Three new books I’m excited about

This month, three authors that I admire and respect (and have the good fortune to know personally) have new books out. All three are also moms (happy belated mother’s day!) and write for kids of varying ages, so I’m looking forward to sharing their latest works with my own kids. I’ve read–and loved–just about everything…Continue reading Three new books I’m excited about

Writing a novel in verse

I recently took part in an online writing workshop through the Highlights Foundation: Limitations and Liberations of Writing Verse Novels, taught by author Cordelia Jensen. It was excellent! I adore poetry and have been reading lots of novels in verse (scroll down for recommendations). I thought I might try my hand at writing one…with a…Continue reading Writing a novel in verse

Book review: The Story That Cannot Be Told

In The Story That Cannot Be Told by J. Kasper Kramer, clever folklore retellings woven with historical fiction result in a delightful story that resonates long after the last page. This middle-grade novel is set in Romania in 1989, the year of the Romanian Revolution. Young Ileana describes life under oppressive Communist rule: people crammed…Continue reading Book review: The Story That Cannot Be Told

My favorite books of 2020

This tumultuous year, I have found refuge and inspiration in books. (No surprise there.) So far, according to Goodreads, where I keep track of my reading and occasionally write reviews, I’ve read 36 books (perhaps more; back in the spring I was not being as, shall we say, thorough in my self-reporting). Over the year…Continue reading My favorite books of 2020

Grimly fiendish

Hopefully I’ve got you thinking more about the Damned than current events, but my true intention (rubs hands together) is to introduce you to two brand-new kidlit books perfect for Halloween…or whenever you want shivers crawling up your neck. A sweet, slightly spooky story inspired by the author’s Dominican heritage, Ghost Squad by Claribel A.…Continue reading Grimly fiendish