If you’re not familiar with Lindsay Moretti’s endeavor for educators called KIDLIT GROVE, please…read on! In this post, she shares her process of using picture books as a springboard for creating Project-Based Learning (PBL) units. I totally agree with her—books don’t end with the last page! GIVEAWAY! Lindsay is offering winner’s choice: a free 1-month … More Especially for Educators: “From Story to STEAM: Building Project-Based Learning from Picture Books” by Lindsay Moretti| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Author Andrea Wang’s latest book is beautiful in text and art, and at the same time heartbreaking and inspiring. The path to the heart of WORTHY: THE BRAVE AND CAPABLE LIFE OF JOSEPH PIERCE s…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
3 posts published by Beth Anderson during September 2025| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Here’s another fantastic book from one of the Kid Lit for Growing Minds members! In this post for educators and librarians, author Lisa Rogers, a former library teacher, shares how WOODY’S WORDS: WOODROW WILSON RAWLS AND WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS can be used as a springboard for students to practice a growth mindset. GIVEAWAY! … More Especially for Educators: “Who Helps You Shine? Embracing a Growth Mindset to Reach Your Dreams” by Lisa Rogers| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
I too am enamored with the view of the Rocky Mountains. Along with the wonder they inspire, somehow, they anchor you. In writing the story of a piece of land, Stacy Jensen faced the challenge of finding the heart of a story about something that’s not human. Here she shares the process of writing BEFORE … More Mining for Heart: “Digging into the Heart of the Land” by Stacy S. Jensen| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
It’s quite amazing when you find primary sources that provide the seed, or acorn, that allows you to tell a story that for a while seemed lifeless. Check out this great post from debut author…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Posts about American Revolution written by Beth Anderson| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
For all you educators, librarians, history lovers, and those who have been led to believe that history is boring… from Cloaked in Courage – ©Anne Lambelet Over the next year and a half,…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
3 posts published by Beth Anderson during August 2025| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
I felt like this last part should be titled “From whence it came and where it goes,” but that just seemed a bit unwieldy. Every manuscript I tackle teaches me more about researching, so I often add a note on what was special in the back matter—sometimes a short note, sometimes longer. It’s valuable for … More Especially for Educators: “Back Matter Bounty for the Classroom: Part 3” by Beth Anderson| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Though much of the fascinating information I glean from research never makes it into the story, some of it earns a place in back matter if it has the potential to engage and benefit educators, librarians, parents, and, most of all, young readers. Images and graphics are always a favorite! GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below … More Especially for Educators: “Back Matter Bounty for the Classroom: Part 2” by Beth Anderson| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
As I worked on the back matter for what hopefully is book number twelve, I thought about all the fabulous kinds of information that awaits teachers in these often overlooked sections. I’ve ex…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
I was so surprised to learn about author Teresa Robeson’s experience creating DISGUSTOLOGY: THE SCIENCE OF GROSS because it’s the opposite of the usual way authors, illustrators, and pu…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Ah yes, the conundrum of TMI (too much information). I know it well. It’s like you’re a kid in a candy store and can only choose one of the many varieties tempting you. Here’s a w…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Ah, the HOOK! How can you grab the readers’ attention? Snag their interest? And pull them in to read your work? Hooks are key, but sometimes hard to come up with. Take a read through Ann McCa…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
“Finding a way in” is one of the challenges for an author. But it was also the challenge for the subject of author Jeanne Walker Harvey’s biography of architect I.M. Pei which foc…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
When authors dig into history, we find all sorts of surprises, endless fascination, and so much relevance to our world today. The ability to vicariously explore the human experience of the past giv…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Today’s post features another fantastic nonfiction book for kids from the STEAM TEAM. Read on to learn how author Patricia Newman created the heart of GIANT RAYS OF HOPE using text and photos…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Kids love animals—especially the weird ones! Elizabeth Shreeve shares a science book for ages 7-10 that celebrates one of Earth’s most unique group of critters. The Teacher Guide comes with “The Ad…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
With a goal of writing a book for kids about volcanoes using lyrical language, author Nell Cross Beckerman not only researched for information, she also used her own and gathered more sensory input…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
If I asked you to name a detective, I’d likely hear Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, Dick Tracy, and maybe even Allan Pinkerton… BUT…I’m willing to bet no one w…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
4 posts published by Beth Anderson during July 2024| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Sometimes a large professional conference can be as puzzling as that famous cube with all the squares. Never fear, author Kerry Aradhya, has some tips to help you make the most of a conference oppo…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Sharing the past can inspire the future! In her new book, author Melissa Mwai gives young readers a peek into the Harlem Renaissance, and in this post, she shares three activities for the classroom…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Think back…do you have a favorite piece of furniture from your past? One that comes with precious memories? One that’s part of YOUR story. But what if that special piece of furniture co…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
In an article I wrote recently for GROG Blog about my experience with illustration notes with THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE, my look back over the editorial revision process showed th…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
There are so many ways to tell a story. Author Julia Wasson tried many formats before she found the right voice and point of view for CAN YOU HEAR THE PLANTS SPEAK? And landing on just the right wa…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer
Some topics and themes are “evergreen,” eternally relevant, but they present their own challenges. Check out this post from author Christine Van Zandt about how she handled a familiar t…| Beth Anderson, Children's Writer