I first met Michaela MacColl through her writing; I believe it was Always Emily. I have since had the pleasure of meeting her in person and while we talked historical fiction, I had no idea she had a family story that wanted telling. It is one thing to write about a family member who is… Read more »
I am so pleased that Danielle Joseph took time to visit with us today to share a bit of the story behind the story of her new picture book, I Want to Ride the Tap Tap, illustrated by Olivier Ganthier (FSG/Macmillan). This book is the perfect summer read with its upbeat energy and colorful illustrations!… 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 »
I first “met” Gennifer Choldenko through her wonderful middle grade novel Notes From a Liar and Her Dog many years ago. Since then, I’ve been fortunate — blessed!– to share many meals, laughs and heart-to-hearts with Gennifer. I’ve always adored her and her work but after reading her true confession below, I adore her even… Read more »
I believe this is the first time I’ve ever hosted a costumed friend for Friend Friday; maybe we can start a trend? Nancy B. Kennedy’s outfit not only evokes the suffragette era, her smile speaks to the suffragettes’ hopefulness in undertaking the long battle. As Nancy acknowledges below, her wonderful new book, Women Win the… Read more »
There are so many things I love about Amanda Abler’s essay below, but I think my favorite part has to do with an insight she had about nonfiction (I won’t spoil the surprise). I often think our stories choose us and Amanda’s experience with her debut picture book, The Spirit of Springer: The Real Life… Read more »
Trudi Trueit does something so important with her Explorer Academy series. She certainly tells a good story, highlights fascinating discoveries and people and brings far-away places to our very own reading nooks. But the true power in her work is that she empowers kid readers, helping them see themselves as protectors of the natural world,… Read more »
A key characteristic of a successful writer is perseverance. Kristin L. Gray might win the prize in that department! As you will discover below, she did not quit when a perfectly brilliant idea did not gain traction. Read on for how she responded to a big obstacle in her writing path, and ended up with… Read more »
There are not many Friend Friday guests with whom I have wrestled a scorpion, but Sara Fujimura is among that select group. I met Sara in the Arizona desert some years back, when I was on the faculty of an SCBWI retreat. I was so impressed by her work ethic and and her positive demeanor… Read more »
Every week, I so enjoy hosting book creator friends in celebration of their work. But my heart does a little extra happy skip when the book in the spotlight is historical fiction. Teachers and librarians have quietly confessed to me that it’s a tough genre to get kids hooked on (ouch); but I am convinced… Read more »