In honor of the one-year Book Birthday for RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE, its new shiny Newbery Sticker, and a STAR for my forthcoming picture book, I'LL GO AND COME BACK, I'm giving away a signed copy of both books! Both these books are very close to my heart, and I'm so grateful to have them in the … [Read more...]
A HUGE Giveaway to End 2021!
2021 has been quite a year . . . in the midst of some very difficult times, I've been very grateful to release SIX books this year! To celebrate, I'm giving away a bundle of signed copies all eight of my books, including my novels MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM, RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE, MUCH ADO ABOUT BASEBALL, … [Read more...]
My Favorite MG Novels in Verse!
I was delighted to be on the PragmaticMom Blog writing about some of my favorite middle grade novels in verse! Check out the post and enter the giveaway! … [Read more...]
RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE on Kidlit Takeaways!
I was thrilled to see RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE featured on kidlittakeaways on Instagram! Read the "takeaways" that my brilliant agent, my wonderful editor, and I got from working on RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE, and enter the giveaway on Instagram through April 9! … [Read more...]
A Beautiful Book Giveaway to Thank Joy McCullough!
Three years ago, I entered Pitch Wars with my book, MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM. I was nervous, and I didn't expect to get in, but I figured I didn't have anything to lose by trying. And then, at the end of August, I found out that Joy McCullough had chosen to mentor me! Her suggested edits weren't easy, but … [Read more...]
RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE Cover Reveal and ARC giveaway!
I am utterly thrilled to share the cover of my next middle grade novel, RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE, coming February 2, 2021 with Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins! RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE is a novel-in-verse set in 1983 about 13-year-old Reha, the daughter of Indian immigrants, who feels … [Read more...]
A Big Birthday Giveaway!!
Today is my birthday. It’s a BIG birthday. Today, I turn 50! Unfortunately, I’m not celebrating it the way I thought I would. The world is dealing with a pandemic. We’re being socially distant. Schools are closed, people are working from home, the streets are empty, and we’re not sure how … [Read more...]
Cover Reveal: GIRL VERSUS SQUIRREL by Hayley Barrett, Illustrated by Renée Andriani
Today, on National Squirrel Appreciation Day, I'm thrilled to reveal the cover of the latest picture book by my dear friend and critique partner, Hayley Barrett! Hayley is the author of BABYMOON, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, and WHAT MISS MITCHELL SAW, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. Her next … [Read more...]
Farewell 2019, Hello 2020!
Last year, I chose a theme word for 2019 using this word generator and got "savor," which felt perfect for me and my baking-themed debut novel. Here's what I said looking ahead to 2019: 2019 is going to be full of exciting moments, and I'm going to try to savor them, to slow down and revel a bit … [Read more...]
Teachers and Classmates
Even though I've been out of school for quite some time, the start of a new school year still inspires anticipation and excitement. My own kids are eager to start new classes, connect with teachers, and see their classmates again. We're a little sad that summer is over, but we're also kind of glad … [Read more...]
A Shakespearean Giveaway!
It's April 23, the day the world celebrates the birth of William Shakespeare! I fell in love with Shakespeare's words as a kid, and each year I discover more to love about his poetry and plays. MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM was inspired by one of his best-known and beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream. … [Read more...]