Large Countries and the Value of Life
In the wake of a tragic assassination, a discussion of whether a country can be too large and populous for its own good.
The Grim Reaper and the Dictator
Why rumors surrounding a leader's demise are endemic to dictatorships and why only the good die young.
Nothing to Celebrate
On July 4, 1776, a group of insurgents from the American colonies gathered to write a manifesto declaring their independence from the British king. They listed their grievances, among them…
Religion, Historical Fiction, and the American Pope
Portraying Catholic characters and the Catholic Church in my historical fiction in the context of the American prelate Leo XIV's election as the new pope.
PEN World Voices Festival: ArtLords Community Mural
A mural created by the ArtLords collective from Afghanistan, which brings its message of peace and community engagement to the world.
An Activism Panel in Texas
A sneak preview of my panel with acclaimed MG and YA authors at the Texas Library Association meeting, which will be my debut appearance there.
Paying for Our Own Oppression
At tax time, reflections on a Chilean duo that also resisted a dictatorship.
Global and International Literature for Kids at nErDcampCT
Why we need portrayals of life outside our own country, including literature in translation.
What’s in a Name?
A response to the announcement of an Executive Order changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico and Google's rapid compliance with this decree.
Publishers Speak Out Against Book Bans
A creative effort by one of my publishers to raise money and awareness to fight book bans as well as attacks on authors and freedom of expression.