More Great News--another award

I just found out that "The Mysterious Jamestown Suitcase," book 4, is a semifinalist in the Moonbeam Awards for children's books in the Pre-Teen fiction category. Competition was and is stiff--there are seven semifinalists in this group, and the winners will be recognized at an awards luncheon Nov. 3 in Chicago. The book will get at least a bronze medal, but of course, Sugar and Bailey (and the rest of us) are hoping for gold or silver. We are thrilled to have reached this point in a a national contest. The awards are made by the Jenkins Group and Independent Publisher Online. According to the Web site, the Moonbean Children's Book Awards honor the year's best children's books, authors and illustrators. "A total of 862 entries were received in 45 states, 6 Canadian provinces and 7 countries oversees."

I am often asked which of the books is my favorite, and I can't really say. I love the characters in each. As we prepare No Sisters Sisters Club ready for a second printing, I am again caught up in the drama of that story.

Being recognized with medals and awards for three books so far is very exciting. But knowing the reaction that young readers have to my books, and how engaged even reluctant readers have become, is just as important. Having kids love reading is what it is about!