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Michael Scotto

Michael Scotto

About

Michael Scotto has worked as a filmmaker, a saxophone player, and an engineer’s assistant, but his true passion has always been writing. He received his MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, and today, Mr. Scotto is the author of three novels for children and the Tales of Midlandia picture book and iPad app series. In 2011, he was selected by PITTSBURGH Magazine and PUMP to be one of the ‘Pittsburgh 40 Under 40,’ a group of forty people under the age of 40 who are helping to shape the Pittsburgh region.In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and photography. He has lived in New York, Georgia, and California, but today he happily calls Pittsburgh, PA his home. He lives in the city with his lovely wife and their crafty dog.

The Magic Word

The Magic Word

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Description

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;">Elisabeth was rude and selfish and demanding, and therefore had very few friends.<span>  </span>When she sent out invitations to her birthday party, no one accepted.<span>  </span>Her mother warned her that she needed to improve her manners and to try to get along with people.<span>  </span>She told Elisabeth that she needed to use the magic word “Please”.<span>  </span>So when Elisabeth went to school the next day, she thought of her mother’s advice, “What is the magic word?” and she started saying “Please” and also “Thank You”.<span>  </span>She tried to become more thoughtful of others, and discovered that she was a much happier person.<span>  </span>Imagine her pleasure when she returned home to find out that her new friends were all coming to her birthday party!</span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p></p>

Story Behind The Book

When I sat down to write my first children's novel, I knew I wanted to write about three things: 1) a spunky elementary-aged girl 2) who lived in Pittsburgh with 3) a mischievous puppy. I was inspired to feature these elements by Ramona Quimby, who was and remains one of my favorite kid-lit characters; by the fact that Pittsburgh is my hometown and a city I love; and, of course, by the fact that I happen to own a very, very naughty dog myself. (She actually stars in the book trailer for Latasha and the Little Red Tornado.) Armed with these three elements, I began to write. From there, the story blossomed into what it is: a warm story about maturity, the desire for respect, and the conflict between what you want and what you really need. I've seen a lot of kids connect with this story as if I'd written it "just for them." I hope you, reader, will feel the same way.

Media Links

Carnegie Mellon University Alumni Panel

🔗 http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/society/2012/fall/combining-literature-and-culture.shtml

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Syndicated book review (as featured in Las Vegas Review-Journal)

🔗 http://www.lvrj.com/view/eight-year-old-s-baby-sitter-blues-explored-in-new-book-135491443.html

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Reviews

<strong>Finalist</strong>, 2011 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year, Juvenile Fiction<br /><br />&quot;[Scotto's] sense of childhood emotions is pitch perfect...Middle readers will appreciate seeing themselves in the quick-paced story; parents will like the questions the book raises about responsibility and friendship. A winning addition to children's literature.&quot; - Andi Diehn, <em>ForeWord Reviews</em><br /><br /> &quot;Latasha is a lively, appealing, if sometimes precocious, protagonist.&quot; - Shelle Rosenfeld, <em>Booklist</em><br /><br /> &quot;The premise is appealing...including a satisfying ending that's not too neat.&quot; - <em>Kirkus Reviews</em><br /><br /> &quot;Many children will identify with and enjoy this engaging, realistic novel for young readers...Recommended.&quot; - <em>Library Media Connection</em><br /><br /> &quot;An engaging...heartwarming story about an African-American girl and her canine friend learning what it means to grow up and be responsible, together.&quot; - <em>Midwest Book Review</em>