Happy Holidays & A Look Back At 2024!
Since my last update, I attended the Literacy Association of Tennessee, (LAT), Conference. My first appearance was an Author Showcase with Lester Laminack and Michael Shoulders. After lunch, I participated in a Pop-in With Visiting Authors that allowed educators to chat with us and purchase signed copies of our books. Here’s a picture from the pop-in. And lastly, I spoke in a breakout session called Tennessee Culture and Inspiring Students to Write.
The most exciting thing to happen to me lately is that my book, OF WORDS & WATER was named an Outstanding Science Trade Book by the National Science Teaching Association.
Before I close, I want to take a look back at 2024. These are the highlights I am most grateful for:
1. My book co-authored with Amie Darnell Specht. Chances are most young readers have never even heard of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva and our book, DANCING IN THE STORM spreads awareness.
2. DANCING IN The Storm was named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. (The first of my books to ever receive this honor).
3. My picture book, OF WORDS & WATER, (illustrated by Sophie Page), was named an Outstanding Science Trade Book. (The first of my books to make this list).
4. Reycraft Books arranged for me to deliver a keynote at the East Tennessee Literacy Association Conference. (My first time ever delivering a keynote).
5. Amy Fitzgerald at Lerner made my number ONE writing wish for 2024 come true. She will be reissuing my debut novel, THE BALLAD OF JESSIE PEARL and publishing its sequel, WILD MOUNTAIN IVY. How this came about honestly deserves its own post in the new year.
I wish everyone a joyous holiday season and a prosperous year ahead!
Shannon
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