I love, love, love Valerie Stein! She’s such a huge supporter of children’s literature (and of me!) and she’s so darned interesting. In fourth grade, she touched an ancient artifact from an archaeological dig. Though Valerie never got to travel the world in search of buried treasure, she ended up journeying to new and exciting places between the pages of books. Now she spends her time researching history, in museums and libraries, which is like archaeology but without the dirt. Valerie’s book, The Best of It: A Journal of Life, Love and Dying, was published in 2009.  Both her current work and an upcoming middle grade series are historical fiction set in Washington State. Valerie retired from 10 years in her school library to become proprietor of Homeostasis Press. She blogs at the Best of It.

So, Valerie, you know the routine — let’s jump in!

Please fill in the blank: You should never read and (blank) at the same time.

You should never read and… walk home from the library at the same time. I speak from experience. My Dad kept me from wandering into traffic while my nose was buried in the pages of a book! Funny, because I could navigate all over our house that way and never miss a step.

If you were invited to be on Oprah, what book would you bring for her to read?

Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. Everyone should read that book. The world would be a much better place.

What is the funniest book you’ve read?

The Wee Free Men, by Terry Pratchett. My sister-in-law was right to warn me about listening to the audio book while driving.

What is the saddest?

As a 4th grader, it was My Friend Flicka, by Mary O’Hara. I read it countless times and cried my heart out. As a grownup, I can’t choose one. The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, or We Were Liars, by E. Lockhart.

What is your favorite reading snack/beverage?

Popcorn and iced tea.

What’s next on your TBR list?

I just reserved The Truth About Twinkie Pie, by Kat Yeh. I can’t wait to get it.