DONATE
LoginSupport Indie Summer 2021
in partnership with 
Welcome to the "Support Indie Summer" Reading Challenge for children K-12! We are featuring picture book, middle grade, and young adult authors from Maryland Writers' Association and the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. Scroll down to see the challenge books and their authors/illustrators, and to find links to Youtube readings, author websites, activity sheets, etc.!
There is a list of Picture Books, followed by Middle Grade, followed by Young Adult.
Download flyer: https://marylandwriters.org/images/downloads/support_indie_summer_gameboard.pdf
To play along and enter to win a stack of books from the challenge, you just need to earn ten points and then visit http://bit.ly/
Ways to earn points - You can mix and match. You don't have to do each activity. Look for a checkmark ✔️ next to an author's point-earning activities. Book reviews and social media posts earn points for all authors.
- ✔️ Read a book from the challenge (one point per book!) - some are available in paperback, hardback, and/or e-book, and a few are in libraries
- ✔️ Watch a reading or trailer of a book in the challenge (one point per video!)
- ✔️ Leave a book review on Goodreads or Amazon after reading a book (one point per review!) - if a full reading is online, this counts as reading it!
- ✔️ Post to social media of your choice about the challenge! (one point per post!) - tell everyone you're doing the challenge or reading one of the books! You can tag the challenge #SupportIndieSummer and/or the author (their social media handles can be found under their bios), and/or @marylandwriters!
- ✔️ Do a challenge activity sheet! (one point per sheet!)
Of course, you don't have to stop at ten points! Read all the books you want!!!
When you're finished, visit http://bit.ly/
Meet our authors and their challenge books! Organized by genre: Picture Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult
PICTURE BOOKS
Ambika Anand Prokop: The Falcon & the Camel: A Desert Tale and Coloring Book
Shahina the Falcon lands in the desert for the first time, and encounters a sandstorm! Can the strange animal with a hump on its back help her survive?
✔️ Watch a reading on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Na5BxeuxxXc
✔️ To purchase: The Falcon and the Camel
✔️ Visit the author's website: greenfeetguides.com
About the author: Ambika is a teacher and children's book writer from the United States who specializes in nature and culture education for children. She is the creator of Greenfeet Guides, a world adventure book series that helps kids discover the unique cultures and landscapes of the world. The series is inspired by her journeys around the world as the spouse of an American diplomat.
Follow the author on Instagram: @greenfeetguides
Follow the author on Facebook: GreenfeetGuides
Angela Ayres: The Rainbow Zebra
The day after a young zebra declares his independence, he quickly sees his dream-come-true turn into a nightmare. He learns he is unprepared to deal with the bullying he faced and the herds rejection of him. After a wildfire breaks out in the jungle, the young zebra is forced to reveal an even more shocking difference than his rainbow stripes.
✔️ To purchase: https://www.amazon.com/
About the author: Angela Ayres was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan and raised in Inkster, Michigan a suburb of Detroit. She graduated from Wilberforce University, with a BS degree in Business Management, and is a retired paralegal. Since her retirement, she has volunteered as a special education advocate, helping children with special needs to obtain the appropriate educational program and placement. She co-wrote The Rainbow Zebra with her son Stephen as an anti-bullying book in the hope to help combat bullying through the lovable zebra named Rainbow.
Follow the author on Facebook: https://fb.me/angelaayres.83
Evette Davis: Sunny Discovers Holes
Sunny is growing up fast! He is quite curious, and discovers something very interesting. Sunny discovers holes!
✔️ Watch a reading of Sunny Discovers Holes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?
✔️ Watch Storytime with Ms. Dymond! Storytime
✔️ To purchase: Instant Commerce (also available on Amazon)
✔️ Visit the author's website: www.dymondjewel.com/books
About the author: Mrs. Evelyn Davis retired after teaching students for over 33 years. Although she was no longer in the classroom, her desire to connect with children remained strong. She found her next calling in writing books for children. Mrs. Davis began writing books and birthed a dream to one day publish stories that would connect her with students once again. Since she was well retired, her daughter, Evette Davis, completed the book series and published the book set that her mother began—making her mother’s dream now a reality.
Follow Sunny on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Emily Dolbin: Beach Dreaming
Beach Dreaming transports both children and parents to a dreamy day full of charming and surly beach creatures. It's like a beach vacation all year round!
✔️ Watch a reading: https://youtu.be/ijcS9rzeOHc
✔️ To purchase: https://www.etsy.com/listing/
About the author: Emily is a part-time writer/artist, full-time Environmental Scientist, and full-time mom. She loves to create in many mediums, and has been inspired by her young daughter, and her loving, supportive, and creative family. She also pulls inspiration from her life in Maryland, and from focusing on the tiniest of details anywhere she visits. Her favorite local destinations are Pennsylvania, Maine, and North Carolina. Beach Dreaming is Emily's first book, and she has more wonderful creations on the way.
From the author: The book was inspired by watercolor landscapes painted by my grandmother in the 1940s. I wrote the story and painted gouache animals that I superimposed over the watercolors. It means the world to me that I could create this book for my daughter, and in memory of my grandmother.
Follow author on Instagram: mushroomsandminis
Follow author on Facebook: @EmilyDolbin
Grandpa Bob: Broccoli
A delightful story in verse of a young boy at the dinner table, a piece of broccoli and the mischief they manage to get into.
✔️ To purchase: amazon.com
About the author: Grandpa Bob lives with Grammy in Frederick, MD, where he channels his inner mischief maker, messes with his grandkids, and tries not to play with his food... too much!
B. Handi: Lullaby Land
Lullaby Land is what dreams are made of... sunshine and rainbows and white puffy clouds, with smiles, grins, giggles and laughter, a land where you'll be happy, happily ever after.
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Visit the illustrator's website: www.bhandiboe.com
About the illustrator: Brittanny Handiboe is an illustrator born and raised just south of Baltimore Maryland. She doodled in her picture books as a child because her dream was to simply add her own pictures to the words. That dream hasn't changed much besides, well, doodling in other picture books... sorry Dr. Seuss. As an illustrator, her works include Lullaby Land written by Rhonda J. Beard, Holly and Her Heart by Ella Kunce; and Zomi ABC produced by Man Cing is in the works! Brittanny loves to bake, play video games, and is a blessed wife and mom!
Follow the illustrator on Twitter: @BHandiboe
Follow the illustrator on Instagram: @b.handi
VaLerie Irene: Raffi and Friends - The Lunch Box Mystery
Raffi is a playful, little giraffe who loves grilled cheese sandwiches. He could eat them everyday. But one day Raffi loses his lunch box, with his delicious grilled cheese sandwiches inside!!
✔️ Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/irfKz5zEF68
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Visit the author's website: valerieireneauthor.com
About the author: VaLerie Irene is the author of the "Raffi and Friends" children’s picture book series that also includes "Raffi and Friends - The Mystery of the Magic Glasses" and "Raffi and Friends - The Mysterious Dr. Payne." The series is based on VaLerie’s beloved childhood stuffed animals and is geared to entertained and teach lifelong lessons. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband and the "real" Raffi and Friends characters.
Follow the author on Twitter: @valerieireneRNF
Follow the author on Instagram: valerieirene14
Follow the author on Facebook: @valerieireneauthor
Julian Klazkin: A Bug, A Slug, and a Ladybug
A bug is a bug, and a slug is a slug. And everyone knows . . . bugs and slugs DO NOT mix! But when Barney the bug and Sally the slug fall in love, bugs everywhere begin to question what they were so sure of before. The two brave lovebugs take the matter to the supreme bug court to plead their case for bugs and slugs to be together, despite their differences. The judges are divided, but one smart ladybug, Ruth Bader Ladybug, sees to the heart of the matter.
✔️ Watch a reading on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RyReJZ6wNQ
✔️ To purchase: Bug-Slug-Ladybug-Julian-Klazkin
About the author: Julian Klazkin spent most of his working adult life as a lawyer for the federal government. To keep himself awake in the law library, he started writing children's books, and he hasn't stopped. A Bug, A Slug, and a Ladybug is his first publication. His second, Humbugs and Ladybugs, will be out in the latter portion of 2021.
Kim C. Lee: Meet Frankie Jordan
Frankie is different from other kids. While they enjoy playing tag and riding bikes, Frankie prefers to spend her time imagining new things and sketching. In this story, kids will learn that it is okay to be different and that we should embrace the uniqueness of each individual.
✔️ Watch a reading of the book: https://youtu.be/zpSjompNMpE
✔️ To purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-
✔️ Do some activity sheets
✔️ Do some reading activities: https://mayasbooknook.com/2021/01/29/beyond-the-book-meet-frankie-jordan/
✔️ Design and draw your own sneaker
✔️ Do a What's your Superpower? drawing sheet
✔️ Do a Word Scramble
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://www.kimcleewrites.com/ (all activity sheets can be downloaded from the website)
About the author: Kim C. Lee is a children's book author and literacy advocate from Maryland. As a mother, she can attest to the importance of diverse representation in literature and the impacts that its absence and presence can have on children. Inspired to bring African American children's distinct perspectives and experiences to books, Kim released The Night Owl in July 2020 and Meet Frankie Jordan in January 2021.
Follow the author on Instagram: kimcleewrites
Follow the author on Facebook: thekimcleewrites
Aziza M.: Corey's Dreams
Take a journey with Corey and his family as he shares his hopes and dreams for the present and future.
✔️ Watch a Youtube reading of the story! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiIXqVar9-c&t=6s
✔️ To purchase: https://colieaziza.com/store/Corey%E2%80%99s-Dreams-Paperback-p218006836
✔️ Visit author's website: https://colieaziza.com/
About the author: Aziza M. is a singer/songwriter, actor, poet, author, and educator who was born and raised in the Bronx, N.Y. Aziza has worked in Prince George’s County Public Schools in Early Childhood Education for over 25 years. She encourages both adults and young people to always follow their dreams.
Follow author on Twitter: @olsoul
Follow author on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Follow author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Carliss Maddox: Firstgarten
Summer is over, and it's time to go back to school. Michael is going to first grade, but he doesn't want to go. He wants to go back to kindergarten. Instead of going to first grade, Michael comes up with an elaborate plan to go to both grades at the same time! How will he do this?
✔️ Do some activity sheets!
✔️ Do a coloring sheet: Firstgarten Cover
✔️ Reading comprehension Worksheet
✔️ Print out some bookmarks for you and your friends! Print out a poster!
✔️ To purchase: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/Firstgarten
✔️ Read on Audible: https://www.audible.com/
✔️ Check it out of the Enoch Pratt Free Library
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://www.carliandcompany.org/books
About the author: Carliss Maddox is a Maryland-based author, educator, and poet. She is the author of four children’s books and one novel. Firstgarten, her first published children’s book, received a five-star review rating from Readers' Favorite. She is also the proud author of the affirmation book #thebuildup: 12 Daily Affirmations for Young Boys of Color. Carliss has also written several poems. Her thought-provoking poetry book, RAUW: Real and Unadulterated Words of Poetry Vol. 1, is a collection of poems that deals with the issues of the heart. Carliss holds an M.A. degree in Education.
Follow the author on Twitter: https://twitter.com/
Follow the author on Facebook: @carliandcompany20
Kari Ann Martindale: The Time Flash Had the Best Day Ever
A great introduction to empathy and social cues, this story follows Flash on his awesome day. But will Flash–or readers–notice that it’s not Squirt’s best day ever?
✔️ Do some activity sheets!
✔️ Coloring pages Flash & Squirt Selfie Flash Christmas Squirt Coloring
✔️ Print out bookmarks for you and your friends!
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Visit the book series website: https://theflashseriescom.wordpress.com/ or the author's website: https://kariannmartindale.com/
About the author: Kari Martindale loves words and uses them a lot. She is heavily involved in Girl Scouts and on the Board of Maryland Writers' Association, and is an active member of SCBWI. She has an M.A. in Linguistics; at various points in her life, she has been fluent in Spanish, Arabic, and German. She's been to all 50 States and over 35 countries and is almost always planning her next road trip. Kari spends most of her time with her husband (a saint, really), her daughter (who is waaaay too much like her), and their two miniature schnauzers, Ender & Falkor. The Flash Series, which also includes The Christmas Flash Couldn't Even, is based on the goofy real-life relationship between Kari's daughter, Sequoia, and their late pup Flash. The series is illustrated by Aaron Parrott.
Follow the author on Instagram: @karilogue
Follow the Flash Series on Facebook: flashcanteven
Anita Nahal: Cashew, Vashew & Other Nursery Rhymes
A charming collection of delightful diverse nursery rhymes for teachers and parents to read aloud and share with children. Some of the rhymes have been inspired by the family dog Cashew’s naughty-naughty nature!
✔️ To purchase: https://www.politics-prose.
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://anitanahal.wixsite.com/anitanahal/books-for-young-readers
About the author: Anita Nahal, Ph.D., CDP is a professor, poet, flash fictionist and children’s writer. She teaches at the University of the District of Columbia, Washington DC. Anita has two books of poetry, one book of flash fictions, four books for children and three edited anthologies to her credit. Two of her books are prescribed as part of the syllabus at the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands. Her third book of poetry is due for release by Kelsay Books in August 2021.
Follow the author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Natasha Nash Dixon: Alfred the Angry Chipmunk
A cabin in the forest with lots of seeds and nuts. Alfred is in heaven. But wait! The other animals in the forest are eating his food! Whatever will Alfred do?
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
From the author: I am a painter and crafter who loves everything about creating. I have always had ideas for children's books but never saw myself as a writer. I was inspired to write "Alfred the Angry Chipmunk" after watching and photographing the wildlife that visited the patio at a friend's cabin. Watching the hoarding of basic supplies in 2020 also contributed to the story. I am now working on my next book and have ideas for more. My next book, titled "Humphrey the Herding Shih Tzu" is in process and I hope to have it out by the end of 2021.
Follow the author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Natasha-Nash-Dixon-Author-105896444874793
Follow the author's new blog: Goodreads
Jeanne Pettenati: Arturo Takes a Bow
Arturo Toscanini was a child prodigy, an Italian patriot who faced down the Nazis, and a legendary conductor. This picture book biography details the early years of a fascinating prodigy who was called the "Einstein of music."
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Visit author's website: https://www.jeannepettenati.
About the author: Jeanne has a Master's degree in Italian literature from Catholic University. She is the author of the award winning picture book, Galileo‘s Journal: 1609–1610, published by Charlesbridge in 2006 and reprinted in 2015. Before Covid, she visited schools, libraries and community venues with interactive presentations based on her books. She has tutored students in high school and community college and mentored creative writing clubs in elementary and middle schools. She loves to write and research and share inspiring stories with children.
Follow the author on Instagram: @jeannepettenati
Follow the author on Twitter: @JeannePettenati
Beverly J. Powers: The Fly and the Cheese: Say You're Sorry
Fly hated to apologize. In fact, he had never said the word sorry in his life. Fly finds himself in a hard situation only apologizing will get him out of. What is Fly to do?
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
About the author: Beverly Powers is a speaker and does author school visits. Please visit her author page on Amazon for her other children's books includes her International Best Seller, The Fly and the Cheese: Say You're Sorry, The Fourth Little Piggy, Peaches Gets a Pet, and her soon to be released, The Fly and the Cheese: Face Your Fury. She also authored a Christian, romance, suspense novel called In Perfect Timing. It is the first book in her, Love Undercover series. Please visit my website for more information, speaking engagements, or author school visits.
Follow the author on Twitter: https://twitter.com/
Follow the author on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Follow the author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Amy Schisler: Crabbing with Granddad
Three children accompany their grandfather to work one day unaware that their hero is one of a dying breed - a Maryland Waterman. While crabbing with Granddad, the children learn about the Maryland Blue Crab; but ultimately they learn something more important - how to make memories that will last a lifetime.
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Check it out of Talbot County Library
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://amyschislerauthor.com/crabbing-with-granddad/
About the author: Amy Schisler is a novelist, poet, children’s book author, spiritual writer, blogger, reader, and avid traveler. Amy’s first book, Crabbing With Granddad, debuted in 2014, and her much-loved Chincoteague Island Trilogy has won numerous literary awards. Amy lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her husband, Ken, their daughters, and their dog. When she’s not writing, Amy can usually be found on a boat in the Chesapeake Bay or hiking in the Rocky Mountains.
Follow the author on Twitter: @AmySchislerAuth
Follow the author on Instagram: AmySchislerAuthor
Follow the author on Facebook: AmySchislerAuthor
Brent D Taylor: There was once a Tiny Painter
There Was Once A Tiny Painter follows a young man with painting as a passion and all the things that he paints during the year. Spending time with his family, school trips and the things that he draws inspiration from all become inspirations for his paintings.
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Read in Audiobook format: https://www.audible.com/pd/There-Was-Once-a-Tiny-Painter-Audiobook/B08C3TN8PN
About the author: Brent Taylor makes paintings, photos, media art and mixed media artworks. With a conceptual approach, Taylor touches various overlapping themes and strategies. Several reoccurring subject matter can be recognized, such as the relation with popular culture and media, working with repetition, provocation and the investigation of the process of expectations. His works directly respond to the surrounding environment and uses everyday experiences from the artist as a starting point. Often these are framed instances that would go unnoticed in their original context. There Was Once A Tiny Painter follows a young man with painting as a passion and all the things that he paints during the year. Spending time with his family, school trips and the things that he draws inspiration from all become inspirations for his paintings. Fun illustrations that children can find vibrant and a story-line that highlights the creativity that can be found year round through holidays and events. A story that is easy to discuss with your child so they can be encouraged to pursue their own dreams.
Lisa Thompson: Lucy's Quiet Day
There's a world of adventure in Lucy's backyard, once she learns how to look at it!
✔️ Watch a video reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
✔️ Do some activity sheets! A link to coloring and discussion sheets can be found at https://www.lucybookseries.com/free-resources
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Visit the series website: www.lucybookseries.com
About the author: Lisa Sirkis Thompson is a graphic designer, a writer and a co-owner of a small children's product business called Oh Bessie. Lucy's Quiet Day finds Lucy without planned activities, and bored. But her vivid imagination takes hold when she wanders into her backyard and finds that Nature can be anything but quiet. Lisa’s first self-published picture book, Lucy's Mask, was an Amazon bestseller in 2020.
Follow the series on Instagram: @lucybookseries
Follow the author on Twitter: @sirkisthompson
D. L. Tyler: Believe in God, Believe in Yourself
Annabelle gets a case of the jitters on the eve of her music recital. How will she manager her fears?
✔️ To purchase: https://writesnshine.com/
About the author: D.L. Tyler is a an author, dentist, wife, and mother of three including the illustrator of Believe in God, Believe in Yourself, 11 year old Jade Tyler. She is currently working on other titles.
Nocola Williams: Freddie the Flounder
Freddie the Flounder is a fun underwater rhyming adventure. When Freddie's parents are swished away in a powerful current, he needs to face his fears if he is ever to be reunited with them again!
✔️ Watch a reading of the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Visit the author's website: www.thehiphophomestead.com
About the author: Nocola received her doctorate degree in Teacher Leadership in 2011, but chose to remain in the classroom where she continues to share her love of learning with some of her favorite people, her students. During her 30-year career, she has taught all elementary grades levels from first to fifth. Nocola and her family are transforming their backyard into a mini homestead where they tend a garden and raise honeybees and chickens. Several future picture books will be based on the family time on The Hip Hop Homestead.
Follow the author on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehiphophomestead/
MIDDLE GRADE
Frances Altman: Mister Umbrella Man, Stories About Inventions
An umbrella! Peanut butter! A vacuum cleaner! "Mister Umbrella Man" combines a collection of stories about familar inventions.
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Check it out of the Perry Hall Library
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://fealtman.wordpress.com/ (On May 17th, she posted discussion questions)
About the author: Frances Altman is an award winning author blending a career in communications, marketing and teaching. She began her career with The Chicago Sun Times, moving into public relations while writing children's stories. She has authored nine Middle Grade to Young Adult books, including four biographies. Historical events have inspired her recent books "Spirit Dog," " Mister Umbrella Man," and "Escape to Freedom."
Follow author on Twitter: @FrancesAltman2
Follow author on Facebook: francesaltman.77
Ruut Demeo: Addie's Sketchbook: Summer in Wellfleet
Summer in Wellfleet is an illustrated mini-mystery that comes to life on the sketchbook pages of a funny 13-year-old girl.
✔️ Watch a Youtube reading: https://youtu.be/4WKysJRloYg
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://www.ruutdemeo.com/books
About the author: Ruut DeMeo is a Finnish American author and illustrator. For nearly two decades, Ruut toured around the US as a performing songwriter, then earned her degree in creative writing from Goucher College, and studied children's literature at Johns Hopkins University. When she's not creating music, teaching, writing or illustrating, Ruut can be found reading, cooking, or hanging out with her three girls (one of whom is Annie, the herding dog).
Follow the author on Twitter: @ruutdemeo
Follow the author on Instagram: @ruutdemeo
Follow the author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rmdemeo
Cindy Freland: Jordan the Jellyfish: A Chesapeake Bay Adventure
Jordan the Jellyfish is lost and needs to find her way home from Sandy Point State Park to Mayo Beach, Maryland. She encounters danger and fun with her friends in and above the Chesapeake Bay. Story inspired by true events!
✔️ To purchase: order online at https://cbaykidsbooks.com/ or visit E.L. and Company Gift Shop in Pasadena, MD.
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://cbaykidsbooks.com/
About the author: Cindy Freland's passion is helping children learn about the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay. She has written ten children's books about the Chesapeake Bay and other special places in Maryland. Freland lives in Bowie, Maryland. She enjoys crafts, painting, walking, swimming, kickboxing, animals, beaches, and baking.
Follow the author on Twitter: @cindyfreland
Follow the author on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyfreland/
Follow the author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindyFrelandAuthor
Ann Marie Hannon: The First Day of School
When Lila's mom cannot take Lila to her first day of school, Lila tries to be brave, but "worries" make her feel sad. Find out how Lila turns "sad into EXCITED" and has a great time!
✔️ To purchase: barnesandnoble
From the author: My published books are the award-winning “All About a Boy Who Was Afraid of the Dark (and how he got over it)”, “A Going Home Surprise”, “Puffy and the Formidable Foe”, and “The First Day of School”. I’m also a certified Mediator, and my mediator training is an important book influence. All my books offer problem-solving solutions and I'm honored to have received the Mom’s Choice Awards seal of excellence for family friendly media. I am also a poet; "A Child's Small Book of Poems" is in development.
Follow author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorAnnMarieHannon/
Follow author on Twitter: https://twitter.com/annmariehannon
Hoot N. Holler: Terror in Boring Town
Twelve-year-old friends, Sam and Rex live in a boring town. But then mysterious strangers arrive, and the boys' humdrum summer vacation turns into the exciting adventure they’ve dreamed about.
✔️ To purchase: getbook.at/BoringTown
✔️ Check it out of the Howard County Central Branch Library
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://alexbaileywrites.com/
About the author: Hoot N. Holler is Author Alex Bailey's alter-alter ego, writing fantasy, adventure, and mystery books and short stories for children and young adults. In Terror in Boring Town, twelve-year-old friends, Sam and Rex live in a boring town. But then mysterious strangers arrive, and the boys’ humdrum summer vacation turns into the exciting adventure they’ve dreamed about.
Follow on Twitter: @HNHAuthor
Follow on Instagram: authoralexbailey
Follow on Facebook: @HootNHollerAuthor
Ceeley Mack: Wolf Moon: the House on Bloom Street
Robbie just wanted to be like everyone else, but using forbidden spells is, well... forbidden. Now he and his sister have to spend the summer with their estranged father. It's supposed to be a punishment, but it might be the only place Robbie can reinvent himself.
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Visit the author's website: www.ceeleymackbooks.com
About the author: Ceeley Mack is a writer of fast-paced spooky Middle Grade fiction for people short on time or attention span.
Follow on Twitter: @
Follow on Instagram: @
Follow on Facebook: midnitemonster
Debbi Mack: Invisible Me
Military brat and albino, 13-year old Portia Maddox, has bounced from school to school, always an outsider. So when Denise Laughton, the most popular girl at her middle school, asks for her help in exchange for an invite to Denise's big birthday party, Portia jumps at the chance to go. But there's a catch...
✔️ Watch a Youtube reading of the first chapter! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biqkk0DPyXw
✔️ To purchase: https://bookshop.org/books/invisible-me-9780982950883/9780982950883
✔️ Visit the author's website: www.debbimack.com
About the author: Debbi Mack made the New York Times bestseller list in 2011 with the first novel in her Sam McRae Mystery Series. Her other novels include INVISIBLE ME and THE PLANCK FACTOR, a thriller. Along with writing books, Debbi is producer and host of the Crime Cafe podcast, as well as a screenwriter. She lives in Columbia with her husband and the occasional cat.
Follow the author on Twitter: @debbimack
Follow the author on Instagram: @debbimacktoo
Follow the author on Facebook: debbimackwriter
Alexandria Scott: Ditto Kids magazine
An anti-racist magazine for children 3-12 and the grown-ups who love them. Our mission is simple -- to help you as a parent, educator or caregiver guide your child as they journey towards being actively anti-racist. We use decolonized history and culture interwoven with our anti-bias educational goals to help you guide your child in a developmentally appropriate way.
✔️ To purchase: https://dittokidsmagazine.com/products/issue-one-belonging
✔️ Visit website: https://dittokidsmagazine.com/
About the author: Alexandria Scott is a writer and mother of four who wanted to create resources for kids (ages 3-12) and parents to learn about anti-racism/anti-bias principles in an age-appropriate ways that will lead to action and self-love. She launched Ditto Kids Magazine as an independent Black-owned business through a successful Kickstarter campaign. She loves exploring the DC area with her kids and spending time in nature.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dittokidsmagazine/
Follow on Facebook: @dittokidsmagazine
Charles K. Summers: The Taylor Twins and the Ghost Club
Thomas is a normal high school student with his feet planted firmly on the ground. It certainly isn’t his fault when things happen that draw Thomas and his twin sister, Terri, into a situation that shakes that foundation.
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
About the author: Charles K. Summers was born in a small rural town to a waitress and a roughneck (the people who do the dirty work on oil rigs). He has worked on farms, driven tractors, baked donuts, built grain silos, repaired Navajo rugs, and has had a long career as a computer scientist. He presently lives in Maryland with his wife and his three younger sons.
Follow the author on Twitter: @CKSummers007
Follow the author on Instagram: @charlessummers1313
Edward Swing: The Wondrous Wayfarer
When eleven-year-old Gavin Greene stumbles upon an ogre stealing his bicycle, he chases the fearsome giant into a mysterious vessel that travels between worlds...
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
About the author: Edward Swing is a writer of stories, software developer, avid gamer, and otaku. He has been a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, learned taekwondo, traveled both within the United States and internationally, and studied diverse topics including astronomy, mythology, and mathematics. He lives with his wife, three children, and several pampered cats.
YOUNG ADULT
Amy L. Bernstein: Fran, The Second Time Around
Fran Singer is a regular 8th grader relishing her role in the school play, enjoying hanging out with her best friend and thinking of ways to steer clear of her annoying little brother. . . when suddenly, in a matter of seconds, everything changes.
✔️ To purchase: https://amzn.to/3xglE7W
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://amywrites.live
About the author: Amy L. Bernstein writes for the page, the stage, and forms in between. Her YA novel "Fran, The Second Time Around" is the winner of the Maryland Writers' Association "Keeping it Short" Novel Competition in the category of Young Adult. It is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Amy is also the author of "Ell," a YA fantasy about an unconventional mermaid, which will be published this summer.
Follow author on Twitter: @amylbernstein
Follow author on Instagram: @amylbernstein
Follow author on Facebook: Wordberg/
Betty May: Changing Corners
✔️ Watch a video reading of the beginning of the book! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDHC06H_acY
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Email Betty May ([email protected]) for a code for a free download of the audio version of the book
✔️ Visit the author's website: bettymayauthor.com or her Amazon author page amazon.com/author/
About the author: Betty May is a writer, theatrical director, teacher, circus coach, and clown. She is the author of four published books: PAYBACK (middle grade, based on bullying), which is the prequel to CHANGING CORNERS (YA) based on racism in 1950s New York; TSKH (Tickle, Snug, Kiss, Hug) - Exercises and Tricks for Parent-Child Fun; and FACES Incarcerated Women and Their Struggle with the Criminal Justice System (New Adult Nonfiction). CHANGING CORNERS was written before the events of 2020; however, it is even more relevant now. The term "microaggressions" had not been coined in the 1950s, but Bobbie discovers them for herself as she begins to recognize the racist attitudes and actions that Phillis faces every day of her life.
Andrew McDowell: Mystical Greenwood
Dermot is a fifteen-year-old boy living in a remote village in the land of Denú. He has always longed for something more in his life. Now, everything changes after he sees a renowned creature--a gryphon--in the sky, and then crosses paths with a reclusive healer who harbors a secret...
✔️ Watch the book trailer! https://www.powtoon.com/online-presentation/gafWLjPBxNU/?mode=movie
✔️ Check it out of the Anne Arundel County Library
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://andrewmcdowellauthor.
About the author: Andrew McDowell became interested in writing at age eleven, inspired by childhood passions for stories and make-believe. By the time he was thirteen, he knew he wanted to be a writer. Andrew studied History and English at St. Mary's College, and Library & Information Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is a member of the Maryland Writers' Association. He is the author of the epic fantasy novel Mystical Greenwood, and he has also written and published poetry, short stories, and creative nonfiction. For this novel, Mystical Greenwood, Andrew is the winner of the 2021 MWA Novel Contest category Science Fiction / Fantasy / Speculative.
Follow author on Twitter: ammcdow
Follow author on Facebook: AndrewMcDowellAuthor
Pamela Smith: Beloving
Poems about Africa, Vietnam, elephants, love, yoga, the chakras, a meditation, prayers. Poems about healing, transforming, questioning, accepting, seeing anew.
✔️ To purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/
About the author: Pamela Brunell, who writes as Pamela Smith, published "Beloving," a book of poems, stories and photos about the African bush, centered on 17 years she spent with her husband and sons in Africa and Vietnam and her farm in Maryland. Pam's sons contributed poems about their dad, Africa, and elephants. There's a prayer to St Teresa which works if you lose something, and a goodnight prayer--and tons of ideas for writing poetry! Pam lives on a farm in Maryland with 3 cats and 2 geese.
Follow author on Twitter: @pambeloving
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pambeloving
K.D. Van Brunt: In the Forest of the Lost and Found
Eighteen-year-old Allyssa Baylor lives a sheltered life of privilege. Not anymore. Now she is lost in the wilderness below the arctic circle with little more than the clothes on her back. A battle is coming and if she's going to survive it, she must lose who she was and discover who she is.
✔️ Watch the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Mg-2kL_FHo
✔️ To purchase: Amazon
✔️ Visit the author's website: https://www.kdvanbrunt.com/
About the author: Mr. Van Brunt is a lawyer. He moved around a lot growing up before settling down on a ranch in Nespelem, Washington on the Colville reservation. Today, he lives in the great state of Maryland with his standard poodle, Aloy. Mr. Van Brunt has published numerous young adult books, the best known of which is the Win the Rings trilogy. He has also published an eclectic mix of short stories. He has won awards for his stories and gained favorable recognition for his writing. In his spare time, he enjoys road trips, hockey, and anything to do with poodles.
Follow the author on Twitter: @KDVanbrunt
Follow the author on Instagram: kdvanbrunt
Download gameboard: https://marylandwriters.org/images/downloads/support_indie_summer_gameboard.pdf
When you're finished, visit: http://bit.ly/
Questions? Email [email protected]
