Beth Anderson's Blog, page 8

Especially for Educators: “Investigating the Structure and Function of Rule-Breaking Plants” by Jessica Fries-Gaither

Educators! Here’s a terrific science activity using carnivorous plants and a new book from author and science educator Jessica Fries-Gaither!

AND Jessica is offering a GIVEAWAY! A copy of NATURE’S RULE BREAKERS: CREATURES THAT DON’T FIT IN! Just leave a comment after the post to be entered in the drawing. 

Congratulations to ejdthomasville winner of Kelly Rice Schmitt’s giveaway of a copy of I SHIP or a 30-minute brainstorming session on backmatter!

Investigating the Structure and Function of R...

Behind the Scenes: “Expanding Your Book with Back Matter” by Kelly Rice Schmitt

Back matter in a book serves a multitude of purposes—it’s like a bonus book that can extend the journey, spark curiosity, and answer questions! If you’re a person who tends to skip over back matter or a writer who’s looking for ideas, here’s a great article from Kelly Rice Schmitt about all that back matter can offer.

And a GIVEAWAY! Kelly is offering a copy of I SHIP or a 30-minute brainstorming session on backmatter. Just leave a comment after the post to be entered in the drawing! 

Expanding ...

Mining for Heart: “A Love of Reading that Guided the Life of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis” by Ronni Diamondstein

Reading and books are near and dear to the hearts of so many of us. Here librarian Ronni Diamondstein shares her path to the heart of her new book JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED, finding connection in a love of reading and writing. 

Giveaway! Ronni is offering a signed copy of her book to one lucky commenter on the blog! 

Congratulations to Carol Baldwin, winner of Nancy Churnin’s VALENTINES FOR ALL! 

A Love of Reading That Guided the Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

by Ronni Diamondstein

Jack...

Mining for Heart: “You’ve Gotta Have Heart” by Nancy Churnin

WHY? That’s always my driving question as an author bringing stories from the past to life. And it was where author Nancy Churnin started, too, for her latest book, VALENTINES FOR ALL. Here she shares her process of putting her heart and the heart of the story on the page.

GIVEAWAY! Nancy’s giveaway comes with a fun challenge. Leave a comment and a “roses are red” poem, and you just might win your own copy of VALENTINES FOR ALL!  

Congrats to mphollinshead, winner of Jilanne Hoffman’s giveaway ...

Mining for Heart: “Separation and Connection” by Jilanne Hoffmann

Oh, so many challenges with the writing of A RIVER OF DUST: THE LIVE-GIVING LINK BETWEEN NORTH AFRICA AND THE AMAZON. I’d never heard of the “river of dust” and was fascinated to learn about this amazing process of nature. In this post, author Jilanne Hoffmann takes us through the process of finding the heart of this story and making it sing. 

Jilanne is offering a giveaway! Winner’s choice of a “20-minute Ask Me Anything” or a copy of A RIVER OF DUST.  

Separation and Connection by Jilanne Ho...

Behind the Scenes: “‘Twas a Long Time Coming: A New Look for Benjamin Franklin” by Gretchen Woelfle

One look at my bookcase will tell you I’m a fan of Benjamin Franklin. That man was into everything! For a writer, no matter what you want to share about him, there’s the challenge of focus, scope, and finding the best way to tell the story. In this post, author Gretchen Woelfle shares how she carved out the path for her latest middle grade book, HOW BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BECAME A REVOLUTIONARY IN SEVEN (NOT-SO-EASY) STEPS. 

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment after the post for a chance to win a copy of the b...

Especially for Educators: “Five Fantastic Geology Activities for Young Children” by Leslie Barnard Booth

This week we’re featuring another gorgeous picture book about geology! Author Leslie Barnard Booth shares some fantastic classroom activities for educators based on her new book A STONE IS A STORY. 

Leslie is also offering a giveaway of a 30-minute virtual classroom visit! Just leave a comment after the post to get in the drawing!

Congratulations to Danielle Hammelef, winner of SOMETHING SPECTACULAR: A ROCK’S JOURNEY from Carmela LaVigna Coyle! 

Five Fantastic Geology Activities for Young Chi...

Mining for Heart: “The Journey of a Rock, a Story, & a Writer” by Carmela LaVigna Coyle

Ever interview your main character? What if it’s a rock? Sounds like a good idea to me! Once you start asking questions a path can open. In this post, author Carmela LaVigna Coyle takes us down her path to her beautiful new picture book, SOMETHING SPECTACULAR: A ROCK’S JOURNEY.

GIVEAWAY! Carmela is offering a copy of SOMETHING SPECTACULAR! Just leave a comment below to be entered. 

Congrats to Lori Alexander, winner of Kari Gonzalez’s giveaway of either a 20-minute ask-anything conversation or ...

Behind the Scenes: “Creating a Book Trailer with Canva” by Kari Gonzalez

Technology. [sigh]  A challenge and a wonder! I’ve experienced the full-frustration-ready-to-explode load of trying to make a book trailer without the needed skillset. And…MANY hours later, the joy of the finished trailer.  If only I had had this post. Thanks, Kari Gonzalez for sharing how you made the trailer for your new release, HOW TO HATCH A READER.

Kari is offering a giveaway! Winner’s choice of a “20-minute Ask Me Anything” or a copy of HOW TO HATCH A READER. 

Congrats to Donna Gwinnell L...

Especially for Educators: “Using Science to Teach Language Arts” by Elizabeth Shreeve

Kids love sloths! I love sloths! And I love the bonus of science in language arts lessons. Here’s a science book  that’s perfect for teaching language arts—on a topic that students can’t resist. Elizabeth Shreeve shares a flexible, fun “Discovery Tree” activity developed with a STEM teacher especially for busy classrooms.

GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment after the post to enter the drawing for a copy of THE UPSIDE-DOWN BOOK OF SLOTHS.

Congratulations to Marcia Parks, winner of LILA AND THE JACK-O’...