Inspiration is all around us, within our homes and throughout our vast, amazing world. Case in point: the featured image comes from my once-in-a-lifetime trip
Author: Laura Fineberg Cooper
Laura Cooper loves books! When she manages to tear herself away from reading, she writes about dragons, tree frogs, math-loving kids, and more. Laura is also a Copy Editor, licensed English Teacher, and experienced College Essay Coach who has often been referred to as a walking, talking dictionary. For grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary in short, easy-to-swallow doses, check out her blog, A Spoonful of Grammar, at www.laurafcooper.com/grammar-blog.
The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
Award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass have teamed up on this delightful and mysterious novel! How could any lover of middle grade resist?
Celebrate Black History Month with THE DAVENPORTS by debut YA author Krystal Marquis
“The first book in a breathless new series, The Davenports offers a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked, while delivering a totally escapist, swoon-worthy read.”
Beneath the Wide Silk Sky, The Blood Years, & Only This Beautiful Moment: Unforgettable YA Historical Fiction
For me, historical events, places, and individuals are enlivened by fictional storylines and characters. These three YA novels are beautifully written, incredibly compelling, deeply revealing, and I guarantee, absolutely unforgettable.
Before We Turn the Page: The 2023 Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you’re invited to peruse my 2023 Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review! As another year draws to a close, I continue to marvel at the variety and quality of our posts, and thank all of our authors and readers for your commitment to our kidlit blog. Once again, I’ve been honored and challenged to highlight one post from each of our talented contributors with an image, date link, and brief summary. Enjoy!!
Six Heartfelt & Charming YA Contemporary Novels for All Seasons
These six YA Contemporary Novels all feature adorable covers, snappy titles, clever writing, and charming protagonists. As you’re curled up in your favorite reading chair, make sure you have a box of tissues nearby as these novels overflow with heart!
Spotlight on Contemporary YA Fiction: Five POWERFUL Novels
The spotlight for this post is 5 powerful contemporary novels: Invisible Son, Give Me a Sign, When it All Syncs Up, Ander & Santi Were Here, and True True. All are realistic, compelling, and mind-expanding, the kind of novels that draw you in and don’t let go.
The Tiny Star: Storytelling Magic by Mem Fox
I knew I was in for a treat by beloved picture book author Mem Fox’s name and the softly rendered illustration on the book cover by Freya Blackwood. But despite my lofty expectations, this picture book exceeded them.
American vs British English: A Helpful Guide for Writers and Teachers
This post is inspired by The London Eye Mystery, a middle grade novel popular on both sides of the pond by talented Irish author Siobhan Dowd (who sadly, passed away in 2007). First in an award-winning two-book series, it features relatable, memorable, and unique kid sleuths.
Don’t Let ALMOST Sabotage Your Plot!!
If almost works in real life, why doesn’t it work in our novels? It’s no fun for readers when a scene builds up tension and … almost happens.
Interview with Jacqueline Jules – Author of Smoke at the Pentagon: Poems to Remember
Laura: Jacqueline, I’m honored to welcome you back to Writers’ Rumpus to discuss this deeply touching book. After reading it, I can truly say you’ve more than achieved your goal of “honoring the lives lost and the resiliency of a city that rebuilt within a year.” What was your inspiration for creating this heartfelt collection of poems?
Interview: Kidlit Author Rajani LaRocca Discusses Four Eagerly Awaited Books
It’s my great pleasure to welcome Rajani LaRocca back to Writers’ Rumpus to discuss her upcoming books in 2023- three picture books (fiction and non-fiction alike) and an epistolary middle grade novel co-authored with Chris Baron.
WRITERS' RUMPUS 