Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop gained more notoriety in the literacy world for her concept of books being windows that offer readers a view of an unfamiliar world, sliding glass doors that are a portal to an untapped imaginative world, or mirrors that reflect personal experiences. With recent book bans across the country, it is important […]
Author Archives: CBethM
May
25
#BlackGirlMagic: Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston – Review by Alex Harrison
posted by CBethM
May
18
Who Invented TV Video Gaming? And Will His Story Inspire My Kid to Read? by Kate Hannigan
posted by CBethM
How do I make my reluctant reader pick up a book? Write about his favorite thing: gaming. When I visit schools, I often tell students that most books are written to answer a single question. And while I’d like to say that my newest picture book biography Blips on a Screen: How Ralph Baer Invented […]
May
17
Time Flies by TARA LAZAR
posted by CBethM
TIME FLIES: DOWN TO THE LAST MINUTE The 3rd Book in the 7 ATE 9/PRIVATE I Series 7 ATE 9 began with a brainstorming exercise; I wanted a punchline for a title. What’s a punchline that every elementary school kid immediately recognizes? Then it hit me like a ton of class clowns: Why was six afraid […]
May
16
What makes a physicist? by Dr. Eve Vavagiakis
posted by CBethM
What makes a physicist? Hi! I’m a neutrino, and I am so small that matter to me barely matters at all. I hauled a thick book about college majors back to an old wooden reading desk at my local library and opened it on the slanted table top under a green glass reading lamp. My […]
May
13
Cover Reveal for Rare Birds by Jeff Miller
posted by CBethM
IN THE WORDS OF JEFF MILLER… Maybe it’s because I grew up near a lake, but I always like to imagine good stories as life rafts. I picture them slowly coasting towards anybody feeling alone or adrift in open water. Maybe that someone is tired from swimming through a difficult time. Or maybe they just […]
May
12
MIDDLE GRADE MUNCHIES
posted by CBethM
We’ve all been there: it’s the afternoon and you’re a little bit snacky. Do you want something salty or sweet? Maybe you even dip into a few chapters of what you’re reading or a new book while you munch on some popcorn, candy, or fruit. Well, what if you could snack AND chat with your […]
May
09
DRIFTERS: Holding onto Friendships in the Time of Isolation by Kevin Emerson
posted by CBethM
At the center of Drifters, my new middle grade novel that features multiple universes and a multi-century plot, is a very small story about two 13-year-olds who fell out of friendship, and about what it takes to get that friendship back. It’s the part of the story that I’m most proud of. It’s also the very […]
May
03
On Hope by Rose Brock
posted by CBethM
Hi, Nerdys. Rose Brock here! How delighted am I to be left in charge of the Nerdy Book Blog this week by Donalyn? VERY. I’m beginning this piece with a confession (Surely, that will draw you in, dear reader because who doesn’t love the possibility of hearing something juicy?). Alas, it’s nothing too scandalous (I […]
April
29
The Princess, the Pea, and the Poemo sapien OR “Why don’t poets just say what they mean?” by Allan Wolf
posted by CBethM
This is my third time in the guest nerd seat. In the past few years, I have confessed to being an adult-onset bibliophile. I have told the story of how I used to write on my bedroom walls. And I have admitted to being only a “5” on the Nerdometer Scale. I’m most excited about […]
April
28
“I Did It for The Money” – Mother-Son Bonding During THE GREAT PEACH EXPERIMENT by Erin Soderberg Downing
posted by CBethM
When I visit schools to talk about writing, one question I get from kids almost every time is, “Which of your books is your favorite?” For many years, I couldn’t answer this question. Because my books are like my own kids: each is special and loved in its own, unique way. I can’t pick a […]
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