With more than 20 titles checked off the list in February and March, I have more than a few stand-out favorites to share with you.
In the past few weeks I’ve given five-star reviews to the following children's books and featured the titles along with interviews of the authors.
“Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School” by Janet Halfmann
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Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School by Janet Halfmann is an incredible treasure of a story, bringing readers into the life of this little-known and exceptionally brave teacher who ignored the law of the mid-1800s, which made it illegal to teach enslaved people to read and write. As a lover of history, I have to say a huge thank you to Halfmann for the fine details she brings to this book. I can feel the nervousness of the pupils (and teacher) as they sneak out to attend school in the darkness of the night, knowing that their punishment could be very severe if caught. What a testament to the strong will to learn, teach, and help one another! This story also shows young readers how... Continue Reading
The second year of the Writers' Forum continues! Each month there is no shortage of important publishing news and helpful writing information to share with other authors, particularly those independently publishing their books. This is a compilation of the news you need to know along with a preview of the upcoming book events in southern Wisconsin. I am incredibly thankful for the assistance and advice given to me from writing and publishing professionals and am happy pay that forward. On a professional level, I also use my publicity and editorial skills to aid other authors through my company Lost Lake Press. I'd love to use my skills to guide you through the steps of independent publishing.
William Shakespeare claims that the earth has music for those who listen. I assert that bookstores offer symphonies — plus plenty of lively community engagement — for those who read.
Books & Company sets the standard for longevity and reader interaction. The list of book groups on its website appears endless. From crossword fans to mystery lovers to wine aficionados, this shop has a reader club for everyone. Also, the book store offers... Continue Reading
The Field by Baptiste Paul with illustration by Jacqueline Alcántara is a beautiful work of art, merging love for the game of soccer with a beautiful Caribbean island and the sheer joy of childhood. You will love this book! Paul’s engaging story includes Creole words that are immediately understood by their placement. (There’s a handy pronunciation guide at the end of the book.) Alcántara skillfully brings the unique setting to life and makes us feel the high-energy action of the book’s characters as they shoo cows off their field to start their game and continue playing during an unexpected downpour. Parents and teachers will love the diversity of this book, but I suspect kids (and kids at heart) will just love this book because it speaks especially to them!
And there's a... Continue Reading
In just a few short days (March 6 to be precise) a wonderful middle-grade novel hits the shelves with the release of The Stupendous Adventures of Mighty Marty Hayes. It was a treat to read this book in advance. It’s a fast-paced adventure about kids who have a love for science, a fascination for all things spy related, and are just realizing that they have inherited some special talents. Smartly written, not only with the inclusion of science, the book also delights with a diverse cast of characters and well-placed references to civil rights’ history and more. This could be an excellent jumping off point for some nonfiction reading about Harriet Tubman, the Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Ruby Bridges. I highly recommend this read not only for its... Continue Reading
The second year of the Writers' Forum continues! Each month there is no shortage of important publishing news and helpful writing information to share with other authors, particularly those independently publishing their books. This is a compilation of the news you need to know along with a preview of the upcoming book events in southern Wisconsin. I am incredibly thankful for the assistance and advice given to me from writing and publishing professionals and am happy pay that forward. On a professional level, I also use my publicity and editorial skills to aid other authors through my company Lost Lake Press. I'd love to use my skills to guide you through the steps of independent publishing.
March Book EventsNEW... Continue Reading
In the era of social media and emojis, writing instructors are battling for relevance. Many of my students have asked why they need to know how to write. They argue that a particular career — computer science, software design, nursing — aren’t considered creative nor fall within the liberal arts program of study. While our discussion is good-natured, I make it clear that writing is not just about assignments and proper APA citation. It’s a process that’s actually good for one’s soul. It mines one’s subconscious, helping solve problems and heal emotional wounds. In addition, writing opens the door to critical thinking, an evaluation... Continue Reading
Today I welcome author Sara Dahmen. Besides being the creator of excellently-written women’s historical fiction novels, she is an event planner, an artisan, business owner, wife, and mother of three. Her research for her new novel Widow, formerly titled Dr. Kinney’s Housekeeper, and an appreciation for vintage cookware led her to found her businesses House Copper & Cookware —which features the most amazing copper cookware. Did I mention she’s an apprentice coppersmith?
Today is also the release date for Widow, so we're celebrating that fun event with her. With such a busy week, I am grateful she has taken time out of her crazy schedule to visit us and let me pepper her with questions.
Sara, I’ve given a... Continue Reading
I treated myself to a number of reading days over the holidays (and beyond). Bookstore gift cards helped me assuage the guilt of spending too much money! (Although, I likely should have been working on other projects!)
I always love a good holiday romance and Nora Roberts didn’t disappoint with A Will and A Way. This is a fun story with some excellent twists and turns . . . and it all begins with a will that lays down some interesting terms. This is one Roberts' older titles that has been revived for re-release.
Please know that I only recommend books that I feel are worthy of your time! Some of the links included in my posts are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Valerie Biel’s debut novel Circle of Nine - Beltany has been honored as a 2015 Kindle Book Award Finalist, a finalist in the Gotham Writers' YA Novel Discovery Contest and the Readers' Favorite Book Award Contest as well as being a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. The final installment in this series - Circle of Nine - Sacred Treasures - has also received a B.R.A.G. Medallion and was short listed for the Eric Hoffer Book Award grand prize, earning the First Runner-Up distinction in the YA category.