Discussion Questions for Stakeout by Bonnie J. Doerr

A surreal encounter with an ancient sea turtle propels Kenzie into peril in the Florida Keys… 

A haunting promise compels Kenzie to save sea turtles. When thieves rob the turtle nests, she determines to stop them. Fearless, wheelchair-bound Ana and savvy, island native Angelo assist Kenzie in an undercover sting operation. But as the stakes get higher, Kenzie fears losing her best friend and her own life.

Stakeout includes notes on the endangered hawksbill and loggerhead turtles as well as information about the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida.

If your class or group is reading Stakeout, here are some questions about the book:

Discussion Questions for Stakeout by Bonnie J. Doerr

Created by Mary Helen Sheriff

1.     What did you like about the book?  What did you dislike?  Why?

2.     What did Kenzie and Key Teens Care do to help the turtles?  Can you think of other things they could of have done?  Are any animals endangered in your community?  Are there organizations that support them?

3.     Describe the relationship between Angelo and Kenzie?  What do they have in common?  What is the source of trouble in their relationship?

4.     How does Kenzie’s relationship with Mike change over the course of the novel?

5.     Describe Fisher.  Describe Edna.  In what ways are they similar?  In what ways are they different?

6.     Give some examples of Kenzie’s dishonesty and explain why she was dishonest.  Would you have made the same choices as Kenzie?  Why or Why not?  How would you have handled Kenzie if you were her mother?

7.     List the clues that led to pinpointing the culprit.

8.     Describe Big Pine Key.  How does the setting influence the story?

9.     Shalima sells a product that promises luxurious hair and flawless, radiant skin.  Does this product actually provide this? Do you have any experience with buying products that aren’t all that they are advertised as?  What can people do to protect themselves from false advertising?

10.  What interesting facts did you learn about turtles from reading this book?

Answer Key can be found here.

BLOG AUTHOR

Mary Helen Sheriff lives in Richmond, VA with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has an MFA in children’s literature from Hollins University and is an experienced teacher of elementary, middle grade, and college students. Her most recent publishing credits include four middle grade short stories for a reading comprehension website and a YA short story for an anthology written for Ethiopians learning English. She is currently writing a novel and maintaining a blog where you can read her thoughts on writing and education. 

What to Buy for the Teens on Your Gift List

Not sure what to give those favorite teens on your gift list? Here are some special holiday treats, they're sure to love. Check out our selection of books for teens and tweens at the Leap Books store. And if you don't know what title(s) to choose, why not give them a gift certificate* (or two) and let them select their own? E-books are also available.**

Happy Holidays from Leap Books!!

* Gift certificates are available at the Leap Books store.
**Ebooks are available through Amazon.

Leap Books can help with all your holiday needs...

It's Amazing...

Well, the first vote is in for Judith Grave's Second Skin...

Amy from A Simple Love of Reading says:

It was AMAZING:

She gave it 5 Dragon Hearts of "Love."

Here's her take on it:

"Judith Graves created an incredible cast of characters with her first of this series: Under My Skin, and I enjoyed them even more in Second Skin....But Second Skin, WOW...I simply love the progression of Eryn's story. There is a love triangle, danger and mystery throughout this book making it a definite page-turner. There are a lot of secrets surrounding Eryn....There are still so many questions to be answered and I can't wait for the next book in this series: Skin of My Teeth."

Intrigued? You can find Second Skin at Leap Books and Amazon. Better hurry, the Amazon website says, "Only 2 left in stock--order soon (more on the way)."And watch for specials on the Leap Books site during March Madness from March 21 to 31.

If you'd like an autographed copy, keep an eye on Judith's website and blog for info about her Gothic Tea Party Book Launch. Open to the public. Even better, sign up for her newsletter for info and great giveaways.

And get ready for Book 3 in the Skinned series:

Turtle Lovers Attend Eco-Mystery Author Presentation

Author Bonnie J. Doerr preparing for her booksigning at the Key Deer Refuge Center on Big Pine Key in Florida.

Many people were eager to get a signed copy of STAKEOUT, Doerr's latest novel on endangered sea turtles. The book is a finalist for the 2012 Green Earth Award.

About Stakeout:

A surreal encounter with an ancient sea turtle propels Kenzie into peril in the Florida Keys...

A haunting promise compels Kenzie to save sea turtles by ending a rash of nest robberies. Fearless, wheelchair-bound Ana and savvy, troubled Angelo assist Kenzie in an undercover operation that grows increasingly complicated and treacherous. Problems compound as Kenzie fears losing her first romance, her mother's trust, and her own life.

Stakeout includes notes on the endangered hawksbill and loggerhead turtles as well as information about the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida.

If You're in Key West, You're in Luck...

On Friday, February 3, 2012, award-winning author Bonnie J. Doerr will be signing her most recent book, an eco-mystery about sea turtles, at the Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center on Big Pine Key, Florida. She'll also have some copies of her first book on the Key deer for those who haven't gotten a copy. Details below or click here for more news:

2012 Green Earth Award finalist

Congratulations to Bonnie J. Doerr, whose eco-mystery Stakeout has been chosen as a finalist in the YA division for the Green Earth Award.

Given by the Newton Marasco Foundation (NMF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is "to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards." Each year the foundation chooses books that "inspire children to grow a deeper appreciation, respect, and responsibility for their natural environment" in several ages categories from picture book to young adult. In addition to receiving a monetary award, the author's books will be donated to Title I schools or military bases in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and/or Washington, DC.

Many authors hope for literary recognition, but Doerr said she's thrilled with this award because it shows her message about caring for the earth is getting through. Doerr's main character, Kenzie Ryan, and her sidekicks, Angelo and Ana, not only risk their lives to save endangered sea turtles from extinction, but they also clean up pollution and convince local stores to use cloth bags rather than plastic ones (which sometimes choke animals to death). A former science and reading teacher, Doerr has always dreamed of writing books that inspire teens to be green.

Talk to Mystery Writer Bonnie Doerr Live

Bonnie Doerr, award-winning author of the eco-mystery series that includes Island Sting and Stakeout, will be hosted by Barry Eva on his program, "A Book and a Chat." You can log on to listen or phone in to ask questions or participate.

We'd love to have you join us:

 “A Book and a Chat with Bonnie Doerr”
Saturday December 17, 2011
11:00am EST

http://www.blogtalk radio.com/ Across-the- Pond
Number to join in is: 347- 237-5398

Top Choice Award: Stakeout

Author Bonnie J. Doerr's eco-mystery about sea turtles has received a Top Choice Award from Flamingnet.

Comments by the teen reviewer:

"This book is the perfect mystery. Full of suspense, action, and drama, Stake Out is one of the best mysteries I have ever read."

Danger: Crime Scene

Author Bonnie J. Doerr appeared at Barnhills Bookstore in Winston-Salem, NC, on Saturday, November 12, 2011. The audience enjoyed her presentation about her hands-on research before she writes her mysteries about endangered animals.

Here are some photos of her presentations and booksignings after each event. Note the crime scene tape adorning the book display table and around the author's neck.

Here's the audience for the first sitting eagerly watching her slides about Key deer, sea turtles, and pelicans. To accommodate the crowds, Doerr did a second presentation.

Fans line up for autographs at the end of the first presentation.

Advice for Teen Writers (Part II, Bonnie J. Doerr)

Anna's back...

with Part II of her interview with author Bonnie J. Doerr, the award-winning author of eco-mysteries, including Island Sting and Stakeout. 

Because Bonnie's responses are so much fun and comprehensive, we've dividing the interview into two parts. Here's PART 2: 

·                     How much research goes into each of your books?

I spend several weeks each year where my stories are set—the Florida Keys. Now that I live in western North Carolina, I make this research trip during February. Yes, I hate cold weather. But, hey, many animals and people migrate to the Keys for winter. I’m simply following my sources. Honest!

Island friends connect me with sources who are experienced and knowledgeable in specific environmental issues. These dedicated people help me build realistic plots. I ask them questions that begin like this: “Is it possible that...?” “What could cause...?” “What would happen if...?” 

I also spend hours observing and interacting with my star critters. For Island Sting I toured the National Key Deer Refuge and spent time with wildlife officers who protect the tiny endangered deer. While planning Stakeout, I spent time with personnel and patients at the Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital, and participated in a nest-monitoring walk. Most recently, I fed injured pelicans and helped release rehabilitated pelicans. Wildlife volunteers and professionals are eager to provide facts, details, and personal experiences that enrich and inspire my stories.

Doerr feeding a Key deer

For me, there’s no substitute for field work. And, wow, do I take lots of notes and pictures. Thank heavens for digital cameras. But when I’m not on location, I spend many additional hours reading news articles and books about the wildlife and environment I feature. 

·                     Do you get really attached to your characters? Do you have a favorite?

On site at a pelican release

My characters do become very real to me. Once, while in Big Pine Key, Florida I nearly asked a Florida Fish and Wildlife employee if he’d recently seen his fellow officer, Mike Kaczynski. I was eager to know whether Mike and Kenzie’s mom were still an item. (Mike, Kenzie, and her mom are all characters in my books rather than real-life people.) Could have been embarrassing. In the book I’m working on now, Kenzie and Angelo are now attending school in Key West. So this coming February, I know I’ll be looking for them when I’m traipsing around town.

As for favorite characters? I think it changes from book to book. I was crazy about Fisher in Island Sting, but it was Ana who won my heart in Stakeout.

·                     How would you advise young adults who want to become published authors?

I’m going to answer this with everything I’ve got. Bet you’ll be sorry you asked.

I would tell aspiring authors (of any age) to study many genres. And I do mean study—via online courses, books, workshops, conference sessions, college programs, any and every way you can. As with any art, it’s important to first learn established rules and practice proven techniques. Then you’ll be prepared to change it all up when you’ve developed your own skills and style. 

Study and write with people who challenge and stimulate you. Then emerge from your comfort zone. Interact with a variety of real people in real life. Even if you write fantasy, your work has to connect with real people. 

Read much, listen well, and never stop learning. 

Don’t fixate on a troublesome manuscript hoping it will eventually, perfectly please everyone (including yourself). It never will. Let it go. Turn it in. Send it out. Move on. Capture that energy for the next project. You can return to that problem child later with fresh eyes.

Continually monitor and research the before-and-after aspects of all publishing options.  No one path is right for every author.

Last of all, the most challenging skill for pre- and post-published authors is learning to deal with criticism. Accept it, ignore it, or apply it, but do so with grace. Maybe I’ll paint the letters G-R-A-C-E on a pebble and carry it with me. Might help me follow my own advice.

For more information on Bonnie Doerr, her books, endangered animals, visit her at her blog, Bonnie Blogs Green, and her website for more information about her books and awards, and for lots of information about endangered species.

Here are Doerr's most recent books. Watch for PELICAN PERIL coming next.

Author Judith Graves in Eerie Digest

 The Eerie Digest, the Online Mystery and Hollywood Insider Magazine, has interviewed Judith Graves on her upcoming work. Check it out her feature in the Spotlight.


Read an excerpt for Witch's Shadow and find out more about the next books in the Skinned series, including Second Skin, due out in 2011.

Congratulations to Bonnie J. Doerr

Epicon recently announced the finalists in the 2011 Epic Awards to be held in March in Williamsburg, VA. Island Sting by Bonnie J. Doerr is one of the three finalists in the Children's category.

This eco-mystery about Key deer has also been selected as a finalist for the YALSA 2011 Popular Paperback Award.

Going Green

Leap Books has joined the Eco-Libris Green Books Campaign. When you read one of our books, you know it's been printed on FSC-certified paper. And as part of our commitment to being green we've joined this campaign to plants trees to replace those that are used for books. We also will be offering our books as e-books to save even more trees. Watch for our e-titles on Amazon soon. Leap Books has also made other commitments to the environment--profits from the sale of Bonnie J. Doerr's book Island Sting, an eco-mystery about kids saving the environment and rescuing the endangered Key deer from poachers, has funded several eco-friendly projects. You can read more about them at BonnieBlogsGreen.

Island Sting Chosen as Forsyth County Read

Middle school students in Forsyth County, NC, have been reading Island Sting by Bonnie J. Doerr. Doerr's eco-mystery was chosen as the featured book for the county during September. Now all the teens who read it will have a chance to meet the author at a special program October 5, 2010, from 4-5 pm at at Teen Central in the Forsyth County Central Library, The public is also welcome at this exciting event. You can read more about the event on the library calendar.

Doerr's fast-paced novel about teens searching for the poacher of Key deer has kept readers enthralled this month. Now they can hear more about these small deer, which are the size of German shepherds. (See Doerr feeding the deer on the above.) This endangered species is found only in the Florida Keys.

For more about Bonnie J. Doerr, the Key deer, and green teens, visit BonnieBlogsGreen.

Are You a Mystery Buff?

Here's your chance to immerse yourself in a weekend-long crime/mystery writing extravaganza. Killer Nashville is happening next weekend. The conference runs from Thursday evening, August 19, to Sunday afternoon, August 22, 2010, and is jam packed with great speakers, including our own Leap Books author, Bonnie J. Doerr, who is writing an eco-mystery series. Book 1, Island Sting, is already out. And Stakeout's on it's way in 2011. Pelican Peril will follow in 2012. 

Here's a schedule if you're interested in attending. Keynote speaker is Jeffery Deaver; find out more about him on his website. And Bonnie Doerr will be presenting at a session on "Writing the YA Mystery." Agent and editor pitch sessions are included in the registration price. Hope to see you there.

SCBWI MD/VA/WV -- A Great Success

Author Bonnie J. Doerr is back after speaking at the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) conference in Maryland, where she had a great time meeting fellow writers and discussing how she balances her mystery plot with factual information about endangered animals.

She now has many fans waiting for Book 2 in her eco-mystery series: Stakeout. And Book 3 is underway, so all the teachers and librarians at the conference will have more great books for their schools and libraries. Keep an eye out for a sneak peek at Stakeout, which is coming soon. Kenzie's back and this time she's rescuing sea turtles--in a stolen boat, no less.

Pelicans Endangered Again

Nicknamed the Pelican State, Louisiana was once home to thriving colonies of brown pelicans. The state seal and early flag featured these nesting birds with their deep beaks for scooping up fish.

In the early 1900s about 50,000 brown pelicans lived along the Louisiana coast. Less than fifty years later, that number had dropped to 5000. By 1963 not one nesting pair could be found. The major cause was the pesticide DDT. The Mississippi River had carried it from the farms to the pelican nesting areas. DDT thinned out the eggshells, so when pelicans sat on their nests, they destroyed their eggs.

After DDT was banned, a pelican restocking program began. Wildlife refuges were set up on the barrier islands, and by the early 2000s, the pelicans had begun their return.

Now the pelicans are facing another danger. The massive amounts of oil spewing into the water off the Louisiana shore are imperiling wildlife, especially on the barrier islands and marshes.

According to the International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC), a dime-sized drop of oil is enough to kill a bird. Oil clumps a bird's feathers so it has no protection from the cold and it loses its buoyancy. A bird's instinct is to preen its feathers to remove the oil, which also harms its internal organs.

Birds can even die of stress when rescuers try to wash their feathers, so refuge workers give the birds food, water, and medical treatment before they dip them into baths of dishwashing detergent and water. IBRRC estimates that it takes 300 gallons of water to clean one oil-soaked bird.

Oil isn't the only threat to the endangered pelicans. Leap Books author Bonnie J. Doerr is busy writing Pelican Peril, her third eco-mystery. Here's a picture of Bonnie helping refuge workers in the Florida Keys save some pelicans.

Find out more at Bonnie's blog, Bonnie Blogs Green.

Celebrate Earth Day

Do something wonderful for the planet today. Pick up trash. Turn off the electricity for an hour. Or try one of the main ways our author, Bonnie J. Doerr has compiled to help save the environment. She made a list of 25 suggestions. We'll post them a list next week when you find out more about Bonnie. In the meantime, here are two quick suggestions you can try:

1.    Downloading music saves production of the greenhouse gas produced during the making, packaging, and distribution of the discs UNLESS you burn a CD.

2.    Americans eat at least four servings of beef a week. If you consume only one less beef meal a week you can reduce your environmental footprint by 25%. Why care? Raising cows requires acres of land, tons of water, grain, and pesticides. And cows produce a staggering amount of methane (yes, through belching and “tooting”), thus contributing to global warming.

Stay tuned for more environmentally friendly ideas or visit Ms. Doerr at Bonnie Blogs Green for more ways to save the planet. Better yet, pick up a copy of her book Island Sting to see how other green teens not only save the environment, but also nab the poacher of the endangered Key deer.

DANGER--INTRIGUE--ADVENTURE...

Island Sting Charmers

Because Angelo from Island Sting is so-o-o charming, we’ve decided to give away a charm necklace to honor the cool hunk that he is.

Angelo inspires the key pendant gift Kenzie receives, and you can win a key of your own. Kenzie won’t get jealous, we promise. And because Angelo is the hottest lobster trapper and fisherman we know, we’ll also give away these fish hook and lobster charms. Maybe you’ll hook a hot catch of your own.



But about the lobster charm—to win it, you have to keep a secret from Angelo: this lobster charm is a Maine lobster, not the Caribbean spiny lobster in his world. He’d think we were clueless city chicks if we didn’t divulge the truth to you.

Want to read more about Angelo? Check out this interview with him and watch for more on our website.

Even better, want to meet author Bonnie J. Doerr in person? She’s headed to the Florida Keys for a series of author visits. Hear her at the following locations:

February 4: US 1 Radio 104.1 FM Morning Magazine with Bill Becker 7:50 am
February 4: KONK AM 1680 AM “ECOcentricView” with Erika Biddle 2-3 pm
February 5: Walk on Winn Dixie, Big Pine Key 7 – 9 pm, National Key Deer Visitor Center
February 7: Family Fun Day Fund Raiser, Key West Wildlife Center 1-4 pm
February 9: Florida Keys Community College Library 5:30 pm, “Manuscript Makeover/What Not to Dare”
February 11: Café con Libros, Key West Public Library 9:30 –11:00 am, “Evolution of a Novel/Survival of the Determined”
March 2: Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave. Coral Gables, FL 7 pm

If you spot her, be sure to tell us where. Anyone who comments from now until the end of Bonnie’s tour on March 2, 2010, will be entered in the drawing for these prizes. If you aren’t lucky enough to be in the Florida Keys while Bonnie is there, leave a comment about Island Sting or a tip for staying green. And maybe you'll be one of our winners!

We've Been WOWed!

Island Sting by author Bonnie J. Doerr is featured at La Femme Readers as a Waiting on Wednesday pick. We're thrilled that this action-packed eco-mystery is on Eleni's list. Hope it's on yours too!

And here's a big shout out to Eleni both for selecting the book and for being an avid participant in our Leap Books badge contest. Eleni's collected each new badge as it comes out, so we're expecting she'll be a big winner. If you don't know about our contest, read the blogs below and check out the awesome badges on the right.

Frances O'Roark Dowell, Edgar-award-winning author of Dovey Coe says this about Island Sting: "Once you start reading, you’ll find yourself flipping pages as fast as you can, eager to find out what happens next." 

 If you love intrigue and care about endangered animals, you'll want to snag your copy when it comes out on January 6, 2010. For more info on Island Sting, click here.