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 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
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
SUMMARY The Peach Thief, by Linda Joan Smith, is historical fiction about a young orphan girl named Scilla who lived in the woods. She would steal food to survive. One day Scilla climbed the Earl’s kitchen garden wall to steal a peach, and was caught by Mr. Layton, the head gardener. She was mistaken for… Continue reading The Peach Thief: A Middle Grade Book Gets a Thumbs Up from A New Guest Reviewer
INTRODUCTION The King of Montréal by Daniela I. Norris, is a young adult historical adventure featuring Louis-Charles, the lost prince of France in the year 1800. REVIEW I have to admit, I had decidedly mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, there was a lot to like. However, it also had some problems,… Continue reading Exploring ‘The King of Montréal’: A Mixed Review
To Market, to Market, To Market I Go Ever since Half-Truths launched in April, it has been non-stop publicity and marketing. I'd heard that the hard work happens after you write a book. Now I'm living it! Image by Tish Bouvier Fortunately, I have friends who are inviting me to their bookclubs; I'm joining the… Continue reading ‘Tis the Season… for Podcasts and Book Signings!
Sorry I haven't blogged in 10 days--but it's been a whirlwind since April 2. Here are a few highlights of the last two weeks. Book Launch Plus! First, there was the National Reconciliation Day event "Reconciliation Through Story" sponsored by the Levine Museum of the New South. I was joined by my fellow Charlotte authors,… Continue reading Catch My Latest Book News!
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24 My BFF writing partner emailed me this verse today. I AM rejoicing in all that the Lord did to help me get to my publication day. One of the ways I am celebrating is by sharing… Continue reading Launch Event for Half-Truths: Join the Celebration!
Little did I know when I started posting about my publication journey that it would be 18 years before I could announce my book is up for preorder! In two weeks I'm launching HALF-TRUTHS at Park Road Books and I am super busy! Here's a peek into what's been happening in my neck of the… Continue reading Discover ‘Half-Truths’: My 18-Year Journey to Publication
Bowers and Shady by Margaret Dardess is an entertaining and thought-provoking historical adventure. In the aftermath of the Civil War, times are hard for everyone. Thirteen-year-old Bowers Jamison embarks on a trip from Iowa to Colorado to track down his uncle, who stole his father’s magical pocket watch. The watch is believed to bring good luck… Continue reading Bowers and Shady: A Middle-Grade Book Review by Kathryn Dover