It’s through writing that I’m able to merge my passions for teaching, learning, and a sheer delight in story.
My children’s books include picture books (Moon Sandwich Mom), a beginning reader series (Andy Shane and the Very Bossy Dolores Starbuckle), a middle grade series (Winnie at Her Best), and young adult novels including the award-winning Stained. (The Complete History of Why I Hate Her is forthcoming.)
Many of my professional books are resource books for teachers – the most well known is undoubtedly The Big Book of Graphic Organizers (a title which sounds like a giant coloring book, but is happily in its 22nd printing). I’m especially pleased with the publication of Trait-Based Writing and the other three books in the mini-lessons series as well as Graphic Organizers for the Overhead: Reading and Writing which include many of the lessons I’ve modeled in classrooms.
Additionally, I am writing a book for Stenhouse Publishers titled No More, "I’m Done!" Fostering Independent Writers in the Primary Grades. You’ll be able to read many of the ideas and tips for nurturing independence during writer’s workshop in my blog: Growing Writers.