The Magic of Historical Fiction

Writing The Girls of Gettysburg was a journey back in time that taught me so much about the power of historical fiction. When I first started researching the Civil War era, I was struck by how the voices of young people—especially girls—were often missing from the historical narrative...

I spent countless hours in libraries and archives, poring over letters, diaries, and newspaper accounts from the 1860s. The more I read, the more I realized that young people experienced the war in ways that were both universal and uniquely their own...

Finding Your Character's Voice

One of the most common questions I get from aspiring writers is: "How do you find your character's voice?" It's a great question, and one that I've struggled with myself. For me, the key is listening—really listening—to what your characters want to tell you...

When I was writing Big River's Daughter, I knew that River had a strong, independent spirit, but it took me several drafts to really hear her voice. She wasn't just a girl who could survive in the wilderness—she was someone who chose the wilderness because it was where she felt most alive...

School Visits and the Joy of Young Readers

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting three elementary schools in Connecticut, and I'm still buzzing with the energy and enthusiasm of the young readers I met. There's nothing quite like seeing a child's face light up when they connect with a story...

The students asked such thoughtful questions about my books. One third-grader wanted to know if I had ever been as brave as the characters in my stories. Another asked if I had to do all the research myself or if I had "research helpers." Their curiosity reminded me why I write for children...

Tall Tales and American Folklore

Growing up, I was fascinated by tall tales—those larger-than-life stories that seemed to capture something essential about the American spirit. Davy Crockett, Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill—these characters weren't just entertaining; they were teaching us about courage, resourcefulness, and the power of storytelling...

When I decided to retell some of these classic tales in my picture books, I wanted to stay true to their spirit while making them accessible to modern readers. Davy Crockett Gets Hitched and Miss Sally Ann and the Panther are my attempts to capture that same sense of wonder and adventure...

What I'm Reading Now

As a writer, I believe that reading widely is essential to growing as a storyteller. Here are some books that have been inspiring me lately:

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley - This historical novel about a disabled girl during World War II is beautifully written and emotionally powerful. Bradley's ability to capture Ada's voice and her journey toward self-acceptance is masterful...

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson - This memoir in verse is a stunning example of how poetry can tell a story. Woodson's language is so precise and musical that I find myself reading passages aloud just to hear the rhythm...