Happy spring, friends! Where I live, the mornings are getting lighter and–if I walk in the right places–the air smells like orange blossoms. I hope it is as delightful where you are.
April is a big month for me. Sunny Parker Is Here to Stay comes out in paperback on April 15. Booklist wrote of the book, “The book uses its diverse cast to sensitively address poverty, community, racism, and autism. Sunny is a spunky young girl who finds the courage to stand up for what she believes in.” And Hornbook wrote, “Though the story thoughtfully tackles serious topics such as domestic violence and structural racism, Sunny’s hopeful perspective and commitment to community care enhance the swiftly paced narrative. Ultimately, Sunny’s journey is a celebration of the power of empathy, intergenerational friendships, and collective action—potentially inspiring readers to create positive change.” If you haven’t yet read it, I hope you will check it out.
On May 13, 2025 my next book Spelling it Out comes out. Kirkus calls it, “A thoughtful coming-of-age story,” and Booklist says “it’s timeless in its portrayal of a middle-school boy trying to find his way.” Although you can’t read it for another week, you can download this free two-page activity guide. Perfect for word nerds, it features tips for competitive spellers, a fun writing exercise, and a word search. Enjoy it–and tell a friend!
Between the upcoming paperback release of Sunny and the hard cover release of Spelling it Out, I don’t mind telling you, I’ve been busy. But I’m still making time for sweet Walt, who comes over to the computer to remind me to get up, move around, and smile. I hope you have a Walt in your life.
I’d love to hear from you! Hit the contact button and tell me what you’re thinking or reading these days.