In my eyes, there’s nothing like an exquisitely written piece of children’s nonfiction in its ability to teach things and light a fire in a
Category: Book Reviews
Kate DiCamillo’s Way of Seeing Character
The heart of Kate DiCamillo’s newest book, The Puppets of Spelhorst, could be the wondrous, looping trajectory of the plot or the rich color of
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.
Man O’ War by Cory McCarthy
A Portuguese Man O’ War is not a jellyfish. “Not only is it not a jellyfish, it’s not even an “it,” but a “they” …
Interview with Debut Picture Book Author Ronni Diamondstein
I’m super excited today to be sharing with you not only a fun, interesting, and inspiring new story about an American icon, but also a
Meet the Very Talented #kidlit Creative, Amanda Davis.
Carol Gordon Ekster: I met a fellow NESCBWI member, Amanda Davis, on social media and when I read her debut book, 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring
The Thing To Remember About Stargazing: A Lesson in Learning to Rewrite/Revise/Recycle
Guest Post by Matt Forrest Esenwine This is a story about four books and a poem, and how interconnected the publishing life can be. Folks
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.
Novel Review: Perchance to Dream by Debut Author Tamara Belko
In Perchance to Dream, debut YA author Tamara Belko seamlessly intertwines dual points of view, one in verse and one in prose, to tell a coming-of-age story about loss and second chances.
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 Author, Illustrator, and Inventor Vicky Fang…and a Book Giveaway!
I consider myself super-duper lucky, as a Writers’ Rumpus blogger, to be able to meet and interview so many talented kidlit authors. I learn new
THE STRANDED, a debut YA novel by Sarah Daniels
Does a dystopia set in the near-future and full of action and adventure capture your attention? If so, I strongly recommend you read The STRANDED. Sarah Daniel’s debut novel hooked me with the seventh line on the first page:
PB Review: THE PALACE RAT by Lynne Marie… WITH TWO GIVEAWAYS!
by Danna Zeiger After living through pandemic times in the year 2023, if there’s anything we as a society have learned, it’s this: flexibility and
Writing YA? Stressing Over Structure? Check Out Jessica Brody’s New Book: Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel, The Ultimate Guide to Writing a YA Bestseller
Let’s warm up with a True or False Pop Quiz about Story Structure:
WRITERS' RUMPUS 