Windows & Mirrors: HARBOR ME by Jacqueline Woodson
Welcome to Windows & Mirrors, where we feature books that provide us windows to lives outside our own and mirrors to our shared common human experiences. Today we are featuring Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson. When six “special” kids are sent by their teacher to a quiet art room and told they can just hang out and talk for an hour every Friday afternoon, at … Continue reading Windows & Mirrors: HARBOR ME by Jacqueline Woodson
Josh Funk Interview: LOST IN THE LIBRARY
Patience and Fortitude, the noble lions who guard the New York Public Library, are the stars of a new picture book, LOST IN THE LIBRARY, by the amazing Josh Funk! When Fortitude awakens one morning, he discovers that his pal Patience is missing. He ventures inside the library looking for his story-loving friend. We get to see the noted regions of the library through … Continue reading Josh Funk Interview: LOST IN THE LIBRARY
6 Reasons Writers Should Judge a Book Award Such as the CYBILS [Updated 2020]
Writers frequently hear that one of the most important things they can do to improve their craft is to read. Read in their genre. Read broadly. Read critically. Today I’m going to ask writers to consider going one step further. Don’t just read, but to serve as a judge for a book award. Judging a book award forces you to read A LOT over a … Continue reading 6 Reasons Writers Should Judge a Book Award Such as the CYBILS [Updated 2020]
Barbara O’Connor Interview featuring WONDERLAND
If you asked me to recommend a good book for a kid who likes dogs, I’d immediately blurt out Barbara O’Connor’s name. She’s the author of seventeen novels and biographies for middle graders and the recipient of dozens and dozens of distinguished book awards. My favorite Barbara O’Connor books feature dogs: How to Steal a Dog, Wish (my dog’s favorite) and now Wonderland! Ten-year-old Mavis has to … Continue reading Barbara O’Connor Interview featuring WONDERLAND
THE LAW OF FINDERS KEEPERS by Sheila Turnage
It all started with Three Times Lucky in 2012. Mo (Moses) LoBeau and Dale Earnhardt Johnson III became the detectives we all wanted to be as kids (and maybe as adults too)–charming, clever, witty, and always able to solve the most impossible case plus several others that snuck their way in. Three Times Lucky has murder, race cars, a stud muffin, drunkards, and karate. It’s so … Continue reading THE LAW OF FINDERS KEEPERS by Sheila Turnage
August Four on 400 Feedback
Thank you to all the brave souls who entered this month’s Four on 400 contest! Sharing your writing takes courage, and we appreciate your enthusiasm for our contest.Below, we’ve posted the first 400 words from this month’s winner, along with feedback from at least four of our members. We also encourage our readers to share their (constructive) suggestions and encouragement in the comments section below. Middle … Continue reading August Four on 400 Feedback
Interview with Kati Gardner, author of BRAVE ENOUGH
Last week, I reviewed Kati Gardner’s debut young adult novel, BRAVE ENOUGH, as part of our regular Windows and Mirrors feature. You can find that review here. Now, I’m thrilled to welcome Kati Gardner to the Winged Pen today to answer my burning questions about her upcoming release. Congrats on your debut novel, Kati! Brave Enough has two main characters who are dealing with life-threatening problems when … Continue reading Interview with Kati Gardner, author of BRAVE ENOUGH
Windows & Mirrors: BRAVE ENOUGH
Welcome to Windows & Mirrors, where we feature books that provide us windows to lives outside our own and mirrors to our shared common human experiences. This week we are featuring BRAVE ENOUGH by Kati Gardner! Cason is the youngest ballerina in the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory. But she’s been hiding an injury. Unfortunately, it’s not a typical dancer’s injury that will get better with ice, … Continue reading Windows & Mirrors: BRAVE ENOUGH
SEAFIRE by Natalie C. Parker
Caledonia Styx’s family was killed by the bloodthirsty warlord Aric Athair and his viscous army, the Bullets. She and her best friend Pisces are left to fend for themselves. Caledonia becomes the captain of her own ship, the Mors Navis, and acquires a crew of girls like her and Pisces, those who have lost everything because of Aric and the Bullets. The crew’s mission: stay alive … Continue reading SEAFIRE by Natalie C. Parker
WHERE THE WOODS END (An Interview with Author Charlotte Salter)
Creepers and crawlers and things that go bump in the night? Yes, please! Since my latest literary obsession is dark middle grade fantasy, I’m especially thrilled to welcome middle grade author Charlotte Salter to The Winged Pen. Charlotte’s second novel, WHERE THE WOODS END, comes out on August 14th. The story follows Kestrel, a fierce huntress, as she strives to protect her village from Grabbers––shadowy … Continue reading WHERE THE WOODS END (An Interview with Author Charlotte Salter)
August Four on 400 Contest
Q: What is Four on 400? A monthly contest that provides ONE LUCKY MG or YA WRITER with feedback on their opening 400 WORDS! As part of our ongoing mission to support writers, we’ll give a MG or YA writer feedback on their work from four of The Winged Pen’s contributors. Q: Sounds exciting! How do I enter? To enter, simply comment at the bottom of this post! At 4pm (EST) … Continue reading August Four on 400 Contest
Windows & Mirrors: Darius the Great Is NOT Okay
Welcome to Windows & Mirrors, where we feature books that provide us windows to lives outside our own and mirrors to our shared common human experiences. This week we are featuring DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY by Adib Khorram! Darius doesn’t exactly fit in anywhere. He’s Fractional Persian (half Persian), but speaks better Klingon (Star Trek fanatic) than his mother’s native language of Farsi. He believes … Continue reading Windows & Mirrors: Darius the Great Is NOT Okay