Author of award-winning, adventurous realistic and historical fiction

When Audrey Met Alice in the news!

Feb 24, 2014 | , , ,

I’m thrilled that When Audrey Met Alice has been featured in two newspapers since it’s release:

Sarah Harrison Smith from the New York Times reviewed it on Wednesday, February 12:

“. . . When Audrey Met Alice may pique middle-grade readers’ interest in Teddy Roosevelt’s tenure as president, as well as in the dramatic improvements to women’s rights over the course of the 20th century. Behrens includes a bibliography that can get young researchers off to a good start. But that laudable end, which should please teachers and librarians . . . shouldn’t dissuade those who are looking for nothing more than an entertaining middle-grade romp—albeit one set at America’s most famous address.”

The full review is here!

And my hometown paper, the Wisconsin State Journal, ran an interview with me in this past Sunday’s edition. I had a great time talking to Jeanne Kolker about my book, and it was such an honor and a thrill to be in the pages of the paper I grew up reading. The interview is available online here: “Historical Friction.”

What’s Up Wednesday, 2/19

Feb 19, 2014 | , , , , , , , , ,

WUW7

What I’m Reading 
I sped through the great historical-fiction middle grade Esperanza Rising and lingered in Alice Munro’s Dear Life. Her stories are fantastic–sharp and poignant. Now I’m starting Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior. I love her books so much, and so far this one is no exception.

What I’m Writing   
I’m taking a break from revising while I keep working on guest posts (here are some of the ones I’ve done so far: WAMA blog tour) and get ready for my launch party (this Thursday! At Books of Wonder, if you’re in NYC) and a few fun upcoming events. I miss writing/revising–but I’ll be back to it soon, and reenergized thanks to this time away.

What Inspires Me Right Now

The enthusiastic and enriching writing community; the readers and bloggers I’ve had a chance to meet the past few weeks; my insanely supportive friends and family.

What Else I’ve Been Up To 
Baking a ton (I almost mean that literally) of cookies for my launch party; practicing reading my book out loud (not the world’s easiest task for an introvert like me); binge-watching House of Cards–seriously, how did I not watch this show until now? I’m 6 episodes into Season 1 and I’m pretty obsessed.

So what have you been up to lately?

What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme that helps readers and writers touch base with blog friends. You can find the link widget (and cute buttons!) on Jaime’s and Erin’s blog posts.

Bookanista Rec: Nightingale’s Nest

Feb 13, 2014 | , , , , ,

It’s time for another Bookanista recommendation: 18079712Nikki Loftin’s Nightingale’s Nest 

Here’s the jacket copy from the publisher:

A powerful novel about friendship and family that calls to mind Bridge to Terabithia

Twelve-year-old John Fischer Jr., or “Little John” as he’s always been known, is spending his summer helping his father with his tree removal business, clearing brush for Mr. King, the wealthy owner of a chain of Texas dollar stores, when he hears a beautiful song that transfixes him. He follows the melody and finds, not a bird, but a young girl sitting in the branches of a tall sycamore tree.

There’s something magical about this girl, Gayle, especially her soaring singing voice, and Little John’s friendship with Gayle quickly becomes the one bright spot in his life, for his home is dominated by sorrow over his sister’s death and his parents’ ever-tightening financial difficulties.
But then Mr. King draws Little John into an impossible choice—forced to choose between his family’s survival and a betrayal of Gayle that puts her future in jeopardy.
Inspired by a Hans Christian Andersen story, Nightingale’s Nest is an unforgettable novel about a boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders and a girl with the gift of healing in her voice.

Isn’t the cover stunning? It might be my favorite of the year. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this incredible MG last fall, and I’ve been sitting on my recommendation until closer to Nightingale’s Nest pub date (which has been hard, as I wanted to tell the whole world to read it!). But I’ve still thought about this book countless times since I turned the last page–it is a story that takes root in your heart. Powerful and moving, Nightingale’s Nest is a story of grief, love, and forgiveness, told in lyrical prose that remains accessible to MG readers. The magical realism elements were perfectly woven into a starkly realistic setting. One thing I appreciated so much was how sensitively and truthfully Nightingale’s Nest portrayed a family struggling not only emotionally but financially, and how the two can relate. Nikki is such a gifted writer and storyteller: the delicious The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy (also a re-imagining, of Hansel & Gretel) was one of my favorite reads of 2012. It recently released in paperback. Both books are truly unique, and wonderful.

Nightingale’s Nest releases on February 20 from Razorbill/Penguin.

See what my fellow Bookanistas are recommending today:

Thanks, and the WAMA blog tour

Feb 7, 2014 | , , , , , , , , ,

I had so much fun watching When Audrey Met Alice head off to “eat up the world” this week! Thanks to everyone who congratulated, shared, tweeted, and cheered me, Audrey, and Alice on.

And a huge thanks to the bloggers who’ve generously hosted me on their sites as part of the blog tour. Here are the places you can find me talking about When Audrey Met Alice so far:

Mundie Moms: Interview

A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust: Guest post on where Alice Roosevelt would hang out in DC today

Smack Dab in the Middle: “Middleview” Interview

Musings of a YA Reader: Guest post on who inspired me as a tween

The Compulsive Reader: Guest post on fascinating First Daughters

Books for Kids: Guest post on what Alice would do if she were a First Daughter in the 21st century

Bookshelf Fantasies: Guest post on what Alice would find confusing about the 21st century

Sharp Read: 5,4,3,2,1 Interview

Nerdy Book Club: Guest post “From Reader to Writer”

The Class of 2k14 blog: Book Birthday Interview

Fearless Fifteeners: All Four Kids Interview

Jessica Spotswood’s blog: Thrice Interview (enter the giveaway!)

Heidi Schulz’s blog: In the Middle Interview

Readerly Musings: Guest post on historical women I find fascinating

 

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