As far as I can tell, one of the best uses of social media is meeting someone who you connect with. That was the case with Cate Touryan, author of the award-winning debut novel, Turning Toward Eden. I met Cate on Author Media, Thomas Umstattd, Jr. social platform. It turned out that we were both… Continue reading Meet Cate Touryan: Insights from the Author of Turning Toward Eden
INTRODUCTION I am happy to post another review by my talented young writer friend, Isabelle Knight. Today she reviews Soledad and the Curse of the Phoenix, the debut middle-grade novel by another friend of mine, Mindy Baker. Yes, I have a lot of writer friends! And yes, I appreciate each one! THE BLURB This lower… Continue reading Mesoamerican Magic in Soledad’s Adventure: A Book Review
Since I have a stack of picture books by my desk waiting to find good homes, I thought this was a good time of year to offer them as giveaways. Each one would make a special gift to a young reader in your life, to a library, or to a school. SALAMANDER SONG by Ginny… Continue reading Book Giveaways on Music and Voice: Enrich Young Readers’ Lives
It is my pleasure to share my fellow Write2Ignite team member, Brenda Covert's, debut picture book, Meanwhile Back at the Manger (Ambassador International, 2025). SYNOPSIS Thomas is frustrated with his job in the stable, pushing around hay and cleaning up after the animals. Leaving his stable job behind, he starts a new job, night fishing… Continue reading MEANWHILE BACK AT THE MANGER: A Christmas Picture Book and Giveaway!
Author Kay DiBianca takes her middle grade readers on a detective adventure around Manhattan in New York City with Knights in Manhattan. (This is the second in DiBianca's Reen and Joanie Detective Agency series). These are not really knights but a couple of brave friends who work to halt crime. REVIEW In this novel, Reen and… Continue reading Uncovering Clues in NYC: Knights in Manhattan Book Review
REVIEW Tallulah the Mermaid and the Great Lakes Pledge (Sleeping Bear Press, 2025) is a sweet story about Tallulah, a mermaid who takes a pledge to serve the Great Lakes. Throughout the story, Tallulah faces challenges but faces them with bravery and even joy at the responsibility of preserving the lakes. One of the best parts is… Continue reading Tallulah the Mermaid: A Great Lakes Adventure
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!… Continue reading Celebrating School Visits and Literary Awards
INTRODUCTION My writing “to-do” writing list includes a graphic novel, Nightmare in Nuremberg, based on an event in my German family’s history. So, when Rosi Hollinbeck offered Risk, Resilience, and Redemption on her blog, I grabbed the chance to win it. Written by a friend of the author, Frank W. Baker, is the story of how Bluma… Continue reading Exploring Risk, Resilience, and Redemption in Holocaust Literature
Introduction Donna Galanti takes her middle school audience on a coming-of-age adventure in her new book Loon Cove Summer (Wild Trail Press, 2025). This book also has the neat distinction of taking place on a loon lake and chapter headings contain cool facts about this special bird. Review Thirteen-year-old Sarah Richardson runs a lakeside campground with… Continue reading Loon Cove: A Touching Middle Grade Book Reviewed by Kate Lundeen
INTRODUCTION When you write "recent" historical fiction, sometimes you are fortunate enough to interview people who were alive during your story's period. I am one of those authors. HALF-TRUTHS takes place in Charlotte in 1950, and when I started researching the book twenty years ago, I searched for people who were alive in the 1950s.… Continue reading Learn to Read, Read to Learn