What's New?

Thrilled to announce that LIFEBOAT 12, my debut middle grade novel about a true but little-known WWII event, just won the SCBWI Golden Kite Award for middle grade fiction. (See below for photos of the awards gala.) 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." The Nerdy Book Club called it one of the best novels in verse of the year! 

 

Also new 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.

  

 

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June 2017

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. 

May, 2017

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.

 

                                     The awards ceremony with Father Jonathan Morris and Ada's Violin illustrator

                                     Sally Wern Comport

April, 2017

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! 

 

 

March, 2017

Diving into a New Book

Working 24/7 on a thrilling new project. More news when I come up for air! 

February, 2017

Bluebonnet Books

ADA is nominated for the 2017-2018 Texas Bluebonnet Award. Thank you, Texas librarians and kids, and congrats to all. I've read a bunch of these and can't wait to check out the rest!

 

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January, 2017

Mock Caldecotts and Siebert Smackdowns

Every year teachers around the country get their kids buzzing about books and the ALA Youth Media Awards (held at the end of January) by holding their own mock competitions. Author Melissa Stewart explains how it works in this blog post and teacher Michele Knott talks about how these projects enourage young readers to look through a critical lens. Thanks for sharing these photos with me and congrats to all the winners! 

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Author Visits

I'd love to come to your event! Click here to contact me about scheduling a visit to your school, library, bookstore or book festival.

 

 

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Upcoming Events

  • May 4, 2019

    Hudson Children's

    Book Festival

    215 Harry Howard Ave. 
    Hudson, NY 12534

    hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com

    10:00am to 3:00pm
  • May 18, 2019

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    Chatham High School

    255 Lafayette Avenue
    Chatham Township, NJ 07928

    7:30am to 1:00pm
  • October 5, 2019

    Chappaqua Children's

    Book Festival

    Robert E. Bell Middle School
    50 Senter St, Chappaqua, NY 10514

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    10:00am to 4:00pm
  • October 12, 2019

    Warwick Children's Book Festival
    c/o Albert Wisner Public Library
    1 McFarland Drive
    Warwick, NY   10990
    845.986.1047
    warbookfest@rcls.org

    11:00am to 4:00pm