L.B. Anne's Blog
August 7, 2025
When Life Rewrites Your Story
June 24, 2025
The Other Side of Nothing: A New Contemporary YA Novel About Redemption and Found Family
March 17, 2025
What If You Lived Like Time Was Running Out?
February 9, 2025
A Hopeful Valentine’s Day: Teen Love in My Stories
Valentine’s Day is often about grand gestures, chocolates, and romance novels filled with swoon-worthy moments. But if you’ve followed my work, you know I don’t write romance. So when readers ask, “Do you have any teen love books?” my answer is usually, “Well… not exactly.”
But I do have stories that touch on love—the kind of love that is deep, meaningful, and full of hope. If you’re looking for a heartfelt teen read this Valentine’s Day, Never Really Gone and What the Good Girl Knew might be just what you need.
Gabby and Micah’s story is one of loss, healing, and the kind of love that never truly leaves us. Their connection transcends the physical world, reminding us that love, in its purest form, remains with us even when those we love are gone. (Ages 13-16)
“Why did you come to us in mirrors?” I asked. “I’m just a reflection of what’s on the inside of you,” he said. “Gabby, you’re in control of your life. You can beat anorexia.”
Micah is a presence in Gabby’s life when she needs him most, guiding her toward strength and self-acceptance. And even in the heartbreaking moments of letting go, love speaks louder than words:
“I didn’t get to say I love you,” I whispered. “You think I didn’t know that?” Micah’s voice surrounded me. “Every day, with every breath. I love you.”
This is a story for those who believe that love doesn’t fade—it transforms, leaving an imprint on our hearts forever.
Storm and Raine’s story is about trust, taking chances, and finding light in unexpected places. Raine isn’t the guy with perfect lines or predictable moves. He’s the one who shows up, who listens, who creates moments that matter. (Ages 13-16)
“I like how you stood up to that jerk.” Raine gently brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. " Storm, I care about you."
And when Storm needs an escape, he offers her more than just a getaway—he gives her an experience she’ll never forget:
Raine held his hand out. “Welcome to your prom.”
A private, beautifully lit garden, music, and a night created just for her—because he sees her. Because she matters.
Both Never Really Gone and What the Good Girl Knew aren’t traditional romance stories, but they are about love. Love that strengthens. Love that remains. Love that fights for joy even in the hardest moments.
This Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking for a story that’s more than just hearts and flowers, I invite you to read these books.
Never Really Gone and What the Good Girl Knew are available now! Grab a copy and immerse yourself in stories of love, loss, and hope.
January 15, 2025
Kicking Off the New Year With a Book Stack Giveaway!
Happy New Year! It’s that time of year again—my Annual January Book Stack Giveaway! if you planned to start the new year reading more books, or expanding your library, here ya go!
Why do I do this in January? Beats me. I just do. :)
Everyone has a secret. Mine is a little different because it involves academics. My teachers think I’m uninterested in school. That’s only half true. I admit, school is BORING! I doodle through my lessons because I know everything they’re teaching.
But the truth is—and it’s also my secret—I’m a bonafide genius.
Don’t tell my mom because she doesn’t know yet. The problem is, even twelve-year-old geniuses have bullies to deal with. My friends and I are not just bullied but classified as “nerd zone” and ignored.
On a positive note, I’m going to change all that with a message that will put us in front of the world. So listen up. There’s a lot more to us than the color of our skin, disabilities, looks, or anything else you try to judge us on.
But will the message get to the one person who needs to hear it most?
My mom says I’m too smart for my own good. We are sure going to find out!
Stanley, my little bro, wants to build a robot. Suddenly, I’m his robotics engineer.
My buddy Miguel is all aboard the let’s-build-a-robot train too. He recruited me for the school robotics crew, and we’re crafting a bot named Jericho. Soon, we will set out to conquer the Robotics World Championship. But first, we’ve got some local tournaments to win.
But things take a creepy twist when the school bully starts being friendly when no one’s around, and then I find someone is spying on me and leaving bizarre notes on my doorstep. Don’t tell my mom, because she will freak out and hire security to take me everywhere.
And just when I think things couldn’t get weirder, our robot, Jericho, gets swiped by some wannabe kid-supervillain who is dead set on sabotaging our journey to victory. Facing top-notch robotics teams, this is like a sci-fi movie with laughs, minus the aliens.
Who knew robots could be this much trouble?
It's June’s first day at Huey House, and as if losing her home wasn’t enough, she also can’t bring her cherished viola inside. Before the accident last year, her dad saved tip money for a year to buy her viola, and she’s not about to give it up now.
Tyrell has been at Huey House for three years and gives June a glimpse of the good things about living there: friendship, hot meals, and a classical musician next door.
Can he and June work together to oppose the government, or will families be forced out of Huey House before they are ready?
When Aviva Davis and Holly Martin meet at the holiday pageant tryouts for their local senior’s center, they think they must be seeing double. While they both knew they were adopted, they had no idea they had a biological sibling, let alone an identical twin! The similarities are only skin deep, though, because while Aviva has a big personality and even bigger Broadway plans, Holly is more the quiet dreamer type who longs to become a famous author like her grandfather. One thing the girls do have in common is their curiosity about how the other celebrates the holidays. What better way to discover the magic of the holidays than to experience them firsthand? The girls secretly trade lives, planning to stage a dramatic reveal to their families. Two virtual strangers swapping homes, holidays, and age-old traditions–what could possibly go wrong? Find out in this sweet as a sugarplum and satisfying as a latke middle grade novel by Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, and Joanne Levy, award-winning author of Sorry for Your Loss and several other books for tweens.
Eleven-year-old Roswell Johnson is obsessed with conspiracies about extraterrestrial life, an interest he inherited from his late father, who aptly named Roswell after the infamous UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico.
When Roswell is accidentally abducted by aliens, his biggest dream comes true—he learns that aliens are real! But when he discovers Earth is in grave danger, he must join forces with a team of quirky extraterrestrials, including two bickering Grays, a humorless Cyborg, a germophobic Mantis, an overly confident Furgarian, and an over achieving Pleiadean to save his planet from a tyrannical invasion. But can Roswell restore his own faith in humanity and Earth in time to save the world?
On the day they are born, every Swift child is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name, and a definition. A definition it is assumed they will grow up to match.
Meet Shenanigan Swift: Little sister. Risk-taker. Mischief-maker.
Shenanigan is getting ready for the big Swift Family Reunion and plotting her next great scheme: hunting for Grand-Uncle Vile’s long-lost treasure. She’s excited to finally meet her arriving relatives—until one of them gives Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude a deadly shove down the stairs.
So what if everyone thinks she’ll never be more than a troublemaker, just because of her name? Shenanigan knows she can become whatever she wants, even a detective. And she’s determined to follow the twisty clues and catch the killer.
Deliciously suspenseful and delightfully clever, The Swifts is a remarkable debut that is both brilliantly contemporary and instantly classic. A celebration of words and individuality, it's packed with games, wordplay, and lots and lots of mischief as Shenanigan sets out to save her family and define herself in a world where definitions are so important.
Ever since Solimar was a little girl, she has gone to the ouamel forest bordering her kingdom to observe the monarch butterflies during their migration, but always from a safe distance. Now, on the brink of her quinceañera and her official coronation, Solimar crosses the dangerous creek to sit among the butterflies. There, a mysterious event gives her a gift and a burden--the responsibility to protect the young and weak butterflies with her magical rebozo, or silk shawl.
Solimar is committed to fulfilling her role, and has a plan that might have worked. But when her father, the king, and her brother, the prince, leave on an expedition, a neighboring king overthrows the kingdom and holds everyone left in the village hostage. It takes all of Solimar's courage to escape and then embark on a dangerous journey to save her kingdom, but she's not alone. Her pet bird, Lázaro, the butterflies she protects, and a magical rag doll, Zarita, are with her. Then, at a precarious moment, she meets a river boy who knows the rapids.
Even with help, can Solimar save her family, the kingdom, and the future of the monarchs from a greedy king?
It's time for one last fantabulous challenge with Mr. Lemoncello-the world's most famous gamemaker! This time everything is on the line—literally! Mr. Lemoncello has invited thirteen lucky 13 year-olds—including his biggest fan, Kyle Keeley— to compete in the final games. The winner of these games will become the new owner of Mr. Lemoncello's ENTIRE GAME MAKING EMPIRE!!! But uh-oh--someone is trying to destroy Mr. Lemoncello empire and all it stands for: imagination, games, books . . . knowledge! Can Kyle Keeley stop them and make his dreams come true?
Get ready for a whirlwind adventure that takes us from the lions of the New York Public Library to the Choose Your Own Thrill-Venture Roller Coaster inside the brand-new Lemoncelloland amusement park, filled with codes and clues, adventure and mystery, and surprise cameos from across Chris Grabenstein's many series. So sit back, relax and prepare to have your imagination take flight...you are on your way to Lemoncelloland!
All Nestor Lopez wants is to live in one place for more than a few months and have dinner with his dad.
When he and his mother move to a new town to live with his grandmother after his dad’s latest deployment, Nestor plans to lay low. He definitely doesn’t want to anyone find out his deepest secret: that he can talk to animals.
But when the animals in his new town start disappearing, Nestor's grandmother becomes the prime suspect after she is spotted in the woods where they were last seen. As Nestor investigates the source of the disappearances, he learns that they are being seized by a tule vieja―a witch who can absorb an animal’s powers by biting it during a solar eclipse. And the next eclipse is just around the corner… Now it’s up to Nestor’s extraordinary ability and his new friends to catch the tule vieja―and save a place he might just call home.
An author signed copy of Heart of the Sea.
Sometimes you have to trust the one sent to destroy you in order to save the one you love.
Willing to do whatever it takes to save her sister, Nerissa Elliot commandeers the ship of notorious pirate, Cyrus Crow.
But Crow has a mission: kill Nerissa and earn his freedom from the Queen who's controlled him half his life. However, Nerissa harbors powers over the sea. Powers she can't control. Powers that threaten to consume her.
With nothing but a tenuous facade of an alliance and sparks between them, they set sail to face sirens, sea dragons, betrayal, and Nerissa's own uncontrollable ability. Can they find the strength to trust each other? Or will they destroy one another for the sake of their quests?
An Author signed copy of What the Good Girl Knew
Sixteen-year-old Storm Davis has always lived in the shadow of her severe asthma, never certain if she’ll see another day. Despite her reputation as the “sick girl” in her small Georgia town, she is determined to live each day to the fullest.
But when her senior year takes a dark turn after witnessing a shocking incident at the town carnival, Storm is faced with an impossible choice: speak up and risk becoming the most despised person in school or keep quiet and preserve her reputation. Torn between right and wrong, Storm’s world spirals further when she starts finding mysterious red envelopes containing secrets about her past—truths that could shatter everything she thought she knew.
With the support of her fearless best friend and a curly-haired rebel boy, Storm sets off on a journey to uncover who she truly is before graduation day. But will she choose to embrace the truth—even if it changes everything—before time runs out?
What the Good Girl Knew is an addictive Christian fiction read perfect for readers ages 13-17 who love stories of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
Leave a comment on this blog post sharing which book in the stack you’re most excited to read.
Next:
You may enter until February 12th.
Winner Announcement: February 15, 2025 (I’ll notify the winner via email and social media)
Eligibility: Open to U.S. Residents Only
I’m so excited to share this book stack with one lucky winner and kick off 2025 with a celebration of great stories!
Good luck, and happy reading!
LB
December 6, 2024
Grandma's Gift Guide: It's Books, It's Always Books
My grandkids call me Yaya. Sweet, right? Do they care that I’m the well-known (okay, maybe not that well-known) author L. B. Anne?
Absolutely not. To them, I’m just the person who always seems to have snacks and occasionally knows where they left their favorite blanket.
So, with Christmas approaching, what do they want? Oh, you know the drill: Legos, stuffed animals, anything Spider-Man, and everything Super Mario Brothers. The list is endless, chaotic, and exactly what you'd expect.
Am I getting them any of those? Absolutely not. That’s what their parents are for. Let them navigate the terrifying world of tiny Lego pieces and the inevitable plushie invasion.
As for me? I’m an author, a book enthusiast, and a literacy advocate. How could I not give books? It’s my thing!
This year, my bookish brilliance is going straight to work. My grandkids are homeschooled, so I’m hitting them with the good stuff:
The Triskety Spindles Dinosaur Adventures (because dinosaurs make everything cooler).
There are also a few video scenes from the book to read along with HERE!
The full Lolo and Winkle series (a.k.a. chaotic fun in every chapter).
And let’s not forget the Curly Girl Adventures series (because representation and great stories are important).
And Maybe even The Way to Storey (for my advanced little readers).
Holiday cheer? Oh, we’re doing it my way—one page-turner at a time. Books are the gift that keeps on giving. (Did I make that up? Should I trademark it? I feel like I made that up.)
Now, for the grandparents shipping books from out of town—worried the kids will rip open the package, sigh, and toss the book aside? Let me ease your concerns:
It makes for perfect Christmas Eve reading. Hand those kids a cozy blanket, a mug of hot cocoa, and let the holiday magic begin!
When the toys break (and they will), that book will still be there. Two days post-Christmas chaos, the book becomes the hero—unbreakable, unforgettable, and ready to entertain.
Give the parents a little tip. Suggest they add 30 minutes to an hour of reading into the daily routine. Trust me, it’s a win-win: more quiet time for the grown-ups and more imagination-fueling adventures for the kids.
So, to all the grandparents out there—forget the action figures and video game merch. Books are the gifts that last long after the wrapping paper hits the recycling bin. Go ahead and give the gift of imagination, adventure, and a little quiet time while the kids are lost in their stories. You’ll thank me later.
#Christmasgifts #bookgifts #grandparentgiftideas
October 22, 2024
Exploring the Sheena Meyer Series: A Journey into Christian Fiction for Teens
In a world overflowing with middle grade and young adult stories, the Sheena Meyer series shines brightly, captivating young readers with its engaging narrative. This series brings to life themes of hope, friendship, the everyday challenges teens face, and the battle between good and evil.
Let’s explore the Sheena Meyer series and discover what makes it a beloved choice for its readers, especially as we prepare for the highly anticipated release of Book 8, Fate of the Gleam Keeper.
The Sheena Meyer series revolves around thirteen-year-old Sheena, who lives in Muskegon, Michigan, and is balancing the typical struggles of adolescence while uncovering her true identity as a gleamer. Gleamers have a special light within them giving them special gifts. . .from heaven.
Throughout the series, readers join Sheena on her mission to save other children from the dark force threatening the youth of the world. But Sheena isn’t facing this battle alone—she is aided by angels.
The stories are filled with friendships, trials, and self-discovery—all rooted in Christian beliefs. Some of the core themes include overcoming fear, the impact of choices, the significance of community, and the power of faith. For example, in Book 4, The Girl Who Became A Warrior, Sheena becomes who she was meant to be in order to fight for heaven.
Another standout element of the Sheena Meyer series is the strong family dynamic, where both Sheena’s friends and family play crucial roles in her life and throughout every adventure.
Filled with epic battle scenes, relatable characters, engaging plots, and profound moral lessons, the Sheena Meyer series provides readers with inspiring tales of faith, bravery, and the triumph of good over evil.
Why Christian fiction? Why not just call it fiction? Christian fiction is distinguished by its focus on faith-based themes and values, making it a significant alternative to the secular narratives often found in popular literature.
Many parents find comfort in their children reading stories that reflect their beliefs. These narratives can serve as gateways for discussions about moral choices and personal development.
To learn more about what Christian fiction truly means, check out L. B. Anne's post exploring middle grade and young adult Christian fiction.
Anticipation is at an all-time high for Fate of the Gleam Keeper.
The aftermath of book 7 sets a calmer tone for Fate of the Gleam Keeper, but that doesn't mean it's not full of the humor and adventure that readers enjoy. It is recommended that Sheena Meyer series fans reread book 7, May Your Vision Be True, and then go right into book 8. As you read it, remember that Fate of the Gleam Keeper is more of an introductory story, setting the stage for what's to come.
Description:
Sheena Meyer once believed babies cried at night because they were afraid of the dark. Now she knows that’s not it at all. They cry because of the absence of light. Light brings life, hope, and adventure. Darkness offers nothing other than isolation and emptiness. We all want more light.
But there are those who absorb the light. They never see darkness. It flees from them. They are the Gleam Keepers.
Sheena had never heard of a Gleam Keeper and is surprised to find that there is one among them. Now she is in a race to find out who it is and how to protect them from the Murk. Following the instruction of the mysterious Eleanor, Sheena and her friends search the city with a list of clues for the only thing that can protect the Gleam Keeper.
But… They are wrong.
Join Sheena Meyer and her friends in this thrilling adventure as they uncover secrets that challenge everything they thought they knew. With the fate of the Gleam Keeper hanging in the balance, Sheena must make choices that determine what she truly believes.
Not only is Fate of the Gleam Keeper available in November 2024, but books 9 and 10 are also in the works, promising more thrills and revelations in the coming year.
As the series unfolds, it paves the way for a special edition release in December 2024: Gleamers Chronicle: Winter Shadows, offering readers a unique perspective into the Sheena Meyer universe.
The Sheena Meyer series has cultivated a vibrant community of readers, both young and adult. L. B. Anne extends her heartfelt gratitude to all who have been part of this journey. Fans have gone above and beyond, creating series-themed bookmarks, gleamer jewelry, and digital art—truly bringing the world of Sheena Meyer to life.
The photos shared by readers on social media have introduced the series to new audiences, while thoughtful reviews on Amazon have been instrumental in its success. Readers have even requested a Sheena Meyer tour in Michigan, something L. B. Anne is seriously considering.
Equally meaningful to L. B. Anne are the invitations from bookstores (for author events) and youth groups ("For the unique way she teaches about hope."), both across the U.S. and Europe. The support and creativity of the Sheena Meyer community continue to inspire her, and she is honored to share this journey with such passionate readers.
In summary, the Sheena Meyer series offers a thrilling blend of entertainment and hope that resonate deeply with its audience.
Join the conversation and discover why the Sheena Meyer series is a cherished part of Christian fiction literature. If you have joined L. B. Anne's VIP Club, you'll be the first to know about release dates, special giveaways, and more.
May 16, 2024
Unveiling Hidden Thorns: A Journey Through the Knights of the Gleam Series
Get ready to dive back into the Knights of the Gleam series with the release of Hidden Thorns. This sequel to Angel Girl Awakening is about to give you some "Oh my gosh" and "Oh, no, he didn’t" moments. And maybe an "Are you serious?" followed by, a "I can’t believe it."
For those who may be confused about the the Sheena Meyer vs. the Knights of the Gleam series, Knights of the gleam serves as the high school narrative within the Sheena Meyer universe. In the Knights of the Gleam series, Sheena and her team are depicted as being 15 years old and older, as opposed to the 13-year-old age range in the Sheena Meyer series.
Hidden Thorns will answer all of the questions you've had about Sheena Meyer since The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars (I think).
First, order your copy of Hidden thorns. When you receive it, give Angel Girl Awakening another read before starting book two. Seriously, it's not just a suggestion—it's essential. Hidden Thorns picks up right where the first book left off, so you'll want to be up to speed.
Aunt Aria is back, bringing her gleamer gift from the Everfall Series.
Yes, the Everfall series is part of the Sheena Meyer Universe. It takes place long before Sheena is born. Sheena's father, Jonas, is a little boy in the series.
What Aunt Aria's gleam reveals to Logan in this book is probably my favorite part of Hidden Thorns.
Thank you to the readers who have let me know that they enjoy the multiple point of views in the Knights of the Gleam series. In Hidden Thorns, you'll get to know Sheena's friends even better.
Plus, this time, we will hear from Bradly, too. The story unfolds from different perspectives, adding layers to the adventure.
Then there's the unanswered question from book one.... Where was Phoenix? Why didn't he show up with the other Knights of the Gleam at the trailer park? Would things have been different if he had shown up? I wish I could tell you. I think it's better if you read the story to find out the role Phoenix plays in this adventure.
So what happens? Sheena's in trouble, and the Knights of the Gleam have to save her, fast.
They've only got 24 hours to pull her out of the Murk's inferno.
As their team uncovers clues, they come to the shocking revelation that there is a more menacing enemy, surpassing even Drake, waiting in the shadows.
The Knights face some tough challenges in Hidden Thorns. Their friendships are put to the test as secrets come to light and pain surfaces. But they've got to stick together if they want to stand a chance against the darkness closing in.
Hidden Thorns is more than just a follow-up. It's a story about courage, loyalty, forgiveness, and love. Join Sheena and the gang on their most challenging adventure yet. Available May 21st!
Before you ask, no, Hidden Thorns is not the last book of the series. The third book will release in 2025: Sacrifice of Echoes
#christianfictionseries #teenchristianfiction #christianfantasybooks #yafantasy
January 16, 2024
A Giveaway of Middle Grade Books of 2023
It's that time again, friends. Every year I share some of my favorite reads of the previous year. How better to share them than with a giveaway? 
That's right! One lucky winner will receive a copy of the six paperbacks/hardcovers in the image above and signed copies of my best-sellers. U.S. residents only. Enter below and find the reel or image of this post on my Instagram or Facebook account and follow the instructions for additional entries.Check out the books:
Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient Bison. His friends—a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican—work with him as the Assistant Eyes, observing the humans and other animals who share the park and making sure the Equilibrium is in balance. But changes are afoot. More humans, including Trouble Travelers, arrive in the park. A new building, containing mysterious and hypnotic rectangles, goes up. And then there are the goats—an actual boatload of goats—who appear, along with a shocking revelation that changes Johannes’s view of the world.A story about friendship, beauty, liberation, and running very, very fast, The Eyes & the Impossible will make readers of all ages see the world around them in a wholly new way.
It seems like Sage’s whole world is on fire the summer before she starts seventh grade. As house after house burns down, her Bushwick neighborhood gets referred to as “The Matchbox” in the local newspaper. And while Sage prefers to spend her time shooting hoops with the guys, she’s also still trying to figure out her place inside the circle of girls she’s known since childhood. A group that each day, feels further and further away from her. But it’s also the summer of Freddy, a new kid who truly gets Sage. Together, they reckon with the pain of missing the things that get left behind as time moves on, savor what’s good in the present, and buoy each other up in the face of destruction. And when the future comes, it is Sage’s memories of the past that show her the way forward. Remember Us speaks to the power of both letting go . . . and holding on.
Max Plink’s life is complicated. Her parents aren’t getting along. The school bullies are relentless―and her own sister is the cruelest of them. Worst of all, her mouth is a mess. With a mismatched puzzle of a jaw, Max has a Class II malocclusion, otherwise known as a severe overbite. She already has braces, which means she lives on Advil and soft foods after each orthodontist appointment. But now Max has to wear painful (and totally awkward) orthodontic headgear nicknamed “the jawbreaker.” Could things get any worse?Yes. The journalism competition Max wants to enter has a video component. But being on camera means showing her face not just to her junior high classmates, but possibly the whole city. Going viral is the last thing Max needs, but winning this competition is what she wants most. Turns out, following her dreams is complicated, too.Inspired by Christina Wyman’s own experience with a Class II malocclusion, Jawbreaker is a humorous, heartfelt, and refreshingly relatable story.
Four kids meet at an airport for one unforgettable night in this middle-grade novel by four bestselling and award-winning authors—Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, and S. K. Ali.When a thunderstorm grounds all flights following a huge Muslim convention, four unlikely kids are thrown together. Feek is stuck babysitting his younger sister, but he’d rather be writing a poem that’s good enough for his dad, a famous poet and rapper. Hanna is intent on finding a lost cat in the airport—and also on avoiding a conversation with her dad about him possibly remarrying. Sami is struggling with his anxiety and worried that he’ll miss the karate tournament that he’s trained so hard for. And Nora has to deal with the pressure of being the daughter of a prominent congresswoman, when all she really wants to do is make fun NokNok videos. These kids don’t seem to have much in common—yet.Told in alternating points of view, Grounded tells the story of one unexpected night that will change these kids forever.
Newbery and Caldecott honoree and New York Times bestselling author Grace Lin delivers a groundbreaking, lushly illustrated, and beautifully written full-color book that explores the whimsical myths and stories behind your favorite American Chinese food.From fried dumplings to fortune cookies, here are the tales behind your favorite foods.Do you know the stories behind delectable dishes—like the fun connection between scallion pancakes and pizza? Or how dumplings cured a village’s frostbitten ears? Or how wonton soup tells about the creation of the world? Separated into courses like a Chinese menu, these tales—based in real history and folklore—are filled with squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks. This book will bring you to far-off times and marvelous places, all while making your mouth water. And, along the way, you might just discover a deeper understanding of the resilience and triumph behind this food, and what makes it undeniably American. Award-winning and bestselling author Grace Lin provides a visual and storytelling feast as she gives insight on the history, legends, and myths behind your favorite American Chinese dishes. Chinese Menu makes the perfect gift book for anyone who loves good food—and an even better story.
A rivalry between sisters culminates in a fencing duel in this funny and emotional debut graphic novel sure to appeal to readers of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale.Sixth grader Lucy loves fantasy novels and is brand-new to middle school. GiGi is the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade (as well as everything else she does). They’ve only got one thing in common: fencing. Oh, and they’re sisters. They never got along super well, but ever since their dad died, it seems like they’re always at each other’s throats.When GiGi humiliates Lucy in the cafeteria on the first day of school, Lucy snaps and challenges GiGi to a duel with high sisterly stakes. If GiGi wins, Lucy promises to stay out of GiGi’s way; if Lucy wins, GiGi will stop teasing Lucy for good. But after their scene in the cafeteria, both girls are on thin ice with the principal and their mom. Lucy stopped practicing fencing after their fencer dad died and will have to get back to fighting form in secret or she’ll be in big trouble. And GiGi must behave perfectly or risk getting kicked off the fencing team.,As the clock ticks down to the girls’ fencing bout, the anticipation grows. Their school is divided into GiGi and Lucy factions, complete with t-shirts declaring kids’ allegiances. Both sisters are determined to triumph. But will winning the duel mean fracturing their family even further?ENTER HERE:
The giveaway has already begun. You have until February 15th to enter. The winner will be announced on February 19th. International residents, find the giveaway image on my ,Instagram or ,Facebook feed to find out how you may be able to win books also. Good luck, everyone!LBDecember 27, 2023
A Reflection on 2023
L. B. Anne's Candid Look Back at 2023 and What's Brewing for 2024
Hey there, 2024! Buckle up because we're about to take a stroll down memory lane, through the whirlwind that was 2023. It was a year of firsts, both highs and lows, and I'm itching to share it all.
First off, hitting the road and meeting you all in bookstores across the U.S. was a dream. The cutie in the photos patiently waited her turn to have her book signed.
[image error][image error][image error]I got to meet not just my readers but some of the amazing kids from my summer program. Michigan, you were a warm hug, but New York? Reality check central.
This part is still hard to believe I experienced. I'd been living in my bubble, unaware of how toxic social media could be. So what happened?
Well, it wasn't quite like the GIF above, but I initially found myself leaning more toward a flight response rather than a fight.
Friends, I faced death threats (Yes, ME!), instructing me not to come to New York if I knew what was good for me. It was much worse than what I'm willing to share. Unfortunately, the threats were all because of the color of my skin and my faith. It hit hard and made me question everything. Social media turned toxic, and for a moment, I thought about shutting it all down. The person or people (we aren't sure if it was one person carrying out the whole ordeal) stalked me, and I even had to hire security for a book signing.
For two months, I didn't write and questioned if I was cut out for this. I didn't want what comes with social media. So I decided to quit—meaning never write again. But then you stepped in. Your photos, letters, and emails were my lifeline. You, my readers, pulled me out of the darkness and reminded me why I started this journey—to spread hope and adventures through my stories.
[image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error]Let's shift to something brighter:
My summer writing program reached new heights in 2023, with a record enrollment of twenty-four kids from across the globe, ages 10-17. The joy and laughter shared during those six weeks were priceless, making the few growing-pain challenges worthwhile. We also had some of the best author, editor, and illustrator guest speakers.
In the second image below, I look sick. That's because I was. I almost passed out between sessions with the kids, but I didn't let them know. I soon found out how inflamed my body was. Don't worry, all is well.
Yes, I was dressed like Malificent in that last photo. We all dressed as characters for a writing prompt. LOL.
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The release of the Sheena Meyer series Funko Pop characters exceeded all expectations. Theodore, in particular, flew off the shelves. Initially, you had me a bit worried. I was thinking, "Oh my gosh, I ordered all of these, thinking they'd make great gifts, and no one has placed an order yet." But a couple of days later, your orders started rolling in. And due to popular demand, I'm considering bringing them back next Christmas. For those interested, there are still a few characters available in the shop for purchase.
The influx of fan art throughout the year has been nothing short of wonderful. Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. Also, a heartfelt thank you for sharing photos of my books in their new homes. They make my day, every time.
[image error][image error][image error][image error][image error]2023 had its regrets, though. I wish I had published more books, a sentiment that has fueled my decisions for 2024. While there will be fewer book signings, rest assured, several projects are in the pipeline and with editors. The upcoming releases include Sleeper series book 4, It's Me, Jaxon book 2, Knights of the Gleam book 2, Sheena Meyer series book 8, and a few new surprises. Please bear with me as I've learned not to set specific release dates due to life's unpredictable nature. But if I'm showing you book covers, they must be releasing sooner in 2024 than later (wink wink). I'll reveal the cover for Sheena Meyer book 8 soon. I'm not sure I'm happy with it.
[image error][image error][image error]To those eagerly anticipating the Logan Tobias story, your wait will soon be over—it's slated for release this year.
With January comes my annual mega-book giveaway. Keep an eye on your inbox for the email, and make sure to enter for a chance to win!
As we welcome 2024, I'm filled with gratitude for the journey and anticipation for the adventures yet to come. Thank you for being a part of this incredible ride. Here's to a year of creativity, connection, and most importantly, storytelling!
Blessings,
L. B. Anne
