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

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