I am happy to host, Linda Hubalek, today. She’s stopping by as part of the WOW! blog tour. She is giving away one copy of her historical fiction book, Trail of Thread, as an e-book, which can be read on a Kindle. If you’d like to win a copy or even just say, HI! GOOD [...]

Joplin was hit by an F5 tornado as you have probably heard on the news and seen on the Internet. This is a photo from there. I wanted to take a break from what I usually do on my blog to talk about this because I have many writer friends in the Joplin area, and [...]

*Picture book, historical fiction, preschoolers through second graders *5-year-old girl as main character *Rating: Mailing May is a delightful picture book, based on a remarkable true story that you probably haven’t heard before. Short, short summary: May wants to visit her grandmother 75 miles away in Lewiston, Idaho in 1914. Her parents don’t have enough [...]

*Picture book for preschoolers through first graders, contemporary *Young girl as a main character *Rating: I Miss You Every Day by Caldecott winner Simms Taback is a sweet book with bright, colorful illustrations that kids will want to read over and over again. Short, short summary: In this book, a young girl is missing someone [...]

Just like using children’s and YA books with kids and teens, you can also use short stories, poems, and articles from the many popular children’s magazines, such as Cricket, Highlights for Kids, or Girls Life. Each new issue provides tons of lesson opportunities whether you are a classroom teacher, librarian, home school parent, or grandparent. [...]

*Picture book, fiction for preschoolers through 2nd graders (although there’s something for older kids, too) *Young boy as main character *Rating: The Great White House Breakout is a clever book with wonderful illustrations and a storyline to get kids and adults talking about the President of the U.S.–in a good way! Short, short summary: Sam [...]

*Picture book, fantasy, for preschoolers through 2nd graders *Penguin and boy (from Lost and Found) are main characters *Rating: Up and Down by Oliver Jeffers will make you smile and celebrate friendship! Short, short summary: Penguin and boy are best friends. Penguin gets the idea that he would love to fly. He has wings, so [...]

I am happy to tell you about Dripping Blood Cave and Other Ghostly Stories from Crickhollow Books today and to be GIVING AWAY ONE FREE COPY from the publisher. Just leave a comment on this post by Sunday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m. CST for your chance to win (U.S. and Canada mailing addresses only [...]

I’ve decided this week I am going to celebrate middle-grade novels. I just finished teaching the WOW! Women On Writing Course, “Writing a Middle-Grade Novel,” and it has me so excited about this genre–again. (By the way, that class will be starting again on May 11 if you are beginning or in the middle of [...]