Today. Labor Day. The unofficial end to summer. Why do we do that? Why do we hurry summer—or any season—to a close “unofficially”? We don’t bring anything but seasons to unofficial ends, or beginnings for that matter. When I’m 80, will that be my unofficial end? Did I have an unofficial beginning? Books sometimes have…
Hello Friend, Here’s another book review for you. This book simultaneously cracks me up…and makes me worry. The Ogress and the Orphans by acclaimed children’s novelist Kelly Barnhill parallels some of our country’s recent events. Publisher’s Weekly calls the book “…an ambitious fantastical sociopolitical allegory.” But kids aged 9-12 will just call it a really…
Hello, friend, A few weeks ago I wrote about why reading middle-grade and children’s fiction is good for adults. If books help shape children—and I think they do—then can they not also shape adults? Surely we’re not beyond help. I guess that’s debatable, and I suppose a lot hinges on how open a person’s mind…
Have you have ever entered a race and placed first? Second? Third? Did you make it over the finish line? If you did, I hope you had a squad of cheerleaders, family, friends, acquaintances, cheering for you. Once upon a time, when I was a kid, I would watch the Olympics with my parents. I…
Hello and welcome to another author interview, and another chance to peek behind the curtain to see how authors work their magic. Today, I have an interview with New York Times bestselling author Lauren Kate, author of middle-grade novel One True Wish, which I reviewed here: https://gaillfontana.com/one-true-wish-by-lauren-kate/. One True Wish is the story of three…
I was reading an article the other day about what therapists know that everyone should actually know (see reference, below). It included things like “Feelings change over time,” and “Therapists guide; they don’t fix,” and “Your feelings—whatever they may be—are valid.” There was one item that I loved: “Therapists don’t have it together any more…
Who can resist a book about scoundrels? (Is that the weirdest looking word?) Last week, my post was all about titles and names. Today’s book review is the perfect tie-in: THE SWIFTS: A Dictionary of Scoundrels written by Beth Lincoln and illustrated by Claire Powell. About the Book Title: The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels…
“…That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet,” says Shakepeare’s Juliet. I suppose it’s true enough. But I would rather smell a rose than something called stinkweed. Shakespeare was good with names and other writerly ingredients (understatement of the year). I’m lousy with names. Years and years ago, I…
Sneak a Peek into the Life of Author Susan Lynn Meyer! Have you ever wondered what the life of an author is like? Take a look at this Q&A session with award-winning author Susan Lynn Meyer. Susan is the author of three picture books and three middle grade novels, including Black Radishes, Skating with the…
Wouldn’t it be nice to stick a bookmark into your busy life and go play? After all, it is summer. Tomorrow’s Independence Day and you don’t get much more summery than that. Here’s my version of a perfect summer day. And then you can tell me yours. Sunshine would be nice. Where I live, there’s…
