Beth Anderson's Blog, page 4

Behind the Scenes: “Facets of Light” by Karen M. Greenwald

When authors dig into history, we find all sorts of surprises, endless fascination, and so much relevance to our world today. The ability to vicariously explore the human experience of the past gives us perspective and can inspire us to meet present day challenges with hope, empathy, and perseverance. Author Karen Greenwald hears the past ringing loud and clear for us today—and in this moment, a call to action.  

Facets of Light

By Karen M. Greenwald

I have always viewed “job” as a nonfiction p...

Mining for Heart: “How Text and Photos Work Together to Dive to the Heart of a Book” by Patricia Newman

Today’s post features another fantastic nonfiction book for kids from the STEAM TEAM. Read on to learn how author Patricia Newman created the heart of GIANT RAYS OF HOPE using text and photos. And don’t miss the book trailer linked at the end of the post—it gave me goosebumps! 

Congratulations to Marcia Strykowski, winner of a copy of THIS OLD MADRONE TREE from Barbara Herkert!

How text and photos work together to dive to the heart of a book

by Patricia Newman

My newest book, Giant Rays of Hop...

Mining for Heart: “Uncovering Strength, Resilience and Hope” by Barbara Herkert

Where do you find inspiration? Barbara Herkert found it growing near her home. Here she shares how she brought the source of her own inspiration to young readers in THIS OLD MADRONE TREE. 

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to be entered  to win a copy of THIS OLD MADRONE TREE!    

And congratulations to Emily Starr, winner of THE ODDBALL BOOK OF ARMADILLOS, complete with card deck for “The Adaptation Game,” from Elizabeth Shreeve!

Uncovering Strength, Resilience and Hope

by Barbara Herkert

My fami...

Especially for Educators: “Passive to Active: Using a Game to Engage Students with Nonfiction” by Elizabeth Shreeve

Kids love animals—especially the weird ones! Elizabeth Shreeve shares a science book for ages 7-10 that celebrates one of Earth’s most unique group of critters. The Teacher Guide comes with “The Adaptation Game,” a fun, card-based activity developed with STEM experts.

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment after the post to enter the drawing for a copy of THE ODDBALL BOOK OF ARMADILLOS, complete with card deck for “The Adaptation Game”.

“Passive to Active: Using a Game to Engage Students with Nonfiction”

by ...

Behind the Scenes: “How to Get an Expert Interview for Your Nonfiction PB” by Becca McMurdie

It’s always hard to approach an expert to ask for their time and expertise. And when you don’t have a track record and published titles to prove you’re bonafide, the real deal, worthy of trust, it can be truly daunting. In this post, debut author Becca McMurdie shares her approach and the sample letter that got her on the path to BUILDING A BEAK: HOW A TOUCAN’S RESCUE INSPIRED THE WORLD.  

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of BUILDING A BEAK: HOW A TOUCAN’S RESCUE INSPIR...

Behind the Scenes: “A Sensory Recipe for Writing Nonfiction” by Nell Cross Beckerman

With a goal of writing a book for kids about volcanoes using lyrical language, author Nell Cross Beckerman not only researched for information, she also used her own and gathered more sensory input. Here’s how using her senses paid off in writing VOLCANOES.

Congratulations to Claire Annette, winner of Lori Alexander’s giveaway of a picture book critique OR a 20-minute “Ask-Me-Anything” Zoom!

A Sensory Recipe for Writing Nonfiction

by Nell Cross Beckerman

Don’t all kids play “the floor is l...

Behind the Scenes: “A Biography’s Journey: From Dry to Lively” by Lori Alexander

Transforming a pile of information into story is a challenge. And then when you think you’ve done it, you learn it’s not working as you’d hoped. In this post, author Lori Alexander shares how she continued to revise until the story came alive. Her examples are informative, and the tips she leaves us with are golden! 

Giveaway: Lori is offering a picture book critique OR a 20-minute “Ask-Me-Anything” Zoom to one lucky commenter!

A Biography’s Journey: From Dry to Lively

by Lori Alexander

I grew ...

Cover Reveal! Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and the Race to Save Abraham Lincoln

If I asked you to name a detective, I’d likely hear

Nancy Drew,

Agatha Christie,

Sherlock Holmes,

Dick Tracy,

and maybe even Allan Pinkerton…

BUT…I’m willing to bet no one would mention Kate Warne.

I’m hoping HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: KATE WARNE AND THE RACE TO SAVE ABRAHAM LINCOLN might change that and shine some light on this trailblazing woman and little known piece of history.

Until about 12 years ago, I’d never heard of Kate Warne. Or the Baltimore Plot. But when I did, I was smitten with her ...

Behind the Scenes: “How to Navigate a King-Size Conference” by Kerry Aradhya

Sometimes a large professional conference can be as puzzling as that famous cube with all the squares. Never fear, author Kerry Aradhya, has some tips to help you make the most of a conference opportunity.

AND…she’s offering a GIVEAWAY to one lucky person who comments on the post below—a copy of ERNO RUBIK AND HIS MAGIC CUBE!

Congratulations to  , winner of Melissa Mwai’s giveaway: a 30-min AMA for an author or a book and classroom visit for an educator.

How to Navigate a King-Size Conference

B...

Especially for Educators: “Harnessing the History of the Harlem Renaissance” by Melissa H. Mwai

Sharing the past can inspire the future! In her new book, author Melissa Mwai gives young readers a peek into the Harlem Renaissance, and in this post, she shares three activities for the classroom to build understanding of the time, make use of nonfiction text features, and extend learning.

Leave a comment below to get in on the GIVEAWAY: One 30-minute AMA (for authors/illustrators) or one 30-minute virtual school visit with a signed book (for educators).

Congratulations to Laura Roettiger, win...