Every year, I host an after school club called “Write Your Own Book Club.” It’s open to grades 2-5, and we meet for an hour after school for four weeks. Every year, I go in expecting to teach the kids some things about writing: voice, character, and plot. Every year, they end up teaching me… Read more »
Books for Kids
For All the Cheese Lovers
If you love cheese, you won’t want to miss my new story in the February 2026 issue of Highlights for Children!
Book an Author Visit this year!
Milestones Matter
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. That’s what I wanted for my writing career: a nice, straight short line from typing my opening lines to holding my published (and well-reviewed) book in my hands. I should have known it wouldn’t happen like that. I already know that the most interesting stories… Read more »
Signing a New Book Contract
Last week, I signed a new book contract, and I am thrilled. This book is really special and while I don’t have all the details to share right now, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating. Every book contract is cause for celebration, but this one is special. In many ways this story started when… Read more »
When You Finally Get to Hold Your New Book!
I’m so thrilled I was finally able to hold my new book in my hands last week – what a joy! I remember each stage of the process of creating this book. It started out as an idea for a field guide for kids to learn HOW to listen to bird song. Then it became… Read more »
Books and Board Games: For Sushi Lovers
Can’t get enough of sushi? Love taking the family out to eat some nigiri and tamago and sashimi? Then I have a tasty book and game combo for you. But this time, I’m switching things up. Instead of a board game it’s a card game. And instead of a picture book, this book and game… Read more »
Books and Board Games – For Adventures in Space Lovers!
Want to blast off with some fun books and board games? This unusual pairing is sure to launch your space adventurers into the stars. First we have the card game Space Team created by Stellar Factory. Like most rocket launches, this game is LOUD!! The entire game is about communicating with your astronaut crew to… Read more »
Critique Group Feedback on Creating Characters and Connecting with Readers
Getting into costume is a great way to get into character. Writers need to get into their character’s head every time they write a story. But they also need to get into their reader’s head and figure out how their reader will connect with their main character. It’s not easy to hold all of… Read more »
New Book!! Elizebeth Friedman: Expert Codebreaker of World War II (Women Warriors of World War II)
For many years, I couldn’t tell people where my parents worked. I could only say, “the department of defense.” Now, I can tell people they worked for the National Security Agency. That’s why I feel such a special connection to this new book, Elizebeth Friedman: Expert Codebreaker of World War II. Elizebeth’s story was secret for… Read more »