The Weekly 411 (1/9/26)
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| © Olga Smith |
Jan. 9, 2026 vol. 2
The Weekly 411 gathers all the links added to Kidlit411 each week. To receive this post by email, sign up for our email updates. Are you on Facebook? Join our Kidlit411 group for conversations and camaraderie. We can also be found on Bluesky. This week's illustration is by Olga Smith.
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the middle grade book, Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign, by Sara F. Schacter (Regal House/ Fitzroy Books), out now. Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
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| art by C.B. Royal |
About the Book: After years of moving, Georgia’s family is staying put. What’s the best part of her new forever home? Fellow science fan Izzy! Georgia feels lucky to be starting sixth grade with her first true friend. But when Georgia’s science project accidentally reveals a secret⎯one Izzy trusted her to keep⎯their friendship unravels. Even worse, Georgia’s archenemy swoops in to steal Izzy away, leaving Georgia cut off and lonely. How can Georgia fix her mess? She’s surprised to find the answer in a science fact: genetically, all human beings are more than 99 percent the same. Really? Georgia can’t believe she and the friend-stealer are even 1 percent the same! But as Georgia fights to win Izzy back, she discovers that enemies can struggle with loneliness too⎯and Georgia is stunned to discover why. It will take a 99 percent campaign to make things right.
About the Author: Sara’s debut middle grade novel, Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign, is everything Sara loves—a heartfelt friendship tale, a scientific exploration, and a call for compassion. Sara also writes picture books, as well as magazine articles and educational nonfiction for kids. A former classroom teacher, she currently tutors kindergarteners through high schoolers. Sara is a passionate volunteer and works to turn the tide on climate change and political polarization. Visit her at www.sarafshacter.com.
About the Book: The Need for Green tells the story of Jade, a young autistic girl who finds peace in nature and learns the beauty of connection when a curious neighbor reaches out with kindness.
About the Author: Nicole Krashin is an autistic children’s author and mother to an autistic daughter. She writes stories that celebrate difference, connection, and the beauty of being understood. She lives in Texas and shares her writing journey at writinginkrashin.com.
About the Illustrator: Aline Bruniere is a full time digital artist and children’s book illustrator based in Ireland. She has illustrated over 40 children’s books for authors around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe. Her work includes titles such as Each of Us, Hurry Up Halloween, and Seven Dragons Save the World. Aline’s illustration style is whimsical, vibrant, and rich in texture and light, bringing warmth and emotion to every story she illustrates. She specializes in picture books and is known for creating imaginative, heartfelt artwork that resonates with children and families.
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Attending is not a commitment to apply, but a great way to learn about the program and the application process! Register here.
The low-to-no-residency MFA in Writing at Lindenwood University features a number of areas of emphasis, including Writing for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers. Students in the YA track take courses on the fundamentals of writing for young readers, literature courses on contemporary and classic middle grade and YA literature, and a number of workshops in which they receive substantial peer and instructor feedback. The program culminates in a thesis project, which may be a draft of a novel or a collection of short fiction. Admissions to the program occur on a rolling basis, with five start dates throughout the year.
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Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign, by Sara F. Schacter looks like a great MG contemporary novel. The contest to win a copy calls her George!
ReplyDeleteThe Need for Green sounds like it would speak to my soul. My son and I were diagnosed with autism last year. I have two sons with speech delays and I personally was having way more problems than I probably should have had. Learned more about ASD. Bam. Late diagnosed at 34. My second son diagnosed this September. Nature has always been a source of comfort.
ReplyDeleteLove the two featured books and their focus on the need for friendship, kindness and GREEN!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for The Need for Green! I'm a huge believer in the importance of inclusivity in nature. We need more books in this area!
ReplyDelete"The Need for Green" is absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win these beautiful books, and thank you for all of the work you put into this jam-packed newsletter each week!
ReplyDeleteWonderful books!
ReplyDeleteI love reading friendship stories in middle grade books. The picture book sounds like one I will personally connect to.
ReplyDeleteGeorgia Watson reminds me of my own experience. Books were often my companion. Love to see books about building friends at all stages.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the sound of Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign. That’s exactly the kind of MG book I love best!
ReplyDeleteThese books both sound wonderful! Congratulations to their creators!
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