2020 has been an interesting year to release a new book, that’s for sure. Sometimes it feels a bit like tossing hardcovers into a black hole, but that’s just because we can’t see each other the way we normally would. No conferences, no festivals, no in-person author visits. It’s hard to connect.

Readers are still out there loving books, though. I see it on my social media feeds and hear it from friends. I’m so grateful to everyone who is out there reading, despite how tough it can be right now to focus. Books need readers.

In middle grade, this means we rely a LOT on educators and librarians to share new books with young readers. It’s such a tough year for that. Educators are under tremendous pressure, and it’s not easy to make time for author visits or book talks. I hope that the incredible new educator guide that Debbie Gonzales created for Every Missing Piece makes it a bit easier to incorporate this book into your teaching.

Deb created the educator guide for Counting Thyme, too, and she has a real knack for identifying the heart of stories. Her questions make me think and her prompts fill me with opinions. I think that’s the sign of a quality educator guide. Be sure to check out Deb’s website and pinterest, where she has great common-core aligned guides for tons of books!

You can download the educator guide for Every Missing Piece free from my website, and feel free to share it. Happy reading and best wishes to you all. I believe there are better times ahead.