My rating: 5 of 5 stars I’ve never been one to own a collection of dolls, and I don’t doubt some of the creepy stories that have surfaced around them over the years. So, no one would be surprised that I still get chills even thinking about this book, though I finished it a few…
Tag: kidlit
Author Spotlight: Lindsay Champion
I am excited to post my first AUTHOR spotlight! I had the absolute pleasure of reading several books by Lindsay Champion this summer and decided to share the reviews for her books together, instead of separately. I learned about her middle grade drama club series first. As a former drama club nerd and current theatre…
My Reading List 2025
2025 may have been a year full of transition for me and my family, but I was able to keep track of the books I read. A huge improvement over the disastrous book list of 2024! It was a strong reading year with over 50 books in the middle grade category and older. I also…
Fall Writing Frenzy 2025
With a daughter named Autumn, you might not be surprised that this is my favorite season. I also love the Fall Writing Frenzy contest, where we can write a flash piece inspired by lovely autumnal and spooky images. This is my third year participating. Here is the image that inspired my 200-word flash fiction, “A…
Book Spotlight: The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Firefly Summer was the perfect middle grade read for the last week of August with this book’s warm, feel-good vibes and immersive summer life. My summer was wrapping up. I had saved this book for when the weather was about to change. When I was yearning for one…
My Reading List 2024
I can already tell you one of my new year’s resolutions for 2025 because it’s something I didn’t do in 2024 — I didn’t keep track of the books I read! I resolve in 2025 to keep an ongoing list. But for now, I will cobble together a list, knowing I will forget some books….
Luca’s First Love – A winning entry for #KidLitChuckleChallenge ’24
I took a chance on this new writing contest hosted by authors April Berry, Kris DeCaro, and Julie Hauswirth called #KidLitChuckleChallenge. The challenge is to write a 200-word flash piece that makes the judges laugh and uses a character and an object from a set list. I chose: Avocado the Penguin (character) and Broccoli (object)….
Honorable Mention Received for ‘From Antarctica, With Love’
This was my second year participating in author Kailei Pew’s 2024 Kids’ Choice KidLit Writing Contest, and my young adult flash piece – From Antarctica, With Love – received an honorable mention! What an amazing surprise! For those who aren’t familiar with this contest, the judges are KIDS! The contest runs from picture books through…
Valentine 451
If you’re looking for a little extra love this Valentine’s Day, check out my YA contemporary flash fiction! I submitted the following to a Valentine-themed contest hosted by Manuscript Academy and judged by literary agent, Taj McCoy. The contest specified these were to be meet-cute flash pieces with a word count of 300 words and…
My Reading List of Middle Grade and Young Adult Books for 2023
While 2023 may have had some ups and downs, it was a great reading year for me. Along with beta reading, reading ARC’s (Advanced Reader Copies) and indulging in the occasional romance or adult sci-fi, I also read some fantastic middle grade and young adult books. Since the book I drafted this year is a…
Christine Letizia 