Celebrating School Visits and Literary Awards

It’s been a busy two weeks for me. My first school visit was to the 6-8th grade students at Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, Texas.

I tried out my new school presentation, Welcome to My World, that combines how I researched and wrote Half-Truths with fun writing activities — and it was a blast!

Gerri Walls, the Middle/Upper School Librarian & Instructional Technologist, was so helpful in setting up the visit. It was fun watching her add my book to the school’s collection!

From San Antonio, I traveled north to Frisco for the Texas Social Studies Conference. My day was packed with a presentation on Half-Truths and Hidden Figures: Exploring Women’s and Racial Inequality Through Literature and meeting librarians and teachers.

This librarian joined the ranks of people who love the cover. She was touched by how it reminded her of her grandmother’s attic.

Texas Social Studies teachers know how to throw a party! Along with delicious barbecue and fun Social Studies “games” (disguised learning activities), there was also a cowboy costume competition.

I came home to two wonderful reviews of Half-Truths.

Click here for my review in the Historical Novel Review.

Click here for my review in the Southern Literary Review.

Then, I received word that I could share this with all of you:

If you live near Raleigh, NC, I’d love it if you could join me for this amazing honor and celebration!

From the press release: North Carolina’s strong literary tradition is celebrated by the 2025 North Carolina Book Awards, which will be presented Dec. 5 during the annual meeting of the N.C. Literary and Historical Association at 109 E. Jones St., Raleigh, NC, in the ground floor auditorium. The awards ceremony begins at 1 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The annual awards recognize significant works by North Carolina writers.

On Saturday, I received another award!

Finally, join me tonight for a live interview with Tina Hogan Grant at 8PM ET. There’s going to be a giveaway along with great conversation. Hope to see you there!