From The Mixed Up Files

It’s a pleasure to welcome back Joy McCullough to the blog, this time to share her heartfelt, hope-filled novel-in-verse, KESTREL TAKES FLIGHT. Like all of Joy’s books, this story draws readers in and takes them on a compelling journey. In KESTREL TAKES FLIGHT, that journey involves the wilds of Montana, a special breed of dog, and a girl learning to stand up for herself. Thank you to Joy for taking time to discuss her new book!   You’ve written in multiple genres, from picture books to middle grade to young adult to plays – and in...

Want to protect writers and have a character named after you or someone you love in a book by an author like David Baldacci, Jennifer Egan, or Brigid Kemmerer? You’re in luck. Place the winning bid in the PEN America Character Naming Auction and not only will you see your name in a future book, along with a signed copy, but you’ll support PEN America’s Author Safety Program, a program designed to protect writers facing harassment, threats, and intimidation both online and in person. The auction ends on May 15, 2026 @ 5:00 PM ET, so go here to get your...

Nowadays children are confronted with adult issues and decisions daily. Social media influences, families, schools and communities expect young people to grow up fast. For many kids this passage to adulthood is fragmented and difficult. Kids love graphic novels because of the vibrant illustrations, the spot-on humor and the space...

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math! This month we’ve got a treat: TWO author interviews for the price of ONE! And, of course, they’re both free. First up, we’ve got Stephanie Gibeault, author of Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other...

It’s a pleasure to welcome back Joy McCullough to the blog, this time to share her heartfelt, hope-filled novel-in-verse, KESTREL TAKES FLIGHT. Like all of Joy’s books, this story draws readers in and takes them on a compelling journey. In KESTREL TAKES FLIGHT, that journey involves the wilds of Montana, a...

The end of the school year can be a challenge. Excitement is high. Patience may be low. And student attention is fading. Sometimes you just need to press pause and take your students outside for a bit of fresh air. Yet that break can be productive if you ask them...

From Pura Belpré Honor recipient Angela Cervantes and perfectly timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy follows 12-year-old sleuth Diez Espada on a high-stakes case as he tracks down the tournament’s stolen trophy in time for the championship match. Also available in Spanish!...

I’m delighted to welcome award-winning author Fleur Bradley to the blog. I first discovered Fleur when I devoured her middle grade mystery Midnight at the Barclay Hotel. With its clever clues and spectacular twist, it felt very Agatha Christie for kids. I became an instant fan. She followed with Daybreak on...