Category Archives: Uncategorized

MIDDLE GRADE FAVORITE SITCOMS

A middle grade television script and a novel look very different, but they do share similar traits. A beginning, middle, and end for sure. There’s also a problem that must be solved in 30-60 minutes on TV and by the … Continue reading

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THE DREADED ‘TBR’ LIST

The TBR list is something I’ve used for years. It’s a personal list of books I intend to read. At first it was one list, but these days it has become two. The first is labeled URGENT. Books I’ve promised … Continue reading

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FIVE FOR THE FUTURE

I raced through the five Cybils finalists earlier this month giving me an opportunity to tackle the healthy stack of books in my TBR (to be read) pile. I also have an eye on the future and books yet to … Continue reading

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AND THE WINNER IS…

Well… I don’t know yet. After reading all five Cybils Middle Grade Fiction finalists I will soon  conference with the other judges to share thoughts and come to a group decision. I do know awards are subjective no matter if … Continue reading

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Favorite Middle Grade Reading Moments 2015 & a Giveaway

This past year I’ve posted more than 60 reviews of middle grade books and read many more. With the new year just a wink away, its time to present my coveted golden cup award. Okay, I got it at a … Continue reading

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A Happy Holiday Celebration

After finishing my latest rounds of edits I just had to celebrate. Perfectly normal, but after a month of writing from the perspective of an exuberant 11-year-old, I couldn’t escape that age… Whew! I survived and have officially returned to … Continue reading

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A Review of Reviews

Recently I had a reader contact me wondering if I could lead her to the name of a book I reviewed about a girl who lived with her family at a mortuary or cemetery. I have the same problem, often … Continue reading

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Reading is a Tough Sell for Kids in Today’s World

I always encourage parents to squeeze out time for their children to read something they enjoy. Reading for pleasure will not only make them better readers, but also propel them into adulthood as lovers of stories. A new report by … Continue reading

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What Makes A Good Story?

I first came across this question when I began my first classroom teaching job. The teacher I replaced left several copies of  a short manual for kids: What Makes A Good Story? (Unfortunately out of print). Inside are 13 short … Continue reading

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MORE MG SPOOKS AND SCARY READS

There are way too many October favorites to devote a full review so I’m presenting three more in this shortened format. Like the other recommended choices this month, they can be enjoyed any time of the year. Goosebumps series by … Continue reading

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