The Blue Dress by Rebecca Morrison is the kind of middle grade novel that does not need to be loud to be powerful. It takes place in Ashbury Falls and follows Yasmin at the beginning of the teen years, that in between stage where you are still a kid, but you are expected to handle […]
We live in a country of extraordinary privilege, yet many author spaces have shifted from storytelling and craft toward constant commentary, personal ideology, and self-centered performance. Recent news cycles make this even more visible, with reactions often feeling performative rather than thoughtful. I am not here to list world news or pass judgment on true
An author reflects on children’s publishing decisions and why prioritizing story quality over labels affects literacy and readers. As a children’s book author, this past year has been one of the most eye opening seasons of my career in the publishing industry. I’ve learned a lot about storytelling, writing craft, marketing strategies, and how publishers
The Secret Winners Club by Donna Galanti tells the story of thirteen-year-old Sunny Whitlock, an eighth grader living with alopecia. Losing her hair has been hard, and Sunny is determined to be seen as more than just the bald kid. She sets a bold goal for herself: to win her school’s junkbot club competition. Following
I really enjoyed reading Sophie and Sinclair Get Lost by Colleen Olle, illustrated by Marcy Tippmann. This sweet children’s picture book is perfect for kids ages 4 to 8, and as I read it, I found myself smiling at Sophie the rabbit and Sinclair the turtle and their little adventure. At the end of autumn,
I absolutely loved Just Enough Room for Christmas. Robin takes the familiar story of the birth of Christ and tells it in such a creative and playful way that children and adults alike will be drawn in. The story begins in a way that is both unexpected and delightful, with a cow in Bethlehem being
“Center of the Earth left me breathless. Werner’s journey from fear and loss in Berlin to warmth and hope in Ecuador reminded me why stories of courage, resilience, and humanity must never be forgotten. The way Darlene Campos captures friendship, faith, and the small acts of care that help us survive even the darkest times
In the publishing world, authors and creatives face unique challenges. Some thrive with gratitude, always willing to collaborate, share advice, and celebrate others. Others may lose sight of humility along the way. Success in publishing can change how people move through the world, but it does not have to. Gratitude and humility are essential for
This week I received three rejection letters from literary agents. Each one was polite and professional. Each one reminded me of two lines from the movie You’ve Got Mail. “You are what you read.” — Kathleen Kelly, You’ve Got Mail (1998)“It’s not personal, it’s business.” — Joe Fox, You’ve Got Mail (1998) As writers, the
When people think of publishing, they often imagine a world of literary lunches, author signings, and cozy offices filled with books. But for many professionals in the industry, the reality is far different—a reality that raises important questions about fairness and equity in the workplace. The Multifaceted Role of Publishing Professionals In the publishing industry,
