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How Ruby Rose Was Created Part 2

Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 (Last updated May 14, 2016) While Debbie was doing research, she noticed that Rob Sanders mentioned on his website that RUBY ROSE had been inspired by his great-niece Madi. She asked Rob for some reference photos, and based aspects of the picture book Ruby Rose on . . .



How Ruby Rose Was Created Part 1

Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 (Last updated July 26, 2017) Welcome! This post for young readers is about how the first Ruby Rose picture book was created. First, author Rob Sanders started with a character. He tried lots of characters and wrote lots of stories, looking for one “who was fresh and new, . . .




#BookADay: THE GAME OF LOVE AND DEATH by Martha Brockenbrough

Holy cow, did I love THE GAME OF LOVE AND DEATH by Martha Brockenbrough (Arthur Levin Books, 2015). I found myself slowing down my reading about 3/4 way through because I DIDN’T WANT IT TO END. And I was inspired to do some fan art (see image). The romance was so original . . .



How I’m Finding Ways To Read More Books This Summer

One of the reasons I love Donalyn Miller’s Annual Summer #BookADay Challenge is because it always forces me to reevaluate my reading habits. I love to read but sometimes I find that reading gets put on the back burner more often while other activities take priority. Sometimes these activities, especially family-related and . . .






DRAW THE LINE by Laurent Linn (Simon & Schuster, 2016)

#BookADay: DRAW THE LINE by Laurent Linn (Simon & Schuster, 2016). An amazing debut YA novel that handles difficult issues (including hate crimes, bullying) with sensitivity and authenticity. Loved the geeky humor throughout! Loved the main character’s superhero comics, and that the superhero refuses to fight hatred with hatred. Loved how the . . .