Major perk of being hired as a track coach is having access to the school on the weekends so my kid can work in the weight room and I can work in the cafeteria and we can argue the existence of ghosts as we traverse the dark and spooky hallways. Why yes, I am still working on that horror novel.

I am VERY LATE to this particular party (truly I am late to every party) but sometimes I like to read an “older” book which is why yesterday found me sobbing my way through the last 20 pages and today feels EXTREMELY PRECARIOUS. How did a retelling of THE ILIAD affect me so much.

#thesongofachilles

What?! It's me! Talking about books and writing and isolated childhoods on Jason DeHart's fantastic podcast!

Also, I really need to start tying my hands down to keep from playing with my hair.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPTg...

Chatting in a group of moms and the topic was “teens don’t communicate about stuff” and my phone rang and it was my 16 yo upset after meeting up with his ex and wanting my advice.

Did not realize how much I needed this in my life: A book about a trans teenager fighting the evil demons of bigotry, aided by a Jewish golem that manifests through trash instead of clay.

This one hits a lot of notes. All of them pitch perfect.

#lgbtqbooks #trans #ireadya #amreading #amreadingya

One of my favorite books of 2024 doesn’t pub until 2025.

It's about two teen boys falling in love on the streets of 1980s Rome. It's about the stories we tell ourselves and each other. And it’s about an elephant.

And there’s artwork!

#yabooks #boostagram #queerliterature #lgbtqbooks #ireadya

Yesterday I wore ear buds while I cooked dinner and spent much of the time dancing to music my son recommended to me. Yes, the smoke alarms work, thanks for asking.

Whoa. Haven't logged on here in a while and it's... hopping? How are you all maintaining so much positive forward energy? Please tell me the secret. Give me hope.

“Do you have any YA books with trans characters?”

I LOVE getting this question at the bookstore. I love thinking of kids seeing themselves represented, maybe for the first time ever.

Thank you customer buying queer books for the teens in your life. 📚👍🏼

#queerya #kidlit #yabooks #bookseller

Was just reading a slightly gory description in a book and actually held my fingers in front of my eyes. Like, do I not understand how reading works?!

I'm an editor in the ed market (among other bookish things) and there are times when I start the first read of an ms and notice a weird "cared-for" feeling, like the author wants me to be happy while reading their work, like they're pouring tea along with their words.

#editing #edmarket

Interesting article from School Library Journal on the current state of the YA / middle grade market, where sales are trending down teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2023/10/18/a...

This book SLAYED ME. Still hear River's voice in my head. Love this book because I learned things AND because it was such a good story. So often I feel like I have to choose: learn something or fall deeply in love with the characters. This book brought it ALL to the pool. 📚👍🏼

#yabooks #lgbtq

My latest cartoon for the Guardian. #books #reading #snake

Hard to read, but compelling - Shane is braver than I have ever been in my life and he shouldn't have to be.

An excellent book on identity, endurance, learning who's a true friend, and being open to joy in all its forms.

THE OTHER BOY by M.G. Hennessey

#kidlit #lgbtq #middlegrade #childrensbooks

I wrote half a spooky mg novel during July and August and now it's been a few days (because of CIRCUMSTANCES) since I sat down with it and I'm terrified it's...gone.

Wiped from my brain.

Left to haunt the dusty attic of my laptop.

Forever.

Does this happen to other people?!

#kidlit #writing

Remember that you can only control your own work, whether that's writing, illustrating, agenting, etc. Everything else is out of your hands, so quit trying to pick it all up.

Oh - maybe I was supposed to do an intro post before diving in with a "Read this book" post. I'm Andi. I write kidlit. Also work as editor and marketer at Nomad Press and bookseller at The Norwich Bookstore. I am currently distracted by wee baby kittens biting my heel.

#kidlit #writer #reader

Read this in a day, mostly on dog walks and a little bit while I was supposed to be working because - wow. It's as near to perfect as I've read all year. Love, hope, barriers, forgiveness, and boundaries. RYAN AND AVERY by David Levithan #kidlit #yabooks #queeryabooks