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

Another year has passed, and I returned to Utah’s Timpanogos Storytelling Festival with my friend Lori Snyder for my annual dose of story.  Pure story—with no technology coming between the teller and me.  Story—that feeds my hungry soul.  Story—that lifts

I’ve always felt blessed to have my family.  As I’ve gotten older, I have come to appreciate our closeness more and more and, because of the miles between us, to miss them more and more.  When I am feeling especially

My favorite coaster growing up was The Jack Rabbit at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, PA.  What was yours?  (I loved The Racer, too!)  

I’m delighted to announce my middle-grade novel, Radiant, coming from Dutton Children’s Books January 7th, 2025.  It’s exciting to be teamed once again with Andrew Karre, my brilliant editor for both No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the Life

On Juneteenth we celebrated freedom and honored the sacrifices made to end slavery in our nation.  I’m proud of that.  Now, the Fourth of July, the anniversary of the day our country declared its independence, is upon us.  ’Tis the

                                      ~Rest in Peace~ _____________ Derek’s Books: Barnaby and the Sea (self-published) Ready? Set. Raymond! Little Quack Little Quack’s Hide and Seek Little Quack’s Bedtime Gladys Goes to Lunch Over the River: A Turkey’s Tale Little Quack’s

Spring is here, and I’m feeling light and happy.  I’m reminded of my resolution to seek more levity—more good, clean fun. The work of Megan McDonald never fails to give me a lift.  Her Judy Moody and Stink books have

There’s no set formula, of course, but sometimes someone describes poetry in a way that helps me see new ways to find it . . . new ways to let the words that emerge fall onto the page in patterns

Spring is around the corner — a time that brings rebirth and renewal.  I love seeing little pops of green pushing through the ground and baby buds that promise blooms and leaves.  We don’t have a multitude of trees where

Love and romance are in the air as Valentine’s Day draws near. One of the sweetest, most romantic books I know of is Peter McCarty’s Henry in Love.  This delightful picture book [for all ages] begins with a freshly baked

I’m excited to begin the new year by spreading the word that my Step-into-Reading book — Ready? Set. Puppies! — will be released January 16th.  Many thanks to illustrator Derek Anderson, my agent Tracey Adams, my editor Heidi Kilgras and

Kate DiCamillo has given us many wonderful books.  Because of Winn Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and The Tale of Despereaux are among them.  I just finished The Beatryce Prophecy and, once again, DiCamillo delivers. The Beatryce Prophecy

At Thanksgiving, I’m never short on blessings for which I’m thankful.  This year, I am feeling special appreciation for being trusted to tell the story in my new book, Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to

A bumper sticker on my desk says, “The Shortest Distance Between Two People Is a Story.”  I got it at a storytelling event years ago.  I’ve always regarded storytellers — whether on the stage or the back porch — with

If you’ve followed my work, you know Let ‘er Buck! George Fletcher, the People’s Champion, published in 2019.  Through George’s story, I learned about the Pendleton Round-Up, a world famous rodeo held annually the second week of September for more

In July, I had the privilege of experiencing “Beautiful Blackbird: The Creative Spirit of Ashley Bryan,” which was on exhibit from April 6 through July 21, 2023 at the University of Pennsylvania, where most of Ashley’s archives are housed.  The

In June, I was lucky enough to attend a writing retreat at the secluded Norbertine Abbey here in New Mexico with a dozen other children’s book creators (writers and illustrators).  I’ve been to this gathering before, so it wasn’t new,

I enjoy spending time on memory lane.  Many of my books reflect this, including my new Raymond and Roxy Step-into-Reading book coming out June 13th. When I was growing up the youngest of five children, we didn’t have the means

To round off Poetry Month, here are a couple of my own.  The first is something I wish for everyone.         Family There’s a net ‘neath my tightrope If ever I fall Though it’s not very likely to happen

Poetry Month brings my late father to mind.  He loved poetry and was an amateur poet himself (“amateur” in the classical sense of “one who loves what he does”).  Here for your enjoyment are two of his works. The first

One of my favorite picture books of 2022 is Lou, written and illustrated by Breanna Carzoo. Lou is a fire hydrant, a fire hydrant frequented by dogs.  “All day, every day, one by one they sniff and twirl and twist

We all have what I like to call “magic moments,” powerful points in our lives that stay with us always.  Black History Month brings one to mind. In the early 1990s, while working as the librarian at a boys school

It seems to me that, eventually, everything comes full circle.  And every once in a while, something happens to reinforce this belief, to make it more real. Back in 1994, a freckle-faced, 9-year-old girl named Taylor, walked into the library