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.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
December 2023 As the holiday season approaches I’m determined to be chill and not too wound up about everything having to be perfect. This plan involves lots of deep breathing and getting enough...
Here in the Real World; “Lucky” to be Raising an Artist
I confess that I often get choked up when reading novels for young readers. But reading Sara Pennypacker’s latest novel, “Here in the Real World,” was the first time I remember actually bursting...
Love Like Sky (it’s never ending)
Love Like Sky - Best Title Ever! Sometimes I am like a magpie, grabbing shiny books suggestions from so many places that I can’t keep track of where the recommendation came from. Which is to...
Great Balance of Potty Humor and Serious Science in “Who Gives a Poop?”
Anyone who has been paying attention to kidlit for the last decade or more will tell you, non-fiction is no longer the dry reciting of facts (which of course you can now get online), but instead has...
Just Catching Up…
I try to post book reviews after they've run in the newspaper but I really fell down on the job and am trying to slowly catch up. This post is something of a milestone as it is the last book review...
Summer Vacation … Extended
More trips in September! This one to see my oldest daughter, Claire, and Cary, her fiancé, and their new home in Minneapolis near Lake Harriet, for those of you who know the city. I am obsessed with...
Finding Adventure and Whimsy in Boring, Illinois
Whimsy and adventure are alive and well in Boring, Illinois
Friendship Built on Scrabble
Any book with Scrabble at its heart is bound to be a favorite with me …
As School Begins Again, Here Are 2 Books Set in School
As the school year begins again, I thought I'd post reviews of two school-related books. One is aptly titled, "The Class," and the other is "Queen Bee and Me." The Class: A Story Told By 20 Voices...
Because of Khalid Might Inspire Young Readers to Take a Stand Against Poaching
Carolyn Armstrong’s book, “Because of Khalid” (Tiger Stripe Publishing), is set in Tanzania. This story interested me because its setting is not a common one for middle grade books, so it gives...
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