Category: nonfiction

Behind the Scenes: “A Grand Idea requires Perseverance, Determination, and Courage!” by Megan Hoyt

May 31, 2024

Finding the focus and creating impact is always a huge challenge when faced with piles of research. I understand Megan Hoyt’s struggle with landing on just the right way to tell a story! In this post, Megan shares how she worked through a few ideas until she found what worked. GIVEAWAY! Megan is offering one … More Behind the Scenes: “A Grand Idea requires Perseverance, Determination, and Courage!” by Megan Hoyt

Behind the Scenes: “The Bounty of Primary Sources” by Beth Anderson

May 3, 2024

Here’s a bit of the story behind the story of THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE! Research is definitely an adventure. All of you who do it know the lure of the rabbit hole and the joy of surprises that add richness to the writing. Letters seem like a lost … More Behind the Scenes: “The Bounty of Primary Sources” by Beth Anderson

Mining for Heart: “Lyrical Nonfiction: The Heartbeat of My Writing Life” by Randi Sonenshine

April 28, 2024

That sneaky octopus has been hiding for a day or two, but fear not…author Randi Sonenshine is here with a post on how she lured that fascinating and elusive creature out with lyrical nonfiction!  Randi’s offering a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS … More Mining for Heart: “Lyrical Nonfiction: The Heartbeat of My Writing Life” by Randi Sonenshine

Mining for Heart: “Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here” by Henry Herz

April 12, 2024

Henry Herz tackles some difficult topics, like smoke and gravity. Here he explains his three-pronged approach to I AM GRAVITY, his new release. And I have to say, not only was the text lyrical and engaging, and the illustrations downright gorgeous, it’s pretty mind blowing to consider the vast impact of gravity— so much more … More Mining for Heart: “Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here” by Henry Herz

Behind the Scenes: “Leafy Landmarks—The Journey from Seed Idea to Layered Poetry Collection” by Michelle Schaub

April 5, 2024

When I read LEAFY LANDMARKS by Michelle Schaub, I was amazed by the layers! Not only all the research and multiple angles, but also an incredible poetry collection! Such a great book for the classroom! Michelle is here to share how the layers of her manuscript grew over time as she persevered to publishing.  GIVEAWAY! … More Behind the Scenes: “Leafy Landmarks—The Journey from Seed Idea to Layered Poetry Collection” by Michelle Schaub

Mining for Heart: “Discovering a Kindred Spirit” by Jill Esbaum

March 22, 2024

I wonder if we all have a childhood passion sleeping inside of us just waiting to be awakened. For Jill Esbaum, this was her personal connection, her way into a story about Gene Stratton-Porter. With this post and this gorgeous new book, Jill will have all of us thinking about revisiting long ago  joys. We … More Mining for Heart: “Discovering a Kindred Spirit” by Jill Esbaum

Especially for Educators: “Using Picture Books Across Curriculum Subjects in Every Grade Level” by Vivian Kirkfield

February 16, 2024

Vivian Kirkfield, one of the kid lit community’s most energetic encouragers, has a new book hitting bookstores—and wow! it’s a powerful story beautifully told! PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: ANNIE LONDONDERRY, THE FIRST WOMAN TO CYCLE AROUND THE WORLD will inspire and bring history alive for all ages. Like Vivian, I’m a former teacher who’s a firm … More Especially for Educators: “Using Picture Books Across Curriculum Subjects in Every Grade Level” by Vivian Kirkfield

Behind the Scenes: “Branching Out Into Longer Form Nonfiction” with Kirsten W. Larson

February 2, 2024

So glad to see another book about writing nonfiction for kids! My copy has arrived, and I’m diving in! Thanks, Kirsten Larson, for sharing your knowledge in the book, and also for this post about taking on this endeavor.  Kirsten is also doing a GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment after the post to be in the … More Behind the Scenes: “Branching Out Into Longer Form Nonfiction” with Kirsten W. Larson

Especially for Educators: “Investigating the Structure and Function of Rule-Breaking Plants” by Jessica Fries-Gaither

December 1, 2023

Educators! Here’s a terrific science activity using carnivorous plants and a new book from author and science educator Jessica Fries-Gaither! AND Jessica is offering a GIVEAWAY! A copy of NATURE’S RULE BREAKERS: CREATURES THAT DON’T FIT IN! Just leave a comment after the post to be entered in the drawing.  Congratulations to ejdthomasville winner of … More Especially for Educators: “Investigating the Structure and Function of Rule-Breaking Plants” by Jessica Fries-Gaither

Mining for Heart: “A Love of Reading that Guided the Life of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis” by Ronni Diamondstein

November 10, 2023

Reading and books are near and dear to the hearts of so many of us. Here librarian Ronni Diamondstein shares her path to the heart of her new book JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED, finding connection in a love of reading and writing.  Giveaway! Ronni is offering a signed copy of her book to … More Mining for Heart: “A Love of Reading that Guided the Life of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis” by Ronni Diamondstein