Welcome to my Blog!
This is where I put my musings that don’t make it into my paper journal. I try to write about things that might interest other writers and readers, including reviews of MG books I’ve been reading.
Quirky Characters, Amazing Adventures and Hilarious Hijinks in “Flora & Ulysses”
I haven’t read many books by Kate DiCamillo until recently. DiCamillo fans will have their favorite, from “Because of Winn-Dixie” or “The Tale of Despereaux,” to the Mercy Watson books. ...
“My Dad’s Girlfriend and Other Anxieties,” by Kellye Crocker
Before I read this book, I thought I knew from anxiety. I often feel anxious myself, and I have an anxious child, but Ava, the main character in “My Dad’s Girlfriend and Other Anxieties,” helped me...
Rooting for Plants: The Unstoppable Charles S. Parker, Black Botanist and Collector
“In the hands of a poet, science takes on a beauty not always accorded information.” What do I, as an author, want young readers to absorb when they read a biography — particularly a biography of...
Fighting Words (It’s Not Your Fault)
I often review books that are not brand new and/or that have not gotten the recognition they deserve. But even though “Fighting Words,” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, earned a Newbery Honor (ie...
Sunny, Tiny and Nurdles, Oh My!
“No Time to Waste” is the second book in Carolyn Armstrong’s middle grade series, “Eco Warriors.” In case you haven’t read the first book, eleven-year-old twins, Sydney and Sierra have a dream...
Stories About Two Very Different Lives
“Star Child” and “Into the Woods” Authors Gary Paulsen and Octavia Butler don’t have much in common. Butler,“a ground-breaking science fiction genius,” was dreamy, with a huge imagination and a...
Is It Okay to Pee in the Ocean?
Two engaging "how does that work" non-fiction books for young readers to enjoy Did you know that that distinctive smell of a pool that you always thought was chlorine is in fact a chemical reaction...
Here’s a Great Alternative to GoodReads!
I don't know if many of my readers are familiar with BookDNA, a private, personal way to track your reading and get deeply personalized book recommendations. Think Goodreads, but for readers who...
Stella Diaz Series is Fun, Funny and Satisfying
Angela Dominguez has created a series featuring a main character we can all relate to. Stella is spunky but she can also be shy and self-conscious, especially at school or meeting new people. ...
Words Matter: The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl and the White Rose Resistance
Who doesn’t remember the childhood ditty: “Sticks and stones may break my bones But words will never hurt me.” I appreciate that this was an effort by our parents to rise above any...
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