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My most recent book |
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Welcome!
"A" is for Alexandria. I write books for young readers and move quite a lot. I have lived in Wisconsin, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, New York, California, and now Arkansas. As an avid hat-wearer who moves around a lot, I believe that home is where you hang your hat.
I'm pleased to announce that Stella Stands Alone is now available in paperback from Simon & Schuster. Milkweed Editions recently released my fantasy novel, Water Steps, which is quickly becoming a favorite with young readers. This April sees the publication of The Keening, which takes place during the pandemic of 1918.
Lo and behold, with an immense sense of being blessed, I have adopted a wonderful little girl. See photos and learn more.
I'm so fortunate to combine writing with teaching. At Hollins University, I teach children's literature in their summer MFA program, and at Hamline University, I teach writing for children and young adults in their MFA program. I have taught at several universities in several states so far in my career. Learn more about my experiences in academia.
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As a kid I collected living salamanders and tree toads. My biggest collection was 22 tree toads and 7 salamanders, all living in a window well. |
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My first book was called Phantom on the Terrace. It was a handwritten novel about a group of girls (me and my school friends) investigating a haunted house Scooby-style. |
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I love to work in the garden—planting, weeding, keeping my cats from sleeping on the flowers. My favorite flowers are poppies, roses, and hibiscus. |
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I have four pets: Toby is the orange cat. Thibodeaux is the snowshoe cat, part Burmese, part Siamese. Toby and Thibodeaux are good friends. Dixie is a wonderful dog. After my beloved Nigel passed, I prayed that God would let me know if He thought I should adopt a new dog. When Adia and I visited the shelter here in town there was a little golden eyed tiger striped dog—a “mini-Nigel,” so I took it as a sign. Legin would give Skippyjon Jones a run for his money—she’s fully of zip, zip, zoom and licky, licky love. |
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