UP!–A BRILLiant Book on BULLYING & BRAVERY

Posted on March 4, 2020 by writersideup

If there’s one thing I feel very strongly about—it’s bullying. I hated it when I was a kid, even more when my son was in school (I wrote a poem inspired by an incident that involved his friend), and I witness it on a daily basis, especially now. Bullying takes forms in countless ways, and not just by kids or on school playgrounds, that’s for sure.

Unfortunately, we live at a time when this abhorrent behavior is actually encouraged by some, so it’s that much more important to address the subject in ways that have the best chance to have positive impact. That’s why I was thrilled about Darlene Beck Jacobson’s middle grade novel in verse Wishes, Dares & How to Stand Up to a Bully. Continue reading →

UP!–WINNER of “WAY PAST MAD” Giveaway! :D

Posted on March 1, 2020 by writersideup

I tell ya — giveaways are always exciting 😄😃😎 It’s be great if EVERYone could win, but…well, you know.🙄 One thing I can say is, if you didn’t win this time around, actually buying Hallee and Sandra’s WONderful book Way Past Mad, or requesting it from your library 📚 is a winning move! 👍🏆🤩 Continue reading →

UP!–When You’re WAY PAST MAD + A Book GIVEAWAY!

Posted on February 22, 2020 by writersideup

As you know, I don’t do reviews, but I do occasionally feel compelled to highlight books that promote poignant subject matter, e.g., kindness, bullying, emotions, etc. It seems that “poignant” is author Hallee Adelman‘s calling card.

Anger is the kind of emotion that can be scary, especially for children, and sometimes leads to regretful behavior. Learning how to manage it at a young age is critical. In fact, in 1969 Fred Rogers recited before the U. S. Senate a song he wrote, “What Do You Do?” (…with the mad that you feel?) which literally saved PBS.

Here we are, in 2020, and that’s what Hallee‘s newest picture book is about: what you do—and don’t do—when you get angry. In Way Past Mad, main character, Keya’s little brother, Nate (who doesn’t know any better), wreaks havoc when he Continue reading →

UP!–Q&A with Paul A. Reynolds

Posted on September 2, 2018 by writersideup

A “Lighter Side Up”

Q & A with

Paul Reynolds

For those of you who’ve been following my blog since its launch, you may recall that at that time it had been planned to do Q&As with the Reynolds brothers, but due to life’s demands the posts had to be postponed. These are two busy guys. After all, what else would you expect from superheroes?! Well, I can tell you—they were worth the wait. When you read their sensitive, wise, affecting responses to my questions, their superpowers are crystal clear: words and actions that stem from passionate, sincere hearts. I’m SO honored to be hosting them as part of International Dot Day 2018 (just 2 weeks away, having been inspired by Peter’s book, The Dot!). This year, rather than creating my own little Dot, I think this is a MUCH better way to celebrate 🙂 ❤ Continue reading →

UP!–Some PICTURE BOOK Fun & A GIVEAWAY!

Posted on January 1, 2018 by writersideup

Every so many weeks I head to Barnes & Noble and allow myself some time to catch up on recent picture book releases. I can easily load two or three dozen books into my basket per visit (thank goodness they now have ones on wheels!), then Continue reading →