Two authors on sadness in #kidlit

If you haven’t read these two essays, the first by Matt de la Peña (“Why We Shouldn’t Shield Children From Darkness“); the second, a response by Kate DiCamillo (“Why Children’s Books Should

The 35 Books We Can’t Wait to Get Our Hands on in 2018

My favorite kind of story, a books roundup! Here’s a whole range of reads for the first few months of 2018.

This cannot be good news

B&N Has Disappointing Holiday Sales.   

12 Ways to Survive the Holiday-Anxiety Avalanche

My latest for RetailMeNot, with advice on how not to get eaten by a bear while on your next bike ride. Okay, maybe not, but how to not freak out over

When Middle Schoolers Say #MeToo

Great piece by Rachel Simmons on how boys are harassing girls in middle school, with inappropriate comments, texts, and actions. It’s awful to think about it, but parents and teachers need

Natalie Rompella on OCD, #OwnVoices, and Sled Dog Racing

This week, I’m over at From the Mixed-UpFiles of Middle-Grade Authors hearing from Natalie Rompella about her new #kidlit book, Cookie Cutters & Sled Runners. The novel features a main character with

How other people’s food allergies are changing what you eat

Interesting article from the Chicago Tribune about how allergies are changing our eating habits. I am delighted if all diners, including those with allergies or celiac disease, can eat out.

Vegan Holiday Cookies (allergy friendly!)

Thanksgiving is over, and holiday cookie season has begun! For those with egg and dairy allergies, here’s a yummy roundup from Buzzfeed of 19 vegan cookies recipes.

25 Under $25

My annual toys under $25 roundup for RetailMeNot. Get ’em while they’re hot! 

‘Surprising’ numbers of adults are developing food allergies, study says

Ugh…… ‘Surprising’ numbers of adults are developing food allergies, per this LA Times article. Not good! And I’d hate it if my allergic kid developed new allergies as she got older,