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I write novels for kids and young adults.
My favorite kind of fiction is realistic, immersive, character-driven.
I love smart, authentic stories with a sense of humor…books with a beating heart.
QUINNY & HOPPER, my debut early middle-grade novel, was published in 2014 by Disney-Hyperion. It’s a contemporary/realistic story about two polar-opposite kids whose sweet summer friendship sours when they wind up in the same 3rd grade class. (Plus there’s a killer chicken.) Featured in Time Magazine for Kids and winner of the 2017 Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Book Award, QUINNY & HOPPER celebrates friendship diversity and social courage. The book was also a nominee for the 2016 Bluebonnet Award, the 2017 Nutmeg Book Award, the 2017 Sequoyah Award, and the 2017 Massachusetts Children’s Book Award. A sequel, Q&H: PARTNERS IN SLIME, is now available, and a third title in the series, Q&H: SMART COOKIES, will publish June 5, 2018.
“Fans of Sara Pennypacker’s Clementine and Judy Blume’s Superfudge will flock to this entertaining chapter book.” –School Library Journal
“Hopper’s thoughtful and observant voice and Quinny’s lively and amusing one, combined with the quick-paced plotting, make this an engaging page-turner. Judy Moody fans will have a ball with Quinny and Hopper, and elementary teachers or librarians looking for a spirited readaloud selection will want to pick up a copy as well.” –BCCB
“This endearing story about true friendship should appeal equally to boys and girls.” –Kirkus
Quinny & Hopper are back in a lively, heartfelt sequel about friendship, changes and staying true to yourself. Hopper feels nervous about going to the hospital for a scary (and slimy) medical procedure. Quinny suffers a crushing (and slimy) disappointment at school. Join this unlikely duo for more icky misadventures, social dilemmas and twisty surprises in Q&H: PARTNERS IN SLIME.
“An excellent, emotionally rich choice for readers ready for a sizable chapter book.” – Kirkus
In book three of this award-winning series, Quinny petitions to overturn a new school-wide ban on sweets (the horror!), but finds that fighting for change isn’t as easy as she expected. Meanwhile, Hopper reinvents the “Friendship Bench” at recess and creates an extraordinary way to help Quinny as she struggles with math anxiety – but he himself struggles with feeling overlooked when others take credit for his ideas. As Quinny and Hopper help each other deal with life’s inevitable struggles and surprises – including a kooky new flock of chickens that won’t stop fighting and a beloved guinea pig that goes missing – they both learn to find their voices and embrace the qualities that make them who they are.
“With its balanced mix of humor, emotions, and well-crafted characters living in imperfect but loving families, the Quinny & Hopper series has the qualities of an enduring favorite.” – Booklist
Available through your local bookseller or online:
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