My Books

Seed Magic

Seed Magic was chosen for the 2018 Atlanta Mayor's summer reading club. I'm ecstatic that so many people will discover the magic in this picture book, which celebrates the moment of discovery. It’s about a character named Rose who is introduced to the beauty of birds by a wheelchair-bound “Bird Man.” This book was published by Peachtree Publishers and illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb.

“Strong acrylic colors and loose, broad brushstrokes reverberate with the rhythm and hope heard in the text. Together with brevity of words and motion and vibrancy of rhythm and color, the text and paintings create an unexpected joie de vivre. This is a must-buy for all libraries.” - School Library Journal

Gratefully Yours

After Hattie’s family died in a New York tenement fire in 1923, she was sent on the Orphan Train to Nebraska to live with Henry and Elizabeth Jansen. Hattie needs to help Henry with farm chores and assist Elizabeth, who is still grieving the death of their children. Hattie is well aware that she is unwanted. Is it possible for the Jansens to love another child?

“An excellent historical novel with characters we come to care for deeply.” - Jim Trelease, The Read-Aloud Handbook, 5th Edition, 2001

Hank's Story

In the sequel to Gratefully Yours, set in Nebraska in the fall of 1923, 12-year-old Hank Donohue is willing to leave the New York orphanage as long as his brother Peter joins him.

The boys ride the Orphan Train together to Nebraska, where they are taken in by the Olsens—a bitter, childless couple in need of assistance on their farm.

“Heart-wrenching, gripping ... Written simply but with great eloquence.” - Kirkus Reviews

The Berry Picking Man

Meggie despises Old Sam, the berry picker. He stinks, talks to himself, and worst of all, likes her. Why is Mama so concerned about him? Meggie is the family's "baby" even at nine years old. She assumes this is why she is required to accompany her mother whenever Old Sam requests a ride with Mama.

“Rich and true.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Simple, eloquent” - Booklist Starred Review

Goodbye, Charley

It’s the summer of 1943, and for 12-year-old Celie Marsh, the war seems terribly close to her coastal Massachusetts home. Celie discovers her long-lost pal when her father brings a monkey home from work one day. But a near disaster compels her to make a heart-wrenching decision that teaches her painful lessons about friendship, family, and love.

“An engaging, insightful novel that weaves timeless themes into a historical setting.” - Booklist

Three Kinds of Touches

Illustrated by Alice Pixley Young, this picture book for children at risk of abuse was published by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.
It is available in English, Spanish, Braille editions, and on video.

A Wicked History: Mary Tudor

This is a biography of England's first female ruler, who had hundreds of her subjects burnt at the stake because people started to turn away from Catholicism to convert to Protestantism. The book is part of the Scholastic Wicked History series.