Happy Book Birthday to BLOOD/WATER/PAINT and WIZARDMATCH!

 Two of my most anticipated 2018 books are out today!

A very happy book birthday to Joy McCullough's BLOOD/WATER/PAINT and Lauren Magaziner's WIZARDMATCH!

I preordered BLOOD/WATER/PAINT and I'm doing a panel with Lauren on March 17th (at the Neshaminy Mall Barnes & Noble in Bensalem, PA), so I'll get a signed copy of WIZARDMATCH soon.

The beautiful covers and book summaries are below~ get thee to a bookstore/library and enjoy!

BLOOD/WATER/PAINT-A debut novel based on the true story of the iconic painter, Artemisia Gentileschi.

Her mother died when she was twelve, and suddenly Artemisia Gentileschi had a stark choice: a life as a nun in a convent or a life grinding pigment for her father's paint.

She chose paint.

By the time she was seventeen, Artemisia did more than grind pigment. She was one of Rome's most talented painters, even if no one knew her name. But Rome in 1610 was a city where men took what they wanted from women, and in the aftermath of rape Artemisia faced another terrible choice: a life of silence or a life of truth, no matter the cost.

He will not consume
my every thought.
I am a painter.
I will paint.

I will show you

what a woman can do. 

WIZARDMATCH-

Twelve-year-old Lennie Mercado loves magic. She practices her invisibility powers all the time (she can now stay invisible for fifteen seconds!), and she dreams of the day that she can visit her grandfather, the Prime Wizard de Pomporromp, at his magical estate.

Now Lennie has her chance. Poppop has decided to retire, and his grandchildren are coming from all over to compete in Wizardmatch. The winner inherits his title, his castle, and every single one of his unlimited magical powers. The losers get nothing. Lennie is desperate to win, but when Poppop creates a new rule to quelch any sibling rivalry, her thoughts turn from winning Wizardmatch to sabotaging it...even if it means betraying her family. 

Latest Book Recommendations- Rebecca Petruck, Nikki Grimes, Anne Nesbet and more!

Hi All!

2018 is already going by fast, and this little blog has been sadly neglected. I wanted to pop in and share some book recommendations, because I've been on a READING HOT STREAK.

The last 6 books I've read all get 5 stars from me, all for different reasons. I'm so impressed with all of these authors, who've crafted stories and characters that set me firmly in new settings and new shoes. If you haven't read these (two of them aren't out yet), then please consider adding them to your to-read lists:


BOY BITES BUG- Rebecca Petruck is SO talented with boy/boy friendship stories that are universal in spirit. The voice here feels so very authentic (much like it does in another book of hers, STEERING TOWARD NORMAL). This one comes out May 8, 2018. Add it to your Goodreads HERE.

GARVEY'S CHOICE- I can't believe I haven't read this Nikki Grimes book before now. While my girls played in the puzzle section of the local library last week, I browsed nearby shelves and picked this up. I read the whole thing right there, then checked it out so that I could do a read-aloud at home with the kids. If you haven't read this wonderful novel-in-verse, please, please remedy that. Add it to your Goodreads HERE.

THE ORPHAN BAND OF SPRINGDALE- Anne Nesbet continues to blow me away. This is such a heartfelt exploration of childhood, belonging, things lost and found, and learning that our moral compass blended with a bit of courage can create unexpected change. The main character is based on Ms. Nesbet's mother and the author's note made me cry. This one comes out April 10, 2018. Add it to your Goodreads HERE.

AMERICAN PANDA- Oh LORD, I laughed out loud while reading this too many times to count. The themes of respecting past generations, but being true to yourself are gracefully handled, and Mei's story will charm your socks off. Add it to your Goodreads HERE.

SHADOW WEAVER- MarcyKate Connolly's first book in a trilogy is chilling and atmospheric from the very first page. This is the kind of book that is deliciously creepy and has you turning pages as quickly as possible to see what's going to happen to Emmeline...and her "best friend" Dar, a character that will have you checking for rogue shadows on your bedroom floor. Add it to your Goodreads HERE.

THE NIGHT GARDEN- I just finished this last night, and am now a Polly Horvath fan for life. I haven't read any of her other books, but rest assured, they're all going on my to-read list now. The voice is this one is right up my alley, as are the characters. I was so impressed with the writing and with the small moments of philosophical musings about writing and our place in the world. Add it to your Goodreads HERE.