My books for young readers have earned starred reviews and awards. I’ve even had one of my books sent into space*! I write nonfiction and fiction for all reading levels.
You can see many of my books on IndieBound, Goodreads, and Amazon. Or check out recent releases and highlights below.
Educators, contact me to discuss remote or in-person classroom visits.
*It’s true! If I Were an Astronaut flew on a space shuttle to the International Space Station. Watch astronaut Serena Auñón-Chancellor read it on Storytime from Space.
How to Take the GROAN Out of Grown-Ups (and Get Along!)
Whatever kinds of grown-ups kids have in their lives, one thing is for sure: Life is better (and a whole lot simpler) when kids and grown-ups get along. And while grown-ups want kids to be respectful and thoughtful—toward everybody, not just grown-ups!—kids also deserve to be respected and treated thoughtfully. How to Take the GROAN Out of Grown-Ups (and Get Along!) provides practical communication skills for kids and shows them how to build relationships, have difficult conversations, and know when to seek more trusting adults.
Make a Friend, Be a Friend
Life is better with a friend. That’s true for everyone. Some kids have lots of friends. Others have a few. Either way is great! Make a Friend, Be a Friend helps young readers find ways to—you guessed it!—make friends and be a better friend.
The ideas in this book can help. Children learn:
how to find and make friends
ways to show you want to be a friend
how to be a good friend
what to do when times get tough
How to Take the ACHE Out of Mistakes
Making a mistake can leave anyone feeling sick in the stomach or thinking that the world is going to end. Learning how to cope with mistakes—and how to stop that “ache”—can be one of the hardest parts of growing up.
This fun and funny book takes a closer look at the mistakes kids make—honest and intentional—and offers practical advice on how to bounce back. With a healthy dose of humor, readers learn that embarrassing moments aren’t forever and a sincere apology can go a long way.
Surviving Social Media
Nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population uses social media. For students, it is often considered a lifeline to connecting with their peers and staying relevant. But there's a dark side as well. How much social media use is healthy? What happens when trolls take over? Where do you go for help? Readers will learn to understand the pros and cons of social media and how to make smart decisions about managing their online presence.
Could YOU Survive the Cretaceous Period?
You've just been transported back in time. Exotic plants tower above your head, while giant rat-like creatures scuttle around you. What concerns you most, however, are the meat-eating dinosaurs that are the size of a house. Do you think you have what it takes to survive the Cretaceous Period? Turn the pages to find out.
The Little Mermaid
You've heard the tale of the little mermaid. But did you know that the mermaid was really a rock star? Or that the prince was burping under the sea? Be part of that world as you swim your way through three twisted takes on the classic fairy tale. Will YOU CHOOSE the path to your happily ever after?
The Survival Guide to Money Smarts
Coauthored with my wife, Sandy Donovan, this is a fun and practical introduction to the basics of financial literacy and money management for kids—from earning and saving money to spending and donating it.
Nothing to Declare
Nothing to Declare is a ground-breaking anthology of cross-genre work. What you will find here are linked prose poems, narrative sequences, lyrical essays, koans, fairy tales, and epistolary addresses. It contains the work of over fifty writers including Nin Andrews, Jennifer Kwon Dobbs, Marie Harris, Jim Harrison, Gian Lombardo, Debra Marquart, Julie Marie Wade, and Gary Young.
Trust Me, Jack’s Beanstalk Stinks!
Think the Giant was the bad guy, terrifying poor little Jack? Think again! In this fun, quirky picture book, discover the other side of this popular fairy tale.
This has been an enduring bestseller.
Big Pharma and the Opioid Epidemic
More than 130 people a day in the U.S. die from opioid overdoses. Addiction to legal and illegal opioids has been declared a national crisis. The U.S. spends about $78.5 billion a year on treatment, criminal prosecution, and health care related to the crisis. What caused this massive problem? Can the crisis be slowed or reversed? Students will get practical tips on how to help someone suffering from an addiction or experiencing an overdose, and learn about how the nation is trying to deal with the crisis.
J.R.R. Tolkien
The robust, imaginative works of J. R. R. Tolkien have sparked the imaginations of readers around the world. From World War I soldier to bestselling author, trace the life of the man behind Middle Earth.
The Emperor’s New Clothes
The celebration is about to start. It's time to see the emperor's new...spacesuit? Join the party and go through three twisted versions of the classic fairy tale. Will YOU CHOOSE the path to your happily ever after?
Immigrants Who Served the Nation
Some of the most important roles in American life have been filled by people born outside the United States. Immigrants have served in the military since the Civil War. Some immigrants have made fortunes and given them away—to create libraries, fund after-school programs, and protect citizens’ civil rights. Still others have held political office or served our nation as ambassadors or—literally—rocket scientists. Here are 25 immigrants who have served our nation in these and other important ways.