It is so much fun to celebrate my fellow book creators and especially so when they’re practically neighbors. Kerri Kokias’ story-behind-the-story of Clever Hans is proof positive that writing for kids is anything but easy (trust me, there are lots of folks who think it is). Kerri’s essay also lends weight to the argument that… Read more »
Little did I know that, when my then-sixth-grade daughter introduced me to Karen Cushman’s Catherine, Called Birdy, my path would intertwine with Karen’s in lovely ways. (Exciting news: Lena Dunham is directing a movie version of Birdy.) After falling in love with Karen’s first book, I impatiently awaited each new title (I do think Matilda Bone is still… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Sometimes I chat with folks outside the kid lit world who think because picture books are so short that they are easy to write. I personally think they are the most difficult of all genres because each precious word must earn its way into the story. Though I would love to write more picture books,… Read more »
It is my huge honor and delight to host Newbery Honor award winner, Margi Preus (Heart of a Samurai). Margi and I clearly share a passion for historical fiction, and we share some wonderful mutual friends (talking about you, Mary Casanova!) In the pandemic, I somehow missed Margi’s latest novel, Village of Scoundrels (Harry N…. Read more »