In September, Buster died.  He was one of the 16 cousins I grew up with.  We all spent a lot of time together and were more like brothers and sisters than cousins.  Even though our time as adults is limited

While browsing the shelves at my local library, I came across a book by one of my favorite authors, Gary Schmidt, who gifted us with brilliant works like Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, The Wednesday War, and Okay for

Often, when I’m feeling a need for levity, something comes along to bring me joy.  It’s not surprising that something is often a book. Happy All Over by author/illustrator Emma Quay really hits the spot for me.  First published in

This year’s historic July 4th marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our remarkable nation.  Since it’s such a milestone, I feel the need to return to a Book Itch recommendation from

When authors visit schools and it’s Q&A time, we are likely to hear many of the same questions:  What inspired you to become a writer? Where do you get your ideas? What’s your favorite book? How much money do you

To wind up poetry month, here’s a poem by one of my literary idols, award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford.  I am thrilled and honored that she chose Radiant to be part of this lovely, clever and uplifting verse. Thank you, Carole.  Just

My regulars know how I Iove poetry.  I enjoy verse throughout the year but, when April comes around, I can’t resist celebrating Poetry Month by sharing a poem with you. I’ve posted some of my late father’s work in the

Friendships come about in many ways.  Some happen because we’ve gone to school or church or worked together, or maybe we are neighbors.  Some we’ve found through shared experiences or interests — music, quilting, rock climbing, painting, chess, reading, dog

There are always newly published books to discover, but I often find myself revisiting older titles that I adore, titles that should not be forgotten.  With Valentine’s Day upon us, I returned to one of my favorite books by Cynthia

Five years ago, I made a New Year’s resolution to “Be less earnest—Seek more levity.”  I’ve been trying to continue in this spirit, and I hope some of what I’ve shared over the years has brought you joy. There’s a

With the Season upon us and books in my heart, I encourage families to read favorite stories aloud together at Christmas and make this your holiday tradition. A “keeper” in my personal library and one well worth reading and rereading

Books and the people who create them are among the many things for which I am thankful.  Like everyone, I have my favorites and, every once in a while, I add one to that list.  The Trouble With Heroes by

In September I made my yearly pilgrimage to Utah to attend the Annual (36th) Timpanogos Storytelling Festival with my dear friend and former library colleague Lori Snyder, now a Utah resident. Lori and I have been doing this for several

Those of you who have read No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the Life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller and The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore will understand why I am excited about Katie

In July, while visiting my family in Pittsburgh, I rewatched the classic movie “To Kill A Mockingbird” with my sister.  It’s one of those films that never grows old or dated and does true justice to the book on which

As many of you know, last spring we lost Derek Anderson, a dear friend, illustrator of my Raymond and Roxy series, and creator of many other wonderful books.  Derek loved his work and, in spite of a grave illness, was

I fell in love with novels in verse when I first read Brenda Seabrook’s stunning Judy Scuppernong.  That was back in 1990, and I have been enjoying them ever since.  One of my new favorites is The Burning Season, a

Last month, I received so many lovely comments about my father’s poem, “Buttercups and Roses,” I decided to round out Poetry Month with a few more. I love these companion Sunday poems:        Sunday Dinner        Chicken on the stove.

Spring brings many wonderful things — warmer weather, quenching rains, new life, Easter, and April is Poetry Month.  Anytime is a good time for a poetry break, but this month, it feels mandatory. My regular readers know how I love

I am delighted to share some wonderful news.  My 2023 nonfiction picture book, Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality, has been awarded a 2025 Jane Addams Children’s Book Honor. For more than 70

A baby girl is left in the library stacks of the children’s department.  Four childless librarians have dreams of being mothers.  Put these together and what do you have?  Library Girl — Polly Horvath’s delightfully quirky 2024 middle-grade novel. It’s

Christmas 2024 is behind us, but its spirit lives on.  I like to start the New Year uplifted and try to maintain this positivity throughout the year. This blog is usually about books and, indeed, I love books.  I need

Stop the presses!  Start the tape!  Listening Library is producing an audio book of Radiant, my novel in verse, due out January 7th.  The audio book will be released the same day.  Because I drew on my childhood memories of

A few weeks ago, while enjoying a reunion in Connecticut with 12 members of my 2002 Newbery Award Committee, I was reminded of something that I, and I’m sure many of us, often forget — to “stop and smell the