From The Mixed Up Files

Growing up, my parents always made this time of year special with festive lights, delicious food, and beloved family rituals. As an adult, I always enjoyed recreating that joy with my own family during the winter.  Unfortunately, life isn’t always predictable and this year I find myself navigating divorce with a 10-year old in the mix. While researching potential books to offer my child some literary comfort, I noticed how few middle-grade novels address kids coping with major life changes during this season (*hint* *hint* fellow writers). I did, however, uncover five incredible stories that...

In November, as pundits discussed polls and politicians held watch parties, a quiet victory took place. Of course it was quiet — this victory went to the librarians. Publishers Weekly reports that in thousands of school board elections across the country, “voters leaned toward candidates who emphasized equity and consensus-building, and rejected division and censorship.” The trend is undeniable: People want diversity, access, and professional respect returned to public education. In one Kansas county, a parent entered the race because diversity, equity, and inclusion were being erased from the local school system; that parent won. In New Mexico, two candidates...

Growing up, my parents always made this time of year special with festive lights, delicious food, and beloved family rituals. As an adult, I always enjoyed recreating that joy with my own family during the winter.  Unfortunately, life isn’t always predictable and this year I find myself navigating divorce with...

Writing tips & more! Electricity Activities with electricity can be dangerous, of course, but there is the old standby – static electricity. While under some circumstances, static electricity can be extremely hazardous, small amounts are fun for kid activities. Many people will remember rubbing a balloon on your head and...

Today, let’s give an enthusiastic Mixed-Up Files welcome to writer and screenwriter Simon Stephenson, author of the debut MG novel, The Snowman Code. The novel, first published in the U.K. in 2024, and illustrated by Reggie Brown, has been praised by The Guardian as: “Sparkling, humorous, and poignant.” It’s out...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I’m not talking about the holiday season. It’s almost time for the American Library Association’s (ALA) annual youth media awards! Held on Monday, January 26th, 2026, the youth media awards include the most prestigious awards for children’s literature, including the John...

December is here. Take a break from the year-end rush and curl up with some fun December New Releases. (They all pair well with some hot cocoa, a couple of cookies, and a cozy blanket).   Asterwood by Jacquelyn Stolos Family secrets, friendship, and magic burst from the seams of...

Don’t wait for a writing community to show up. Create one. Invite, seek and you will find. Turn off your phone. Read. Read. Read. Did I say read? Live in gratitude If you are not where you want to be that’s okay. It means you know what you want. Even...