Book Lists!

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 feature a diverse cast of children (and parents) learning to cope, adapt, and find joy through uncertainty during the winter months. Why it Matters: Children experiencing big life changes need stories that validate their emotions, offer strategies for resilience, and normalize the messy mix of grief and growth that often accompanies these changes, especially during the winter holidays. Reading these novels can help kids feel...

As a kid, I loved reading historical fiction. In my day, most of these stories centered on Europe and a war. I felt transported to other times and places, and was introduced to characters my age confronting challenges of survival. I enjoyed connecting with kids from the past who, with...

Raise your hand if you grew up learning the scientific method. Me too. In fact, for thousands of years, all the way back to Aristotle in Ancient Greece (and possibly earlier), the scientific method has been the way science is done. And it still is. Sort of. When the Next...

You don’t have to be a super sleuth to discover these recently published mysteries written by diverse authors. Readers will be intrigued trying to puzzle out whodunit in these page-turning stories. Yes, they will encounter clues, red herrings and action packed scenes, but, most importantly, they will be thrilled to...

Elephant Appreciation Day occurs during the month of September. What better time to read a book with one of these magnificent animals as a main character. Elephants, the largest land animals in the world, are intelligent, affectionate, and fiercely protective. Enjoy a story where they are front and center. Chained...

“What’s your favorite book?“ That’s one question that often gets asked to authors during author visits or events. That is a tough question for me. To some, though, it’s an easy question, and many of the authors list their favorite book titles without hesitation. I’ve always been envious of the...

Unlike most kids I knew, my family moved almost every year. New town. New school. New hallways to navigate. And nearly every time, I was the only kid of color in the room. This not only left me feeling unsure about who I’d sit with at lunch, but unsure about...