Last month I featured the two most recent PB released by author NANCY CHURNIN. Today I am thrilled to announce the winners of signed copies of those books.
Danielle Dufayet wins a copy of BEAUTIFUL SHADES OF BROWN: THE ART OF LAURA WHEELER WARING.
Jane Healy is the winner of a copy of FOR SPACIOUS SKIES.
Congratulations! to Danielle and Jane and thanks to all who commented. Please send me your address so I can let Nancy know where to send the books.
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At the end of 2023 I had the pleasure of reading some amazing middle grade books. There have been some I’ve already featured on this blog, but I didn’t want to let another month go by before I included these two gems.
Here’s the blurb:
On the day they are born, every Swift child is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name, and a definition. A definition it is assumed they will grow up to match.
Meet Shenanigan Swift: Little sister. Risk-taker. Mischief-maker.
Shenanigan is getting ready for the big Swift Family Reunion and plotting her next great scheme: hunting for Grand-Uncle Vile’s long-lost treasure. She’s excited to finally meet her arriving relatives—until one of them gives Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude a deadly shove down the stairs.
So what if everyone thinks she’ll never be more than a troublemaker, just because of her name? Shenanigan knows she can become whatever she wants, even a detective. And she’s determined to follow the twisty clues and catch the killer.
Deliciously suspenseful and delightfully clever, The Swifts is a remarkable debut that is both brilliantly contemporary and instantly classic. A celebration of words and individuality, it’s packed with games, wordplay, and lots and lots of mischief as Shenanigan sets out to save her family and define herself in a world where definitions are so important.
And here is my review for this entertaining book:
THE SWIFTS: A DICTIONARY OF SCOUNDRELS by Beth Lincoln
A mash up of Agatha Christie, KNIVES OUT, and Edward Gory rolled into one entertaining mystery for middle graders that will keep readers turning pages and laughing at a family of ridiculous characters and their antics. Black and white illustrations add a level of humor. Games, wordplay, and clever antics will keep readers guessing until the end.
The second book is a delightful piece of historical fiction by author REBECCA BEHRENS.
Here’s the blurb: 
It’s 1967 and twelve-year-old Bea is in need of some adventure. Her mother is off in San Francisco, while her father has just gotten remarried in Los Angeles. Bea has gained a younger stepsister, and she’s not thrilled about her blended family. So when her ailing grandmother, Pidge, moves to an Orange County senior-living community and asks if Bea would spend the summer helping her get settled, Bea is happy for any excuse to get away.
But it turns out, her grandmother isn’t interested in settling in. What she really wants is to hop a train back to Atchison, Kansas—where she thinks she’ll be reunited with her long-missing sister: Amelia Earhart. And she wants Bea to be her sidekick on this secret trip.
At first, Bea thinks her grandmother’s plan is a little crazy. But Pidge has thirty years of letters written in “Meelie’s” unmistakable voice, all promising to reunite. This might be the adventure Bea needs…
With letters in hand, Bea and Pidge set off on their quest to find Amelia. But getting halfway across the country proves to be more of an adventure than either of them bargained for. And their search for Amelia leads to some surprising truths about their family—and each other.
My Review:
THE LAST GRAND ADVENTURE by Rebecca Behrens
A charming and quirky historical fiction story of loss, family, and the enduring bond of sisterhood. Bea and her grandmother Pidge set out on a cross-country trip to meet Pidge’s sister Amelia Earhart after 30 years of absence. The people they meet along the way and the misadventures they share changes both of them forever. Told with humor and heart, this novel is highly recommended.
I am giving away my copy of THE SWIFTS to one person chosen at random from those who leave a comment below. USA only please.
Today it is my pleasure to feature another great non-fiction STEM picture book from author Laurie Wallmark. This one was done in collaboration with author Raakhee Mirchandani.
Here’s my review and interview with Laurie.
JOURNEY TO THE STARS IS a story of an Indian-American woman who realized her life-long dream of becoming an astronaut and traveling into space. Kalpana’s courage, perseverance, and determination will inspire girls everywhere to reach for the stars. Excellent STEM biography of a little-known figure who achieved a dream through hard work and never taking NO for an answer. Inspiring and uplifting.
How did you discover Kalpana Chawla’s story?
Although I heard of Kalpana Chawla when she was an active astronaut, I didn’t know anything about her other than that she was the first female Indian American astronaut. Then, my co-author Raakhee Mirchandani asked if I would be interesting in collaborating on a book about her.
Your other STEM biographies were solo efforts. What was it like collaborating with author Raakhee Mirchandani for this book? Tell us how this partnership came about.
I’ve known Raakhee for many years. She and I share the same agent, Liza Fleissig. Raakhee had admired Kalpana and her achievements for a long time, and she thought there should be a picture book biography about this amazing woman. Since Raakhee’s writing experience was in fiction picture books, she asked if I’d be interested in working with her. It truly is a joy working with another author, especially one as accomplished as Raakhee. We are looking into possibly working together again on another women in STEM biography.
What do you hope readers will take away from Kalpana’s life and story?
Like many of the women I write about, Kalpana experienced many obstacles on her way to fulfilling her hopes of going into space. I hope readers will realize that dedication and persistence will go a long way towards helping them achieve their dreams. Also, by reading her story, children will see an example of the diversity of people in science.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
Raakhee wrote a beautiful author’s note that talks about just how important Kalpana’s story is to her, her daughter, and the world.
That sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing your journey in creating this fascinating book.
Laurie will give away one signed copy of JOURNEY TO THE STARS to one lucky reader chosen at random from those who leave a comment at the end of this post. USA only please.
Award-winning author Laurie Wallmark writes picture book biographies of women in STEM as well as fiction. Her books have earned six starred trade reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received awards such as Outstanding Science Trade Book, Crystal Kite Award, Cook Prize Honor, and Parents’ Choice Gold Medal. Her titles include JOURNEY TO THE STARS, GRACE HOPPER: QUEEN OF COMPUTER CODE; RIVKA’S PRESENTS; THE QUEEN OF CHESS; and DINO PAJAMA PARTY. Laurie has an MFA in Writing from VCFA and is a former software engineer and computer science professor. Find Laurie online at lauriewallmark.com and @lauriewallmark.
In this digital age, reading takes many forms besides paper books. Get ready for several awesome resources (FREE & subscription) that can supplement your child’s reading time. I will always recommend books over screens, but these tools are really useful, too.
I am notorious at checking out library books and forgetting to return them. The Libby app keeps me more responsible AND they have a diverse kids’ selection. You can choose between audiobooks and ebooks. *A super helpful feature is some books highlight the words as they are read, so your child can read along.
How to get the Libby app: https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby?_gl=1*1wgchce*_ga*NTI5NzU4MTM4LjE3MTIxMDExNDU.*_ga_STPWH4M428*MTcxMjEwMTE0NC4xLjEuMTcxMjEwMTY5NS41Ny4wLjA.&_ga=2.192369960.307645449.1712101145-529758138.1712101145
25 awesome read alongs to explore with your kids:
This website has a multitude of options for children and families to read together, especially if you opt in for a paid monthly subscription. I also used this with my 2nd grade students and they loved having so many choices.
Check out Epic! here: https://www.getepic.com/
This is an especially great website if your child favors visual story-telling! If you type “kids” in the search bar, you’ll find a multitude of traditional and self-published comics and graphic novels for kids. https://globalcomix.com/
*Parental advisory strongly recommended—this is not a kid-friendly website, so the covers of mature adult content stories will be seen while navigating to kid-friendly stories.
If your child enjoys fantasy-adventure stories, you might check out my mini-graphic novel, Blue. https://globalcomix.com/c/blue-1/chapters/en/1/1/1
What does your child enjoy reading digitally? Share in the comments below 🙂
The Jesus Storybook, Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Jan Brett), Hive Five magazine, and Blackout (John Rocco).
As April comes to a close, I have the last two giveaways to announce from this month’s blog posts.
KAREN GREENWALD, the author of MUD ANGELS 
IS GIVING AWAY A 30 MINUTE ASK-ME-ANYTHING ZOOM VISIT.
The lucky winner of this zoom visit is:
Elizabeth Suneby
And, Ellis Nelson is the lucky winner of a signed copy of MAC AND THE MILLSTONE OF TIME by Timothy Young. 
Winners, Please send me your contact information so I can get your prize to you. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who left comments about these great books.
Who hasn’t gazed up into the night sky, smiled at the Man in the Moon and wondered what it would be like to visit?
It’s likely been a pastime since humans first populated our planet.
Fast forward to recent years and man’s actual flights into outer space. On May 3rd, 1961 Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the first American in space aboard Freedom 7 Space capsule. This brief suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere.
Arguably, the most renowned astronaut in history was Neil Armstrong. He made history by becoming the first person to set foot on the moon in 1969, an event that was televised around the world.
Other early space travelers, between 1961 and 1962, were Russian cosmonauts Yuri Gagarin and German Tito, and Americans Alan Shepard and John Glenn.
To mark these achievements, Lockheed Martin Corp. designated the first Friday in May National Space Day as a one-day event.
By 2001, due to the popularity of National Space Day, Senator John Glen, a former astronaut, was responsible for it being renamed International Space Day.
The dual goal of the observance is to promote math, science, technology, and engineering education and to inspire student to pursue a career in science, especially a career in space-related jobs.
Looking for a way to celebrate the accomplishments to date and encourage young people to learn more? For starters:
— Build a model rocket and launch it.
— Look for the International Space Station as it orbits the Earth.
— Share your favorite space pictures online using #NationalSpaceDay
Also, consider these recent books for young readers:
—How to Eat in Space, a picture book written by Helen Taylor and illustrated by Steve Lewis for ages 6 to 8. It addresses the challenges of how to eat when food floats. 
— Knowledge Encyclopedia Space! Computer-generated illustrations reveal the wonders of the universe published by The Smithsonian. Recommended for ages 6 to10. 
— The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space. Written by Will Gates and Daniel Long for ages five and older. 
Marilyn Ostermiller is a journalist who specializes in writing for children.
MAC AND THE MILLSTONE OF TIME is an illustrated chapter book. An engaging and kid-friendly tale of Mac – a brave mouse who lives at Wye Mill on the eastern shore of Maryland. After falling into a millstone hole, Mac begins a time travel adventure through the history of the mill and the eastern shore area. He experiences all the changes that have occurred since the mill was built in 1682, while trying to find his way back home.
Each chapter includes a sidebar that sums up the history of Maryland’s eastern shore region as well as information on what took place there in history. A clever and entertaining way to tell a true story of the Wye grist mill that is still in operation today. Perfect for early elementary school readers.
I am currently reading a fascinating book that describes the longest living trees found in the USA. These natural wonders are amazing to read about and even more amazing to encounter in the wild.
IN SEARCH OF THE OLD ONES by Anthony D. Fredericks talks about the redwoods, the sequoias, bald cypress, and the quaking aspen trees that have been here since indigenous people roamed the continent. Trees that have survived earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, and other disasters both natural and man-made.
The quaking aspen in Fish Lake, Utah is a single tree – PANDO – that spans 106 acres – the equivalent of 60 pro soccer fields – and has been alive for 8-12,000 years!! It was around before the invention of the wheel. Before clay pots were developed. Before the birth of Christ. It is the largest living organism on earth.
What may look like a forest of aspen trees to anyone who observes them, is really a forest of vertical roots from the main tree. One tree…rooted in the ground atop a mountain nearly two miles above sea level. Talk about survival! 
Here is a link to a short video that explains the Pando Clone Aspen:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/fishlake/home/?cid=STELPRDB5393641
The second largest living organism on earth also happens to be a tree. In Sequoia National Park in California, the General Sherman weighs in at 1,385 tons – the equivalent weight of 213 African Elephants. At a height of 274.9 feet, it towers over the other trees surrounding it, all giants of their own. It sprouted about the same time Julius Caesar was born and is estimated to be between 2,100 and 2,200 years old.
For more about this amazing specimen of longevity and survival visit:
https://www.bing.com/search?form=MOZLBR&pc=MOZI&q=the+general+sherman+sequoia+tree
Why am I sharing these facts about ancient trees? First of all because they are amazing!! For organisms to live that long despite all the things that have come and gone in the centuries of their existence, they have stayed rooted. Not only standing still, but spreading their roots far and wide. Reaching up. Reaching out. What amazing stories they hold beneath their trunks! Stories of persistence. Stories of perseverance. Stories of triumph over adversity. I’ve featured some amazing books so far in April and we are only half way through the month! Here are the lucky winners for three of the books featured.
A copy of LOUDER THAN HUNGER by John Schu goes to Angie Quantrell
Laura Roettiger is the winner of AND THEN, BOOM by Lisa Fipps
A signed copy of WHO’S WRITING THIS STORY by Robin Newman (illustrated by Deborah Zemke) goes to Ellen Leventhal.
Please send me your addresses so I can get your books to you. Thanks to all who commented about these amazing books. Please show your author appreciation by leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads. It’s the best way to say thanks and to spread the word about great books for kids.
Today I am thrilled to have a chance to share a wonderful non fiction picture historical book from author Karen Greenwald (illustrated by Olga Lee).
I had a chance to ask Karen about this story centered on the 1966 flood that engulfed the city of Florence and nearly destroyed it’s museum and library treasures.
How did you discover this amazing story?
I wanted a topic featuring a STEAM theme mixed with cultural issues and international
cooperation. I mentioned this to my cp/college roommate. She asked if I had ever heard about the
Arno flood of 1966. Surprisingly, I had not—but after reading a brief amount, it felt like this
story was almost waiting for me.
What was the research process like for a story set in the 1960’s in another country?
Well, unlike in my first book (A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR), I had the opportunity to interview a wide range of people in both the United States and Italy who had experienced it first-hand. This was my personal favorite part of my research process for this book. I formed beautiful friendships with many of the people I reached out to (another aspect I love about doing non-fiction research). Thanks to conversations and content from librarians, conservators, and people who experienced the flood as children, and my extensive interviews and interactions with true Mud Angels—the research almost felt multi-sensory…though, I’m so glad that I did not smell the mud! Everyone said it was unforgettably bad!
The illustrations are wonderful! Did you have any input into how the pictures were going to tell part of the MUD ANGELS story?
Olga Lee is so talented! I am incredibly grateful she was chosen to illustrate this book! I did have some input concerning image content and details. I also submitted 15 “contact sheets” of pictures taken in Florence both during and after the flood. I know illustrators do their own research, but I had additional images not locatable elsewhere.
What surprised you most during the writing?
I chose to write this story lyrically because it just felt thematically correct. It is my favorite way to write and the way in which I formulate content. I don’t know that there was a surprise in the process—more like a comfort. I just felt engaged in “the moment” for the entire duration of writing the manuscript. The editing process felt almost like trimming a topiary!
What do you want readers to know and remember from this remarkable story of kindness and cooperation?
First, thank you so much for your support of it and for the phrasing of your question! I want
children and the adults who read with them to think about the power and promise of youth—how young people can change the world for the better. In the darkness of the basement, on the staircase leading out of the mud pit, in the streets filled with rubble, and in the homes and public spaces that had no running water, heat, or electricity, people found ways to work together peacefully. Again, young people showed heroism, kindness, selflessness, and the ability to unite and work together for a common good.
Any other thoughts or comments?
I think this book also points out something important but scary. We are living in an era where the number of floods is greatly increasing each year. I hope people will learn more about ways to protect our environment.
Karen is giving away a 20 min AMA Zoom visit to one lucky reader of this post. Just leave a comment below and one person’s name will be drawn at random and announced later this month.
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PB: A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR (Albert Whitman)Library of Congress: Great Reads from Great Places 2022Library of Congress: National Book Festival 20222022 Kansas Notable BookA Mighty Girl: 2021 BOOKS OF THE YEARWe Have Kids: The 20 Best Children’s Narrative Nonfiction Books About Women (2023)PB: THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE (2024)Winner, Gold international SCA Award Winner, Platinum international MEA Award 2023YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@karenmgreenwald
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Neurodivergent ADHD Girl (she/her/hers) Kidlit Writer, Blogger & Librarian
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Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue is a lesfic author at amzn.to/36DFT2x. Sign-up for her newsletter at higginbothampublications.com
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Darlene Beck-Jacobson 