HOORAY and happy book birthday to J.M.M. Nuanez's BIRDIE AND ME -- which is now out there in the world, finding it's readers. I can't wait to see how readers react to, and I'm so proud to have been a part of it's publication.

*“Belongs alongside Holly Goldberg Sloan’s Counting by 7s, Cindy Baldwin’s Where the Watermelons Grow, and Ali Benjamin’s The Thing about Jellyfish. Highly recommended.”— School Library Journal, starred review*"This strong, emotional, and engaging read is a must-have for any library. The issues are dealt with realistically and challenge the reader to examine their personal feelings, the various modes for dealing with grief, gender fluidity, and how to appropriately support students in their search for who they truly are. A great coming-of-age story for 5th-8th graders." — School Library Connection, Highly Recommended, starred reviewAn emotional and uplifting debut about a girl named Jack and her gender creative little brother, Birdie, searching for the place where they can be their true and best selves.After their mama dies, Jack and Birdie find themselves without a place to call home. And when Mama’s two brothers each try to provide one–first sweet Uncle Carl, then gruff Uncle Patrick–the results are funny, tender, and tragic.They’re also somehow . . . spectacular.With voices and characters that soar off the page, J. M. M. Nuanez’s debut novel depicts an unlikely family caught in a situation none of them would have chosen, and the beautiful ways in which they finally come to understand one another. More praise for BIRDIE AND ME:“A luminous debut.”–Ashley Herring Blake, author of Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World, Stonewall Honor book"Here is a book you will want to hug before you put it down. You will want to share it with all your friends. You will especially want to give it to anyone who has ever felt like an island. Then you will open the cover and read it again. I promise.” — Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor Award winner and National Book Award finalist“Nuanez’s outstanding debut shines with exceptionally well-drawn characters, all hobbled by one unspeakable loss, and all taking seemingly disparate measures to mend their tattered hearts. BIRDIE AND ME is an absorbing, hope-giving story about family love and acceptance.” — Leslie Connor, author of National Book Award Finalist, The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle"A beautiful, sensitive story about a sister and brother finding their way through tragedy and grief. Readers will love this eminently satisfying tale; its courageous characters will stay with them long after they turn the last page." — Patricia Reilly Giff, Newbery Honor author of Lily’s Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods"...an endearing story of family in the wake of tragedy, anchored by the wonderfully loving and supportive relationship between Jack and Birdie.”— Booklist"Fans of Jerry Spinelli will flock to Jack and the peculiar residents of her new town and may learn something about acceptance while they’re there." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books"Sure-handed storytelling and choice details revealed through Jack’s observation notebook mark a strong middle grade debut.” — Publishers WeeklyTo purchase copies of BIRDIE AND ME, please click here.