SPECIAL OFFER: A TRUE WONDER is out this September! Would you like an author-signed copy plus a limited edition postcard designed by illustrator Katy Wu? Starting today, get your copy by pre-ordering from Once Upon a Time Bookstore! Here’s the link.
I had such a blast teaching nonfiction picture book structures at The Writing Barn. Now I’ve created an entire six-week course focused on rethinking your nonfiction picture book from voice and hook to structure, illustration potential, and page turns. Learn more and register here. I hope you’ll join me.
I recently had to make a uber-short book talk about A TRUE WONDER: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything, illus. Katy Wu (HMH/Clarion, Sept. 28, 2021).
Watch the video to find out what what the book is all about in 30 seconds flat. If you know me, you know this was a difficult exercise! I’m a talker when it comes to books.
You can preorder wherever books are sold. Click here for details and how to order: https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/a-true-wonder/9780358238423
It’s hard to believe that 2021 is just around the corner and with it, WRAD 2021.
For World Read Aloud Day 2021, I will provide free 20-minute virtual classroom visits on the platform of your choice (Meet, Zoom, or Skype).
Our WRAD virtual visit will go something like this:
1-2 minutes: Kirsten gives a quick intro and talks a little bit about her books.
3-5 minutes: Kirsten reads aloud a portion of WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane.
5-10 minutes: Kirsten answers a few questions from students about reading/writing.
1-2 minutes: Kirsten book-talks a couple of books she loves (but didn’t write!) as recommendations for the kids.
Ready to sign up? Click on the Sign Up Genius icon below to secure your spot. Please do not sign up until you can commit to a 20-minute time slot (one per school).
I read as many new nonfiction/STEM books as I possibly can, thanks to the library. And I miss reviewing them. But I don’t have the time to craft lengthy blog posts or create lots of pretty Instagram graphics. So, I’m trying something new.
Whenever I get a new library stack, I will:
Want to make sure you don’t miss a post? Subscribe to my YouTube channel or follow me on Instagram. I can’t guarantee I’ll always update the blog with new videos.
So, here’s an initial batch of reviews:
Enjoy! And if you have 2020 NF/STEM book recommendations, let me know.
 Despite my serious look in the above photo, I adored playing Wonder Woman as a little girl with my sister Stephanie (left). I mean, just look at our ultra-hip Underoos plus homemade tiaras, bracelets, and lassos. We meant business.
When I read historian Jill Lepore’s SECRET HISTORY WONDER WOMAN a couple of years ago, I was intrigued to learn the origin story of my favorite childhood superhero. First, Wonder Woman was developed as an antidote to parental and teacher complaints about comic books (something we still hear today). For a time, Joye Hummel, a woman!, co-wrote scripts with Wonder Woman’s creator (and I got to speak with her on the phone). Plus the character was a powerful influence on Gloria Steinem and appeared on the cover of Ms. Magazine. And there’s so much more! Though I typically write biographies of people, I knew I could write a biography of a superhero and the evolution of what she’s meant to people over eight decades. I am so delighted my editor, Jennifer Greene (a true fan!), has paired me with illustrator Katy Wu, who will be illustrating in comic book style. Stay tuned for more early next year. (And shout out to my mom for this awesome photo circa 1981, which will appear in my author’s note.) Here’s the book announcement:
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WOOD, WIRE, WINGS has been out in the world for nearly three whole months. In celebration, I’m giving away an autographed copy of WOOD, WIRE, WINGS, along with a copy of Vicky Fang’s HAPPY PAWS. To enter, sign up for my monthly newsletter here. That’s it! Giveaway ends 5/25 at midnight PDT. Sorry, US entries only.
Hi friends,
Was it just over a month ago that WOOD, WIRE, WINGS finally took flight? It seems like an eternity after four weeks at home. With many of my book events postponed or canceled over the coming months, I’m focused on what I can do right now, both physically and emotionally.
Here’s hoping you are able to stay safe at home, while your dreams soar in books.
It’s been a busy couple of months with lots of podcasts, guest blog posts, and media appearances. Here are a few of the places I’ve been.
Coming soon: appearances on Jedlie’s Reading With Your Kids podcast (4/21), Matthew Winner’s Children’s Book Podcast (week of 4/27), Chris Wood’s STEM Everday Podcast (TBD), and much more. Follow me on Twitter @kirstenwlarson or follow my Facebook page so you don’t miss my upcoming appearances.
