WRITERS' RUMPUS

Beneath the Wide Silk Sky, The Blood Years, & Only This Beautiful Moment: Unforgettable YA Historical Fiction

January 16, 2024 Laura Fineberg Cooper

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.

Joy, Play, and Magic in Non-Fiction

January 9, 2024 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Cedar Pruitt Kids want to understand the world. Right away, as far as I can tell. When our daughter was a baby,

Pedal, Balance, Steer: Interview With Children’s Book Author (And Kidlit Champion) Vivian Kirkfield…Plus A Double Giveaway!

January 2, 2024 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

Do you remember when you first learned to ride a bike? I sure do. It felt shaky, awkward, and a little scary at first. But

Before We Turn the Page: The 2023 Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review

December 26, 2023 Laura Fineberg Cooper

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!!

Orion and the Dark by Emma Yarlett

December 22, 2023 Lexi Donahue

Orion and the Dark, first published in 2014, is written in a classic story structure. This picture book portrays a young boy, named Orion, who

Six Heartfelt & Charming YA Contemporary Novels for All Seasons

December 19, 2023 Laura Fineberg Cooper

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!

A Simple Holiday Gift Guide for Writers

December 15, 2023 Rebecca Moody

If you’re a holiday gift giver, it can be hard to know what to get for the writer in your life . . . and

#Kidlit Interview with the talented picture book creator, Jyoti Rajan Gopal

December 12, 2023 Carol Gordon Ekster

CAROL GORDON EKSTER: Jyoti, it’s so wonderful to see your writing life bloom since our first interview. And since then, I’ve even gotten to meet

My Experience Writing a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Book

December 8, 2023 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Eric Grissom As a kid, my life was a bit of a whirlwind. My parents divorced when I was five, and

FOOD AND FAMILY IN PICTURE BOOKS…PLUS A GIVEAWAY!

December 5, 2023 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Patricia Tanumihardja Chances are you’ve read a picture book or two with food themes in the last year. While they’ve been around

Editing tip: Ditch most filter words!

December 1, 2023 Joyce Audy Zarins

Crafting a memorable narrative requires keeping the reader engaged; limiting the use of filter words can help. Why is that? Because filter words tell rather

DECEMBER Middle Grade and Young Adult Opportunities

November 24, 2023 Lexi Donahue

Welcome to the MG/YA Opportunities post! Find all of the monthly opportunities on the MG/YA support page! All opportunities are available to anyone with an internet connection.

Spotlight on Contemporary YA Fiction: Five POWERFUL Novels

November 21, 2023 Laura Fineberg Cooper

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.

Just One Pebble: Interview with Picture Book Author Dianna Wilson Sirkovski

November 17, 2023 Keri Demers

Just One Pebble is the inspirational story of how nine-year-old Braeden Mannering started a non-profit organization called Brae’s Brown Bags in an effort to end hunger. Dianna Wilson Sirkovski came across Braedan’s story on (link to website) and says, “The story reached out and wrapped its fingers around my heart.”