Category: nonfiction

My Writing Journey: “An Author’s Battle with TMI—Too Much Information!” by Beth Anderson

September 11, 2026

In this year of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, it’s truly an honor to share a little-known piece of history in THE PATRIOTS AND THE POX: GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BATTLE TO SAVE THE CONTINENTAL ARMY, releasing 9/29/26. Here’s a peek behind the scenes of the writing and how I wrestled with TOO MUCH INFORMATION—an … More My Writing Journey: “An Author’s Battle with TMI—Too Much Information!” by Beth Anderson

Mining for Heart: “How a Patchwork Quilt Reflects a Patchwork World” by Ann McCallum Staats

August 28, 2026

Just as perspective led to Karen Nyberg’s global quilt project from space, author Ann McCallum Staats found the heart of A QUILT OF STARS: ASTRONAUT KAREN NYBERG STITCHES A DREAM by exploring perspective. In this fascinating story, a bit of tradition and old-fashioned skills find their place in space! GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for … More Mining for Heart: “How a Patchwork Quilt Reflects a Patchwork World” by Ann McCallum Staats

Especially for Educators: “Celebrate All Kinds of Minds in Your Classroom” by Keila Dawson

August 14, 2026

NO BRAIN THE SAME is the third book in a terrific series that I would have loved to have had when I was teaching. You can find posts on the previous two on this blog here: NO WORLD TOO BIG and NO VOICE TOO SMALL. In this article, author Keila Dawson shares a GIVEAWAY! To … More Especially for Educators: “Celebrate All Kinds of Minds in Your Classroom” by Keila Dawson

#AmericanRevolution250: “A Revolutionary Metaphor!” by Barbara Carroll Roberts

August 7, 2026

In this post, author Barbara Carroll Roberts shares a very special moment in our history. To ensure the significance of this moment wasn’t overlooked, the congress used a powerful metaphor. And today you can not only ready about it in WHEN GEORGE WASHINGTON BOWED TO THE NEW NATION, you can also see it preserved in … More #AmericanRevolution250: “A Revolutionary Metaphor!” by Barbara Carroll Roberts

Behind the Scenes: “The Power of Place to Find Story” by Darcy Pattison

July 17, 2026

This post from author Darcy Pattison is a perfect sequel to Colleen Paeff’s post last week. Both authors experienced the power of place as they approached a story. A trip to Poland helped Darcy visualize the life of Copernicus so very long ago to create NIGHT: HOW COPERNICUS MADE THE SUN STAND STILL AND THE … More Behind the Scenes: “The Power of Place to Find Story” by Darcy Pattison

Mining for Heart: “Kindred Spirits”—Gary Golio on Silence Sounds Simple

July 3, 2026

Finding your own deep connection to a person, topic, or event can create the path to finding the heart of the story. In this post, author Gary Golio shares his experience with his latest release, SILENCE SOUNDS SIMPLE: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JOHN CAGE. GIVEAWAY! We’ve got a copy of SILENCE SOUNDS SIMPLE … More Mining for Heart: “Kindred Spirits”—Gary Golio on Silence Sounds Simple

#AmericanRevolution250 Behind the Scenes: “Illustrating Her Name Was Mary Katharine” by Dow Phumiruk

June 26, 2026

It’s truly a treat to share illustrator Dow Phumiruk’s process for HER NAME WAS MARY KATHARINE: THE ONLY WOMAN WHOSE NAME IS ON THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE! If you haven’t shared this book with kids in your life yet this year, it’s a must read! I love seeing it alongside REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT and CLOAKED … More #AmericanRevolution250 Behind the Scenes: “Illustrating Her Name Was Mary Katharine” by Dow Phumiruk

Mining for Heart: “Widening the Scope of an Animal Concept Book” by Zewlan Moor

June 19, 2026

The pandemic a few years ago put us all in the throes of history and pushed thinking in many ways, not only medically, but also regarding human connections. And here we have a children’s book by Zewlan Moor impacted by creative greetings that widened the scope of greetings in the animal world. Giveaway!! Leave a … More Mining for Heart: “Widening the Scope of an Animal Concept Book” by Zewlan Moor

#AmericanRevolution250: “Exploring What Really Happened” by Christy Mihaly

May 29, 2026

Many myths persist in US history, but never fear, author Christy Mihaly is here with a super new book for this year’s 250th anniversary! I can attest, it’s a fascinating read chock full of info delivered with great voice and engaging graphics to capture any reader. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to … More #AmericanRevolution250: “Exploring What Really Happened” by Christy Mihaly

Mining for Heart: “The Heart of a Story Starts with a Spark” by Melissa Koch

May 15, 2026

Any kids who fill their pockets with rocks definitely need this book! In this post, Melissa Koch shares the spark that started STONE BY STONE: A ROCK’S JOURNEY THROUGH TIME and how she revised for the heart in this engaging approach. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of STONE … More Mining for Heart: “The Heart of a Story Starts with a Spark” by Melissa Koch