Ah, Summer! Fireflies, backyard campfires, and a relaxed schedule. I hope you’re finding time to relax—perhaps with a good book—this summer!
I just shared three of my favorite things of summer. What are your top three summer things?
This summer I’ll continue to work, but not quite as much as during the school year since I have three kids at home. This month I’m teaching at a writing conference in northeastern PA. It’s a favorite because in addition to good teaching, I’ve attended and taught at this one many times and have developed some wonderful relationships over the years. (See my schedule for all my upcoming events and locations!) This time I’m not teaching about kidlit writing. Instead, I’ll teach about research, book launches, and writing with wonder. All three have had great responses in the past, and they’re updated for 2025 with many author insights (not just mine)!
With not needing to set an alarm for 5:30 each morning for our early school bus, it’s been refreshing. I tend to stay up a bit later reading. Then in the morning I’m typically up by 5 or 5:30 anyway. Without a time crunch, I often read the Bible before getting out of bed. I love that the sun is typically up with me so I can get out early for a walk before the heat zaps my energy. I love summer freedom!
Last month I had the opportunity to attend the annual conference held by ALA (American Librarian Association). It was close by in Philadelphia, so I didn’t even have to fly! I loved meeting so many librarians and seeing some author friends!
The picture below includes two author friends I greatly admire. (Bonus: They lingered at my ALA book signing so we could visit afterward!) Visit Pat Zietlow Miller and Hanh Bui’s websites and check out their books!
This summer I plan to work on a few projects. Keep reading for some unofficial news! I also plan to share sensational shark facts during Shark Week.
And then I’ll work on my seventh state book for the Who HQ series. So far, I’ve written
Where Is Pennsylvania?
Where Is Texas?
Where Is Tennessee?
Where Is New Jersey? (co-written with Tracy Vonder Brink)
Where is Missouri?
Where is Wisconsin?
Next up: Where Is Minnesota?
I loved reading Wanda Hears the Stars, written by Wanda Diaz Merced and Amy S. Hansen. It’s illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza. The story tells how a young woman named Wanda loses her sight and yet still studies the stars. I loved this story when it was just a manuscript and still do. Highly recommend!
Did you know the colors in a fireworks display is related to science? The colors come from elements and compounds! Learn more>> https://sciencenotes.org/firework-colors-chemistry/
Engaging Students During Author Visits with Interaction
https://www.annettewhipple.com/2025/07/engaging-students-during-author-visit.html
Old-Fashioned, Self-Turning Doughnuts
https://www.wildercompanion.com/2019/06/old-fashioned-self-turning-doughnuts.html
How to Set Up a Research Notebook—for Students or Professionals
https://www.annettewhipple.com/2021/09/how-to-set-up-research-notebook.html
How Did Mary Ingalls Go Blind?
https://www.wildercompanion.com/2018/04/how-did-mary-ingalls-go-blind.html
May I serve your community? I love to excite all ages about literacy, science, and history. Schools, libraries, and community groups have been thrilled with my presentations. Can I help your group celebrate curiosity? Begin the conversation early! (If budget is a concern, email anyway! Just let me know what your budget is.)
I do have some fall and winter availability. Please book early for 2025 events! Spring will be especially busy!
July 13: Barnes and Noble, Vestal, NY
July 14-18: Montrose Christian Writers Conference, Montrose PA
September 6: Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, PA
November 22: Literacy Association of Tennessee Conference, Franklin, TN
Flick! The Truth About Lizards will finally be on bookshelves in November. It’s the seventh book in the series. This is not the news I have. Keep reading…
The series will continue!! I’m really excited that Reycraft Books and I are talking about future books in The Truth About series. Without a contract, I can’t make any promises. BUT I will tell you I’m really hoping to dive deep into the world of penguins in the next year or so! We’re discussing adding TWO books to the series. I gave two suggestions, but they might be tweaked before we go to contract.
I’d love to hear what you love most about summer!
Happy reading! Happy writing! Happy summer!
Annette
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