Beth Anderson's Blog, page 10

Behind the Scenes: “What’s the Big Idea?” by Donna McKinney

In today’s post, Donna McKinney hits one of my favorite topics—structure. I’m fascinated by the way playing with structure can open up your thinking and writing. Her book LIGHTS ON! started with a list of fascinating undersea creatures, but then she needed to find a way to shape the information to be engaging for kids.

“What’s the Big Idea?” – Finding the Story in a List of Bioluminescent Sea Creatures

by Donna McKinney

I did not start to write for children until after I had worked for dozens of...

Behind the Scenes: “Separating the Curds from the Whey in Search of Accurate Information” by Cathy Ogren

While every historical rabbit hole offers interesting tidbits and discoveries, there’s always the challenge of accuracy. It takes time and perseverance to sort it all out, but somehow, for me, it’s nerd-ily fascinating. In this post, Cathy Ogren shares how she searched out the facts for PEW! THE STINKY AND LEGEN-DAIRY GIFT FROM COLONEL THOMAS S. MEACHAM.

GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of PEW! THE STINKY AND LEGEN-DAIRY GIFT FROM COLONEL THOMAS S. MEACHAM.

And con...

Especially for Educators: “A Nature Walk Activity Inspired by ‘Just a Worm'” by Marie Boyd

Think back to when you were a child and dared to hold a wiggly worm or lifted rocks in search of fishing bait. Worms fascinate despite the EW factor. Marie Boyd’s JUST A WORM can be the beginning of an exploration for kids. Here she shared a nature walk to use with the book. 

Be sure to get in on the GIVEAWAY from Marie for a signed copy of JUST A WORM! Just leave a comment after the post. 

Congratulations to Lori Alexander, winner of THE BRILLIANT CALCULATOR by Jan Lower and illustrated by Susa...

Behind the Scenes: “Making the Moment of a Calculator’s Invention Relatable for Kids” by Jan Lower

How do you make a story about math and electricity comprehensible and relatable for kids? Author Jan Lower knew she needed to “show don’t tell,” but how? Finding connections for elementary aged children in the main character’s actions and processes, she crafted each sentence to build a child-friendly and engaging text. Here’s how Jan did it… and a giveaway!

GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below to get for a chance to win a copy of THE BRILLIANT CALCULATOR: HOW MATHEMATICIAN EDITH CLARKE HELPED EL...

Behind the Scenes: “Discover the Victorious “V” in Voice!” by Caitlin DeLems

Voice—mysterious, essential, unique—that quality that every editor wants, the “flavor” bestowed by the author that makes a story come alive. Here Caitlin DeLems shares her struggle to find voice in her nonfiction book PITCH PERFECT AND PERSISTENT! THE MUSICAL DEBUT OF AMY CHENEY BEACH. And you’ll see that even Caitlin’s blog article has voice!

GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below to get in the drawing to win a copy of PITCH PERFECT AND PERSISTENT!

Discover the Victorious “V” in Voice! by Caitlin...

Mining for Heart: “Dishwashing Machine Inventor Josephine Cochrane, Original Boss Lady” by Kate Hannigan

Thank goodness for dishwashers! Did you ever wonder who created this time-saving invention? Here’s how author Kate Hannigan found a story of more than the invention. 

And we have a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below to get in the drawing for a copy of JOSEPHINE AND HER DISHWASHING MACHINE. 

Dishwashing Machine Inventor Josephine Cochrane, Original Boss Lady

By Kate Hannigan

I first got the idea to write Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine: Josephine Cochrane’s Bright Invention Makes a Big Sp...

The Writing Journey: Opportunity!

This blog is my effort to share children’s books, insights and processes of authors and illustrators, ideas for educators and parents, and a range of writing related topics. Today I offer a PSA for a learning opportunity for aspiring, beginning, and “on their way” authors—a free seminar which answers many of the big questions about writing for children.

But first… Congratulations to Patricia Tilton , winner of a virtual visit with Keila Dawson!

Opportunity!

When I first started this writing jour...

Mining For Heart: “An Outside-In and Inside-Out Look at Creating a Book” by Keila Dawson

If I was still teaching, I’d have both of these books in my classroom! In varied types of poetry, voices of kids speak out and invite all to join in their call to action. With a book like this, the challenge of finding the “heart” is different than in a narrative. This post from Keila Dawson, one of the co-creators of NO WORLD TOO BIG, showcases the many levels of “heart” involved in this important anthology.

GIVEAWAY! Keila is offering a 30 minute classroom virtual visit. Leave a comment bel...

Especially for Educators: “Write to Persuade the USPS—Deborah Sampson Deserves a Stamp!”

As an educator, I always appreciated opportunities to connect learning objectives with real world action. And when those also connect to literature and an inspiring piece of history, even better! That’s why I was excited to hear that there’s a Forever Stamp campaign underway to honor Deborah Sampson.  (And…we’re heading into Women’s History Month!)

SPECIAL EDUCATOR GIVEAWAY! Though I appreciate all comments and shares on social media, this time the winner will be drawn from the pool of educators....

Behind the Scenes: “Searching for Just the Right Title” by Gretchen Woelfle

Once in a great while a title jumps onto the page. But mostly, titles are tough! Seldom is the title you start with the final one. It evolves with the writing and story. Here’s a post from Gretchen Woelfle about her quest for just the right title and how it became A TAKE-CHARGE GIRL BLAZES A TRAIL TO CONGRESS: THE STORY OF JEANNETTE RANKIN. 

Along with the post – A GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below to get in the drawing for a copy of the book!

Searching for Just the Right Title: 

A Take-Char...