Hi Reader, When I first started reading middle grade books in 2019, I quickly found myself gravitating toward debut authors. Because it's harder and harder to get published, most debut authors need to have a fresh approach to storytelling or a unique story to tell -- something that gets (sometimes) jaded agents and publishers excited to sell. So, when I began doing author visits, I knew I wanted to bring at least one debut author to meet students. In January, we're hosting our first middle...
6 months ago • 3 min read
This week's newsletter is sponsored by The Gift: A Sammy Greene Adventure (Premonition) and E.C. Quinn BUY ON AMAZON When 12-year-old Sammy inherits a “Gift” of mysterious premonitions, he sets off to save the dog from his dreams. Instead, he uncovers a sinister animal-testing operation. Surrounded by suffering animals and armed with only his pet mouse, hoodie, and dead grandmother's cryptic advice, will Sammy escape before they all perish? 🚨The Gift eBook will be $0.99 on Amazon Kindle...
6 months ago • 3 min read
Hi there, Reader! Have you ever experienced an author visit? As someone who’s done (and still offers) school visits, I understand how powerful author visits can be for kids. They spark joy, inspire students to tell stories, and complement readalouds brilliantly. Unfortunately, they can be logistically and financially challenging to organize. Hence the increased popularity of virtual author visits. Virtual author visits are a more accessible alternative with just as much reward. If you’ve been...
9 months ago • 1 min read
Hello! I hope you've had a great week. This weekend, I'm doing a digital detox of sorts, and I'm looking forward to disconnecting and getting some much-needed rest. I'm also reading so many wonderful middle grade books these days. My summer reading experiences have been truly great so far. Speaking of all things summer, I shared a list of 15 excellent middle grade books set at summer camps, including a new fall release I started reading this week! Here's a fun poll to test the summer spirit...
12 months ago • 4 min read
This week's newsletter is sponsored by Girly Stuff Inc. It's Personal by Carmen Ayala Brown Buy on Amazon When Resa stumbles upon a glamorous charity ball with a noble cause, she sees an opportunity to make a difference. With unwavering determination, Resa and her companions embark on a mission to create something truly extraordinary for the auction block. Author Carmen Ayala Brown weaves a delightful tale that celebrates the boundless potential of young girls. Hello friend, How are you? I've...
about 1 year ago • 3 min read
IT'S HEREEEE! After months of reading over 100 books, weeks of curating a tight list of 30, weeks of designing a beautiful printable with my team, and hours of writing just enough information about each book, my labor of love is here. GET THE GUIDE I'd love to hear what you think about this guide and which books you're most excited to read! 📚 Patreon members: This guide is a membership perk; no purchases necessary! Just head over to our Patreon homepage for instructions on how to download the...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi friends, How's it going? The next email you receive from me on Monday, May 6 will include a link to the SUMMER READING GUIDE! Can you believe it? Here's a sneak peek of the cover: I'm obsessed! 😍 Patreon members saw the other two cover options earlier this week, and we ended up going with this one. I love all the vibrant colors and can't wait to share the vibrant stories in the guide. Our Summer Reading Guide is uniquely designed to offer you a wide range of reading options, especially if...
about 1 year ago • 3 min read
Hi there! It's the run-up to the last week of Summer Reading Guide prep and boy have I been READING! We're also reviewing the final guide design and y'all, I'm so excited for you to see this guide! It's a beautiful printable document with 30 main recommended books, plenty of readalike suggestions, and extra features chock-full of additional recommendations too. For one, we're bringing back the Better on Audio and Summer Reading BINGO sections. We're also including some engaging new features...
about 1 year ago • 3 min read
This week's newsletter is sponsored by J.Y. Harris and Timekeepers: A Revolutionary Tale! The Everheart siblings are taking part in a battle re-enactment of the American Revolution when they inexplicably find themselves back in 1777—for real. Can the two squabbling teens work together to survive their time-bending adventure? “Definitely a fun read that I would recommend” — 4.2/5 reader rating Buy on Amazon Hi! Happy Friday! We had a full-on rainy morning here today and it pretty much canceled...
almost 2 years ago • 1 min read