What a brilliant day at Barnes & Noble for the IYANWA signing! The turnout was amazing. There were so many friendly faces, curious readers, and great conversations. Kids asked questions about Izzy, Lucas, and the island of Iyanwa, and I loved hearing everyone’s thoughts and theories. All the bookmarks and activity pages disappeared faster than I expected (note to self: bring more next time). It was such a joy seeing readers leave pumped about reading and books in hand. A hug

Writing for middle-grade readers is a thrilling adventure. It’s like stepping into a world where imagination runs wild, curiosity is endless, and every page turned is a new discovery. If you’ve ever wondered how to create stories that truly captivate this vibrant age group, you’re in the right place. I’m here to share some middle-grade storytelling tips that have helped me connect with young readers and their families, weaving tales that stick with them long after the last pa