I’m excited for the virtual Puffin Launch Party hosted by Bartleby’s Books on Tuesday, May 4th at 7pm EST! I’ll be joined in conversation by Matthew Winner, host of the Children’s Book Podcast, and we’ll also get to hear from LGBTQ+ advocate & educator Amber Leventry about the best ways to be allies to kids… Read more »
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Pre-Order Giveaway!
When you pre-order Flight of the Puffin, you can enter for a chance to win a Puffin Prize Pack of: A Flight of the Puffin T-shirt 50 Puffin Stickers and a class set of personalized postcards from me! Please note: Pre-orders from any source qualify, but pre-orders from independent bookstores count for TWO entries! If you’d like a signed,… Read more »
“Wow” — Colby Sharp
Don’t mind me, the puddle of Wonder-loving goo over here on the floor. And this video review!! The incomparable Colby Sharp put into words how I felt when I finished writing this book. It brought me back to when my heart was spilled out everywhere. All those kids who will read it! But it’s… Read more »
The Flight of the Puffin Book Trailer!
I’m thrilled to share the Flight of the Puffin book trailer. I know how important a book trailer can be in getting kids excited to read a book, and I was lucky enough to get to collaborate with these four awesome kids to make one. I’m grateful to Mr. Schu for revealing it on his blog. Check… Read more »
A Couple Starred Reviews for Flight of the Puffin
I’m thrilled to share that Flight of the Puffin has already received a couple starred reviews! You can read the full School Library Connection review here:
Announcing the FLIGHT OF THE PUFFIN Read Aloud: Connecting Classrooms Coast to Coast
Have I got news for you! I’m so excited to be teaming up with Penguin Random House to announce the… FLIGHT OF THE PUFFIN READ ALOUD: CONNECTING CLASSROOMS COAST TO COAST! Join author Ann Braden and classrooms around the country to read aloud Ann’s new book Flight of the Puffin together, and let kindness… Read more »
The Inspiration (& Cover!!) for Flight of the Puffin
My next book FLIGHT OF THE PUFFIN is coming out May 4th, and I’m so excited to share the cover with you. It was designed by artist Chanelle Nibbelink, and it takes my breath away. Here it is in all its glory! Behold the glorious full jacket of FLIGHT OF THE PUFFIN and FEEL THE HOPE!!!… Read more »
A 3-Part Video Series on Creative Writing

I’m excited to offer a 3-part video series on creative writing: “What to Write When You Don’t Know What to Write (And You Don’t Think You’re a Writer)” All ages of participants are welcome! I always tell students that if I can write, they can write — it’s just about breaking the process down into… Read more »
The Beginnings of the Local Love Brigade
It’s been almost three years since I helped start the Local Love Brigade, and it makes me so happy that it is thriving and growing (both Kansas and Florida have formed new chapters in the past week!) I just happened upon this video of our very first get-together to make love postcards. It was… Read more »
Back-to-School Giveaways & New Ways for Students to SPEAK UP
Octopus in Paperback! Plus: A HUGE GIVEAWAY! Later today the custom paperback edition of THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS releases from the non-profit First Book for just $3.85! If your school or program qualifies as Title I, you’re eligible to shop on the First Book marketplace and get fabulous discounts like this one. Here’s… Read more »