For Readers: Books to Embolden Us

Let's read together this June

Welcome, readers!

It’s been a cool spring in Vermont, and yet the wrens and cardinals call me outside. I’ve seeded my garden with arugula and mixed greens and built a new raised bed (from old staircase treads) for sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos.

In these times, I find that I read more—more books to escape news and more books to challenge me. After more than a year hiatus, I’m reviving this newsletter to connect and share my love of books. I hope this newsletter is a place where we can share recommendations. What are you reading?

June reads

This Pride month, support LGBTQ writers! I loved both of these books:

Woodworking by Emily St. James. The author took me inside the world of trans women in this emotional journey set in South Dakota. The story begins with Abigail, who is living with her sister and fleeing her conservative family, and her high school English teacher, who is only just beginning to let Erica (herself) live her life. I learned what the term woodworking means, and so much more; I hope you read it! Learn more here.

How It All Ends: A Graphic Novel by Emma Hunsinger. Have you read a graphic novel yet? This award-winning book was amazing fun! Tara has skipped a grade straight into high school, and we follow her through anxiety about fitting in, getting lost, and experiencing her first crush. The author created authentic sibling relationships, from imaginative playtime with her little brother to the close (and sometimes fractious) ties with her older sister. Learn more here.

Creative news

I’m in the revising and editing stages of Stifled, my next middle-grade novel. It’s the story of Madge, who loses her confidence as she experiences friendship changes, book banning at the middle school library, and the stress of playing in a competitive jazz band. Some of you may remember her as Amelia’s friend in Muffled. Simon & Schuster’s Beach Lane Books is publishing Stifled in fall 2026!

Happy reading,

Jen

PS: If you’re a teacher (or know one), please email me to schedule a school visit this fall or spring! You can read about my interactive workshops here.