
It’s Banned Book Week, and I’m celebrating in my own way. Two titles I read over the summer made the list, and I can tell you why.

Better Nate Than Ever
by Tim Federle
Simon & Schuster
ages 10+
Continue reading REVIEW: Better Nate Than Ever

It’s Banned Book Week, and I’m celebrating in my own way. Two titles I read over the summer made the list, and I can tell you why.

Better Nate Than Ever
by Tim Federle
Simon & Schuster
ages 10+
Continue reading REVIEW: Better Nate Than Ever
I’ve been sitting on secrets for far too long, but patience has its reward. Tomorrow, I’ll do a cover reveal for Book #2, Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure. Zane and Ganix will have their covers unveiled over the next two Fridays. Watch for the addition of cover art to this site. I’ll have pre-order information available soon. ~CJ
Byways Books 2-4 are scheduled for
e-release on October 20, 2014.

“I did hear a rumor about a blacksmith down in Old Bridge who’s been wanting to travel to the western colonies. I thought we could check it out in the morning.”
“Guess so,” Zane replied. “But I don’t want them if they’re annoying.”
“What kind of person are we looking for?” Jovan asked.
“Someone quiet, who’ll do as they’re told.”
“Like me?”
Zane rolled his eyes. “You never do as you’re told.”
—Byways #3, Over the Bridge: A Zane Johns Adventure

Coming Soon. This fall, I’ll be releasing the next three books in the Byways series, one for each brother. Between now and then, I’m offering peeks at some of the details that are falling into place. Story snippets. Character introductions. Cover reveals. Today, I bring more of Hannah Christenson’s sketches, this time for Byways Book #3. Over the Bridge is Zane‘s first solo adventure. Continue reading BYWAYS: Sketches for Book #3

Report! A nice, big box of Hometown Challenge postcards arrived from the printer. I’ll show you the backs of these gorgeous postcards, which were designed by my illustrator, Hannah Christenson. I’m keeping the illustration on the other side—which is called “Banner Boys”—a surprise for now.

Remember, the only way you can receive one of these postcards is to take part in the Hometown Challenge. And if you tell me which of the brothers you’re cheering for, I’ll have them stamp in on your postcard. Continue reading BYWAYS: “Banner Boys” are here!

The little girls huddled together, shivering from cold and possibly from fear. Both of them had deep brown skin and glossy black hair. The smaller girl hid her eyes with her hands, and Ewan smiled. Did she think it would make her invisible?
—Byways #2, Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure

Coming Soon. This fall, I’ll be releasing the next three books in the Byways series, one for each brother. Between now and then, I thought I’d give you a peek at some of the details that are falling into place. Story snippets. Character introductions. Cover reveals. Today, I’m sharing a preview of Hannah Christenson’s cover art. Her illustrations are what make my books look amazing. Continue reading BYWAYS: Sketches for Book #2

Jasper John Dooley: Not in Love
by Caroline Adderson
Kids Can Press
ages 6-8
Continue reading REVIEW: Jasper John Dooley: Not in Love