INTRODUCTION FROM REVIEWER, KATE LUNDEEN Today I am introducing The Barbary Chronicles: The Lost Prince by Bobbi Miller. This middle grade adventure takes place in San Francisco in the 1870’s. Here is the publisher’s description: Eleven-year-old Jack London holds her own among rascals, ruffians, and thieves in this rollicking adventure story set in 1870s San Francisco.Oliver Twist meets Deadwood in… Continue reading The Lost Prince: A Tale of Courage and Kindness
Introduction As many of you know, I have been a part of the Write2Ignite team for many years. Last year I was "promoted" to the co-director of our biannual Master Class and as we gear up for our next class, I'm eager to share this great opportunity with those of you who want to write… Continue reading Unlock Your Writing Potential: Join Write2Ignite’s Master Class
INTRODUCTION There is so much to love about this novel. The characters, the story, the themes... REVIEW Mary Bella is famous. Everyone loves her, and everyone loves her voice. But despite the fame, the awards, and the glory, Mary knows that something is missing…she just can’t place her finger on what. Then she meets Presley.… Continue reading Discover Faith and Love in OFFBEAT by Jen Lowry
INTRODUCTION Time Traveling with a Hamster (Yearling, 2018) by Ross Welford, my second time travel mentor novel, is totally different than The Devil's Arithmetic . REVIEW At least that's what I initially thought. But then one night when I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about time travel and how I was going to incorporate… Continue reading Time Travel in Middle Grade Literature
Introduction Sometimes history has a habit of blurring the lines between enemy and friend. This is true in Dana Vanderlugt’s WWII novel in verse, Enemies in the Orchard. Can a teenage Nazi and a farm girl learn to treat each other decently and allow a friendship to blossom? Review Claire De Boer is the hardworking daughter… Continue reading Exploring Kindness Amidst War: ‘Enemies in the Orchard’ Review
Introduction As I mentioned in my last post, my middle grade work-in-progress, Out of the Flame, has morphed into a time travel novel. The reason is simple. I love sharing history with tweens and teens and time travel is more appealing than straight historical fiction. The execution is not. Now I have to learn how… Continue reading Exploring Time Travel in Historical Fiction
I'M SO GLAD YOU ASKED My bio in my recent Writer's Digest article says, "When she’s not writing or teaching, Carol enjoys cheering at her grandchildren’s sporting events, twisting into ridiculous yoga contortions, and gardening." To be honest, like many authors, much of my "spare" time goes to "non-writing" writing work. Replying to emails or… Continue reading What Do You Do When You’re Not Writing?
INTRODUCTION Island of Spies is a charming novel, perfect for middle grade readers looking for a coastal take on WWII. The author, Sheila Turnage, artfully captures the life of an average island family entwined in the realities of a brewing war. Her precise words paint vivid pictures in the minds of eager young readers. From the… Continue reading Unraveling Mysteries: The Dime Novel Kids in Island of Spies
INTRODUCTION Many years ago I read and enjoyed my fellow North Carolinian's book, The Ballad of Jesse Pearl. I was delighted to hear that the author, Shannon Hitchcock, had written a book that included Jesse as a character. Here is what Kate Lundeen had to say about Shannon's latest middle grade novel. REVIEW Head to… Continue reading Exploring Healing in Wild Mountain Ivy
INTRODUCTION Two years ago I was happy to share Kim A. Larson's early reader debut picture book, Goat's Boat Won't Float. Today, I bring you her next book, Doll Trouble that is coming out July 21. REVIEW This friendship story which shows (not tells!) empathy and bravery begins by introducing Emma and her best friend,… Continue reading Upcoming Release: Kim A. Larson’s Doll Trouble