“A gripping tale enhanced by a convincingly detailed setting and drawing on classic fantasy memes.

I’m really pleased that The Mesmerist garnered a great review from Kirkus!

I’m really honored that The ILA (International Literacy Association) awarded Hoodoo the 2016 Children’s And Young Adult Book Award for Intermediate Fiction!

They are a great organization that does a lot of good work getting books into kids’ hands and promoting the importance of reading. It’s such an honor to receive this award!

You can read more about the ILA and see all the award winners here: ILA.

Pretty cool news. My wonderful editor, Lynne Polvino emailed to let me know that Hoodoo has sold as an audio book! But wait…there’s more. LOL. My second book, The Mesmerist also sold!

So now you’ll be able to hear my stories being read in your earholes! I have no idea who will be chosen to do the narration but I’m sure it’ll be someone awesome.

I’ll give more news when they are released as audio books.

Over the summer, Kitty Felde interviewed me for her Book Club for Kids Podcast.

It was a lot of fun, and now here is the episode. It was especially cool to hear from the kids who read the book. I am very inspired!

You can listen to the podcast here:

I got a phone call yesterday morning from Boston. I didn’t answer it. Who do I know in Boston?

Uh, no one.

But when they called a third time I picked it up. I’m glad I did.

The call was from the folks at the American Library Association’s Mid-Winter Conference.

Why the early-morning call?

Hoodoo won a major award!

I am honored to have received the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award!

This was really exciting news. I knew they gathered every year for this, but I forgot when it took place. This convention awards the big prizes including The Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, Coretta Scott King Awards and several others.

You can see the webcast here and scroll down to see all the recipients.

Suffice to say I didn’t get a lot of work done yesterday!

HAPPY 2016!