In case you missed it, an easy digest of Elza’s recent reads, latest news, and favorite blogging highlights!
Catch up on what I’ve been busy with this March & April, including:
Recent Blogging
Why do we love fictional heroes who don’t seem that heroic? I share a few characteristics that make this archetype so beloved.
What do you buy for the reader who has everything? I’ve done a little virtual shopping to help you select the best gift for your bookish friend.
Social Activity
Being a creative person online can be really challenging. We’re given a lot of advice on how to make ends meet, get the opportunities we want, and how to succeed right from the starting line. I did a short thread related to the concept of “manifesting” (specifically, the idea of publicly asking for opportunities you’d be interested in) after seeing a few of those attempts dead end.
Favorite Things
- One of my more recent purchases included this cool fidget roller. It’s sturdy and helps me stretch my hands after a long day of designing or typing.
- Middle Grade Carousel has added daily icebreakers on Twitter related to the month’s themed reading challenge. This is another fun way to find new books and interact with fellow readers. Want to know more? Find out what we’re doing in May.
- I was gifted a new little watering can, and it makes caring for my houseplants that much more fun. The little things sure make a difference!
Reading Updates
My success with the previous Middle Grade Book Bingo challenge inspired me to try a little harder over March and April to fit more audiobooks and reading breaks into my routine. I’m so pleased to have fit some books I’ve been meaning to read for ages, as well as a brand-new release or two.
Middle Grade Book Bingo Reads:
- Air by Monica Roe
- All Four Stars by Tara Dairman
- The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol
- The Case of the Disappearing Duchess by Nancy Springer
- The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage
- Greenglass House by Kate Milford
- Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
- The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson
- How to Bee by Bren MacDibble
- Junie B. Jones is (Almost) a Flower Girl by Barbara Park
- Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig King
- The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
- No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen
- Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce
- The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne
Also read during March & April 2022:
- Takedown by Laura Shovan (halfway through)
Shop News
My hand-lettered designs are on sale at TeePublic! Visit BumbleBess.com to sign up for email updates to catch all the latest deals, new releases, and more!
What’s Next
Middle Grade Carousel is hosting the annual #BookADayMay reading challenge and I’m so excited to double my year’s reading with loads of graphic novels, Lower MG titles, audiobooks, and some classic KidLit titles I’ve never read before. Learn how you can participate, too!
Keep in touch by following my blog, social media accounts, or contact me directly if you’d like. I’m pretty friendly.
Support my creative work by sharing a favorite post with a friend, leaving a comment here on the blog, or making a one-time donation via Ko-fi.
Elza Kinde 