What’s New & What’s Up


What’s New

Lady Bird Johnson, That’s Who! 

A picture-book biography illustrated by Ginnie Hsu is available at your local book store or online retailer. Read more >

Samuel Morse, That’s Who! 

A picture-book biography illustrated by el primo Ramón (Borja Ramón López Cotelo) is available at your local book store or online retailer. Read more >

John Deere, That’s Who! 

A picture-book biography illustrated by Tim Zeltner is available at your local book store or online retailer. Read more >

Noah Webster’s Fighting Words

A picture-book biography illustrated by Mircea Catusanu is available at your local book store or online retailer. Read more >


What’s Up

Note: Please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about online (Zoom) school and library visits!

Virtual Author Visit, Girl Scouts of Texas, Texas Book Festival, Austin, TX

Saturday, October 30, 2021

We're reading Lady Bird Johnson, That's Who! and having fun with nonfiction!

Virtual Author Visit, Reading Rock Stars, Texas Book Festival, Austin, TX

Friday, October 29, 2021

We're reading Lady Bird Johnson, That's Who! and having fun with nonfiction!

Author Visit, Stratford Academy - Elementary School, Macon, GA

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

We're reading Lady Bird Johnson, That's Who! and having a lot of nonfiction fun!

Author Presentation, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

"The Intersection of Art & Science in Picture Books" for Honors Collequiem

Author Visit, Village of Yesteryear, Owatonna, MN

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 • Noon

We're reading John Deere, That's Who! and having a lot of nonfiction fun!

Author Visit, Rock County Fair, Luverne, MN

Thursday, July 29, 2021 • 11:30 • 1:00 • 4:00

We're reading John Deere, That's Who! (11:30), Samuel Morse, That's Who! (1:00), and Ladybird Johnson, That's Who! (4:00).

Author Visit, Riverside Elementary School, Brainerd, MN

Thursday, May 27, 2021 • Professional Development (Staff Only)

We're reading Ladybird Johnson, That's Who! and talking about hope.

https://www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/virtual-event-mackids-streaming-schoolhouse-picture-book-edition/

Virtual Author Visit, MacKids Streaming Schoolhouse

July 21, 2020 • Archived online

Social Studies topics for young readers and insights from authors and illustrators.

Author Visit, Victoria Elementary School, Victoria, MN

Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 6-8pm • I Love To Read! Event

We're reading Samuel Morse, That's Who! and John Deere, That's Who! and having a lot of nonfiction fun!

Author Visit, Slayton Elementary School, Slayton, MN

Monday, February 24, 2020 • All Day - MMC High School Auditorium

We're talking about nonfiction books and the writing process. Who's ready for bookish fun? YOU are!

National Council of Teachers of English 2019 Conference, Baltimore

Friday, November 22, 2019 • 2:00-2:30 • Ivy Bookshop, Booth #839

Signing Samuel Morse, That's Who!

Thursday, November 21, 2019 • 9:30-10:45 • Room #332, Session A.35

Panel discussion, "Immersed in Inquiry: Using Picture Book Biographies to Reveal STEM Thinking and Inspire Readers," with Laurie Wallmark, Dr. Jodi Baker, and Cheryl Bardoe.

Information & Technology Educators of Minnesota (ITEM) Annual Conference, Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, Brooklyn Park

Friday, October 11, 2019 • All day

Book signing and panel discussion

Wisconsin Library Association, Annual Conference, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 • 2:45 - 3:30pm

"What's so Funny About Children's Nonfiction" presentation

South Dakota Festival of Books, Rapid City

Saturday, October 5, 2019

"Using Picture Book Biographies in Classrooms" Presentation, Deadwood Public Library, 11am

Book Signing, Deadwood Mountain Grand, 1pm

Friday, October 4, 2019

Author Visit, Piedmont Valley Elementary • 8:00am

Book Signing, Deadwood Mountain Grand • 3:30pm

Thursday, October 3, 2019

South Dakota Public Radio Interview • 10:00am

"Samuel Morse, That's Who!" Presentation, Rapid City Library • 11:30am

Author Visit, Valley View Elementary School • 1:30pm

Author Reception, Sanfod Lab Homestake Visitor Center, Lead • 6:30pm

Samuel Morse, That's Who! - Book Launch Celebration, Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul

Tuesday, July 9, 2019 • 6:30pm

In the 1800s, who would want to harnass electricity and create instant messaging? Samuel Morse, that's who! Learn about the telegraph and the creative man behind its historic success. Come ready for coding fun, too!

American Library Association National Conference, Washington, D.C.

Friday, June 21, 2019 • 5:00-7:00pm

MCPG ALA Author Happy Hour (Invitation Only), Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel

Book It!: Short Biography Writing & Tiny Book Making for Kids, Maplewood Public Library, MN

Thursday, June 13, 2018 • 11:00 - 12:30 p.m.

We'll read Samuel Morse, That's Who! and talk about the elements of a story, which we'll use in our tiny books. Registration required. In association with the White Bear Center for the Arts.

Author Visit, Taylors Falls Elementary School, Taylors Falls, MN

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 • All Day

We're talking about nonfiction books and the writing process. Who's ready for bookish fun? YOU are!

Author Visit, Lakeside School, Chisago, MN

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 • All Day

We're talking about nonfiction books and the writing process. Who's ready for bookish fun? YOU are!

Windom Reads, Windom Community Center, Minneapolis, MN

Saturday, February 9, 2019 • 9:30 a.m. • 5843 Wentworth Avenue South

Mayor Jacob Frey will join our book celebration this year! Children will enjoy activities and hear many authors read from their books (including me!). Everyone is invited to participate in a book exchange (bring your already-read books to trade).

Books for Breakfast, St. Paul, MN

Saturday, February 2, 2019 • 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Rush Creek Golf Club, Maple Grove, MN

Educators, librarians, booksellers, publishers, and authors gather to enjoy a morning of books, books, books! More info at: https://www.booksforbreakfastmn.com/.

Hamline University - MFA Program in Writing for Children and Young Adults, St. Paul, MN

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 • 6:30 p.m. - Graduate Assistant Reading

Saturday, January 19, 2019 • 10:30 a.m. - Pathways to Publication Panel

Serving as a graduate assistant at this life-changing program allows me to meet current students, reconnect with faculty, and gain inspiration from the other speakers and presentations. I'm so honored to participate!

Guild of Metalsmith's Fall Conference, Little Log House Grounds, Hastings, MN

Saturday, September 15, 2018 • 11:00 a.m. - 1:00

I'm visiting with attendees and signing John Deere, That's Who! More info: http://www.metalsmith.org/event/fall-conference-2018/

Presenting Author, Kansas Book Festival, Topeka, KS

Saturday, September 8, 2018 • 12:00 p.m., Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center

All ages are invited to this free event, open from 9-4. I'm reading and signing John Deere, That's Who! More info: http://www.kansasbookfestival.com/

Blue-Ribbon Author, Alphabet Forest, Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul, MN

Thursday, August 23, 2018 • 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for fun with farm words! Free with fair admission.

Family Book Reading, Superior Public Library, Superior, WI

Saturday, August 4, 2018 • 1:00 p.m.

A fun reading and signing event for everyone! We're reading Storm Codes and John Deere, That's Who! Free. Here's a link to the news broadcast on KBJR-TV: http://www.kbjr6.com/story/38813553/award-winning-childrens-book-author-returns-to-superior

Family Book Reading, Marquette Maritime Museum, Marquette, MI

Saturday, July 28, 2018 • 11:00 a.m.

A fun reading and signing event for everyone! We're reading Storm Codes and John Deere, That's Who! Free with paid museum admission.

Fun Book Reading, Storytime Trolley, Stillwater, MN

Saturday, July 21, 2018 • Board Dolly the Trolly at Valley Bookseller at 10:00

Ride the trolly to Pioneer Park, where we'll reading Storm Codes and John Deere, That's Who! $5; reservations required. More info.

Fun Book Reading, Explorer Club, Lakes International Langauge Academy, MN

Friday, July 20, 2018 • Morning (time TBD)

A fun reading and signing event for everyone! We're reading Storm Codes and John Deere, That's Who! 

Post Card Flash Fiction: Short, Short Story Writing for Kids, White Bear Lake Public Library, MN

Thursday, June 28, 2018 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

We'll read Green Eggs and Ham and choose post cards to use for writing our own stories. In association with the White Bear Center for the Arts.

ME, That's Who!: Biography Writing for Kids, White Bear Lake Public Library, MN

Thursday, June 21, 2018 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

We'll read John Deere, That's Who! and use it for inspiration to write our own biographies. In association with the White Bear Center for the Arts.

Writing For Hire: Spring Workshop, MN-SCBWI, Minneapolis, MN

Saturday, June 2, 2018 • 11:00 a.m.

Hear tips and insights for acquiring work-for-hire projects, based on my years of experience (and 100+ books).

John Deere, That's Who!: Family P.J. Party, Ashland Ridge Elementary School, Ankeny, IA

Thursday, March 29, 2018 • 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

A fun reading and signing event for everyone at Rock Creek Elementary! Bring your favorite cuddle animal and let's have some fun with history.

Classroom Visits: Ashland Ridge Elementary School, Ankeny, IA

Friday, March 30, 2018 • All day

We're talking about nonfiction books and the writing process. Who's ready for bookish fun? YOU are!

Classroom Visits: Rock Creek Elementary School, Ankeny, IA

Thursday, March 29, 2018 • All day

We're talking about nonfiction books and the writing process. Who's ready for bookish fun? YOU are!

John Deere, That's Who!: Family P.J. Party, Rock Creek Elementary School, Ankeny, IA

Wednesday, March 28, 2018 • 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

A fun reading and signing event for everyone at Rock Creek Elementary! Bring your favorite cuddle animal and let's have some fun with history!

Indiana Farm Bureau Spring Conference, Indianapolis, IN

2018 Indiana Farm Bureau Book of the Year - Author Signing, Friday, March 9, 2018 • 7:00 p.m.

Follows the Women's Leadership Committee dinner

Making Connections through Story, Presentation • 9:15 a.m. 

Breakout session

Classroom Visits: WestWood Elementary, Prior Lake, MN

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 • All day

We're talking about books and writing. Who's a reader and a writer? YOU are!

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Ag 2018 Conference, Nashville, TN

Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast / Book of the Year Award Ceremony - Saturday, January 7, 2018 • 7:15 a.m.

About 1,500 guests join Farm Bureau Bank and other sponsors in celebrating John Deere, That's Who! as the 2018 Book of the Year!

Book Signing, Exhibit Hall • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Farm Bureau Bank

Picture Book Salon, Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis, MN

Monday, December 4, 2017 • 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Join Sarah Warren (Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers), Mélina Mangal (Rita Williams-Garcia and more) and me (John Deere, That's Who!, Noah Webster's Fighting Words, Mike Trout, and more) for a panel on writing biographies for children.

4 x 10 Book Reading/Signing, Neighborhood Reads, 401 Lafayette St., Washington, MO

Saturday, November 18, 2017 • 10:00 a.m.

Four award-winning authors read for 10 minutes (or so) and talk about their books. The event features: Liza Ketchum (The Life Fantastic), Jacqueline Briggs-Martin (Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix and Creekfinding), Phyllis Root (Anywhere Farm) and me (John Deere, That's Who! and Noah Webster's Fighting Words). More info here: https://www.neighborhoodreads.com/

National Council of Teachers of English, 2017 Annual Convention, St. Louis, MO

Friday, November 17, 2017 • 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Liza Ketchum, Ann Matzke, Jacqueline Briggs-Martin, Phyllis Root, and I will be presenting on a panel called, "The Mighty Power of Picture-Book Biographies," in the America's Center Convention Complex 104. Learn more here.

Friday, November 17, 2017 • 11:30 a.m.

I'll be signing Noah Webster's Fighting Words in the Lerner booth.

Friday, November 17, 2017 • 5:00 p.m.

I'll be signing John Deere, That's Who! in the Henry Holt/Macmillan booth.

Saturday, November 18, 2017 • 12:30 - 2:15 p.m.

I'm hosting a table for Noah Webster's Fighting Words at the Children's Book Awards luncheon. Marilyn Nelson, Jason Reynolds, and Melissa Sweet are speaking. Wow!

School Visit, Lakes International Language Academy, Forest Lake, MN

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 • 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.

We'll talk about the writing process and nonfiction books with fifth-grade students at LILA. A special guest may be joining us for a reading of Noah Webster's Fighting Words!

Style Speaks Volumes IV, Fashion Show Fundraiser, Reve Bistro & Bar, 200 Chestnut St., Stillwater, MN

Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11, 2017 • 11:00 a.m.

A lunch and fashion show featuring local authors as guest models (!!) to benefit the Stillwater Public Library. Valley Bookseller will offer books to purchase/sign. More info here. Buy your tickets early (a portion is tax deductible).

Classroom Visits: St. Peter School, Lincoln, NE

Wednesday, November 7, 2017 • All day

We're talking about books and writing. Who's a reader and a writer? YOU are!

Classroom Visits: Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Tuesday, November 7, 2017 • All day

We're talking about nonfiction books and writing at Sheridan Elementary (9:10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.) and Kahoa Elementary (1:30 - 3:15 p.m.). True stories can be FUN stories!

Noah Webster's Fighting Words: Lincoln City Library, Walt Branch, 6701 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE

Monday, November 6, 2017 • 6:30 p.m.

The ghost of Noah Webster might show up to help us read this picture-book biography! Activities follow the reading. More info here.

Classroom Visits: Black Elk Elementary, Omaha, NE

Monday, November 6, 2017 • All day

Research! Writing! Revising! Discover the FUN of creating nonfiction books and learn how books are made.

Book Signing, Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA

Saturday, November 4, 2017 • 10:00 a.m.

We'll read John Deere, That's Who! and talk about Noah Webster's Fighting Words. It's time to have fun with history! More info: http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/

Classroom Visits: Prairie Trail Elementary School, Ankey, IA

Friday, November 3, 2017 • All day

We're talking about nonfiction books and the writing process. Who's ready for bookish fun? YOU are!

John Deere, That's Who!: Family P.J. Party, Prairie Trail Elementary School, Ankey, IA

Thursday, November 2, 2017 • 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

A fun reading and signing event for everyone at Prairie Trail Elementary! Bring your favorite cuddle animal and let's have some fun with history!

Run to Read, Washington, MO

Saturday, October 14, 2017

• Run to Read Race at 8:00 a.m. followed by a book talk at the Washington Public Library, 9:00 a.m.

• Book Reading/Signing at 11:30 a.m. at Neighborhood Reads Book Store, 401 Lafayette St., Washington, MO

School Visits, Washington, MO

Thursday, October 12 – Friday, October 13, 2017

We're talking books and writing and so much more at Our Lady of Lourdes, Zitzman Elementary and New Haven Elementary!

School Visit, Lakes International Language Academy, Forest Lake, MN

Wednesday, October 11, 2017 • 8:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Third-grade students at LILA will talk about the writing process and hear a reading of John Deere, That's Who! in honor of Farm to School month.

Information and Technology Educators of MN (ITEM) Fall Conference, Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, Brooklyn Park, MN

Friday, October 6, 2017 • 9:00, 11:20, 3:15 Book Signings / 12:45 Author Panel

The conference is two days (including a keynote with Newbery winner Kelly Barnhill on Saturday). The author signing day is Friday. Pens are ready!

Local Author Book Signing, Barnes & Noble - 3230 Galleria, Edina, MN

Saturday, September 30, 2017 • 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Let's read John Deere, That's Who! and talk about Noah Webster's Fighting Words -- we'll have fun with history!

Book Talk: Southwest Minnesota Reading Council Fall Reading Conference, Marshall, MN

Thursday, September 28, 2017 • 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. • Southwest Minnesota State University Student Center, 2nd floor

Educators, librarians, and children's literature lovers come together for an evening of books, books, and books!

Setting in Historical Nonfiction: Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, MN

Thursday, September 28, 2017 • 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. 

Guest lecture on setting as a literary element in historical nonfiction books for children and young adults for Dr. Sonya Vierstaete's course for teacher candidates.

History Makers: Minnesota Children’s Book Festival, Anderson Center, Redwing, MN

Saturday, September 16 • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of books and crafting with Minnesota's incredible children's literature community. And there are reptiles to pet.

John Deere, That's Who!: Village of Yesteryear, Owatonna, MN

Tuesday, August 30, 2017 • 2:00 p.m.

The Steele County Historical Society invites you to a book reading and signing at the Dunnell House. Bring a blanket to spread on the lawn. Snacks are welcome. Free admission! Kid friendly (of course)!

John Deere, That's Who!: Book Reading/Signing, Country Bookshelf, Bozeman, MT

Sunday, August 20, 2017 • 2:00 p.m.

Held during the annual “Cruisin’ on Main” car show, which benefits the Cancer Support Community (CSC), this "Meet The Author" event invites children of all ages to have fun with history! I'll be reading from John Deere, That's Who! and we'll have a song and activity, too. More info: http://www.countrybookshelf.com/event/meet-author-tracy-nelson-maurer

Who Made America's History Grow? John Deere, That's Who!, Hamline Midway Library, St. Paul, MN

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. 

Did you know John Deere did not invent the tractor? He developed a new kind of plow in the 1830s that changed farming—and a nation—forever. The picture book biography John Deere, That’s Who! engages young readers as they learn how one hardworking blacksmith helped America grow. Join us for a highly interactive reading of the book and fun activities. Details here: http://melsastpaul.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=81860&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2017/08/08

Local Authors Book Event, The Commons, Minneapolis, MN

Sunday, August 6, 2017 • 11:00 a.m. with Laura Purdie Salas

Two books, two authors...one good time outside in the park! Join us for two book readings (Laura will read her book If You Were The Moon and I will read Noah Webster's Fighting Words), songs, and a craft.

Local Author Book Signing, Lake Country Booksellers, White Bear Lake, MN

Friday, August 4, 2017 • 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Stop by the table at the White Bear Lake Friday Morning Farmers Market for treats and books!

John Deere, That's Who!: Hardwood Creek, Washington County Library, Forest Lake, MN

Thursday, July 27, 2017 • 1:30-2:15 p.m.

I'll be sharing my new book, John Deere, That's Who!, at my local library! Learn about history and have fun while doing it! Includes a reading and activity. For school age children, ages 8-12. This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Granite Threshing Bee, Granite, IA

Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16, 2017 • 11:00 a.m.

Discover fun facts about John Deere with a reading from the book and an activity during this annual gathering. We'll meet at the vintage one-room school house and finish in time for the tractor parade!

Hamline University - MFA Program in Writing for Children and Young Adults, St. Paul, MN

Friday, July 14, 2017 • 1:00 p.m.

Guest Lecture: "Setting in Historical Nonfiction And Fiction"

After defining the sweet spot of historical nonfiction and historical fiction on the Author Presence Continuum, we'll discuss approaches to research to gather the setting details that enhance the literary aspects of your work. We'll also look at how exemplary authors have used setting to create structure, reveal character traits, and amplify theme—for examples.

Hamline University - School of Education Summer Literacy Institute - St. Paul, MN

Thursday, July 13, 2017 • 12:45 p.m.

Breakout session: "Seriously Fun Nonfiction" with Ann Henkens Matzke

Let’s have some fun with the truth. We'll explore humor in informational and narrative nonfiction books for all grades as a way to gateway to learning. We’ll look at what makes something funny and what's funny to different age levels, as well as how humorous books can enhance and complement your curriculum. You'll have an opportunity to analyze and review many of our favorite titles.

Anderson's Bookshop - Downers Grove, IL

Saturday, June 24, 2017 • 11:00 a.m.

It's a picture book party! Five of us from the Hamline University MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults will be reading and signing our books. I'll be there with John Deere, That's Who! and Noah Webster's Fighting Words; the other authors include Jamie Swenson (Big Rig), Miriam Busch (Raisin, the Littlest Cow), Tamera Will Wissinger (Gone Camping), and Kiel Phegley (Gumball's Guide to Science). More details here.

American Library Association National Conference, Chicago, IL

Friday, June 23, 2017 • 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.

I'll be signing John Deere, That's Who! in the Macmillan Booth #2711 in McCormick Place. Later, from 9:00 - 11:00 p.m., I'll be at the Macmillan Dessert Party at the Hilton Chicago.

Saturday, June 24, 2017 • 2:30 p.m.

I'll be signing Noah Webster's Fighting Words in the Lerner Booth #2825 in McCormick Place.

Family Fun Twin Cities BookHounds Family Book Club: Double Book Fun at Wishing Tree Play Cafe

Wednesday, June 14, 2017 • 10:00 a.m.

The FFTC BookHounds Family BookClub invites you to join us for its first meeting. I'll be reading John Deere, That’s Who! and talking about Noah Webster’s Fighting Words. We are also excited that Snapology will be there to give a mini class. FREE! Go here for more information.

Noah Webster's Fighting Words: Hardwood Creek, Washington County Library, Forest Lake, MN

Tuesday, June 13, 2017 • 1:30-2:15 p.m.

I'll be sharing my new book, Noah Webster's Fighting Words, at my local library! Famous for writing the first dictionary of the English language as spoken in the United States, Webster was known in his day for his bold ideas and strong opinions about, well, everything. Learn about history and have fun while doing it! Includes a reading and activity. For school age children, ages 8-12. This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Learn more here. Registration opens May 14.

Youth Writing Class: Postcard Flash Fiction, White Bear Center for the Arts, White Bear Lake, MN

Monday, May 22, 2017 • 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Let your creativity wander to faraway places to help you write fun short-short stories. Using actual postcards from around the world for inspiration, you’ll write flash fiction that combines all the usual literature elements—setting, plot, and character—in less than 500 words. We’ll talk about what makes a story and how to give it flair without a lot of fluff. Where will your writing go? Learn more here.

Independent Bookstore Day: Lake Country Booksellers, White Bear Lake, MN

April 29, 2017 • 1:30 p.m.

Signing and talking about Noah Webster's Fighting Words and John Deere, That's Who!. Learn more here.

Book Launch Party New York: John Deere, That's Who!, WORD Bookstores, Brooklyn, NY

April 23, 2017 • 11:00 a.m.

Discover fun facts about John Deere with a reading from the book and an activity. Also featuring Noah Webster's Fighting Words. Learn more here.

Book Launch Party Connecticut: Noah Webster's Fighting Words, Barnes & Noble, Blue Back Square, West Hartford, CT

April 22, 2017 • 11:00 a.m.

How did American English become different from British English? And why? Learn the story of American patriot Noah Webster and his influence on words and writing in America with a reading from Noah Webster's Fighting Words and an activity. Learn more here.

Book Launch Party New York: Noah Webster's Fighting Words, Bank Street Book Store, New York, NY

April 15, 2017 • 10:30 a.m.

How did American English become different from British English? And why? Learn the story of American patriot Noah Webster and his influence on words and writing in America with a reading from Noah Webster's Fighting Words and an activity. Also featuring John Deere, That's Who!. Learn more here.

Book Launch Party: John Deere, That's Who!, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

April 1, 2017 (no fooling!) • 11:00 a.m.

Discover fun facts about John Deere with a reading from the book and an activity. Learn more here.

Book Launch Party: Noah Webster's Fighting Words, Red Balloon Bookstore, St. Paul, MN

April 1, 2017 (no fooling!) • 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a fun reading from the book (perhaps Noah himself will show up!) and an activity. Learn more here.

Hubbs Children's Literature Conference, St. Thomas University, St. Paul, MN

February 18, 2017

Breakout session: "Back Matter Matters"

An outstanding day of discussions about books for children. Learn more here.

American Booksellers Association - Midwinter Institute, Minneapolis, MN

January 28, 2017

Meet & Treats Event Lakes & Legends Brewery

Co-sponsored by Lerner and Capstone, this is a fun event to introduce Noah Websters Fighting Words to booksellers!

Hamline University MFAC Alumni Weekend, St. Paul, MN

January 6-9, 2017

Saturday breakout session: "Back Matter Matters"

Washington County Local Author Expo, R. H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury, MN

Saturday, Oct. 1, 9:30-12:30 for book signings; 1:00 - 2:00 for Kao Kalia Yang's talk

I'm joining 20 other vetted authors for a morning of book talk and book signings. Books are for sale. Sybil Smith is teaching a writing class at 11:00 (limited seating, register online) and Kao Kalia Yang, author of The Latehomecomer, will discuss her new book The Song Poet at 1:00. FREE! More info here.

Hamline University MFAC Alumni Weekend, St. Paul, MN

July 8-10, 2016

Friday, 12:30 breakout session: "Writers In Conversation: Writing For Hire"

Children’s And Young Adult Literary Conference, The Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis, MN

May 5-7, 2016

Saturday afternoon breakout session: "Seriously Fun Nonfiction"

Lighten up, nonfiction writers, and let’s have some fun with the truth. Explore humor as a way to make a nonfiction manuscript engaging and memorable. We’ll take some cues from the pros and experiment with techniques for tickling funny bones. No comedy experience required, but you’re highly encouraged to wear a smile to this session on Saturday afternoon, May 7.

Download the PDF

The Shire Literary Center / KLBB Radio Interview

March 30, 2016

The Shire Literary Center, Stillwater, MN

Young adult writers from the Shire interviewed me at KLBB radio in Stillwater. (!!) We talked about working with publishers—and whatever writing stuff comes up. It’s part of an ongoing podcast series inspired by the program’s participants.

To learn more go to: http://theshireonline.com/news/

Register online at: https://www.loft.org/events__programs/writing_conferences/

Sign Up For E-News Updates.

Learn More