Category Archives: Uncategorized

I had the honor of attending a roundtable on book banning convened by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley in the Library of Congress! She is introducing #BooksSaveLives legislation and we met to talk about current issues in the field, messaging, etc. Of … Continue reading →

I recently got an email from a teacher asking about the bully in my first and third books: Jeff. The reader was hoping for redemption for Jeff, and referenced The Julian Chapter by R.J. Palacio, in which the main bully … Continue reading →

Edit Oct. 28 2021: Hurray! My publisher, Scholastic, is officially changing the title to Melissa!  Read more about the change in this Publisher’s Weekly article as well as my thoughts at the On Our Minds Scholastic blog. And download a … Continue reading →

In celebration of Deaf culture, here are some amazing living Deaf artists for you to check out.  I will be revealing one a day in the 30 days leading up to the release of YOU DON’T KNOW EVERYTHING, JILLY P! … Continue reading →

Hey folks! I’m writing more postcards to voters in April, and I invite you to join me in sending at least 10 postcards to likely progressive voters to encourage them to vote in special elections. Why: First off, you will … Continue reading →

Authors, by and large, love fan mail.  Hearing that readers were touched by our stories and love our characters as much as we do, if not more, is a joy. And letters from kids are the best of them! They … Continue reading →

People have been goofing on my name and pronouns since I started telling people what they were almost twenty years ago.  (Let’s be real, people have been goofing on my pronouns since I was born, but that’s for another day.) … Continue reading →

I’m deep in revisions on book 2, and sloughing off irrelevant words.  The tone of this piece no longer matches my story, but given that I have this outlet here, it’s too cute not to share.  So, I give you … Continue reading →

Here’s a close approximation of the speech I gave at ALA on Monday, June 27, 2016 on accepting the first ever Children’s Stonewall Award: Good morning! I’m honored that you’re here.  I’m honored that I’m here. First a few thank … Continue reading →

A minimum of 103 shots were fired.  Probably more.  Probably lots more. How long was the music still playing before the DJ noticed? How many people were still dancing as they were shot? In about a minute, I said, and … Continue reading →