I first “met” Anne Nesbet through the wonderful historical novel, Cloud and Wallfish, becoming a fast fan of her work. Her latest novel, Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen (Candlewick) completely captured my heart and, in fact, I still think about the characters and the enchantment of the story itself, reeled out in true melodramatic… Read more »
While I love supporting all of my book creator friends, it’s always particularly wonderful when those friends, like Ellie Peterson, live in the Pacific Northwest. As a STEM educator AND author/illustrator, Ellie meshes her passions for science and art in her kid-friendly picture book explorations of the natural world. She was my Instagram Live Story… 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 »
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 »