Hi Reader, How is your March going? Mine feels like it's moving at lightening speed. If you keep losing track of time like I do, you might not realize that Passover begins in just a few weeks on April 1, and Easter is April 5. (In the Eastern Orthodox church, Easter will be celebrated on April 12.) If you want to learn about or celebrate either of these sacred times with the kids in your life, I've just updated my children's book lists for both holidays. Children's books about Passover: This...
11 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, My friends and family know that I love crafting almost as much as I love reading. If there's not a book in my hand, it might be because I'm holding knitting needles. (I also find knitting is great for soothing my ADHD, especially when I have to sit still and listen for long periods of time.) So, why has it taken me so long to create a children's book list of stories that feature knitting, sewing, quilting, and weaving? I had so much fun pulling together this list of picture books...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This month, I've written to you a lot about supporting and speaking up with our immigrant neighbors. In addition to sharing children's book recommendations and conversation tips, I'm also donating 25% of the sales of From the Margins to the Center children's book guide to Vecindarios 901, a rapid response immigrant support network. (FYI, this special donation campaign will wrap up on Saturday.) None of our neighbors should be trapped in their homes, fearful of what will happen if...
25 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I'll make today's email quick. I've updated 2 popular children's book lists on the blog: Children's books about immigrants and refugees Last week I shared a list of books with you to help you talk with kids and teens about ICE and immigration detention. (If you missed that list you can find it here.) The updated list of books about immigrants and refugees is different. Many of the books focus on experiences like feeling pulled between two cultures or places life in refugee camps...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, For the past two weeks, in between watching terrible news reports of what ICE is doing in Minneapolis and hearing from friends on social media about how they're tearing families apart here in Memphis, I've been researching, reading, and writing for a brand-new book list: Books for kids and teens about ICE, immigration detention, and speaking up When you head to the book list, you'll see that I've divided it up into four categories of books, because it's important to lay a basic...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, It has been horrific watching ICE tear families apart, devastate immigrant communities, and unleash violence on immigrants and allies alike. The pain I feel comes not only from watching what is happening in Minneapolis, but also from learning from activist friends in Memphis about what ICE's presence is doing here (though it doesn't make many headlines.) Since September, at least 1,500 federal agents, along with several hundred National Guard and 300 state troopers have turned my...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, Black History Month starts in just 5 days. Have you thought about how you'll observe it with the children you cherish? If you're looking for books to read, I've got you covered! I've just created a huge list of 30+ picture books (including reads for older elementary learners) that's organized by historical era. You'll also find links in the blog post to even more lists that are perfect for Black History Month, including books on the Harlem Renaiassance, Black inventors and...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, My goodness, the first two weeks of 2026 have already felt like a year's worth of burdens to bear. I'm guessing you may also be feeling exhausted. Please know that you are not alone. There are so many people of goodwill who are resisting injustice right now. I hope that gives you some encouragement. In this email I have two sets of resources for you. First, a new blog post for Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday with tips, common mistakes to avoid, activity ideas, and children's book...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I realized recently that most of the time, I enjoy reading middle grade books more than I enjoy reading books written for adults. There's just something about the blend of sincerity and complexity that makes me love books written for older elementary kids and young teens. In my last blog post of the year, I'm sharing my favorite middle grade books published in 2025, including: ✏️a hilarious book about two 5th grade writing and illustrating rivals, co-written by two of the most...
3 months ago • 1 min read