Publishing Delays

February 15, 2023

It’s been way too long since I posted an update. I keep waiting for a firm publication date, but things have been delayed at the publisher, both for the release of The Double Crossing and the reprint of The Weaver’s Daughter. I still don’t have a firm date, but things are moving along. I have … More Publishing Delays

Books coming

December 15, 2022

I’m still excited that both The Double Crossing, my middle grade historical novel taking place on the 1939 voyage of the St. Louis, and The Weaver’s Daughter (a rerelease of my middle grade immigration story) will be coming out from Paper Angel Press. However, due to a change in art director and some staff issues … More Books coming

Kirkus Review of The Weaver’s Daughter

November 1, 2022

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m re-releasing The Weaver’s Daughter with my new publisher, Paper Angel Press. I just had a review from Kirkus. Here’s a quote from them: “Patience tells a story of migration appropriate for young readers without being overly sanitized—for instance, the tension is palpable in Ixchel’s confrontation with her … More Kirkus Review of The Weaver’s Daughter

Updates

October 9, 2022

Paper Angel Press, my new publisher, is working on getting my latest middle-grade novel, The Double Crossing, to press. The story is historical fiction told from the alternating points of view of two thirteen-year-olds, Hannah and David. They meet while trying to escape Nazi Germany in 1939, before the war, aboard the MS St. Louis. … More Updates

Seeking Asylum

June 8, 2022

I’m working on a new book project together with my friend Elizabeth. She’s an asylum seeker from El Salvador who’s been in Santa Cruz for a little over a year. Her story is one of tragedy, overcoming horrible difficulties, and amazing resilience. We’ve only just begun the project, but you can hear a little of … More Seeking Asylum

The Double Crossing

May 25, 2022

I’ve just signed a contract with Paper Angel Press to publish my upper middle grade historical novel The Double Crossing. I’m excited to be able to introduce young readers to my fictional characters Hannah and David and their adventures, including stopping a Nazi spy mission. At the same time, readers will learn about the true … More The Double Crossing

Upcoming events

April 26, 2022

Here’s news from a couple of my local organizations. Santa Cruz residents can learn about the Santa Cruz Welcoming Network this Thursday, April 28th by tuning in to our community radio station, KSQD 90.7 for Talk of the Bay with Rachel Goodman from five to six p.m. The Welcoming Network is an all-volunteer organization helping … More Upcoming events

Smashwords Sale

March 6, 2022

If you haven’t read Toto’s Tale and True Chronicle of Oz, here’s the chance to get the e-book for the special sale price of $2.99. Smashwords is having a one week sale and I’m participating. This is the link to my Smashwords page where you can order the book. It’s a fun read for children … More Smashwords Sale

Pages and P.J.s

February 25, 2022

Yesterday I had the opportunity to read at the Pages and P.J.s event at Santa Cruz Gardens elementary school. It’s an evening event where children and families come in their pajamas to hear authors and others read. I’d read in a couple of these events a few years ago. It was wonderful to be able … More Pages and P.J.s

Back Again

February 13, 2022

This was taken at the border wall at Playas de Tijuana. In late October and early November, I joined the Peace Train on a trip through Mexico, visiting the wall and a refugee center housing children and families waiting to cross the border. We traveled with some of the children on the train and participated … More Back Again

SCBWI BookStop

October 16, 2021

SCBWI is the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. It’s our international organization with chapters all over the US and the world. Bookstop is an annual event featuring hundreds of books for children by SCBWI members. So many books, so much to read. #SCBWIBookStop is here with tons of books readers will enjoy. Check … More SCBWI BookStop

PEACE TRAIN

October 10, 2021

Since I wrote The Weaver’s Daughter, the situation at the border in Tijuana has changed dramatically. There are thousands of migrants from Mexico, Central America, Haiti, and many other parts of the world waiting in camps and shelters at this border city for an opportunity to seek asylum in the United States. Climate change resulting … More PEACE TRAIN

More on the Moonbeam Award

November 14, 2020

The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are presented by Jenkins Group and IndependentPublisher.com, who say: “The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading. The Awards recognize and reward the best of these books and bring them to the attention of … More More on the Moonbeam Award

Book Recommendation

February 17, 2023

I’m just finishing this book and highly recommend it. The author did research on forest plant relationships over decades. She discovered (or rediscovered, she gives credit to the knowledge of indigenous people) how the various trees and other plants in the forest are in complex interrelationships. They communicate and share resources through extensive fungal networks. … More Book Recommendation