Of all the genres I write, memoir is the one that stymies the most. Elissa Altman's PERMISSION helped me to see more clearly that part (or all?) of that struggle is a hesitancy about permission. Great read for the reluctant memoirist.

And new to my Currently Reading tab, this new MG page-turner from Nicholas Day:

Want to get caught up on the entire series? Find the first book, One Long Line, in hardcover wherever you buy books ... and you'll be able to get the softcover version next month!

COVER REVEAL! I can hardly wait to share Extreme Birdwatching--book 2 in the Discovery Chronicles series. Written by me, illustrated by Jamie Green, and published by the team at MITKids and @candlewickpress.bsky.social, it's available for pre-order today and will be published on March 3, 2026. 🔬

KNOCKING ON WINDOWS, by @jeannineatkins.bsky.social, is a beautifully rendered memoir in verse that brought me to tears and to rage and, ultimately, to a fierce pride in women everywhere (and every when) who lose their voices and, with help from people real and imagined, find them again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My students--adult writers in an MFA program focused on writing for children and young adults--are experimenting with memoir and biography over the next month. I spent the morning pulling favorites from my bookshelves as inspiration for them. What titles would you add? I'd love to know!

My other holiday read was Kristin Kimball's GOOD HUSBANDRY. Kimball's first memoir, THE DIRTY LIFE, was a favorite for me when it first came out, and this deep and honest exploration of farming and marriage and life is the perfect follow-up. #booksky #memoir

This was a hard read ... but also thoughtful and thorough and probing. I couldn't put it down. Some of the physics was over my head but in an intriguing I-want-to-understand-it way. Am planning a re-read. Highly recommend. #booksky #memoir

For older readers, I'll recommend any of the dozens of titles in the 'Scientists in the Field' series, especially Mary Kay Carson and Tom Uhlman's latest entry, URBAN COYOTES. (Disclaimer: I've contributed a few titles to this series. But I was a true fan first!)

Also happening at #NCTE25 this week: nurturing awe, restoring hope, and inspiring action with picture books. Evan Griffith and @lizgardensalad.bsky.social and @annewynter.bsky.social and I cordially invite you to join the conversation. Bring title recommendations if you have 'em!

Looking forward to getting curious with these savvy writers at #NCTE24 later this week. Join us?

@sarahalbee.bsky.social
@katemessner.bsky.social
@angelapadron.bsky.social
@rajanilarocca.bsky.social
@msguerrette.bsky.social