On August 23, I interviewed both Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko about their book DOGTOWN, a new Middle Grade novel that debuted today, September 19, 2023. Dogtown is a shelter for stray dogs, misbehaving dogs, and discarded robot dogs, whose owners have outgrown them. Chance, a real dog, has been in Dogtown since her owners […]
I’ve featured Carrie Lara’s picture books before, including Marvelous Maravilloso and The Heart of Mi Familia. Carrie’s newest book, OUT OF THE FIRES: A JOURNAL OF RESILIENCE AND RECOVERY AFTER DISASTER, is very much needed. It not only helps with healing after trauma, but also in cultivating resilience. After a fire destroys his home […]
I met Jennifer Baker at a writing retreat and I always thought she had such beautiful writing. Her debut YA novel, FORGIVE ME NOT, is not only both captivating and engaging, it also offers an informative and critical lens into juvenile justice system. All it took was one night and one bad decision for […]
I’ve been honored to feature Evelyn Skye’s YA books Circle of Shadows and The Crown’s Game. When I heard the premise of her new fantasy for adult readers, I couldn’t wait to feature it. THE HUNDRED LOVES OF JULIET explores the nuances of love, grief, and loss and is perfect for readers looking for a […]
I’ve interviewed both Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko before, and when I heard they had co-written a book, I couldn’t wait to feature it. DOGTOWN is a new Middle Grade novel set to debut on September 19, 2023. Dogtown is a shelter for stray dogs, misbehaving dogs, and discarded robot dogs, whose owners have outgrown […]
I first heard about Emily Barth Isler’s Middle Grade book AFTERMATH in a Children’s Lit newsletter I get from Sharon Levin, and I immediately fell in love with the premise. Emily also has a book coming out next year called The Color of Sound, which will be available for pre-order starting November 2023. After […]
I last featured Nikki Shannon Smith back when her book The Amazing Life of Azalea Lane came out. She now has mulitple books, including a Middle Grade Historical Fiction book in Girls Survive series, called LENA AND THE BURNING OF GREENWOOD, as well as new and upcoming books in her Brown Baby Parade board book […]
I last interviewed Katherine Applegate about THE ONE AND ONLY BOB, the sequel to her Newbery Award-winning book THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. I am thrilled to report that a main character in both books, Ruby the Elephant, now has her own story–THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY. In addition, Katherine co-wrote an upcoming Middle Grade […]
I met Natasha Yim at the Green Gulch Creative Writing Retreat through SCBWI SF North & East Bay which occurs twice a year. At the retreat, I read a few of her books, and wanted to feature some of them below: On Luna’s birthday, the whole family goes out for dim sum–but Luna and […]
When I saw the premise of SECOND CHANCE SUMMER by Sarah Kapit, I couldn’t wait to feature it! Not only does it have a summer theater camp as its background, it also has an extremely engaging voice. Libraries should definitely get this one on their shelves! Maddie and Chloe have always been best friends—until last […]