Writing and Reading Links
Having interviewed Megan earlier this year about her latest book, AWAY, I enjoyed this conversation she had with Roger Sutton of The Horn Book.
Megan E. Freeman Talks with Roger :: The Horn Book
“In February 2023, Casey Family Programs reported that according to the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 1.8 million individuals were incarcerated in state, federal, or local facilities in 2020. These incarcerations included parents or guardians of an estimated 4.9 million children. What impact do such incarcerations have on children? Can books play a role in helping children cope with and understand feelings and events surrounding the imprisonment of a parent or guardian?”
Children of Incarcerated Individuals and Books :: North Dakota State Library blog
I follow a handful of writing Substacks.* This is hands down the best there is in kidlit. Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett write with knowledge, love, and reverence for picture books. If you ever were a kid who wanted to hang out in the Go, Dog. Go! tree, this read is for you.
* The free versions. Since my blog is free, I figure I’ll enjoy what’s also available to me at no cost. Trying to be generous but also make a living.
Go, Dog. Go! :: Looking at Picture Books
Remember my rewrite of Isak Dinesen’s quote on writing? Write every day with hopeful curiosity, without despair? Here’s something similar from George Saunders: Keep grinding, in faith and with hope.
Patience, Patience: How to Know When to Bail :: Story Club with George Saunders
“A number of years ago, a publisher suggested to me that it took about forty people to produce a book. Today, that could be more or less. I have no idea. Most of the book production is by people I never talk to, know, or meet. I do know — as a writer of books — that I am only one of many creators, and the time it takes to get the book into your hands is many months.”
Getting a Book Out of My Hands and Into Yours :: Avi
“…I’ve spent the last fifty years mining my heart, steadfastly, determinedly, sometimes urgently, getting up every morning ready to work, wanting to work, needing to work. Finding in each morning purpose, satisfaction, joy.”
Purpose, Satisfaction, Joy! :: Marion Dane Bauer
In June I drove up to Santa Fe to be interviewed on the local NPR station, KSFR. Have a listen!
The Last Word with Caroline Starr Rose :: KSFR radio
The Project Hail Mary movie trailer is out. Amaze!
I contributed to this School Library Journal article about wildfire organized by author Chris Baron (my virtual book club partner for the 2025-2026 school year.)
Worlds on Fire: Can Hope Spark Healing? Books about wildfire, the changing climate, and the courage to make a difference, a guest post by Chris Baron :: SLJ Teen Librarian Toolbox