Starry Review from Kirkus for HOPE IN THE VALLEY -- and it's a JLG Gold Standard Selection!

You try to breathe and believe in your work as you wait for trade reviews about a forthcoming book. This week, I got two pieces of good news from my editor at Macmillan, Grace Kendall. First, HOPE IN THE VALLEY , my middle-grade novel coming July 11th, got a starred review from Kirkus!

⭐ "Grief, memories, and the difficulty of letting go permeate this powerful story about family, friendship, and finding your voice . . . deeply compelling . . . A riveting, courage-filled story." — Kirkus Reviews 

And second, the novel is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection! I am so delighted and encouraged. May Pandita find her way into the hearts and minds of many young readers.