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WHISPERING PINES, by Heidi Lang and Kati Bartkowski

I've had the honor to interview Heidi Lang and Kati Bartkowski before. Their new creepy Middle Grade novel, WHISPERING PINES, debuted on September 1, 2020: Rae’s father vanished without a trace—and Rae knows what happened to him. But…
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Aria Jones and the Guardian’s Wedja by Malayna Evans

I was lucky to feature the first book in Malayna Evans's Jagger Jones series here.  The newest installment, set to release on August 25, features Jagger's younger sister, Aria, as she discovers new powers in their return trip to ancient Egypt:   Twelve-year-old…
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THE SUMMER WE FOUND THE BABY by Amy Hest

I was intrigued by this middle grade historical novel from award-winning author Amy Hest. Debuting August 4, this is a book that librarians should definitely get their hands on and add to their collections: On the morning of the dedication…
katherine applegate author photo
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THE ONE AND ONLY BOB by Katherine Applegate

It's always an honor to talk with Newbery Award winner Katherine Applegate. I originally interviewed her here, and once I found out that Bob from THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN had his own book, I contacted her for a follow-up. THE ONE AND ONLY BOB is…
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THE STEPMOM SHAKE-UP by Niki Lenz

I got acquainted with Niki Lenz and her books through a Facebook group we are a part of. Her newest Middle Grade book, THE STEPMOM SHAKE-UP is due out on June 16. Have a look:     After Grace's mom died, she and her dad…
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THE SIMPLE ART OF FLYING (a.k.a. CALL ME ALASTAIR) by Cory Leonardo

As soon as I heard the premise for THE SIMPLE ART OF FLYING (published in other regions as CALL ME ALASTAIR) I couldn't wait to feature it. It's a lovely story that explores loneliness as well as finding family and true friends.   Sometimes…
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RED HOOD by Elana K. Arnold

I met award-winning author Elana K. Arnold at one of the final author events I went to pre-quarantine. She writes some of the most visceral prose I've read, and Red Hood is her newest YA novel: Since her grandmother became her caretaker when…
Tara Sim
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SCAVENGE THE STARS by Tara Sim

I was delighted to interview Tara Sim here, here, and here. When I heard about her newest book, SCAVANGE THE STARS, a gender-swapped re-imagining of The Count of Monte Cristo, I couldn't wait to feature it: When Amaya rescues a mysterious…
Jennifer Camiccia, author
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THE MEMORY KEEPER by Jennifer Camiccia

I met Jennifer Camiccia at last year's SCBWI Oktoberfest, and I was immediately struck by how knowledgeable she was. Her middle grade book, THE MEMORY KEEPER, is a heartfelt story that explores the importance of preserving memories and family…
Do Not Open Until Dec 25 Photo by Nathan Anderson
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Wrapping Up 2019

In wrapping up 2019, I wanted to reflect on the books and authors that taught me the most about writing this year. Some gave me ideas for manuscripts-in-progress. Others offered much needed wisdom about craft and what makes a good story, and…