The ranks of strong girls in middle grade fiction is growing. (Thank goodness for that!) These girls come in all forms: tough, spunky, wild—and occasionally soft and gentle but with a core of steel. They’re fantastic models for girls (and boys) to see diversity in how girls are represented. And often, these days, they have… Read more »
Book Recommendations
Book Review: THE PROPHET CALLS
Dystopian books explore what might happen to our world when something fundamental is different from what we know. Often, it’s society-based, though sometimes technology is part of it. These are books that start with a “What if” world tangled into our own. We see aspects of life we recognize, but something feels off or wrong… Read more »
A Book to be Thankful For
I’ve been pondering this week about what book for which I’m most thankful. And while there are many that I’ve read this year and in the past few years, the one that comes to the very top is a book that made me who I am as an author. It’s a book that was dropped… Read more »
Book Review: THE WITCH BOY by Molly Knox Ostertag
Aster has a problem. He’s 13, the age at which he should know the animal into which he will shapeshift, a crucial part of growing up as a boy in his magical family. But Aster feels no connection to any animal, and doubts he will ever learn to shift. He’s far more interested in the potions and… Read more »
Book Review: THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER by Jen Wang
In 2014, Christine Baldacchino and Isabelle Malenfant introduced Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress to the picture book scene, a story about a boy who liked to wear a dress. Progressive parents and schools snapped this up, and many children learned that a boy who wanted to wear a dress was no big deal, just part of who he was…. Read more »
Book Recommendations for Back to School
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a reason to give a book as a gift. They’re perfect for every holiday—and happen to be an ideal way to celebrate the first day of school for your child. I’m departing from my usual list of medieval (and pre-medieval) book recommendations with some of my favorite… Read more »
Medieval Book Recommendations: Here Lies Arthur
An orphaned serf disguised as a boy rides with a fierce warlord and his men. The Romans left Britain a generation ago, but the island still faces rapid changes. Legends are rich and stories make history. So learns the girl as she watches the rise of one of the greatest stories of all: that of… Read more »
Medieval Book Recommendations: Catherine, Called Birdy
A list of medieval books would never be complete without Newbery Honor-winning Catherine, Called Birdy, a rich story by Karen Cushman of a 13-year-old girl’s attempt to escape a typical medieval woman’s fate. Filled with magnificent historical detail, the novel is a diary written by Birdy at the suggestion of one of her brothers (the… Read more »
Medieval Book Recommendations: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village
On with the next medieval book! In this engaging, fascinating volume, Laura Amy Schlitz creates a snapshot of a medieval life through its children with help from Robert Byrd’s detailed illustrations. A blacksmith’s daughter muses sadly over her distance from a young nobleman who comes to have his horse’s shoe repaired. Hostility arises between a… Read more »
Medieval Book Recommendations: The Inquisitor’s Tale
There is a wealth of medieval-themed books for young readers out in the world. In this series of posts, I’m sharing some of my favorites for readers who might be interested in learning more about this world that fascinates me so much. These recommendations include works about northern Europe, which is where my own research… Read more »
Today is the birthday of @michaelmagrasbooks, a brilliant writer and critic who happens to be a fantastic actor, singer, and altogether witty gent too. His creativity, humor, intellect, empathy, and progressive ideals make him an absolute joy to be married to. Happy birthday, my dear!
#birthday #NovemberBirthdays #AmazingPeople
More gorgeous brown leaves, but this time backlit by the morning sun. These are one of two kinds of oaks in our yard (the other one is golden-brown), and these are red-brown but glow crimson in the sun. They`re gorgeous with or without sun. I adore these warm colors.
#AutumnColors #NovemberColors #Autumn #Maine #trees