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
INTRODUCTION There is an old saying, “Home is where the heart is”. The novel in poetic verse by VT Bidania, A Year Without Home, deals with the emotional toll of homesickness but also the positive power of learning to make the best of things no matter your home’s location. REVIEW Preteen Laos native, Gao Sheng, has special affection… Continue reading Finding Home: A Review of _A Year Without Home_
INTRODUCTION Readers won't have to wait long for conflict to begin in Stephanie Cotta's prequel to her compelling YA fantasy, The Conjurer's Curse. In the first chapter of Beneath the Crescent Shadow (Monarch, 2026), there is a vicious storm, a shipwreck, and a cursed newborn baby. If that's not enough to hook a teen or… Continue reading Review of Beneath the Crescent Shadow: A Captivating Prequel
INTRODUCTION It is my delight to introduce you to a debut picture book by my fellow North Carolina writer, Tonnye Fletcher. Music Plants Hope (Reycraft Books, 2026) is a lyrical and beautifully illustrated story about Eugenio Ampudia's unique concert for....plants. Read on to find out more. REVIEW Who can forget 2020? Covid, masks, lock downs,… Continue reading Eugenio Ampudia’s Unique Concert for Plants
INTRODUCTION Some picture books make you laugh, others pull at your heart strings. Although there are aspects of Jeanine DeHoney's debut picture book, This Sunday My Daddy Came to Church, that are playful, the overwhelming message is a young child's joy when his father joins him and his mother in church. Published by Sleeping Bear… Continue reading Picture Book Insights: ‘This Sunday My Daddy Came to Church’