This fall, I joined the #KidsNeedMentors program, which matches authors with teachers and classrooms across the country to form a school-year partnership to connect kids to authors and inspire them as readers and writers. I was matched with Patricia Palmer's 4th grade class in Stoughton, MA. So far … [Read more...]
2019 Writer’s Loft Holiday Book Bazaar at An Unlikely Story!
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon right after Thanksgiving, a bunch of book lovers got to kick off the holiday shopping season in epic fashion at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA! I joined a fantastic group of authors and illustrators who have all done events at The Writers' Loft, a wonderful … [Read more...]
The Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books of 2019!
I am honored and utterly thrilled that MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM was named one of the best middle grade books of 2019 by Kirkus Reviews! It's wonderful to be on this list with so many incredible authors, many of whom I've met in my travels this year! Check out the full list here. … [Read more...]
Family Night at Heath School!
I got to visit wonderful Heath School in Brookline, MA for a fantastic Family Night! After I presented to young readers and their families, students purchased MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM from superb local bookstore Brookline Booksmith, and had them inscribed and signed! … [Read more...]
Kids’ Baking Contest at Aesop’s Fable!
Aesop's Fable, a fantastic bookstore in Holliston, MA chose MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM as their Middle Grade Book Club selection for October 2019! And that's why I got to spend an afternoon with an incredible group of young readers and bakers! The kids, who ranged in age from 7 to 13, brought in homemade … [Read more...]
nErDCamp LI!
I was honored to join almost 50 fellow authors and over 300 educators at nErDCampLI this year! We shared inspiration, information, and our love of books, and a wonderful time was had by all! The incredible organizers made us all feel like stars...just take a look at the decorations, complete with a … [Read more...]
CASL/CECA 2019!
I headed to Harford, CT to connect with librarians, teachers, and technology experts. Along the way, I got to hang out with some awesome fellow authors!! … [Read more...]
Tweens Read!!
I was so incredibly lucky to be a part of Tweens Read, an astounding book festival put on by Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston, TX!! On Friday evening, I got to meet fellow authors in the lovely bookstore, enjoy some snacks, and add my signature to the wall of authors!! The next day, we gathered at … [Read more...]
Sedgwick Middle School!
I also visited wonderful Sedgwick Middle School in West Hartford, CT and ate lunch with some incredible middle grade readers! We chatted about writing and publishing, and I was so impressed with these students' love of books! … [Read more...]
Bristow Middle School!
I traveled to Bristow Middle School in West Hartford, CT to visit some awesome students!! Not only had many of them read MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM; a couple of young bakers made scrumptious gulab jakmun cupcakes and chocolate chunk cookies with thyme and citrus zest from the book! After snacking and … [Read more...]
McIntyre’s Books!
I met up with my awesome friend Gillian McDunn and another incredible author, Frances O'Roark Dowell, for a wonderful middle grade event on a rainy Sunday at McIntyre's Books in Pittsboro, NC! Before the panel, we were interviewed by a lovely tween blogger! The panel was full of great questions and … [Read more...]
Folio Books!
While I was in San Francisco, I got to visit a charming and magical bookstore, Folio Books, and present to their Middle Grade Book Worms club! The kids got to enjoy pizza and drinks, participate in a smelling contest, get their copies of MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM signed, and sign my "yearbook" … [Read more...]
Kidquake!!
I was so fortunate to be invited to Kidquake at the San Francisco Public Library this year!! As part of the annual Litquake celebration, I got to present alongside amazing authors and illustrators Ellen Klages, Diana Toledano, and K-Fai Steele!! The auditorium full of students heard about our … [Read more...]
Greenbrier School!
I loved visiting wonderful Greenbrier School in Arlington Heights, IL, where I presented to over 200 4th and 5th graders thanks to my wonderful publisher and The Book Stall. The kids were attentive, appreciative, and amazing! … [Read more...]
Ivy Hill School!
Thanks to my awesome publisher and The Book Stall, I got to visit over 200 4th and 5th graders at the Ivy Hill School in Arlington Heights, IL! The kids were absolutely wonderful, and I loved visiting this fantastic school! … [Read more...]
Builta School!
Visiting the Builta School in Bolingbrook, IL was such a treat...just take a look at the incredible MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM art they created using their school mascot, the badger! The students also made cupcake art, described ingredients they'd use in their baked goods, and wrote about creating with … [Read more...]
St. Mary School!
Thanks to Anderson's Bookshop, I traveled to DeKalb, IL to visit fifth and sixth graders at St. Mary School! The students and teachers were absolutely lovely, and had some great insights and questions about writing! … [Read more...]
Carmichael’s Kids!
Another writer dream came true for me when I had the opportunity to have an author event at an iconic bookstore in the town where I grew up! Carmichael's Kids is full of delight for young readers...and I was so thrilled to talk about MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM there! … [Read more...]
St. Agnes School!
I wrapped up my Louisville school visits at lovely St. Agnes School, where I met with some super-enthusiastic students who asked excellent questions! … [Read more...]
Returning to Louisville Collegiate School!
I was incredibly fortunate to return to my own wonderful alma mater, Louisville Collegiate School, for a MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM school visit! This is the school I attended from fourth grade through the end of high school, the school that shaped me. I wouldn't be who I am without this school, and if I … [Read more...]