Blog
As a homeschooling veteran, I review middle-grade stories to help parents, librarians, and teachers choose good books.
Look for author news here too!
My New Short Story!
I have a new short story in this 99-cent anthology from St. Louis Writers Guild. It's a tale about my 11-year-old time-travelers, Jake and Ava, who are from St. Louis. The story is called The Spine Flower. Why? Find out!...
A 5-minute Author Interview
Susan K. Marlow, author, interviewed me for a series of three short videos planned for homeschool use. It's an author visit in the form of a video. Five minutes! Perhaps you'd like to see this first interview with me. In it I discuss my two published books,...
A Fractured Tale by Phyllis Wheeler and Kandi J. Wyatt
Another writer, K.A. Cummins, suggested we create a fractured tale for our main characters from our very-different family-friendly stories. She gave us the ground rules: a Victorian market, the dragon is transformed into a human for this encounter, and some plot...
Family-friendly giveaway: nine paperbacks, two ebooks, two special toys
Contragulations, Katrina S.! We know your family will enjoy these books!
Annette: A Big, Hairy Mom, by John S. McFarland
Annette, a Big, Hairy Mom, is a romping read, good for a family read aloud. A funny would-be villain, a small boy, and a wily Bigfoot creature all come together in a woodsy area of northern California.
Phyllis Wheeler, Author, interviewed!
Check out my latest interview, and enter to win a free copy of my award-winning book, The Long Shadow. https://authorjillchapman.com/meet-author-phyllis-wheeler/
Irene and the Baking Contest by Effie Hill, a review
Irene and the Baking Contest by Effie Hill is a satisfying, family-friendly story for new readers. Irene, age 10, loves to bake bread. So she enters the town baking contest, in her village on the island of Crete.
The Dog Snatcher, My New Book!
The Dog Snatcher is coming Nov. 1! My new book, a series opener for kids 8-11, is up for pre-order. Get your ebook copy reserved now. Time travel, alchemy, rich friendships, and a meaningful tale well told––what's not to like? Wheeler's Guardians of Time series kicks...
Isabel’s Secret by Jan May, a review
sabel’s Secret by Jan May features Isabel, 11, a contemporary tomboy growing up on a ranch. Her days are full of bareback rides on the range. But she’s got a grandmother who pressures her to leave her tomboy ways, move to Boston, and go to private school for young ladies.
A Purple Dragonfly Award for The Long Shadow!
My novel The Long Shadow has won a Purple Dragonfly Award! These awards are judged by Story Monsters Ink Magazine, focused on children's literature. My award is in the historical category. This is significant in the indie publishing world. Rejoice with me! The Long...
The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes by Dawn Ford, a review
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes by Dawn Ford leads the reader on a young adult fantasy journey spanning two worlds. Tambrynn hates her indentured servitude, basically slavery since there seems to be no end in sight. She's been a kitchen helper/scrubber of things in...
Author News: A New Cover; a New Book in the Works
I've got two pieces of news. My novel The Long Shadow now has a new cover. It's a time-travel adventure, something that wasn't obvious from the previous cover. Since so many young readers love fantasy, sci fi, and time travel, my publisher and I thought it was time to...