If you read my earlier post, When Truth is Stranger than Fiction, you likely noticed the featured image, a Blue-Footed Booby whose picture I snapped
Author: Laura Fineberg Cooper
Reading, writing, and teaching fill me with joy! Along with being a regular blogger and editor of Writers' Rumpus, I'm also a CYBIL's judge, a Copy Editor for writers and businesses, an English Teacher/Tutor for students grades 5-12, and a College and Grad School Essay Coach. For more about my offerings, you're welcome to check out my website, www.laurafcooper.com.
IT WAITS IN THE FOREST by Sarah Dass
It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass is a deeply atmospheric YA thriller that will sink its bloody teeth into you and refuse to let go … until you read through to the spine-tingling conclusion. Is this a creepy mystery? Is the plot realistic, mystical, mysterious, and drawn from Caribbean folklore? Does it include a love triangle with two hot guys? YES to all those tantalizing questions and so much more!!
Books as Graduation Gifts? Absolutely!!
June is graduation month, and there is no more thoughtful gift to give your special graduate than an inspiring, encouraging, and enduring book. For this post, I set forth to cultivate a lovely collection for gift givers to consider, whether your student is graduating from elementary, middle, or high school, or even from the hallowed halls of college.
Interview with picture book author Karen Kaufman Orloff … with a 20 BOOK GIVEAWAY of her delightful book, DUDLEY’S DAY AT HOME!!
If you haven’t been following the incredible promotion by Flashlight Press, each month in 2024, one lucky blogger gets to interview an author and offer
When Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
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
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?
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.
WRITERS' RUMPUS 