NORTHBOUND: A Train Ride Out of Segregation, written by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein and illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award Winner James E.
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 licensed English Teacher for grades 5-12 and tutors students with everything from reading comprehension to college essays. If you're interested in brushing up on grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary in short, sweet doses, check out her weekly blog, A Spoonful of Grammar at www.laurafcooper.com/my-grammar-blog.
LET THE 2020 WRITERS’ RUMPUS REVIEW BEGIN
Happy Holidays to one and all in what has been the most tumultuous year many of us have ever experienced. As 2020 draws to a close (phew!), at least one thing remains unchanged: it’s time once again for the annual Writers’ Rumpus Review!
Interview with Summer Rachel Short, debut author of The Mutant Mushroom Takeover
The book is a lightly spooky STEM novel that features eleven-year-old aspiring naturalist, Maggie, and her conspiracy theorist/YouTuber best friend, Nate, who have to solve the mystery surrounding a strange glow-in-the-dark fungus that’s spreading through their small town. Kirkus Reviews called the book, “packed to the gills with fun.”
INTERVIEW WITH RAJANI LAROCCA, AUTHOR OF SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS: A TALE OF MUSIC AND MATH
I’ve had the great pleasure of attending two of Rajani LaRocca’s book launches – in person for MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM, her award-winning debut middle grade novel
Descriptive Writing Toolbox
No matter which collection of descriptive writing tools you choose, all will help you SHOW instead of TELL!
EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I KNEW by Shannon Takaoka
I thought I knew what this book was about, but it surpassed everything I imagined. I was lucky to receive an ARC of EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I KNEW by writer, editor, and public relations consultant Shannon Takaoka, but I strongly recommend you snap this up (or place a pre-order) when this young adult debut novel releases on October 13, 2020.
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
The cover of Song for a Whale drew me in like a moth to flame: the outline of a young girl, standing with her arms outstretched on a pier, conducting a song for the whale below. Immediately, questions swirled in my head! Why is she there? How did she get there? Can the whale hear her? I was hooked before reading the first page.
Two Wonderful February Debuts: Dandelion’s Dream and The Blunders
Two delightful debut picture books recently graced my doorstep, courtesy of Candlewick, and it’s my pleasure to introduce them to all of you. “What a
Spot the Differences Between These Two Books
What better way to lift someone’s spirits than with the unexpected gift of a beautifully rendered classic like BLACK BEAUTY, written by Anna Sewell with breathtaking illustrations by Christian Birmingham.
The Writers’ Rumpus 2019 Review
With so many wonderful Writers’ Rumpus posts to choose from, it’s always a delightful challenge to decide which to include in my annual review.
Picture Books about Grief and Loss
Picture books that gently address the issues of grief and loss are a tremendous resource to help families navigate such difficult times, especially during holidays when the absence of a beloved family member is keenly felt by all.
GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE by Natasha Ngan
I recommend GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE not only as a compelling, gorgeously written YA novel, but also as an exceptional world building mentor text.
How to Punctuate Dialogue Tags
Whenever, however, and wherever you choose to insert dialogue tags, it helps to know the punctuation rules!
8 Books That Broke the Rules Brilliantly
Before you bend or break the rules of writing for children, the generally accepted strategy is to learn the established rules first. But however these authors and illustrators dreamed up these groundbreaking book ideas, they executed them brilliantly.
Write What You LOVE
How many times have you been told, “Write what you know?” If your experience is anything like mine, too many times to count. I’d like
THE KINGDOM by Jess Rothenberg
I’m not typically drawn to SCI FI, but the cover photo of THE KINGDOM, by author/freelance editor Jess Rothenberg, drew me in like a moth
