Blog Archives
Covered-Up History
Glow Power follows a boy who travels back in time after being trapped in an elevator and witnesses Greenwood before the Tulsa Race Massacre and then the terror of its destruction. What inspired you to blend fantasy and historical fiction?
I have always had a wild imagination and loved storytelling since I was a little girl. Combining fantasy with history brings new possibilities and original thinking into community stories. It allows for creativity in ways that “go there” to raise awareness through world-building narration. Blending fantasy with historical fiction allows authors to create realities about history that center the people most affected. The point is to understand what could have been, how it could be better, and use this strategy to layer in hope and promise into stories; specifically in Glow Power, Jake and Teyanna build a robust friendship that becomes lifelong and that takes their witnessing Greenwood before the massacre and afterward, into an action led movement that’s anti racist and that transforms global crisis into healthier realities.
How did you develop Jake’s emotional responses so that they would feel authentic and relatable to young readers?
My son is a similar age to Jake, and he was my sounding board. I tried my best to get into a child’s mind. Originally, Jake was too idealistic and not as relatable, but working with my son, several children, and my critique group, I worked to make Jake’s emotional responses feel authentic and relatable. Thus, Jake transitions from who he used to be and the high expectations others had of him to eventually become the relatable Guardian Jake. Readers see how he got to this stage, starting with his authentic self morphing into a Cardinal Avatar and enjoying being able to fly and heal others. Once he gets back to the elevator and loses his superpowers, young readers relate to not having superpowers they wish they had and realizing that who they are is plenty.
What does the cardinal symbolize within the story?
This is a good question. The cardinal is Jake’s favorite bird, and it symbolizes possibility. Cardinals are believed to deliver messages from departed loved ones. In Glow Power, it is never directly relayed that Teyanna is the only one from all of the Dunbar kids Jake met who passes away. Teyanna is the only one that comes back to life, first through glows that tap into Jake’s peaceful and caring potential, activating his Cardinal Avatar and superpower features. In turn, he seeps life back into her as a cardinal known for being courageous, passionate, spiritual, committed, harmonious, and of course loving.
The cardinal in this story symbolizes a new beginning for Teyanna, Jake, Abuelita, and all those who will work to ensure peace. The cardinal also symbolizes the spiritual confirmation that they are on the right path as Guardians of a Transforming World.
What do you hope young readers understand about history after finishing the book?
Glow Power confronts the covered-up history of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921 so that young readers are led by values and are informed of better, peaceful ways to live. This book is a loving account that shows possibility and an actionable roadmap toward a better world. That is, readers will understand the history of the Tulsa Race Massacre that could have been prevented and tap into these lessons so that the future can become a more peace-loving world, connecting to Black, Red, and Bronze Excellence and Achievement. After finishing the book, the history of a strong and prosperous Black Wall Street will have been exposed so that people of color are valued and their contributions recognized.
Glow Power: Unlocking Healing and Transformation
Glow Power, by Jacqueline Lopez and Joy Peyton, follows Jake, a boy who gets trapped in an elevator, transforms into a Cardinal Avatar, and travels back to 1921 Tulsa, where he witnesses the beauty of Greenwood before the Tulsa Race Massacre and then the terror of its destruction. Through his bond with Teyanna and the other Dunbar children, Jake learns that history is not just something to study for school, but something to feel, grieve, honor, and carry forward through love, justice, and daily acts of healing.
I found this book brave in both its ambition and its tenderness. It takes on an enormously painful part of American history, but it doesn’t begin with tragedy. It first lets children see Greenwood as alive, intelligent, joyful, and full of promise. That choice mattered to me. The writing can be breathless and emotionally packed, but there’s a childlike urgency to it that fits Jake’s experience. I could feel his confusion, his wonder, his nausea, his hope. The story doesn’t always move quietly, but it does move with a big, open heart.
The artwork gives the book a vivid, animated energy that children will connect with right away. Jake’s cardinal form is bright and expressive, and Teyanna’s glow brings a softness that balances the darker moments. I especially appreciated the contrast between the warm, playful scenes of friendship and planting seeds and the later images of smoke, fear, and loss. The ideas are powerful, sometimes overwhelming: forgiveness, anti-racism, memory, activism, and the belief that children can become “guardians” of a more loving world. The strongest parts were often the simplest ones: children reading, playing, touching Jake’s wings, planting together, and being allowed to matter.
I came away moved by the book’s sincerity and its insistence that children deserve honest stories about history, not softened ones that leave out pain. Glow Power is a heartfelt, imaginative, and deeply purposeful picture book that would be is best for suited to older elementary readers, especially when read with a parent, teacher, or caregiver nearby to talk through the Tulsa Race Massacre, racism, grief, and healing. It’s a good fit for families and classrooms ready for a serious, compassionate conversation about history, empathy, and what it means to choose love with courage.
Pages: 63
Where the Kaleidoscopes Turn
Where the Kaleidoscopes Turn, by Joan Enockson, follows Cody, an eleven-year-old boy who’s carrying the quiet sting of a rough school year, as he visits his grandpa in Pocahontas County, Iowa. What begins as a family trip becomes a tour of giant kaleidoscopes scattered through small-town parks, each one opening into a memory, a lesson, or a new way of seeing the world. With Grandpa Russell, Cody’s new puppy Molly, and the legacy of Leonard Olson guiding the story, the book becomes less about sightseeing and more about learning how beauty, community, and perspective can change a person from the inside out.
I really appreciated the heart of this book. I felt drawn to the way it treats Cody’s unhappiness without making it too heavy for young readers. He’s not written as a dramatic problem to solve. He’s a child who is hurt, withdrawn, and a little stuck, which felt honest to me. The relationship between Cody and his grandpa is the emotional center, and it’s handled with a gentle patience I found moving. Grandpa doesn’t lecture so much as notice, wait, tell stories, and lets Cody arrive at understanding in his own time. That felt true to childhood, and also true to good parenting.
The writing has a homespun, reflective quality that fits the rural setting well. The lessons are stated clearly, but I can see why that directness would work for younger readers. The ideas are lovely, especially the way each kaleidoscope becomes a metaphor for change, memory, courage, family, community, and choosing what we put into the world. I also thought the artwork gave the book much of its charm. The illustrations have a soft sketchbook feel with bursts of watercolor-like color, and that splashy brightness mirrors the kaleidoscope theme beautifully. The images of the small towns, parks, farm scenes, and Cody with Molly add warmth and texture, making the book feel both personal and rooted in a real place.
I found Where the Kaleidoscopes Turn to be a tender, thoughtful book with a strong sense of place and a sincere belief in the value of looking at life differently. It’s earnest and full of affection for grandparents, small towns, old memories, and children who need a little help finding their footing again. I’d recommend it for elementary and early middle-grade readers, especially kids who enjoy family stories, gentle life lessons, dogs, road trips, or books that leave them feeling steadier and more hopeful by the end.
Pages: 98 | ISBN : 978-1958023648
Life, Love, and Happiness
Stikki the Squirrel follows a young grey squirrel who tumbles his way through one adventure after another and, along the way, makes some new friends. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Some ideas for a book can come quite quickly, while at other times it can be a hard slog even to get going. But it was on this one rather memorable occasion, when I was standing beside my window gazing into our back garden, that I saw a family of squirrels climb tentatively over the wooden fence. A moment later, they were on the ground, moving slowly across our lawn, pausing to sniff and dig randomly in the grass. I watched their playful interactions quickly turn into a full-blown display of speed and agility as the youngsters abandoned the protection of their mother’s side to dart among our shrubs and trees with growing confidence, and of course, mischief. I smiled, then gasped, as a host of possibilities set my mind buzzing.
And so, Stikki the Squirrel was born – well, in my head to start with. I wanted to make the story light-hearted and entertaining for young children to read, and for them to imagine my little characters and the urban setting in which they live.
We, as a family, enjoy encouraging squirrels into our garden, filling their squirrel feeder daily with nuts and seeds for them to eat. We have witnessed several generations grow up and leave to find their way in the world. Ever since that day, we have been entertained by these intelligent, charming, furry little animals.
Although not every day, watching our squirrels is a happy, entertaining experience, because on occasion, urban foxes enter our garden on the hunt for an easy meal. Domesticated cats like to lie in wait among the shrubs, hoping to ambush a squirrel foraging on the ground. The squirrels’ acute senses warn them of danger, and they quickly climb over the fence or scale up the side wall of our house to escape. But when the three species meet, there is usually trouble. We have witnessed scuffles and near misses that have made us gasp in fear for the squirrels’ survival. But squirrels are quick and clever, usually evading these predators with ease.
We have grown very fond of our rodent visitors. Noting their athletic behaviour and individual personalities. They are adorable little animals that inspired me to write about a family of cheeky grey squirrels and the discoveries, dangers, lucky escapes, and the good friends they make along the way.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Each of my characters in Stikki the Squirrel represents a unique glimpse into the world of nature from an individual animal’s perspective. I have combined a light-hearted tale with humour, interspersed with facts about squirrels’ lives, and their interactions with predators, including the natural habitat in which they thrive.
My little characters have hopes and dreams, which is quite normal as squirrels, like all animals, are intelligent, caring, and resourceful. Squirrels are good at problem-solving; we have all seen a squirrel navigate a maze, or climb a vertical pole, or scoot across a tightrope with ease in its determination to claim the food at the end of the man-made obstacle course. Squirrels show affection and anger, too. Squirrels are territorial and will respond to family members, warning each other of any approaching danger by issuing a rasping, throaty call that carries on the air.
Stikki the Squirrel carries a message about protecting endangered species to the detriment of others. A tale of adventure, learning about life, its pleasures, and its hazards. Whilst making wonderous discoveries, and friends who help and support each other on the road through life, love, and happiness.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
This is a hard question to answer because the entire book was such an enjoyable experience to write and illustrate. Without giving away any spoilers, I think one particular scene comes to mind that had me chuckling – it was when Stikki first met Rella. He was so awkward and unsure of himself. A typical teenager.
There were many other scenes in Stikki the Squirrel that end in a hilarious, eye-watering way. Read the book yourselves and see what happens to Stikki and his woodland friends.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I am taking a break from writing at present, because I am busy finalising my new book. Title: Stikki the Squirrel: Tree Spirits, book two, publication date, February 28th, 2026. It is a very busy, exciting time, working with my publisher to get my new book and my illustrations ready for the printing press, plus tinkering with some weird and wild ideas for another book.
Author Links: Goodreads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Readers’ Favorite – 5 Star Review.
“We must always be wary of the longlegs for they are unpredictable and puzzling.”
Join Stikki the Squirrel on his madcap adventures as he leaves his nest and sets off to explore the world around him. Mischievous and a little reckless, Stikki manages to get himself into scrapes at almost every turn.
When Stikki and his sisters, Mollie and Tia, venture out of their familiar surroundings for the first time, life changes dramatically for our little explorers.
Danger and peril lay on their chosen path – and, as with every exciting adventure, there are spills and thrills and good friends to be made along the way.
A whimsical, heartfelt story of friendship, bravery and love for each other.
Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest: Dr. K’s Portal Through Time
Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest is a creative blend of historical biography, time-travel adventure, and science primer for curious young readers. Through the eyes of siblings Jennifer and Daniel, who travel with Dr. K through her magical portal, we get to witness the life, struggles, and triumphs of Marie Curie. From her early days in Paris to the discovery of radium and polonium, her groundbreaking Nobel Prizes, and her wartime work with mobile X-ray units, the book manages to cover both the sweep of her achievements and the personal grit behind them.
What I enjoyed most was how the story balanced real history with an almost playful sense of wonder. Curie describes the grueling, years-long process of isolating radium from pitchblende. The children’s questions bring an immediacy to the narrative, transforming what might otherwise seem like abstract science into a vivid account of perseverance and conviction. When Curie explains that discovery is rarely linear but instead filled with challenges and unexpected turns, the insight resonates deeply. It is a lesson that holds equal weight for adults as it does for younger readers.
I also liked how the book made science approachable without dumbing it down. In Chapter One, when Dr. K explains radioactivity, she compares unstable atoms to restless kids who can’t sit still and then to bubbles that “pop” to release energy. I was struck by the moment when Daniel exclaimed, “Pop? Like popcorn?” The lighthearted exchange underscores how effectively the book employs humor to make complex scientific concepts more accessible. It’s clever, and it makes concepts that would usually be intimidating feel relatable. The writing is clear, warm, and often funny; it kept me turning the pages even in parts I already knew from history.
Another standout for me was the way the book handled Marie Curie’s resilience as a woman in science. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the difficulties she faced, whether it’s being shut out of higher education in Poland or the immense skepticism she encountered in France. The moment when she becomes the first female professor at the Sorbonne felt huge, and it was powerful to see Jennifer draw strength from that as a young girl dreaming of her own future in science.
Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest left me with a real sense of admiration, not just for Curie, but for how stories like this can inspire curiosity in kids. The mix of adventure, history, and hands-on science makes it a great pick for classrooms, families, or anyone who wants to introduce children to one of the most remarkable figures in science. If you’ve got a young reader who asks “why?” a lot or if you’re an adult who still remembers the magic of discovery, this book is for you.
Pages: 116 | ASIN : B0F6M4MVX4
Entertaining and Uplifting
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The Aswan Device follows two sisters whose father creates a parallel reality disrupting their own, and they must rely on each other to save their world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am not really sure. Much of this story was written while I sat down at my computer with the intention of creating a sequel that would be both entertaining and uplifting for young people, and I allowed the words to flow through me and onto the page. The real work for me came in the editing and trying to make sense of what I’d typed.
That being said, I am a huge Star Wars and Marvels Universe fan, so inspiration could have been drawn from these amazing works.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
From my travels. . .
I first learned about the concept of inner-earth beings on a bus tour to Reno, Nevada twenty-three years ago. Our bus stopped at a park with large stone circles where they believed inner-earth beings were close to the surface. This inspired me to dig further.
The folklore of many First Nations cultures depicts their ancestors living within the earth. For example, the Hopi origin story has it that the Hopis used to live beneath the earth and emerged from the Grand Canyon. I traveled to the Grand Canyon to experience this place of wonder for myself. The Grand Canyon plunges so far below that it is easy to envision ancient people emerging from its depths.
The intra-earth city, Mu, in The Intra-Earth Chronicles;Book II:The Aswan Device, was modeled after places I’d seen on my travels to both Egypt and Peru; Mu is nestled on a mesa surrounded by mountains and jungle much like Machu Picchu in Peru and has pyramids like the great pyramids of Egypt.
The inspiration for Aswan, the luminous orange planet, came from my love of Planet Jupiter.
I am also a fan of the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens, and there is an episode about the possibility of advanced civilizations existing beneath the earth’s crust. There’s a lot of great inspiration for Sci-fi writers from that television show.
The multiple settings became more detailed and complex in this second installment of the series!
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
I had so many characters in so many different settings, in order to develop each character and place fully, I couldn’t spend too much time on any one character’s magical powers. I hope I succeeded in that delicate balance! 😊
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I haven’t begun Book III yet, but I have a feeling that Sasha, Adrianne, the two Aswan Cadets, and Desoto will travel to other planets within the galaxy to experience how they are governed and have achieved peace and co-exist within the greater system of galaxies. Their travels will also lead them back to our own planet to study many more peaceful Intra-earth Civilizations.
Sasha and Adrianne will learn more about the Prophecy and will have to choose whether to accept or deny their destiny of becoming Lords of the Twelve Worlds.
My intent is that this will be an exciting and uplifting adventure filled with humor. 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
During his escape from the intra-earth, Tartarus disrupts Mu’s spinning magnetic power source, causing explosive bursts of energy to erupt onto the surface. This disruption tears the fabric of time and creates a doorway into a parallel reality. In this new reality, Tartarus reinstates the nuclear machine and positions himself as Earth’s savior in place of the sisters. With unlimited power and resources at his disposal, will Sasha and Adrianne ever be able to stop him?
In The Aswan Device by Kara Jacobson, we experience a fast-paced fantasy adventure where love and friendship prove to be the strongest weapons of all.
The Intra-Earth Chronicles; Book II: The Aswan Device
Deep within the Earth’s core lies a world of astonishing beauty and relentless strife, where two sisters, Adrianne and Sasha, bear the burden of a fractured kingdom and a legacy marred by betrayal. Their father, Tartarus, deposed yet dangerous, shatters their fragile peace by stealing a device designed to heal their fractured world. Forced into a perilous quest, Adrianne and Sasha confront not only external threats but also the unspoken tensions that threaten to divide them. Adrianne, impulsive and eager to prove herself, wrestles with her fiery temper and desire to escape Sasha’s shadow. Meanwhile, Sasha, steady and wise, strives to hold their tenuous alliance together. As they traverse dangerous landscapes and a parallel Earth where Tartarus has claimed dominion, their resilience shines. Yet the question looms: can their bond withstand the trials ahead, or will their differences tear them apart at the moment they need each other most?
The Aswan Device by Kara Jacobson is an extraordinary fusion of mythology, science fiction, and family drama, weaving a story that is both thrilling and deeply emotional. Set in an intricately crafted subterranean world, the novel follows royal sisters Adrianne and Sasha as they grapple with their father’s dark legacy while navigating the crumbling societies above and below ground. Their mission to recover the stolen nuclear device, a symbol of hope and survival, tests their love, rivalry, and endurance.
Jacobson balances adventure with emotional depth, creating a narrative that resonates with readers. The reimagining of Tartarus, blending ancient mythology with futuristic elements, immediately captivates, and the seamless integration of these themes into a high-stakes narrative is nothing short of brilliant. The juxtaposition of mythological resonance with cutting-edge technology crafts a storyscape that is both unique and compelling.
The protagonists, Adrianne and Sasha, stand out as vivid, multidimensional characters. Adrianne’s fiery determination and Sasha’s empathetic wisdom create a sibling dynamic that is as relatable as it is engaging. Their interactions capture the essence of siblinghood, brimming with frustration, humor, and unwavering loyalty. Tartarus, as the antagonist, is a commanding presence—a complex figure whose ambition and moral decay echo timeless themes of power and corruption. The supporting cast further enriches the narrative, offering moments of levity and depth, while the interplay among characters ensures readers are emotionally invested in their journeys. Jacobson’s technical expertise shines through her lush world-building and evocative prose.
For fans of Rick Riordan and the Percy Jackson series, The Aswan Device is an absolute must-read. With its fast-paced adventure, rich character development, and thematic complexity, it stands as a standout entry in the genre. Perfect for young adult and middle-grade readers, this book’s blend of science fiction, fantasy, and mythology ensures an unforgettable experience. Whether drawn to epic quests, futuristic worlds, or the intricate dynamics of sibling relationships, readers will find The Aswan Device to be an engaging and deeply satisfying journey.
Pages: 185 | ASIN : B0DK26ZY5S
The Paper Butterfly
In The Paper Butterfly, Ona Kingdon weaves an evocative narrative that captures the delicate beauty of life through the journey of a Paper Butterfly. Crafted with care by the Maker, the Paper Butterfly listens intently from within her glass cocoon until the day she takes flight. Venturing into the vast world beyond, she encounters new friends and places, all the while reflecting on her purpose as she tends to a tiny monarch egg, endearingly called the Child of the Moon. When the egg hatches, the two form an enduring bond, embarking together on the profound adventure of life.
This poignant story is more than a simple tale. It is a deeply emotional exploration of the interconnectedness of all living beings. As Paper Butterfly and Child of the Moon navigate their shared path, themes of belonging, growth, and mutual impact unfold gracefully. Through their experiences, readers are reminded that life is a fragile but sacred tapestry where every thread matters.
Kingdon deftly intertwines environmental themes, emphasizing responsibility and awareness through the trials of the monarch migration. The depiction of a veteran monarch explaining the significance of his tattered wings stands out as a highlight, offering a profound message: scars are not marks of defeat but beautiful testaments to survival. This moment encapsulates the book’s soul, leaving a lasting impression. The backdrop of Kingdon’s stunning watercolor illustrations and the depth of the storytelling create a vibrant world that captures the emotional spectrum with artistry and warmth.
A journey of joy and sorrow, resilience and loss, The Paper Butterfly speaks to readers aged 12 and up who appreciate stories that resonate deeply and provoke thought. Mortality, danger, and the unyielding forces of nature shape the butterflies’ path, making this a tale as much about courage and hope as it is about the cycles of life.
Pages: 158 | ISBN : 098671111X
