Highlights Stands Up for ALL Kids
Proud to have three of my books published by these fine folks! The CEO of Highlights Magazine says, “Our company’s core belief…is that ‘Children are the world’s most important people.’ This includes ALL children.”
Chenery Book Festival
I love this book festival in Belmont, Massachusetts! Always a great crowd of interesting, engaging, talented writers and kids, parents, and teachers who are enthusiastic about books. This year I brought along the Ninja Rope Puzzle to promote Deadly Flowers and Deadly Wish, and watched pair after pair of brave aspiring ninjas try to get themselves untangled. They all made it (eventually!)
Best Question
Mella also does not suffer fools gladly.
Best question I’ve been asked during a school visit this year: If you were a character in one of your books, which one would you be?
Hmmmmm…. I had to give this some thought. My first reaction was Kata, from Deadly Flowers and Deadly Wish, because who would not want to be a deadly female ninja? But Kata’s life is very difficult. I’m not sure I actually want to live like that. In the end I said Marty, from the Secrets of the Seven series, since she is a) brilliant and b) rich. But after thinking it over, I’m leaning toward Mella from Dragon’s Egg. Because I want my own herd of small pet dragons. Yep.
Read MoreVisiting Fredonia, NY
I really enjoyed visiting Fredonia, New York, this week–both the elementary school and the University of New York! It’s fun to talk to third graders and college kids in the same day. Loved a question from my college audience, from a thoughtful young man who wanted to know how I approach gender dynamics in my work without scaring off or overwhelming young readers. “Scaring them off?” I asked. “They’re living this stuff!”
Listen in on a preschool classroom. Boys are yucky, girls can’t play here, boys can’t play with dolls, girls don’t like football. Kids are investigating gender dynamics every day of their lives. Trust me, a little thing like considering how a female ninja fits into the society of feudal Japan is no big deal.
Read MoreSarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Readers will treasure the blossoming friendship between opposites in this whimsically illustrated tale. Short chapters and plenty of action make for an accessible and appealing reading experience. . . . Touching and inspiring.”
—Kirkus Reviews