Written by Megan Kluttz
Photography by Renée Aylworth
Video by Meredith Jones

Athens is never short of little surprises. Aside from music and art, an understated literary culture exists, with a hidden gem that has “graced” the internet and local newspaper for two years.

Eleven-year-old Grace Polaneczky is a blog writer and columnist for Athens Banner-Herald. Her blog, “If You Give a Kid a Bookie,” presents book reviews that are straightforward and easy to read. She brings awareness to fun and interesting books that can entertain and enrich minds of young readers. “The Kid Reader,” Grace’s column in Athens Banner-Herald, discusses current issues within culture. She shares her opinions through discussion of books that are pertinent to topics of daily life.

It is easy to wonder how such a young Athenian began writing and came into such success. An interview with Grace opens up her world and gives a glimpse into her talented mind.

BLVD Magazine: Why did you start a blog?

Grace Polaneczky: Well, I had just read the book Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata, and it was an amazing read. And in addition to that, I went to the Children’s Literature Conference with my grandmother where I got to meet the author and have her sign my book. While Kadohata and other authors were giving speeches, I took notes on what I liked about the books and the different techniques they used. Within a couple months following that, I was still full of so much inspiration from those authors, and I thought it would be fun to write a “report” about Kira-Kira from the facts that I gathered during the conference. It was a lot of fun, and I love writing, so I decided to start a blog with book reviews on it for my friends and family to see. The funniest part was that at first my mom wasn’t completely up for the idea of me starting a blog, considering that I already had a couple of random ones going just for the fun of it, but she obviously gave in after me convincing her that it would be a very educational project. Who would’ve known it would go this far!

BLVD Magazine (BLVD): What do you want to achieve with your writing?

Grace Polaneczky (GP): When I began writing the book reviews, I wanted myself and others to kind of get to a second level with reading books; the first level of course would be actually reading the book, and the second would be really thinking about the book, it’s morals, how the author illustrates the story, and relating to the characters and situations within it.

BLVD: How do you want your writing to affect others?

GP: For me, I think that in the modern age, kids really aren’t reading as much anymore, and I must confess, I’ve been in that situation too. So I wanted to encourage children to read more, and also for children who do like to read, to be able to relate to my reviews and either think ‘I know just what she means!’ or ‘I didn’t notice that,’ and then go back and read with more things in mind. It’s very inspiring when I know how much my column does affect people- I’ve had quite a few situations where people have recognized me and told me how much they like my columns, or how it made their child start to read more. I even know some people who use my reviews in their classrooms as examples for their students!

BLVD: What are your favorite topics to write about?

GP: I really like to write fictional stories, but don’t really do those much anymore. Genre-wise, my favorite books to read and review are novels and instructional books because they are the kinds that I usually have a lot to say about.

BLVD: Is there a writer or blogger whom you look up to?

GP: One of my favorite fictional authors is Gabrielle Zevin, because she has a great writing style, and her books always make me want to yell ‘I know exactly what you mean!’ because they are so relatable. I have reviewed a couple of her books and am planning on reading and writing about more. Another person I love is Jennifer Allison, author of the Gilda Joyce series, about a quirky, young psychic investigator who goes on all kinds of adventures. I am a huge mystery fan, and Allison does a great job of building the suspense until it’s just killing you not to know what happens next. These two authors really inspire me in my writing because of the ways that they describe things and put everything into perspective, and they also give me a lot of good books to review!

BLVD: What is your writing process? How do you go about writing a critique for a book?

GP: I usually review books that I have recently read, or a book that I go back to often for information- this way, I remember more of what I want to say about it, and I haven’t forgotten the main character’s name! I always take notes either mentally or on paper, and then write the review. Sometimes I look up information about the author, to throw in facts about their writing process, or just to add a list of some of their other books. I always try to get my columns in by my deadline, but I am not always done with the review by the right time. Thankfully, I have a wonderful editor who is flexible with my schedule, and for that I am grateful.

BLVD: What is your favorite type of book?

GP: I love mysteries, especially classics like Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew; I am always amazed with the authors and how they are able to create situations with so many bits and pieces, and are still able to finish it successfully in a way that the readers (or at least just I) like. I also love novels, and I am a big fan of fantasy, but not really Sci-Fi.

BLVD: Do you have any inspiration?

GP: My parents always say that I’m very easily inspired. Art, books, movies, and people I’m around inspire me constantly, not only in my writing, but in everything I do. In this town, it’s pretty difficult NOT to get inspired!

BLVD: How did you become a writer for Athens Banner-Herald?

GP: A friend of ours in Portland, OR, was impressed with my blog and contacted Julie Phillips, editor of the Living section, saying that I was in Athens and letting them know about me just in case they wanted to write an article or something to get my blog known. Because Julie knew my mom through some of her PR work, she wrote her asking if I was her daughter and if I was interested. Now I’ve been writing my column for 2 years in September, and I really enjoy it.

BLVD: Where do you see yourself in the future with your writing?

GP: I love writing, but it’s definitely not all I want to do in the future. I really want to go to art school and major in filmmaking and/or photography- I love the visual arts. Maybe I’ll write a couple of children’s books with my own illustrations… I have a lot of plans, really!

Grace’s blog entitled, “If You Give a Kid a Bookie” can be found at http://www.123readwithme.blogspot.com.

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PHOTO CREDITS

Hair by Michelle Laird at Rocket Salon
Makeup and styled by Megan Kluttz

White Blouse, floral skirt and heels: Agora
Headband and purse: Cillies

Jacket, tank top and headband: Cillies
Dark green skirt, purse and shoes: Agora

Button down shirt: Minx
Blouse, skort and shoes: Agora
Hair clips: Cillies