Category: Middle Grade

Behind the Scenes: “‘Twas a Long Time Coming: A New Look for Benjamin Franklin” by Gretchen Woelfle

October 20, 2023

One look at my bookcase will tell you I’m a fan of Benjamin Franklin. That man was into everything! For a writer, no matter what you want to share about him, there’s the challenge of focus, scope, and finding the best way to tell the story. In this post, author Gretchen Woelfle shares how she … More Behind the Scenes: “‘Twas a Long Time Coming: A New Look for Benjamin Franklin” by Gretchen Woelfle

Mining for Heart: “Making Learning Real in Traditional Expository Nonfiction” by Julie Danneberg

January 21, 2022

Writing expository nonfiction has its own challenges, and finding “heart” may be one of them. Julie Danneberg shares her approach to this genre and how she brings it home to middle grade readers. Her post might send you directly to your closet! Don’t miss Julie’s GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win … More Mining for Heart: “Making Learning Real in Traditional Expository Nonfiction” by Julie Danneberg

Behind the Scenes: “The Research Roller Coaster” by Kathlyn Kirkwood

January 14, 2022

Even when YOU are part of the story, research can be a challenge. Kathlyn Kirkwood shares a few of the ups and downs she experienced in the research phase of her debut book, AIN’T GONNA LET NOBODY TURN ME ‘ROUND: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day. This middle-grade memoir about her teen … More Behind the Scenes: “The Research Roller Coaster” by Kathlyn Kirkwood

Behind the Scenes: “The Power of Yes!” by Jolene Gutiérrez

November 13, 2020

All it takes is one word to launch you on a new adventure! Jolene Gutiérrez shares how a picture book manuscript grew into a middle grade nonfiction book, and also how she embraced opportunity to stretch herself in the process.  And thank you, Jolene, for offering a copy of your book to one lucky winner! … More Behind the Scenes: “The Power of Yes!” by Jolene Gutiérrez

Mining for Heart: Kristin Gray on Connecting to Characters

July 14, 2017

Today Kristin Gray shares her process of finding the heart in her middle grade novel and its irresistible main character, Vilonia Beebe.  Thank you, Beth, for having me on your blog. I’m delighted to be here. I adore stories with heart. Heart is more than sappy emotions or a feeling. It is enthusiasm, passion, resolve, … More Mining for Heart: Kristin Gray on Connecting to Characters