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Happy 4th Anniversary to STEM Tuesday and a BIG GIVEAWAY!!

By on October 18, 2021   /   Articles, For Teachers, Giveaways, STEM Tuesday  

 

The entire STEM Tuesday team is SO excited to be celebrating our FOURTH anniversary!! We have enjoyed every minute of it and hope you have, too.

Our goal, when we started this blog was to provide  engaging, exciting, and inspiring STEM/STEAM activities and literacy connections to all of our readers. Over the past three years, we have taken a deep dive into so many unique and interesting topics.

From conservation, to Health, to Field Work, and even Exploration and Technology. We have featured graphic novels, Women’s History month, sharks, and activity books. And who can forget the posts on epic achievements and fantastic failures? Such important concepts in all of STEM/STEAM.

If you have used STEM Tuesday’s posts in your classroom or homeschool, let us know by commenting below. We’d like to hear what kind of  STEM/STEAM activities and literacy connections your student’s are enjoying. If there is topic that we haven’t covered yet and you’d like to see, please also let us know. You can email us at stemmuf@gmail.com

We, the entire STEM Tuesday team, thank you for reading our posts and using our resources in your classroom or homeschool. After all, it’s all about inspiring kids (of all ages) to engage with STEM and STEAM!

As a way to share our excitement of this anniversary, we are giving YOU the prizes.

Take a look at some of the amazing giveaways being offered:

 

Author Jennifer SwansonFrom Author Jennifer Swanson

TWO free books

The Secret Science of Sports book

 

Newman headshot

From Author  Patricia Newman

Whose books include:  Planry Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean, and Eavesdropping on Elephants

One FREE 15-20 minute Skype Visit 

 

 

 

Author Heather L. Montgomery

From Author Heather L. Montgomery,

Whose books include:  Who Gives a Poop? Surprising Science from One End to the Other and Something Rotten: A Fresh Look at Roadkill.

One FREE 15-20 minute Skype Visit 

 

 

From Author Nancy Castaldo

Whose books include:  The Farm that Feeds Us and Back from the Brink: Saving Animals from Extinction

One FREE 15-20 minute Skype Visit

 

From Author Janet Slingerland

Whose books include Atoms and Molecules

One FREE 15-20 minute Skype Visit

 

 

 

Sue Heavenrich, author

From Author Sue Heavenrich 

1 copy of

13 Ways to Eat Fly Book

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Hays

 

Mike Hays is offering a 20-minute classroom Zoom to talk about STEM Tuesday and the ways STEM intersects with all aspects of life and literature.

 

From Author Mary Kay Carson 

Two books:

Escape from the Titanic book  Emi and the Rhino Scientist book

 

From Author Kirsten W. Larson  

1 copy of
Wood Wire Wings book

 

From Author Karen Latchana Kenney 

TWO STEM books for  giveaway: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND  ONE FREE $25 Gift Card to Barnes and Noble (from the whole team) 

ENTER TO WIN BY CLICKING ON THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW

We salute all of you teachers, librarians, and parents who are doing an AWESOME job teaching your kids/students this school year. If you are looking for virtual visits, please be sure to check our websites.

Many of us are offering activities and virtual events. You can find us all HERE. 

THANK YOU for reading along with STEM Tuesday. Cheers to another great year. GO STEM!!!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Five Writing Tips From Five MG Authors

By on October 15, 2021   /   For Writers, Writing  

I’m always on the look out for new writing tools and techniques to try, so for this From The Mixed Up Files post, I asked some of my middle-grade author friends how they approach 5 different parts of the process to write a story: world-building, starting a story, pacing, plot and, especially for Halloween, writing spooky scenes. Here’s what they told me:

How do you begin the work of creating a story, from your initial idea to writing your first line?

Lorien Lawrence answered this question. Lorien is the author of THE STITCHERS and its sequel THE COLLECTORS.

“For me, all of my books start with a song. I have to make a soundtrack before I begin. That way, I get immersed in the mood of the story, and I can start to choreograph scenes in my head even when I’m not physically writing. I’ve been creating these kinds of playlists since I was a kid, and they really help me to stay inspired.”

Oooh, great idea!

How do you create the world your story will be set in, and while you’re writing, how do you make that world seem spooky?

Victoria Piontek answered this question. Victoria is the author of THE SPIRIT OF CATTAIL COUNTY and her most recent novel, BETTER WITH BUTTER.

“Creating the world where my story will be set is one of my favorite parts of writing. It’s so fun to invent a world that feels authentic enough to be real yet unique enough to be fictional. To get that just-right mix, I use inspiration from real life. If I see a building or a natural feature in my day-to-day life or travels, I try to remember the essence of the place by jotting down sensory details in my writer’s notebook. Later, when I’m drafting, I look back at those details to help me recall what it’s like to stand in front of a crumbling house or a vast ocean vista. To make my worlds scary, I pick the creepiest of those sensory details and turn up the volume, really leaning into the way an eerie place can feel on the darkest nights.”

Jotting down details is fantastic.

What are you best tools for writing scenes that are super spooky and get your readers turning their lights on at night?

Janet Fox answered this question. Janet is the author of THE ARTIFACT HUNTERS and her most book, CARRY ME HOME.

“I think of all the things that scare or scared me. When I was a kid, I was terrified of the dark. I was sure a monster lived in my closet. I would pile all my stuffed animals around me like armor (literally surrounding myself with my stuffies) – it was the only way I could close my eyes. So anything in the dark, anything that makes an unexpected noise, anything that could sneak up and ‘eat’ me, anything that emerges from the shadows…Really, I try to scare myself as I write. If I do that, usually the reader is scared, too.”

Eeep! Yes, using our own fears in spooky stories is useful.

What tools do you use to figure out the arc for the complete story?

Ash Van Otterloo answered this question. Ash is the author of CATTYWAMPUS and the recent A TOUCH OF RUCKUS. And check out their great plotting table, with drink!

Plotting cards with author Ash Van Otterloo

Ash Van Otterloo’s plotting organization.

“I’ve tried so many different tools for organizing my plot, but what I keep coming back to is very simple and tactile: a basic outline template or beat sheet that best matches my story, a giant dry erase board, an empty table, and 25-50 sticky notes!

A simple story structure template, such as The Hero’s Journey or Save the Cat Beat Sheets, helps me create a to-do list at the start of each new chapter. These lists remind me what needs to happen over the next few scenes, both for the internal emotional arc of the main character and for the external events that nudge that character along their way. (For instance, how does my character need to change in the next few pages? How is their attitude shifting? How will external events help create that shift?)
Sometimes, I know bits of story I’d like to include, like puzzle pieces, but I’m not yet sure what order they should happen or where. I like to keep these on individual sticky notes, so I can rearrange them until they make logical and emotional sense, creating the best tension. Being able to physically move the possible beats around helps me connect with the story’s rhythm best. But don’t be afraid to try many different systems to find what works for your unique creative style!
Most importantly: don’t forget the snacks. The snacks are crucial. I strongly recommend sour gummy worms or raspberries. “

Snacks! Yes, you need snacks to get through puzzling together a good plot. Where is my chocolate?

Pacing is so important in stories. How do you know when to make the action fast and when to give the readers a pause? And what tools do you use to speed up or slow down the story?

Ally Malinenko answered this question. Ally is the author of GHOST GIRL and the upcoming THIS APPEARING HOUSE.

“Pacing, especially in spooky stories is absolutely important. Readers need action of course but too much feels overwhelming. You have to build in a time for everyone to catch their breath. Most of what I learned about pacing comes from reading. I am keenly aware when I’m reading a book when too much is happening and I mark the place where I know I could have used a moment to catch my breath. So when I’m writing, I tend to do a bunch of high action moments back to back and then, when re-reading, determine if I need a pause or a second to catch my breath. For me, it’s something I have learned over time, through trial and error. I think of it like a movie: I want the action to build and build and take it to the top, but then I pull back, regroup my characters and give them a moment to process what just happened. Like in the scary story, when they find a safe room and have a few moments before the hatchet comes through the door. Honestly my best tool for managing pacing is my trust in my beta readers. They always tell me when I’ve fed them too many scares in a row! But it does take some trial and error, as is always the case with writing. So my best advice is read, read, read!”

Beta readers, or critique partners, are so useful for this!

Such great advice from these wonderful authors. It makes me want to get back to my own stories.

Got any tips of your own about these? Share in the comments.

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DEAR STUDENT ~ An Interview with Elly Swartz

By on October 14, 2021   /   Author Interviews  

Welcome to my interview with middle grade author Elly Swartz and our sneak peek into her next release DEAR STUDENT – Autumn, a girl with social anxiety and a pet guinea pig named Spud, becomes the secret voice of the advice column in her middle school newspaper.

THE BOOK

DEAR STUDENT by Elly Swartz

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Release Date: February 15, 2022

When Autumn becomes the secret voice of the advice column in her middle school newspaper she is faced with a dilemma–can she give fair advice to everyone, including her friends, while keeping her identity a secret?

Starting Middle School is rough for Autumn after her one and only BFF moves to California. Uncertain and anxious, she struggles to connect with her new classmates. The two potential friends she meets could not be more different: bold Logan who has big ideas and quiet Cooper who’s a bit mysterious. But Autumn has a dilemma: what do you do when the new friends you make don’t like each other?

When Autumn is picked to be the secret voice of the Dear Student letters in the Hillview newspaper, she finds herself smack in the middle of a problem with Logan and Cooper on opposite sides. But before Autumn can figure out what to do, the unthinkable happens. Her secret identity as Dear Student is threatened. Now, it’s time for Autumn to find her voice, her courage, and follow her heart, even when it’s divided.

“A story that shines with honesty and heart.”—PADMA VENKATRAMAN, Walter Award–winning author of The Bridge

THE INTERVIEW🎙️

Hi Elly! It’s wonderful to have you join us. I’m sure our readers are as excited as I am to learn more about Autumn. (And she has a pet guinea pig!💗)

What would Dear Student’s best life quote or hashtag(s) be?

#BraveLikeMe

#GoodWeird

#FearlessFred

Hmm . . . interesting.

Now, Autumn suffers with social anxiety. Such a poignant topic for the times we’re living in. How will this look to the reader at the opening of the novel?

Autumn tucks in as a way of dealing with her social anxiety. She tucks into the pets she loves, her sister Pickle, and staying connected with Prisha, her bff who moved away. Her social anxiety heightens with new friends and new situations. We see this manifest as the thoughts and worries that swim in her head, questioning everything she says and doubting her every action.

How does she grow with and through social anxiety toward the novel’s end?

Throughout the story, Autumn talks about Fearless Fred, “the part of each of us that fear can’t boss around.” (p. 10).

Yeah, now that’s awesome.

By the end of DEAR STUDENT, Autumn has discovered her Fearless Fred, found her voice, and the courage and strength to use it.

To ensure authenticity of Autumn’s social anxiety throughout her story, I worked with Dr. Kathleen Trainor, a therapist who specializes in anxiety in kids.

💚💚💚

Sounds like you did a lot of research for this story.

All of my books are the product of tons of research. I think it might be the lawyer in me. Authenticity and respect are at the cornerstone of my writing. And I am beyond grateful to the many people who shared their expertise and time with me. In Dear Student, the experts I consulted with were:

*a pediatric therapist who specializes in anxiety

*a person who specializes in iguanas and snakes (pregnant ones!)

*a congressman who sponsored the Humane Act bill that prevents the testing of cosmetics on animals and those in his office in charge of the bill

*a Peace Corps volunteer

*educators who kindly shared their Spanish translation skills and input with me

Wow! You definitely did your research.

AUTHOR INSIGHTS👀

Did you know from the start that Autumn was going to write a school advice column and how did you approach creating that setting?

When I first envisioned this book, it was Autumn’s mom who was the secret advice columnist. But as the heart of this story crystalized, it was clear that Autumn needed to own her voice. And the secret voice allowed her to do that.

Why will readers relate to Autumn?

I think we are all a bit like Autumn.

We all have those moments when step into a room and wonder if we fit. If we’re saying the right words, wearing the right clothes, doing the right things. Moments where we wonder if we belong.

I also believe readers, like Autumn, have moments where we find ourselves stuck between friends. Knowing that no matter what we do, no matter which decision we make, one of those friends is not going to be happy.

In the end, I truly think readers will connect with Autumn’s heart.

What can parents, teachers, and guardians take from Autumn’s story to help a child/student they know suffering with social anxiety?

I want them to know their child or student is not alone. We are all working on something. We all have moments where we feel anxious. Where we wonder if our voice matters.

I want them to know that it does matter. That they matter.

STORY CHARM✨

Love your use of a ‘special’ animal friend as Autumn’s alter-voice throughout the novel. Tells us more, please!

Spud!Firstly, share with our readers a little about Spud. 😊

Aw, I love Spud. Spud’s real name is Ajax. And he’s my son’s guinea pig (pictured to the left). I babysat for him while my son moved out west and fell in love with this giant baked potato of a guinea pig and knew I wanted readers to meet him. He is actually a rescue and currently 6 years old!

He’s adorable!

What do you hope young readers will take away from reading Autumn’s book journey?

I hope readers know their voice matters. That strength and bravery can look a lot of different ways. And that true friends will always be there. As Autumn says, “We don’t have to think the same or believe the same things to be friends. But we do always have to be kind to each other. And respectful of each other.” (p. 255-56).

Autumn is a wise girl.

I also hope readers discover that the most fearless thing they can do is be themselves.

WRITER’S CORNER📑

Author visits – Would you share some advice for our teachers, librarians, and homeschoolers on how to prepare students for an in-person verse a virtual author visit?

I love visiting schools – in person or virtually. And, for me, the preparation for my visits is the same. The best visits are when students have read one (or all : ) of my books. It gives us a foundation and very special connection to build on.

What part of writing this story did you find most fun? Most challenging?

I loved writing the Dear Student letters. It brought me back to my middle school self, walking the halls, feeling all the feels. The excitement, the worry, the joy, the self-consciousness, the cliques, the doubt, and the crushes. It was fun to give advice. I hope it helps my readers as they navigate all the feels.

The most challenging part was writing the friend conflict. No spoilers, but there’s something that happens between Logan and Autumn that hurt my heart to write. It wasn’t how I envisioned the story going. But it was the path the story had to take for me to stay true to the characters.

Lastly, from your personal writing journey, what’s the most important parts of writing?

Aw. I love this question. I would say, stay true to your voice. Write what matters to your heart. And be kind to yourself.

📣📣📣

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM ELLY!📜

Whoopie Pies! There are recipes in the back of the book for Autumn’s Fearless Fred’s Whoopie Pies. And there are even allergy friendly recipes for readers like me who can’t have gluten or dairy.

And now that I’ve gotten you hungry for the book, I just wanted to tell you all the fun things that happen when you pre-order.

Special signed copies! 

If you pre-order DEAR STUDENT (pubs 2/15/22) from Eight Cousins, Wellesley Books, or The Brain Lair, your book will be signed to the reader of your choosing and you’ll receive a limited-edition bookmark!

Other prizes! 

If you pre-order from Eight Cousins, Wellesley Books, The Brain Lair, or anywhere books are sold, and send proof of purchase to dearstudentpreorder@gmail.com, you’ll be entered to win one of the three prizes below. Winners randomly chosen on 2/15/22. Good luck!

**        Happy Prize. A signed Brave Like Me poster

**        Dear Prize. Handwritten letters to you, your bookclub, your group of friends (up to 20), or your class from me in the style of Dear Student.

**       Virtual Prize. A free 30 minute virtual Q & A with me

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Elly SwartzElly Swartz loves writing for kids, Twizzlers, and anything with her family. She grew up in Yardley, Pennsylvania, studied psychology at Boston University, and received a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Elly Swartz is the author of 4 contemporary middle grade novels. Finding Perfect was selected as a 2019-2020 Iowa Children’s Choice Book, a Kentucky Blue Grass Master List Pick, honored as a Child Mind’s Institute Best Children’s Book About Mental Health, and a 2017 Global Read Aloud contender. Smart Cookie was a 2019 ILA/CBC Children’s Choice for grades 3 and 4 and educator Colby Sharp deemed Smart Cookie one of his favorite books for 2018. And in 2019, Becky Calzada, Coordinator Library Services, Leander ISD shared, “Readers of Give and Take will quickly become endeared with Maggie’s spirit and heart. Elly Swartz has written a book where the characters love fiercely, and family is forever.” Give and Take was Elly Swartz Booksnamed one of the best books of 2019 by Pernille Ripp and A Mighty Girl. And on 2/15/22 readers will meet Autumn in Dear Student (Delacorte/Penguin Random House). Autumn is a girl with social anxiety who becomes the secret voice of the advice column in her middle school newspaper.

Connect with Elly at ellyswartz.com, on Twitter @ellyswartz, on Instagram @ellyswartzbooks ` or on her webseries #BooksintheKitchen with author Victoria J. Coe.

It’s been such a pleasure chatting with you! I can’t wait for Autumn’s story to be in the hands of young readers.

Share with Elly your thoughts about her book or maybe even an experience you know of about social anxiety.

As always, thank you for reading!

💙

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