Behind the Scenes: “Emotions Across Eras: Creating Characters That Connect” by Rosanne Tolin

Today we join the virtual book tour for FREEDOM’S GAME with author Rosanne Tolin and hear how a story opened up and a picture book moved into new territory to become a middle grade historical novel. The link for a GIVEAWAY follows the article, with an opportunity for multiple entries to win a signed copy … More Behind the Scenes: “Emotions Across Eras: Creating Characters That Connect” by Rosanne Tolin

Behind the Scenes: “Tackling Difficult Topics” by Amalia Hoffman

There’s no denying it – we are living in difficult times. Helping kids make sense of what’s happening in the world isn’t easy. Picture books offer opportunities to process tough topics, see how people responded in times of crisis, and how they persevered with the power of hope. Today in Behind the Scenes, Amalia Hoffman … More Behind the Scenes: “Tackling Difficult Topics” by Amalia Hoffman

The Tree in the Courtyard

Title: The Tree in the Courtyard, Looking Through Anne Frank’s Window Written by: Jeff Gottesfeld Illustrated by: Peter McCarty Random House/Knopf, 2016, fiction Suitable for ages: 5-8 (I would recommend 8-11) Themes/topics: caring, tolerance, Holocaust, trees, WWII Opening: The story opens with a quote from Anne Frank about the tree outside her window. Following the … More The Tree in the Courtyard