How to Ask an Author a Question: Q&A’s and Panels
You’re at an author event or a conference panel, listening to an author speak. They’re funny, smart, compassionate, interesting. You feel a connection. You’ve read their book, or you plan […]
I’ve finished a novel. What do I do next to get an agent? — Questions from the Inbox.
Aspiring writers often email me seeking advice on their journey to publication. I decided I ought to share the advice I give on my blog so that others might see […]
A Phone Call, Bathrooms, A Celebration, and Lies: The Passion of Dolssa and its ALA Printz Honor
Well. This is embarrassing. This is a blog post I wanted to write a year ago, about the The Passion of Dolssa receiving an ALA Printz Honor, a year and […]
The Emperor’s Ostrich, now in paperback!
I’m thrilled to announce that The Emperor’s Ostrich comes out in paperback today. This novel has been so much fun to share with readers and students. The ridiculously goofy characters […]
Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers, by Deborah Heiligman
I’ve just – only just—finished reading Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman. This was urged upon me by Anita Silvey, whose recommendations one should never overlook, […]
Presenting THE EMPEROR’S OSTRICH (and a groovy trailer!)
The first creative writing workshops I ever conducted took place at Mindess Elementary School in Ashland, Massachusetts. The students were my guinea pigs. The workshop, now called “Let’s Make a […]
Grown-Ups, Nonsense, and Imagination: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
(A post for fifth graders, and for fifth graders at heart, with writing prompts. First posted to a school blog.) Greetings, Fowler Fifth Graders – can I call you FFG […]
The Faces of The Passion of Dolssa (Paperback Release Day!)
Today The Passion of Dolssa releases in paperback from Penguin. I love paperbacks. They’re cozy and bendable. They squunch into your purse or backpack. Pricewise, they put books […]
The Triumph of Technique in “When You Reach Me” by Rebecca Stead
Sometimes you read a book and your soul splits in two. Half is overcome with rapture at its beauty and perfection. The other half beats its chest and tugs its […]
Food Fights, Sea Monsters, and Dodgeball: Let’s Talk About Point of View
This post is for some good friends of mine – fifth graders at the schools I visit. Non-fifth graders – you may read it, too, if you like. It’s time […]