We Have Liftoff!

I remember seeing this photo, by Boyd Norton, in Anna Merz’s obituary in 2013 and thinking, “Gosh! There’s a story there that young readers would love!” And now, nine years later, after a trip to Cornwall (where Anna Merz grew up), another to the sanctuary she founded...

 The Magic of a Glasshouse

“Glasshouse of Stars,” by Shirley Marr (Simon & Schuster for Young Readers), grabbed my attention from the start by the author’s use of second-person narration. It’s an unusual and bold choice and boy, does it ever work to create a feeling of disconnection and...

Princess of the Wild Sea, A Fairytale Mash-Up

The latest by Megan Frazer Blakemore has her trademark fairy tale feel and even incorporates elements from specific fairy tales that will, I think, help young readers engage with the story. At the very least it’ll feel like finding an Easter egg, a little nugget...