It was a delight to share THE STRANGE WONDERS OF ROOTS with readers, friends, and fellow writers at the BookPeople launch party on May 28. A reading and a conversation on inspiration, process, and craft (moderated by the wonderful Samantha M. Clark) was followed by a signing. Naturally, there were maple scones galore. (If you know, you know.) And hey... It's not too late to snag a signed copy from BookPeople! (Or a not-signed-but-still-very-special copy from your bookstore // online retailer of choice.)
Much gratitude to the reviewers who have spent time with the book! Lovely reviews are in from The Bulletin of the Center of Children's Books ("This compelling story about the power of putting down roots will speak to anyone who has ever felt a little (or a lot) out of place"), Horn Book Magazine ("A gentle, uplifting, and memorable story"), and School Library Journal ("Hand this book to young readers who love realistic fiction and want to save the planet"). I appreciate the book bloggers who have read & shared, as well, including Paw Prints in the Sink ("It reads cinematically, feels like a warm hug, and is a cozy, re-readable book certain to become a favorite for many readers") and Cracking the Cover ("a strong contemporary middle-grade novel that will speak to kids who love the natural world").
Extras (Because Extras Are Fun)
I love making playlists for my books. I often make a playlist early in the story development process as a way of capturing the mood, tone, and themes that I'm aiming for. I listen to the playlist a lot as I draft, and I tweak it along the way as I discover new songs that capture something about the world or the characters. Check out the STRANGE WONDERS playlist here.
For teachers/educators/book club organizers, I've put together this handy STRANGE WONDERS discussion guide.