Tax Day
I'm among those who stand to lose my right to vote if the SAVE Act passes, and what that means at tax time.
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.
Paying for Our Own Oppression
At tax time, reflections on a Chilean duo that also resisted a dictatorship.
Me Versus the Spanish Teacher
Republication of an essay in YARN about the role a Spanish teacher played in my writing and translating life.
Historical Fiction With a Touch of Fantasy
A discussion of historical fiction and historical fantasy for middle grade and YA readers, and why magic and invention hold so much appeal.
“Burn It All Down”
The scene in my novel where I burn it all down and show boys doing the right thing.
Why We Need Historical Fiction
In the past two weeks, I've spoken at two events about my novel Gringolandia and my translation of the picture book Three Balls of Wool (Can Change the World) --…
The Time Has Come for Three Balls of Wool (Can Change the World)
Release day for the Amnesty International co-sponsored Three Balls of Wool (Can Change the World), a picture book of a refugee family in their new home.
Stories Dictators Tell
An overview of common stories that dictatorships and despotic regimes tell to justify their power and policies.
“Should I Stay or Should I Go?”
Discussing Gringolandia's portrayal of resistance and exile at a panel on historical fiction at the NCTE16 conference, and post-election choices we face today.