I’m a HUGE fan of the Mercy Watson early reader series written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. So I literally gasped
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.
B is for Books! Two Wonderful Surprises
I thought I missed my chance to review these March debuts, so imagine my surprise when I opened a big box (filled with the nicest
Show and Tell for Writers
SHOW, DON’T TELL! Most of us have received that advice at least once in our writing careers. What does it mean? And how should you
YA Book Review: PROPHECY by Ellen Oh
As someone who dabbles in (writing about) demons, I was drawn to Prophecy by talented author Ellen Oh. In the words of Legend author Marie Lu,
The 7 Layer Cake Writing Method
Baking a 7 layer cake is like writing a story. You have so many tempting and tasty choices to make, and each new layer builds
The Writers’ Rumpus 2018 Review
Racing through the mall Voice croaking like a frog Wishing you were home sweet home Perusing your favorite blog! Is it my imagination, or does
DARE TO CHANGE YOUR POINT OF VIEW
Ever since my eyes were opened to the importance of Point of View (POV), I’ve paid close attention to narrative voice whenever I write as well as read. I’m happy to share my observations, with a focus on books that dare to push POV boundaries.
Happy Book Birthday, Roller Boy
Walk, run, or skate to your nearest bookseller or library: today is Roller Boy’s book birthday!
House of Furies by Madeleine Roux
What types of books do you read on sultry summer days and nights? I’ll admit that sometimes I enjoy a fluffy romantic fantasy. But creepy
Rekindling Your Creative Spark
What is your vision for the perfect summer day? Wakeboarding with your Weimaraner? Cuddling with your Calico? Cooking chewy, gooey Chocolate Chip cookies? Sipping spiked lemonade
Book Talk with Kate & Amy, our Children’s Room Librarians
Three cheers for librarians everywhere! The Memorial Hall Library in Andover, Massachusetts, is my second home, and I am grateful for our friendly, helpful, and
Vexing Vocabulary Part TWO
Welcome to Part TWO of Vexing Vocabulary. Part ONE covered ME, MYSELF, & I, LESS/FEWER, YOUR/YOU’RE, ITS/IT’S, EFFECT/AFFECT, and TOWARD/TOWARDS. If you’d like TO read
Vexing Vocabulary Part 1
As an ELA/SAT tutor and member of multiple kidlit writing groups, I’ve noticed certain words cause more vexation than others. Worry no more! My goal
Don’t Forget to Read!
My favorite way to start each day is in my favorite chair with a book, giant mug of coffee, and boxer at my feet (or
Before We Close the Book on 2017…
Sing to the tune of “My Favorite Things” by Rodgers and Hammerstein: Snowflakes on noses and text-able mittens Antlers on doggies and bells on soft
Fabulous First Lines
If you’re a voracious reader like me, you’re constantly searching for new books to consume. With so many enticing books vying for our attention, it’s
