Erin Dionne and I share a publisher, and a passion for writing for the middle grade reader. Her books are full of energy and humor, as is Erin! (Do go over to her website where you can see an adorable photo of her in her marching band days!) I am delighted to host her today… Read more »
I’ve been friends with Larry Dane Brimner since *cough cough.* We first met at the Humboldt County Author’s Festival and since that meeting, I have always admired his work ethic, and I especially admire his passion for stories that make us think about social justice and injustice. I am evidently not his only fan; the… Read more »
Sometimes the stories we are meant to tell take us out of our comfort zones. That was certainly the case for Darcey Rosenblatt as she was nudged to write what became her debut novel, Lost Boys, (Henry Holt). I am proud to shine the spotlight on Darcey and her book today! Based on historical facts, my debut novel… Read more »
Please help me welcome today’s friend, Annette Bay Pimentel and her brand new book Girl Running (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Micha Archer, which was just published on Tuesday! Annette lives and writes in Moscow, Idaho. She is the author of Mountain Chef: How One Man Lost His Groceries, Changed His Plans, and Helped… Read more »
Today’s guest is a friend from the (sadly) now-defunct Northwest Institute of Literary Arts MFA program. I was the first faculty member in the children’s literature arm of the program and Loren Cooper was a student specializing in fiction. I badgered him into participating in a student reading one night and he good-naturedly humored me,… Read more »
It is such a pleasure to host Kim Purcell today, who shares on her website that she often walks with a dog leash in one hand and a book in another. Her second novel, This is Not a Love Letter, (Disney-Hyperion) is out next week. You will want to read this book. Don’t take my… Read more »
I have admired Debbie Gonzales since our first meeting in Austin, where she handled a tricky situation with such grace and charm I wanted to nominate her for an ambassadorship right then and there! Lucky for the folks in Michigan, she’s brought her warmth and energy to the Mitten State; she and I caught up… Read more »
By reading Kerri Kokias’ engaging website (check it out here), I discovered that she has held many jobs, from nanny to ice cream server to social science researcher. For the record, I am very glad she has added picture book author to that list! Join me in celebrating her debut picture book, Snow Sisters! (Knopf/Random… Read more »
I am so pleased to start the New Year of Friend Friday with a brand-new friend, David Jacobson, who shares my interest in things Japanese. Are You an Echo?, narrative and translation by David, Sally Ito and Michiko Tsuboi, illustrated by Toshikado Hajiri, (Chin Music Press), is so lovely, that I asked him to tell us a… Read more »
The kind-hearted and patient Sarah Aronson is my guest today. “Kind-hearted” is evident if you’ve spent five minutes with her or with her books; “patient” refers to the fact that I promised to host her months ago and completely spaced out on that promise! Luckily, Sarah is not only gracious but flexible and so I… Read more »