Hello, writers, artists, readers, educators, parents.... and all!

Thank you for being here! Remember, this is a place to refresh your mind, recharge your spirit, and get literary inspired!

And what a double treat I have for you on KidLit Oasis this week! I am so excited to be talking with a pair of creators, author Beth Anderson and Illustrator Anne Lambelet, and their amazing newly released picture book, CLOAKED IN COURAGE: UNCOVERING DEBORAH SAMPSON, PATRIOT SOLDIER. 

Welcome, Beth and Anne! I can't wait to hear about your collaboration and all the juicy details, the behind-the-scenes in the creation of this book, and the wisdom you have to share with my readers. I know we will all be inspired and enriched by your journey with this book. 

Beth, please tell us how the idea for this story came about? Walk us through the writing and revising process – how many drafts, how long it took to complete it, when did you share with your agent etc.

BA: I had come across Deborah Sampson in the past but wasn’t grabbed by what little I knew about her. Then in 2019, an article appeared about a diary that was found with a reference to Sampson’s failed attempt at enlisting. This caught my attention, because primary source discoveries do that, and suddenly I considered her challenges. It was clearly a story that needed to be told, but I didn’t have any idea of how to tell it… and I wasn’t hooked emotionally. I started researching in the summer of 2019. After only one draft in October 2019, I was totally stuck. I focused on Sampson as a mystery, inviting the reader to imagine with me and question the various aspects of her story—because the research raised so many questions due to a lot of misinformation. But it was distant and really didn’t work.

In January 2020 I prepared for the release of LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT, a series of school visits, a conference, and a trip to NYC. Then Covid hit. For a while, I couldn’t get words on the page. At the end of April, I picked up the Sampson manuscript and tried again. I needed to work on something. The research became a lesson in historical detective work and required me to search farther and wider. After lots more digging, I began to find the person. And then, I was hooked. After about 15 revisions, I shared it with my agent. (But really, it was still not ready.)
 
Let’s hear about the submission process. How long did it take from submission to offer? How did you get the news? Where were you at that moment? Can you give us the juicy details around that?

BA: We did an exclusive submission in July 2020 to Carolyn Yoder at Calkins Creek. I’d worked with her on five other books. Because it only went to one editor, it played out a bit differently than usual. It was basically an R&R&R&R&R&R. I took it through 8-10 more revisions, sharing a few along the way with the editor, before receiving an offer in October. And then, of course, a few more revisions under contract.

I had shifted how I attacked a draft with this story, and I think it resulted in more pre-writing and fewer revisions initially, though it still ended up close to my usual 30. As we all were adjusting to a new normal, this manuscript just happened differently. I was mentally a bit clogged in that first year of the pandemic, and publishing seemed to slow. But the editor’s interest kept me going. So many challenges with this story!
 
When did you find out who the illustrator was and what were your thoughts about the pairing?

BA: I always ask my agent, Stephanie Fretwell-Hill about illustrators, and share our thoughts when the editor asks about my vision. Anne is also one of Stephanie’s clients, and her name came up immediately. Her style seemed a great fit, and I loved her work. And so did the editor!
 
Anne, what did you think of the story when you were approached about illustrating it? What attracted you to the book? Why did you decide to get on board?

AL: I was immediately excited by the manuscript! I love empowering stories about strong, female characters, and it was even more exciting knowing that Deborah Sampson was a real — but mostly unknown— historical figure.  The book felt like an opportunity to shed some light on a woman who deserved more widespread attention and admiration. I also live in Philadelphia, a city bursting with revolutionary war-era history that I’ve developed a lot of pride in, so I was also very excited to create art for that time period. 
 
Were there any challenges in the process of telling Deborah’s story in the art? Did you collaborate with Beth while working on the illustrations?

AL: I’d say the biggest challenge for me was making sure that everything was completely historically accurate. Illustrating a book can often feel like directing a film. You have the script, but in every image, you need to design costumes, dress sets, furnish props, cast actors. There are so many small details to consider, and, with non-fiction, that takes a lot of research. It’s crucial that each choice be correct for the time period, whether it be as important as the color of a military uniform or as seemingly insignificant as what side dish is sitting out on a dining table. Though our editor served as a go-between for Beth and me, there was a lot of back and forth between us — as well as an additional historical expert — to make sure that I was depicting this era just right. ​

Beth, when did you first see what Deborah’s character looked like in sketches? What was it like compared to the image that you had in your mind perhaps?

BA: I saw the first dummy in April 2021. Amazing! The only historical images of Deborah Sampson are crudely done and not flattering—no photographs exist. Consequently, I didn’t have a detailed image in my mind, just someone likeable and, I guess, average. Anne’s rendering nailed it—a rather plain woman, yet both strong and vulnerable, that lets the reader think she could be anyone and makes her ability to pass as a man believable. 
 
Anne, what was your favorite spread to illustrate and why?

AL: There were several spreads that I really enjoyed working on, but my favorite was probably the battle scene where Deborah gets shot in the leg. The text on the spread was charged with so much urgency and energy that, even on the first read-through of the manuscript, images for that particular excerpt were already popping into my head. I loved piecing together all the little vignettes so that the reader’s eye flows across the spread through Beth’s words, hopefully evoking the same movement and action. Plus, I love drawing trees, so it also felt fun and spontaneous letting those hints of landscape fill in the background. 

Beth, what was your favorite spread when you saw the complete dummy and why?

BA: The opening spread is my favorite. Initially, it was on one page, when it was expanded to the full spread, and when I saw it in color….WOW!! The depth of the art that I already felt beautifully introduced us to Deborah and the idea that she was sort of “uncontainable” was amazing. The opening text poses a large, complicated question—what makes us who we are? I had to introduce the reader to this child and the context of the time in as few words as possible, but words that would make you want to turn the page. I couldn’t even imagine how an illustrator would support that big, complicated idea. Anne’s art so perfectly brings the idea home, lets us see this child, and immerses us in emotion. There is SO MUCH in that spread! It gives me goosebumps!

This question is for both of you, Beth, and Anne. What do you hope readers will take away from the book? What do you wish for this story to accomplish in the hands of children?

BA: With all the stories I tell, I hope kids will widen their view of the world just a bit and see that everyone is a part of history. This is so much what Sampson’s story is about. How she wanted more than she was handed, saw herself as capable, and pushed past gender roles. And mostly how she turned challenges into chances. I want kids to see possibility in their own lives and know they are capable beings.

AL: I hope that readers see the importance of staying strong no matter the obstacles, of believing in yourself even if the rest of society seems against you, and, finally, that gender does not define a person’s capacity for dedication, hard work, bravery and perseverance.

My final question is for both of you again. What’s next for you? What coming up, what are you working on, any new projects we should be on the lookout for, any upcoming events you’d like to share around the launch?

BA: Anne and I “met” with Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins, CO, for a virtual chat on Facebook Live to celebrate our launch. If you missed it, please look for the link to the recording on my website. It’s truly special for an author and illustrator to get an opportunity to discuss a book and ask all the questions they wondered about in the process of creating it.
​
I’m very excited about THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE which releases in fall 2023. The illustrations by Jeremy Holmes are fabulous! I’m awaiting the final art and just know it will blow me over. There’s nothing I love more than a story with history, humor, AND science! 

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: KATE WARNE AND THE RACE TO SAVE PRESIDENT LINCOLN is currently with illustrator Sally Wern Comport. I can’t wait to see the sketches! And I’m working on final revisions for a story, as yet unannounced, about another amazing young woman. My desk is currently covered with articles and timelines and notes and books on my next WIP as I eke out a first draft, the hardest part for me.

AL: I’m currently illustrating a non-fiction picture book by Penny Parker Klostermann about another strong, female, historical figure named Nan Songer. She raised spiders during WWII and harvested their silk which she then sold to the US military for use in gun sights. I am also very excited to announce that I’m currently beginning work on my first graphic novel for which I am both the author and the illustrator. This book is a non-fiction tour of the amazing abilities of cephalopods, and the readers’ guide on the tour is an adorable dumbo octopus named Grimpy. My biggest upcoming project however is that, in November, I’ll become a mom for the first time! With a baby arriving so soon, publication dates for the Nan Songer book and the octopus graphic novel aren’t until 2025.

Huge congrats on all fronts, Anne! Doesn't get more exciting than that!! And wow, Beth, you are on fire for sure! I can't wait to see all those books, too!

Thank you both for being my guests on KidLit Oasis -- it was such a pleasure chatting with you, and I wish you many more successes, lots of joy in everything you do, and tons of creative bliss!

Beth Anderson, a former educator, has always marveled at the power of books. With linguistics and reading degrees, a fascination with language, and a penchant for untold tales, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story. Beth lives in Loveland, Colorado where she laughs, ponders, and questions; and hopes to inspire kids to do the same. She’s the award-winning author of CLOAKED IN COURAGE, FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE, REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT, TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS WRIGGLE, “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES, LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT!, and AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET. Beth has more historical picture books on the way.​

​Anne Lambelet earned her bachelor’s degree in illustration from the University of the Arts in 2014. After graduating she immediately dove into her career as a freelance illustrator working with clients such as HarperCollins, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster and Owlcrate. Her first author-illustrated picture book, Maria the Matador, was published in 2019, and she’s been both writing and illustrating books for young readers ever since. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, her adorable dog, Eevee, her obese (but also adorable) cat Fitzgerald, and, very soon, a brand new baby. She is currently represented by Stephanie Fretwell-Hill of Red Fox Literary. 

Connect with Anne:
Website: http://www.annelambelet.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annelambelet/

Hello, wonderful readers!

Today, I am excited to revisit with author Beth Anderson who's returning to the blog with some beautiful new picture book titles!

Welcome back, Beth! Thank you for returning to the KidLit Oasis as my guest—which means you liked my hospitality the first time ☺, but it also means you have a new book coming out (or books in your case!) that you'll be sharing with our readers! Congratulations!

So, first, let me ask you this: I know that every book is special to its author in a particular way—how are these two books special to you? Dear to your heart in a different way? What was the experience like, compared to previous ones? Is there an interesting behind-the-scenes about the idea for the story, its creation, an unusual journey to publication perhaps? What stands out?

BA: Thank you so much for inviting me to share REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT: LEADING THE MINUTE WOMEN IN THE FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE and FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE! These are definitely two very different stories!

FRANZ’’s story, based on Franz Gsellmann and his “World Machine,” was one of my early manuscripts. It grabbed the child in me who loved to tinker, putter, and build. A celebration of curiosity, it explores the power of wonder and challenges us to put aside traditional expectations and judgements. Just as Franz’s machine faced criticism before finally finding appreciation, my creation built with words faced rejection before someone appreciated it, too. It’s funny how every story ends up ringing with personal relevance! Lots of learning happened with Franz’s story—such an important part of my writing journey. This was the manuscript that interested agent Stephanie Fretwell-Hill in my writing. She “got it.” And FRANZ opened the door.

REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT had a long journey, too. My attempts at a creative structure didn’t work. In addition, some missing details seemed to sap the strength of the story. That story waited in “the drawer” for a year while I struggled with how to write it. But in time I realized that the emotional truths were what powered Prudence’s story, and that thread didn’t depend on the missing details. I loved that her story offered a window into life behind well-known events like the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s Ride, and the battles at Lexington and Concord. The uniqueness of this untold story convinced me to take a historical fiction path using the most verifiable details and find a way to tell it. If we don’t tell a story because we can’t find every detail, then there are many important stories that will never be told. Researching her story, I connected to some local historians and discovered how her story was personal and continued to inspire people today. That helped me find the “heart” and a way to tell Prudence Wright’s story.
 
Q: And to piggyback on the questions above, did anything surprise you with the books or the publisher's approach (whether it was the same publisher or a new one)? Did you learn anything new? Was it harder or easier to bring the books into the world?
 
BA: FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE is my first book with Kids Can Press. And REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT is my fourth book with Calkins Creek. Each publisher works a little differently, and I think each book offers different challenges in the publishing process. With FRANZ, I worked with several editors, and the story stalled a bit as we sought permissions. This was my first experience with the world of permissions—the machine can be seen as art, so would be copyrighted, and the story features the Atomium, a structure that requires permission for illustrations.

PRUDENCE’s story brought new awareness when it was time to vet illustrations. When I wrote the story, I didn’t think about the potential challenges in illustrating a cast of 30 women. But when it was time to vet the art, the question of diversity came up. I was fortunate to find someone who dug into historical records and found African American and Native American families and women in the town of Pepperell.

Every story stretches you in new directions and widens your awareness and thinking for the next one!
 
Q: When did you find out who the illustrator was for the project and were you asked for an input? What was it like working with the illustrator for this book? When did you first see the art and what was your reaction?

BA: For both books, I was consulted as editors considered who might illustrate. I’m always grateful for the editor’s skillset in choosing just the right illustrator who can bring a specialness that will enhance the text.

With FRANZ, Caroline Hamel surprised me with her whimsical style and bright palette, making a story from the past thoroughly modern. She brought a playfulness and a European look which really makes the story sing.

With PRUDENCE, Susan Reagan brought strength and beauty and a gorgeous palette. I was amazed by all the historical details and so delighted by her creative spreads that incorporated documents. And the dramatic spreads—Wow!

I think my favorite part of the publishing process is seeing the sketches for the first time and then watching the art develop. The illustrations are always more than I had imagined!
 
Q: What do you hope to accomplish within the next 2-3 years? Any specific goals or aspirations—personal or writing related—that you could share with us?

BA: I don’t have any lofty goals. :) At this point in my life, I’m thrilled to be on this writing journey. I hope to keep on discovering ideas, people, and events to write stories that engage kids and open up their world, and also to be a positive part of the kid lit community. It’d be fun to write a middle grade novel and something really sparse and lyrical. In general, I’m looking forward to being WITH people, going on some traveling adventures, and hanging out with my grandkids. AND…I’m striving to grow a bumper crop of tomatoes!
 
Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any other exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
​
BA: I’m excited about the next books in the publishing pipeline. I’m over-the-moon amazed with Jeremy Holmes’ illustrations for THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE. Can’t wait to share that story! I have a couple others on the way that are unannounced so will have to stay mum on those. 

Thank you, Beth! As always, it was a pleasure chatting with you and featuring your amazing books on my blog! Wishing all the best with these titles, your upcoming projects, and all future stories you'll be bringing to life for young readers!

Connect with Beth Anderson:

Website: https://bethandersonwriter.com
Twitter: @BAndersonWriter

>>> Click in the book covers to purchase Beth's books <<<

​Welcome to KidLit Oasis the Chitchat series -- a ​place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

We have another amazing author interview with great insight, plus a GIVEAWAY! 

Welcome back, Beth! Thank you for returning to the KidLit Oasis as my guest, which tells me you liked my hospitality the first time ☺, but it also means you have a new book coming out that you'll be sharing with our readers! Congratulations!

So, first, let me ask you this: I know that every book is special to its author in a particular way—how is this book special to you? Dear to your heart in a different way? What was the experience like, compared to the previous one? Is there an interesting behind-the-scene about the idea for the story, its creation, an unusual journey to publication perhaps? What stands out?

A: Thanks so much, Rosie, for inviting me back!

Maybe it was growing up in the country, or maybe it was just normal kid curiosity, but city sidewalk grates always caught my attention. What’s down there?
When I read an article about James “Smelly” Kelly, I had some answers to that childhood wondering.  And he had such quirky experiences—comical, dangerous, bizarre! I was smitten! But with only a few anecdotes about his life, pulling together a story was a huge challenge.

After trying out a few angles, I examined his story through the “hero” lens. I had worked through ideas about heroes with Lizzie Demands a Seat and how we all need to step out of the “silence.” “Smelly” Kelly was a different kind of hero—an everyday hero. As I dug deeper asking myself questions about heroism and considered his “super” senses, I found my “heart” thread. The story became about finding our own specialness and where we fit in our world; about what makes a hero a hero; about the idea that we all have unique talents to offer. Those ideas, which I believe strongly and want to share with every child, make this story near and dear to my heart.
 
Q: And to piggyback on the questions above, did anything surprise you with this book or the publisher's approach to it (whether it was the same publisher or a new one)?Did you learn anything new? Was it harder or easier to bring it into the world?

A: Carolyn Yoder at Calkins Creek was the editor for both Lizzie Demands a Seat and “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses. While the process is the same and both deal with concepts about heroes, the stories are very different. The biggest contrast in going from manuscript to book was with illustrations. E.B. Lewis and Jenn Harney work very differently, and it was fascinating for me to learn about their processes and see the books come to life. I am so intrigued by how the editor and art director identify the perfect illustrator and proceed to marry text to art. I would love to be a fly on the wall and watch it all!

E.B. Lewis, who works in watercolors, says in his art note in Lizzie Demands a Seat that he used colors he had never used before. Clearly, we both pushed past our comfort zones with that book. Jenn Harney, who works digitally, also taught me about palettes. With her process, changes and tweaks were easy to make. We both had a lot of fun with “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses. I relished sneaking in superhero references, and she infused joy into all the action. I learn more with every book!
 
Q: When did you find out who the illustrator was for the project and were you asked for an input? What was it like working with the illustrator for this book? When did you first see the art and what was your reaction?

A: The editor and I shared ideas about illustrators. When she suggested Jenn Harney, I immediately explored her website and found glorious detail, unique characters, and scenes bursting with life. I was an instant fan! Jenn was wonderful to work with—always happy to revise and tweak as we worked through a few challenging pages. It turns out she loved her first adventure into researching for illustrations, too. She surprised me with the two palettes for above and below ground, fascinating detail, and creative ways to show the action that involved drips and leaks hidden behind walls or underground. The first tunnel scene took my breath away. The power of the palette! And the last page was so perfect—better than anything I’d imagined. I enjoy learning about illustration and all the aspects of it beyond the ability to draw.
 
Q: What do you hope to accomplish within the next 2-3 years? Any specific goals or aspirations—personal or writing related—that you could share with us?

A: I look forward to sharing my books with kids and sparking curiosity, creative thinking, and opening up their world. Hopefully, I can continue to chance upon stories that beg to be told that will help kids see the humanity in history and connect it to their own lives, as well as explore fun and thought provoking topics. I’m thrilled to stay on this path, and I welcome any opportunities that might come my way.
 
Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any other exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: I’m looking forward to the virtual launch of “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses at Second Star to the Right Bookstore in Denver on Oct. 17 at 4pm MDT. Please join in!

The New York Transit Museum is doing a virtual family program on “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses soon (date TBA). I’ll be helping with a couple presentations. If you’re interested in upcoming virtual events like this, please check my website.

And recently I was contacted by the Long Island Museum about a program they’re developing for schools on Elizabeth Jennings using Lizzie Demands a Seat. If you’re in a school and interested in the virtual program, please contact the museum.

I’m very excited about Tad Lincoln’s Restless Wriggle which releases in fall 2021. It’s such a tender father and son story, full of energy and joy! Tad reminds me of all those students I had that couldn’t sit still, whose minds popped with ideas—kids who were challenged as learners for various reasons, and who pushed me to be a better teacher. Another story dear to my heart!

Thank you, Beth. What an interesting insight! I can't wait to read "Smelly" Kelly's story.

Readers, to support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post — shares are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

                                    G I V E A W A Y!
For a chance to win a copy of "Smelly" Kelly and His Super Senses simply comment on this post and you will be entered. (Continental US only, please.)

Connect with Beth Anderson:
Website: www.bethandersonwriter.com
Twitter: @BAndersonWriter
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​Beth Anderson, a former English as a Second Language teacher, has always marveled at the power of books. Armed with linguistics and reading degrees, a fascination with language, and penchant for untold tales, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story. Beth lives in Loveland, Colorado where she laughs, wonders, thinks, and questions; and hopes to inspire kids to do the same. Author of AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET(S&S 2018), LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT! (Calkins Creek, 2020), and “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES (Calkins Creek, Oct. 2020), Beth has more historical gems on the way.

Hello, wonderful readers!

Hooray, you found your way to the Oasis―it's great to have you visit! This is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

Now, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for a lovely chitchat because today we have an awesome creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author Beth Anderson is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! 
​
Welcome, Beth! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

BA: Thank you so much for your invitation! After retiring from teaching, I set out to learn about the industry and go after writing for children. The local and online kid lit community has guided, taught, supported, encouraged, and offered up so many opportunities. Taking advantage of that has brought me to where I am. After 2+ years, I signed with an agent and am forever grateful I decided on that route. With the benefit of a knowledgeable advisor, I’ve been better able to take advantages of opportunities. After meeting an editor at a retreat and revising per her feedback, we submitted and soon had my first contract—An Inconvenient Alphabet. Though that all sounds so simple, there’s been tremendous time invested, much learning, and the usual bumps.

Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

BA: I think the most challenging part is crafting an irresistible premise and story that will grab an editor. And I don’t think that gets any easier – at least not so far. The most rewarding aspect is getting the books into the hands of kids, engaging their brains and hearts, and witnessing their joy in reading. Young readers are certainly motivators, but curiosity also drives me forward.

Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?

BA: Finding a way to organize research (nonfiction can be an organizational challenge) and all the ideas that pop in my head as I write was extremely helpful. I did a blog post about it, and if you’re interested, you can learn more about that HERE. 

My revision process is long and varied! :) Lizzie Demands a Seat took more than 90 revisions, but this was largely due to my inexperience when I started it (2015) and also that many of the changes I made were minor revisions. Now I do a lot more “pre-writing” work as I plan and gather information and ideas in a spiral before I draft. I work through timelines, delve into characters and setting, plot the arc, and brainstorm special ways to tell the story. I’m also more willing to take a wrecking ball to the writing to experiment with structure and big changes. One of my favorite ways to revise is to print out the draft (one sided), lay it across the desk, and use highlighters to analyze arc, characterization, conflict, scenes, proportions, transitions, beginning and end, and more. I make notes all over it as thoughts pop on how to revise, and then start pulling in bits and pieces, moving text, reshaping, and reworking.

Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

BA: I’m very excited about upcoming events with the New York Transit Museum. I had sought help from their historian when I researched my Oct. 13 release, “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses, which takes place in the NYC subway in the 1930-40s, and then had a few questions in the final stages of Lizzie’s story. (It’s pure coincidence that I ended up with two 2020 books that deal with NYC transportation!) She shared the stories with their education coordinator, and they decided to create a family program around both books. So I’ll be in NY for the Elizabeth Jennings program on Feb. 20, and do an extra reading on the 21st. Then serendipity struck with a couple more opportunities while I’m there…stay tuned! 

Thank you, Beth, it was a pleasure having you! And huge congratulations on the recent starred review from School Library Journal for Lizzie Demands a Seat! ​Check it out here. 

Please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their books through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post -- comments and shares are appreciated. Thank you!

Connect with Beth Anderson
website: www.bethandersonwriter.com
Twitter: @BAndersonWriter