I belong to a middle grade book club and last winter, when it was my turn to select a book, my choice was Finding Langston, by Lesa Cline-Ransome (Holiday House). The book is a jewel, sparkling with carefully curated historical details and powered by love (same for the second book in the Finding Langston trilogy,… Read more »
It’s difficult to think of someone enthused about life and the writing process than Erin Soderberg Downing. I can see a world where I absolutely have her on speed-dial whenever I need a pep talk! Her books are full of joy, family and life’s pickles. . .or, in the case of her newest book, pie…. Read more »
Something a bit different today at Friend Friday — a message from me! Each week, I use this space to shine the spotlight on a fellow book creator’s work. Some of my guest bloggers don’t even know they’re my friends until I invite them to participate (Virginia Euwer Wolff, Make Lemonade, is a recent case in point)…. Read more »
Generally, I write an introduction here which shares my connection with my Friend Friday guest. Today that is Jeff Gottesfeld, the author of TWENTY-ONE STEPS: GUARDING THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER, illustrated by Matt Tavares (Candlewick). His piece below is so moving, I just want to let it speak for itself. Until exactly three… Read more »
Sometimes fortune does favor the bold! I was very bold in reaching out to a writer whose work I have long admired with an invitation to be my Friend Friday guest — and Virginia Euwer Wolff agreed! My excitement is understandable: She’s won two Golden Kites (SCBWI), two Oregon Book Awards, a Jane Addams Book… Read more »
Suzanne Slade studied mechanical engineering and worked in the field — on car brakes and rockets– after getting her degree. But she eventually returned to her first passion: writing. (Visit her website to see her very first work, which received two stars. . .and a smiley face.) And while most of us were out hunting… Read more »
Oh boy: Alice Kaltman’s essay below comes at the perfect time for me. We hear many messages about perseverance (and it certainly is an important trait) but she really has me thinking about how I view my “limitations,” my “I can’t do thats” in combination with stick-to-it-tiveness. Once again, I’m in awe of a writer… Read more »
I have many jobs related to books; I’m a librarian, a book buyer for a bookstore and have served on many book award committees. Now I have one more job: children’s book author. It has been perhaps the most elusive title to get. When I was a child, I loved listening to the books that… Read more »
In this dark and cold (and for some people, incredibly snowy!) time, it’s such a treat to host Amalia Hoffman, who brings vibrancy and color to the world through her books. It’s a pleasure to host Amalia today, in celebration of her newest picture book, My Monsterpiece (Yeehoo Press). My inspiration for My Monsterpiece (Yeehoo… Read more »
I have a strong memory of being sent a Linda Oatman High book or two by my editor when I was first published at Holiday House, as examples of what to strive for. She was one of many authors I read as I tried to figure out how to be a writer. So it is… Read more »