Alone and Scared . . . in Middle School

You've probably seen this video.  It's gone viral. 

But if you haven't, it's honest . . . and sad.

There is an addendum this boy wrote on YouTube.  It's several months after he created this video, and he's happy and doing well now.

I love his honesty.  It made me want to reach through the screen and give him a hug.

As a children's book author, it reminded me why I write:  So kids like him can feel less alone.

This video is a great reminder how important it is to be kind to one another.

Thank You, Mrs. B.

Every once in a while, something nice happens to brighten my day.

Today, Mrs. B. made my day. She posted her review of How to Survive Middle School at GoodReads.

The last line of her review was the real kicker.

May you have a Mrs. B. brighten your day!


"I definitely expect this to appear on the Rebecca Caudill list in the next 2-3 years. This is a great book for grades 5th-7th. David struggles with all of the things that hit in middle school, shifting friendships, hormones, bullies, and a family split that occurred two years earlier. Throw in his web show to accentuate the difference between your "real" life and your "online" life, and I would say this is just the type of coming of age story you will find on lots of recommended reading lists. I read it because a 6th grade girl brought it back in and said it was the best book she ever read." -- Mrs. B., GoodReads

Guess Who's on Oprah?

Not me.

This amazing, local music/voice teacher, Jamie Perez, gathered an entire middle school together to create a music video that celebrates READING! It's so much fun.

The folks at Oprah discovered it and are airing the video on today's show.

As a children's book author, I couldn't be more excited to see so many middle school kids having a blast promoting one of my favorite activities -- READING!

Incidentally, Jamie is wearing the red shirt and white vest. Enjoy the video: