What does it mean to delve deeply into your life to write a novel? How do you even start? How does an author write deep, diverse characters? 

Such were the questions that AJ Frazier worked through to write his new novel, Mariel

Author AJ Frazier on Writing, Diverse Characters, and Mariel

He answered them, and then some, in this fascinating thriller that encompasses extraordinarily complex themes in a new and interesting way.

There is so much to discover in Paris that a lifetime isn't enough. And what to do, when we are far away and planning (or dreaming about) a trip? What to see, do, eat, buy? We need help (and inspiration).

Enter the most BEAUTIFUL and inspiring new bookParis Shopfronts, illustrated by Joel Holland, words by Vivian Song, foreword by Sarah Andelman

 
I’ve got an incredibly important children’s picture book to share with you today.
 
BRAVE VOLODYMYR: The Story of Volodymyr Zelensky and the Fight for Ukraine, written by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Ukrainian artist Grasya Oliyko, and published by Quill Tree Books, is one of the most timely and critical children’s books you can share with the kids in your life. 
 

I have an extraordinarily important, loving book to share with you today. This Sure Thing, written by Sarah Mayfield and illustrated by Dennis Auth, relates the story of grief and love in a family. The younger brother has passed away, and the older brother and family find ways to cope with grief, adjustment, and continuing living with such love.

I've got such an interesting, important biography to share with you today. Women's Crusader: Catharine Beecher's Untold Story, by R. Lee Wilson, is an insightful look into the life of a woman I didn't even know existed.

Once I started reading, though, I was so very grateful that Wilson has brought Beecher to life for us. Her story is fascinating; Wilson's deep dive into primary source materials is extraordinary. This is a book about women's rights, women's education, and a very personal life and love story.

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"Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and kindness" - Mindful with Me

I'm so happy to share a new book with you today: Mindful with Me: Connecting with Your Child Through Daily Mindfulness, written by Sarah Dennehy, M.Ed, illustrated by Natalie Garber Martin, and published by The Collective Book Studio.

Read This: Mindful with Me

We are so excited to share a new book about mentoring teenagers with you. Can We Go to Lunch? Winning, Developing, & Mentoring the Heart of a Teenager is written by Kendra Berry & Kenya Sloan. Read on to learn more, including our author interview with Kendra...

Can We Go to Lunch? Winning, Developing, & Mentoring the Heart of a Teenager

Publisher’s note: This is an excerpt from Chapter Five (Props for the House) of Portrait of a Presidency:  Patterns in My Life as President of The College of New Jersey (Koehler Books: 2025), R. Barbara Gitenstein, President Emerita, The College of New Jersey, Senior Fellow and Senior Consultant, Association of Governing Boards. 

Portrait of a Presidency:  Patterns in My Life as President of The College of New Jersey

One of our favorite writers, Patricia Leavy, is back with a novel that is one of the most important books you’ll ever read. Shooting Stars Above is one of those books that, once you start, you cannot put down (yes, 4am bedtime, but happy!). Shooting Stars Above will be released March 18, 2025.

Read This: Why Shooting Stars is One of the Most Important Books You’ll Ever Read

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When twelve-year-old Charlotte is uprooted from New York City and forced to move to sweaty, sticky, roach-infested Florida, she’ll do anything to get back home – even conspiring with ghosts. Everyone in the kooky seaside town of Casaluna is obsessed with the supernatural, and Charlie finds herself living in the town’s most infamous haunted house, inhabited by a trio of rambunctious ghosts who were cursed for stealing a dead man’s diamond.

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