Carnegie Mellon University Alumni Panel
🔗 http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/society/2012/fall/combining-literature-and-culture.shtmlMichael 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.
<p>Terrified California residents face the shocking dilemma of yet another serial killer roaming freely in their neighborhoods. However, this time it is an evolving serial killer anomaly that relentlessly searches for, hunts down, and ingeniously traps his victims before unleashing his fiery rage. Always two steps ahead of the cops and fire investigators, the killer hones in on the next sinful target leaving a trail of bones and ashes behind as evidence. It rocks the criminal justice system to the core as a string of arson murders hits inside their turf.</p><p>Vigilante detective Emily Stone hunts serial killers and child abductors, covertly and under the law enforcement radar, with her intrinsic skills of criminal profiling and forensic investigation. With Stone’s toughest case yet, the arson serial killer immediately crosses her radar and sends her into the dark territory of a lethal pyromaniac’s mind – to the point of no return.</p><p>While following the clues of the relentless firebomber, Stone grabs the attention of a government anti-terrorist organization called GATE that oversees all law enforcement cases across the U.S., which now focuses their sights on her proven abilities. They have very specific plans for her, whether she likes it or not.</p><p>Everything teeters on the edge of reality, as Stone must battle for her life between a hired assassin and an arson serial killer. Lines are drawn on both sides of the law. Friendships and lovers are tested.</p>
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.
<strong>Finalist</strong>, 2011 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year, Juvenile Fiction<br /><br />"[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." - Andi Diehn, <em>ForeWord Reviews</em><br /><br /> "Latasha is a lively, appealing, if sometimes precocious, protagonist." - Shelle Rosenfeld, <em>Booklist</em><br /><br /> "The premise is appealing...including a satisfying ending that's not too neat." - <em>Kirkus Reviews</em><br /><br /> "Many children will identify with and enjoy this engaging, realistic novel for young readers...Recommended." - <em>Library Media Connection</em><br /><br /> "An engaging...heartwarming story about an African-American girl and her canine friend learning what it means to grow up and be responsible, together." - <em>Midwest Book Review</em>