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Debbie’s Blog

Welcome to my new blog, which now includes content from many of the blogs I’ve created over the years. You can now also access content via category from this one page instead of having to search for my individual blogs, which were scattered over various platforms and websites.


Donalyn Miller’s Social Distancing #BookADay Challenge!

Donalyn Miller’s #BookADay Challenge is usually in the summer. After talking with people on Twitter and Facebook, Donalyn (happily) decided to hold a Coronavirus social distancing #BookADay challenge, so that readers who miss talking with other readers can gather and share. You can see the “official” #bookaday guidelines on the . . .




Happy I Read Canadian Day!

Happy I Read Canadian Day! You don’t have to be Canadian to celebrate. One suggestion: Read a book by a children’s book creator for 15 minutes, then share your experience your experience with others. You can see what others are posting by browsing the #IReadCanadianDay hashtag on Twitter and other social media. Looking . . .




“I hope young readers walk away with the knowledge that their voice matters!” Chrystal D. Giles on Her Debut MG Novel TAKE BACK THE BLOCK

By Sara Truuvert When I reached out to Chrystal D. Giles back in November 2020, the excitement around Take Back the Block was already palpable. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and Kids’ IndieNext Pick, the novel has garnered praise from numerous authors and a starred review from School Library Journal.  Take Back the Block follows Wes, a funny, stylish sixth-grader whose main . . .





Happy New Year! Chance for a fresh start….

Happy New Year, all! Not making any New Year’s Resolutions. Things went VERY wonky last year, but I’m heading into this fresh, shiny new year with cautious optimism. How about you?



Humor in children’s books, animated GIFs for you to use, Happy Holidays!

(Note: feel free to use my GIPHY animations in your blog posts, too!) I find that I always hesitate a bit whenever I hear the phrase, “How are you doing?” There’s part of me that feels like answering, “Pandemic-fine.” Because like many others out there, I have behind-the-scenes stresses going . . .