Laurie Ann Thompson

The inspiring image above is a spread from my upcoming picture book, ELIZABETH WARREN’S BIG, BOLD PLANS, illustrated by the amazing Susanna Chapmanand releasing on May 5 (hooray!). These days, it often feels hard to conceive of big, bold plans. I’ll admit, some days just getting out of my pajamas feels like a victory. And for those of those parenting or teaching youngsters and attempting #AtHome…

Image by enriquelopezgarre from Pixabay Why empower kids and teens during COVID-19? They need it!

Taking action is one important way to make a problem seem more manageable and less frightening, so getting young people involved can actually help them cope with the situation we are all facing. Giving them a purpose gives them something else to focus on besides what they’ve lost or what they’re…

Thoughts on Writing Poetry

I’m struggling to write a poetic picture book. To fill me with the metaphor, imagery, rhythm and meter that I’m striving for, I’ve been reading other books of poetry. Two interesting things happened during today’s readings…

First, I was reading Gleams When Wetby Debra Spencer. I had picked it up at Half Price Books on a whim, since I’m mostly searching for ideas that have to do with water.…

Blog Tour: Growing Up Gorilla by Clare Hodgson Meeker

Today I’m thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Clare Hodgson Meeker’s new book, Growing Up Gorilla!

GROWING UP GORILLA by Clare Hodgson Meeker Millbrook Press/September 3, 2019 Grades 3-6, 48 pages Here’s what the publisher says about Growing Up Gorilla:

This heartwarming true story chronicles what happened after a mother gorilla gave birth for the first time and then walked away from her…

Emmanuel’s Dream wins CA Young Reader Medal!

A few weeks ago I was honored to travel to Pasadena, CA, to the California Library Association conference to receive the California Young Reader Medal for Emmanuel’s Dream. This is a very special award because the winning book in each category is chosen by the kids themselves.

First, the award tea itself. There were teas and sandwiches and all kinds of yummies, and look at the lovely decorations:

What I’ve Been Up To This Month

The month isn’t even over yet, but so much has been packed into the last few weeks it feels more like two months already! That’s not exactly an excuse for neglecting the blog, but, you know, life happens. Anyway…

Beachside Nonfiction Workshop

I started out the month at the Beachside Nonfiction Workshop with Candace Fleming & Jennifer Swanson. It was amazing! The faculty were all stellar,…

Happy National Trivia Day!

It may itself be a little-known fact, but January 4th is National Trivia Day! To celebrate, I thought I’d post some trivia tidbits from Two Truths and a Lie: Histories and Mysteries. Remember, ONE of the claims in each set of three below following is false. Can you figure out which one in each trio is the fake trivium? (Did you know trivia is the plural of trivium?)

  A.

There’s an abandoned…

Happy holidays (and a gift idea)!

Are you buying any of my books to give as a gift this holiday season? If so, thank you!

I’d be thrilled to send you a signed bookplate and some book swag for you to include with your gift. Just send an email to [email protected] with the details (which book, to whom it should be personalized, and what mailing address you’d like it sent to), and I’ll pop them in the mail for you ASAP.

And…

Review: Three Stars in the Night Sky

THREE STARS IN THE NIGHT SKY by Fern Schumer Chapman Gussie Rose Press/June 6, 2018 Grades 5-8, 56 pages

Here’s what the publisher says:

At the age of 12, Gerda Katz fled Nazi Germany and came to America all by herself. Decades before the label gained recognition, she became what’s now known as an “unaccompanied minor.” Gerda’s story of family separation reflects the dislocating trauma, culture…

Review: Votes for Women!

Votes for Women! American Suffragists and the Battle for the Ballot by Winifred Conkling Algonquin Young Readers, February 13, 2018 Grades 8-12, 320 pages

Here’s what the publisher says about Votes for Women!:

For nearly 150 years, American women did not have the right to vote. On August 18, 1920, they won that right, when the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified at last. To achieve that…

Review: Capsized! by Patricia Sutton

Capsized! The Forgotten Story of the SS Eastland Disaster by Patricia Sutton Chicago Review Press (July 1, 2018) Grades 5-8, 176 pages

Here’s what the publisher says about Capsized!:

A fascinating historical account of courage and tragedy on the Chicago River

On July 24, 1915, the SS Eastland, filled to capacity with 2,500 passengers and crew, capsized in the Chicago River while still moored to the…

Review: EAVESDROPPING ON ELEPHANTS

EAVESDROPPING ON ELEPHANTS by Patricia Newman Millbrook Press/August 1, 2018 Grades 4-8, 56 pages

Here’s what the publisher says:

Can understanding how forest elephants communicate help scientists find ways to protect this vulnerable species? Researcher Katy Pane and others involved with Cornell University’s Elephant Listening Project believe it can. Patricia Newman takes readers behind the scenes…