewater, 1988, 1993, ISBN 0-87033-440-9, $8.95. Ages 5 to 9. "Before you see the Star-Spangled Banner in the Museum of American History, read this charming story about the ladies who made the flag, Mrs. Pickersgill and her daughter Caroline. Sparkling illustrations." ~Travel for Kids.
The President Has Been Shot! True Stories of the Attacks on Ten U.S. Presidents Dutton, 1996. Ages 9 and up. "This book about presidential assassinations and attempted assassinations shows what a good book can come from the deft arrangement of historical facts." --Philadelphia Inquirer.
Picture Books Matthew and Tilly illustrated by Beth Peck. Dutton, 1991, Puffin, paperback, ISBN 0-14-055640-0, $6.99. Ages 4 to 8. "Matthew and Tilly were best friends who did everything together in their urban neighborhood. But like all friends, they quarreled--and then they made up. A lovely story of the ordinariness of life." ~New York Times Book Review
Great-Aunt Martha illustrated by Shirley Jackson. Dutton, 1995, ISBN 0525452575, $14.99, Ages 4 to 8. "This intergenerational story is a delight to read aloud. … Great Aunt Martha really is great!" ~School Library Journal starred review.
Down at the Bottom of the Deep Dark Sea illustrated by Virginia Wright-Frierson, Bradbury Press, 1991. Ages 4 to 8. "The gentle message about conquering fear, supported by the detailed paintings, make this a good book for sharing and discussing." --Booklist I Am Not Afraid illustrated by Patricia Mattozi, Concordia, 1986, ISBN 0570091136, $2.99. Ages 2 to 5. "Lets preschoolers know that in Jesus they have a Friend who keeps them safe." --Family Connection. The Biggest, Meanest, Ugliest Dog in the Whole Wide World illustrated by Wendy Watson, Macmillan, 1982. Ages 4 to 8. "Jones's feverish story about Jonathan, small and helpless, and the neighbor's dog, huge and strong, begins and ends pretty much as readers will expect, but they will have tons of fun taking in the events in between." --Publishers Weekly
Novels The Believers Arcade, 1989, Ages 9 to 13. "This fast-paced, absorbing story … features skillful characterization and avoids the stereotyping that is suggested by the themes of parental neglect and religious fanaticism. … A well written, involving novel." --School Library Journal starred review Germy Blew It Dutton, 1987, Ages 8 to 12. "Jeremy Bluett, known to his friends as Germy Blew It, has organized a classroom strike to protest budget cuts at his school. … This one will not have to be sold to kids--word of mouth will do the job." --Booklist Germy Blew It--Again! Holt, 1988, Ages 8 to 12. "When his parents consent to getting a pair of gerbils, Germy sees profit in their progeny. … A light-hearted look at middle-grade life." --Booklist Germy Blew the Bugle Arcade, 1990, Ages 8 to 12. "Never discouraged, Germy is now planning a money-making scheme: a newspaper for his elementary school. … Such a kid's-eye view of adults, especially teachers and lunchroom workers, was written by someone who has been there! Buy it!" --Library Talk Germy in Charge Dutton, 1993, Ages 8 to 12. "The funniest in an always amusing series." --Booklist Madeline and the Great (Old) Escape Artist Dutton, 1983, Ages 8 to 12. "Already unhappy about moving from Chicago to tiny Sycamore after the divorce of her parents, Madeline is even more upset after suffering a surprise seizure at school. … Absorbing and believable." --Booklist Angie and Me Macmillan, 1981, Ages 8 to 12. "In Jones's well-told and unsentimental story, readers feel they are listening to the narrator, Jenna, almost 12 when she's sent to a children's hospital for what looms as an endless summer." --Publishers Weekly
Reports on Education Living with HIV/AIDS http://www.nsba.org/site/docs/39500/39444.pdf Students Tell Their Stories of Stigma, Courage, and Resilience National School Boards Association with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006. The Next Chapter http://www.nsba.org/site/docs/38800/38703.pdf A School Board Guide to Improving Adolescent Literacy National School Boards Association with funding from The Carnegie Corporation of New York, 2006. Building and Sustaining After-School Programs http://www.nsba.org/site/docs/34300/34244.pdf Successful Practices in School Board Leadership National School Boards Association with funding from the Charles Stuart Mott Foundation, 2005.
My Links
Teachers' guide to using The President Has Been Shot! across the curriculum. Teachers guide to lessons about the Star-Spangled Banner Teachers guide to math lessons in The Biggest (and Best) Flag That Ever Flew Childrens Book Council To work with Rebecca Jones, see our Speakers Bureau.