It’s always exciting to announce a project that’s been in the works for a while. My next middle grade novel (and my first novel in verse!) will publish in June of next year. And it has a lovely cover, illustrated by Sian James: NOT A DOG is about a boy struggling with intense anxiety who asks his parents for an emotional support dog... only to be given a small, skittish cat instead. While he's initially disappointed, antics, adventures, and a life changing friendship ensu

I've got a new picture book on the way! SWAMP: THE WONDROUS WORLD OF WETLANDS comes out next summer from S&S/Beach Lane Books. The book will be beautifully illustrated by Kendra Binney. I've been enchanted by swamps—and wetland ecosystems more broadly—for a long, long time. These wild places are constantly being maligned and destroyed by humans, but they are home to such incredible biodiversity, such strange beauty. And they play vital roles in mitigating the effects of human

This fall, I'll be co-teaching a new online course with my VCFA colleague, former advisor, and dear friend Mary Quattlebaum ! See all the...