Margaret and Me

You know when you meet somebody and have an instant connection? That's how I felt when I met Margaret Simon. Yes, we're both Mississippians and writers, two things that drew us together. And we have a bunch of "do-you-know" friends, as do all Southerners. 

But she's also a great reader and an amazing teacher. So when she asked if I'd answer a few questions about writing my new book, I jumped at the chance. 

HERE WE ARE, chatting away! 
(Click that link to read the interview.)

 

MAKING FRIENDS WITH BILLY WONG (Coming August, 2016)

 

Books That Make You Cry

What a book!

THE CROSSOVER by Kwame Alexander.

If you haven't read this newest Newbery winner, Margaret Simon's post does contain a spoiler alert.

If you have read it and loved it as I did, CLICK ON OVER THERE and see how the book worked as a class read-aloud.

Oh my goodness, such a moving a book. Everything a Newbery winner should be.



And if somehow you missed his wonderful GIFT to teachers and librarians everywhere, here's Kwame Alexander's book trailer.

Okay, not exactly a book trailer. Just an opportunity to get to know him and that amazing book. Which I loved. In case you wondered.







All of this talk about sad books stems from a Nerdy Book folks' post about BOOKS THAT MAKE US CRY.

The book is touching a lot of young readers. CLICK HERE for a review by one of them.
Fantastic. Just fantastic.