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 »
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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 »
Logistics for #TeamOctopus in the July 4th Parade
Join us to march with #TeamOctopus in the Brattleboro, VT July 4th parade and help launch the Community Read! Here are the logistics… Who: You! Did you read the book? Are you excited to read it? Do you promise to remind yourself of your inner strength? Then, you should come march with us! All ages… Read more »
#TeamOctopus in the Brattleboro, VT July 4th Parade!
I always say that things happen one step at a time, right? Well, I’m super excited that the Wellness Committee for my local WSESU school district is organizing a community read of THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS! That by ITSELF is thrilling, but I swear every time I cross paths with one of the… Read more »
What a wirlwind spring of school visits!
Last week I wrapped up my last school visits of the year, and wow what incredible kids there are all over the place! All together I visited over 40 schools and initiated over 13,000 students as new member of #Team Octopus, and I loved every minute of it. Check out this #TeamOctopus slideshow and a… Read more »
#TeamOctopus Twitter Chat
NEW BOOKS! And DREAMS COME TRUE!
A few weeks ago, I sent out a newsletter to my subscribers with a recap from a busy fall, and I said something about how I was looking forward to enjoying a peaceful December writing and spending time with family. WELL. I have been writing and spending time with my family, but it’s like I… Read more »
On the Radio… About School Visits!
Yesterday I got some amazing letters from students that I got meet at a school visit last month… “You inspired me to believe I can do anything.” “I have many obstacles in my life, and I’m glad to know I can get through it.” “I once got bullied and I lost all my hope, and… Read more »