Anchors aweigh! LIFEBOAT 12, my debut middle grade novel-in-verse, is in bookstores NOW! In a *STARRED* review, SLJ says, "This stirring novel-in-verse based on a true story is an edge-of-your-seat survival tale, an extensively researched work of historical fiction, and an exemplar of the form."
Also new for 2018 is SHAKING THINGS UP: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World. Take a look at my interview with Mr. Schu and the book trailer here!
Wow! ADA'S VIOLIN was named an E.B. White Honor Book! Quite the honor indeed to be in the company of some of my favorite picture books from 2016. See photos below.
SHAKING THINGS UP
14 Young Women Who Changed the World
It's here, it's here! The book I worked on days, nights and weekends all last year is on the bookshelves now. Check out the book trailer, an interview with Mr. Schu, and a podcast on All the Wonders with Matthew Winner. Couldn't be prouder of this book written, illustrated, edited and art-directed by women! And P.S. Check out the gorgeous case cover hiding under the jacket!
Highlights
You know what they say about pictures and 1000 words.
2017 Américas Award at the Library of Congress with ADA'S VIOLIN illustrator Sally Wern Comport
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Chappaqua Children's Book Festival
2017 Connecticut Book Awards at the Mark Twain House with Doe Boyle, Leslie Bulion, Mary-Kelly Busch, Bina Williams, Leslie Connor, winner Karen Fortunati, and Paul Meisel
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School visits!
DOUBLE TAKE Book Trailer
"Who is AHEAD and who is BEHIND is different for everyone standing in line." It's all about perspective! Here's a peek inside my newest book, with art by debut illustrator Jay Fleck, published by Candlewick. Julie Danielson writing in Kirkus Reviews calls it "a thought-provoking book that will prompt questions for child readers about perspective and point of view. ... a powerful notion for children, particularly at the me-me-me stage of development." See more reviews here.
E. B. White Awards
One day ago, on May 31, this happened—the E. B. White Awards at Book Expo America in New York. DU IZ TAK? by Carson Ellis was named the winner and ADA'S VIOLIN was named one of five honor books. (See the complete list here.) I can still hardly believe I got to share the afternoon with these kidlit superheroes!
Clockwise from top left: Richard Peck, honoree for THE BEST MAN; Julie Fogliano, honoree for WHEN GREEN BECOMES TOMATOES; Marla Frazee and Gene Luen Yang, Indie Champion Honorees.
The Christopher Award!
Blown away to have Ada's Violin awarded the 2017 Christopher Award for books, ages 8 and up. The medal is inscribed with the words "Better to Light One Candle Than to Curse the Darkness" and is given annually to books, movies and television shows "that affirm the highest values of the human spirit." Congratulations to all the other winners, including the children's book authors and illustrators of Baby Wren and the Great Gift; What Do You Do With a Problem; Ida, Always; Soar; and Unbound.
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The awards ceremony with Father Jonathan Morris and Ada's Violin illustrator
Sally Wern Comport
A Day to Remember
On April 6, ADA'S VIOLIN was awarded Bank Street's 2017 Flora Steiglitz Straus Award for children's literature, alongside Congressman John Lewis's MARCH and Caren Stelson's SACHIKO. The award is given anually to a "distinguished work of nonfiction which serves as an inspiration to young people." And I got to meet illustrator Sally Wern Comport for the first time!
As a long-time devotee of Bank Street, this recognition means the world to me. Heartfelt thanks to the Children's Book Committee and congratulations to all the other winners. Find out more here.
P.S. It wasn't until I got home that I discovered that LEAPS AND BOUNCE and MISSION: BACK TO SCHOOL were also listed in Bank Street's Best Children's Books of the Year!
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NCTE Annual Convention
"Developing Identity, Empathy, and
Community through Daily
Picture Book Read Alouds"
Chair & Presenter
Jillian Heise
Grand Ballroom B
George R. Brown
Convention Center
Houston, TX
NCSS Annual Conference
Featured Speaker 9-10am
Book signing 10-12pm
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL
