February 2025 Reading & Writing Wrap-Up

February Wrap-Up

Book News/Progress:

It’s been a blur. Honestly, this whole week has just been a smudge in my mind. My release party was super successful, and everything since then has felt like “recovery” from the adrenaline involved in the event. LOL! I have been scheduling future events, interviews, school visits, etc. though, so preparing for those has been occupying me!

World Read-Aloud Day and School Visits – I participated in my first WRAD, giving six virtual presentations. And then the next day, I did my first post-publication school visit and did eight in-person sessions. They went amazingly – these kids were so incredibly engaged, and they asked the best questions. I truly love school visits – I would do them all the time if I could!

What I Read:

• I listened to The Last Great Heir by Carina Finn, which is this month’s Barnes & Noble kids’ pick. Loved the themes in this one!
• I read Away by Megan E. Freeman, the incredible follow-up to Alone. My review has already been posted, so check it out!
• Then I also read The Other Side of Tomorrow, a graphic novel by Tina M. Cho, illustrated by Deb J.J. Lee. This one focuses on two kid refugees from North Korea.
• And then I listened to The Women by Kristin Hannah, a rare adult read for me. So many customers at BN had told me this is amazing, and they were right!

• I listened to Small Spaces by Katherine Arden. I’ve been meaning to read this book for years. So glad I finally jumped in!
• And I read Youth Group by Jordan Morris, illustrated by Bowen McCurdy, a fun graphic novel very much in the vein of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

• I read The Ghosts of Bitterfly Bay by Mary Averling. Mary’s writing is utterly gorgeous, and her worldbuilding is incredible. I highly recommend her books!!
• I finished listening to Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca (which I had already mentioned in last week’s post, but it’s worth mentioning again because it’s so good!).
• And then I also listened to Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz. This book is really fun and utterly fascinating. Definitely going to be recommending this to kids who enjoy historical fiction!