Author: Sarah

This is my first book review in 2018 — a great choice for middle grade readers who are in the mood for an unusual, thought-provoking ghost story.  Click here for my review.

Interested in carving out some dedicated writing time in lovely surroundings, while learning more about the craft of telling stories? The second annual Writers’ Retreat at the Shake Rag Alley School of Arts is scheduled for 27-29 April 2018. It is open to writers of all levels. I’ll be running a workshop in writing for young people. To find out more, click here.

I’ve been reviewing again — this time I picked a deliciously wicked picture book for Halloween. Click here for the full review.

It’s almost time for school to start again, but I’ve had lots of fun over the last few months with the students in my summer writing camps.

I heard some wonderful story beginnings: from modern folktales, to time travel dystopias, to animal shenanigans, to memory-inspired realism.

 

 

My Grades 1-2 Story Explorer classes involved some book-related crafty fun. Here are some pictures of the projects we tried out.

It’s always exciting to hear the ideas and the meet the characters that are born in a workshop. Everyone has a story to tell.

 

 

I loved this book by Jason Reynolds, a middle grade story about African American brothers who spend the summer with their estranged grandparents. Here’s my review (click here).

I’ve been reviewing again. This time I read The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell. Click here to find out what I thought.

I’m thrilled to have been invited to join the SCBWI-IL Oak Park and Near West Suburban Network as Co-Representative, alongside Sallie Wolf and Karen Walker Ward. As a newcomer to Chicago, it’s wonderful to feel part of a vibrant writing community again. I used to live in Bath, England, a place hopping with writers and creative ideas and all things bookish — I’m lucky to have landed on my feet again. We meet at 7pm on the second Thursday of the month in either the Main Library or Dole Library in Oak Park for lots of story shenanigans. You can find out more about the Illinois Network plans here.

This is my newly designed website. News and events start here from May, 2017.