For Acquiring Editors
This page describes my manuscripts for acquisition. You'll find compelling manuscripts in several genres. Please contact me if you're interested in reading one or more and I'll forward your request to my agent.
Manuscripts Available for Acquisition
Company Drops In
Description:
Angelo is thrilled to be at his Nonna's house for lunch, the smells coming from the stove are just delightful. But when a racoon drops into the fireplace, hilarious havoc ensues--and Angelo may never get to eat! Children will be delighted with this lively text full of interactive sounds and action.
If you're looking for rollicking picture book manuscripts for your publishing house, this is perfect for you!
The inspiration:
This story struck me when my kids were little, and raccoons would come up to our storm door and look in. The kids and I loved watching the raccoons, but my husband was terrified. I asked him what his problem was--after all, the animals couldn't get inside, and he told me about a racoon that had fallen through the chimney of his friend's house while he was there. The friend's grandmother chased the raccoon around the living room with a broom, yelling in Italian, and the poor creature destroyed the place trying to get out. So I swapped out the terror for humor, replaced the broom with a giant salami, stirred in a healthy serving of onomatopoeia and gave Angelo the simple solution which Nonna just didn't want to hear.
Spymaster!
Description:
SPYMASTER is a middle grade historical graphic novel which tells the true story of Benjamin Tallmadge, one of the Revolutionary War’s most pivotal Spymasters. Benjamin headed George Washington's Culper Spy Ring, which Washington relied on.
Haunted by the deaths of both his brother and his friend Nathan Hale, Benjamin is spurred by a thirst for revenge. He learns too late that what you wish for may become the most horrific thing of all.
SPYMASTER is the untold story of vengeance, morality and the uncovering of Benedict Arnold's treason. Readers will be riveted by the intricate spy tactics and moved by the moral conflicts that Benjamin tackles throughout his life. The book follows him from his childhood as the son of a pacifist preacher through his time as one of the key players in the Revolutionary War.
If you're seeking gripping middle grade social studies tie ins for your publishing house, this is for you!
The inspiration:
By the Sword, my first published book, is about Benjamin Tallmadge's experiences at the Battle of Long Island. I was so moved by this young man's emotions and virtue that I had to write his story. Years passed, and I wrote Revolutionary Rogues, about traitorous Benedict Arnold. But I had to leave out Benjamin Tallmadge's crucial involvement in that story--and all his stirring emotions . I realized that Benjamin's life experiences and lessons were extraordinary and had to be shared. I had been writing scripts, and I decided to try my hand at a graphic novel with the screenwriting program. It didn't take long to realize that this was the perfect way to portray the action and poignancy inside this gripping true story.
Good Trouble: Young John Lewis Stands Up For His Civil Rights
Description:
A few picture books have been written about the late Representative Lewis, but this 1,200 word nonfiction text focuses on his childhood and entry point into civil rights, a natural and smart choice for telling the story of a figure with such a distinguished and acclaimed life. With lyrical yet clear text and informative back matter, this project will be a great entry point for young readers into both the life of Rep, Lewis as well as a roadmap for how to stand up for their own rights and create Good Trouble.
It will sit on a bookshelf next to great books like LET THE CHILDREN MARCH (Clarion 2018) and MALCOLM LITTLE (Atheneum 2013), as well as the perfect companion book PREACHING TO THE CHICKENS (2016).
My manuscript is unique in that it specifically shares how John's life-long passion for getting into good trouble was sparked, culminating with the first time he got into good trouble.
If you're looking for poignant and rhythmic picture book biographies for your publishing house, this is for you!
The inspiration:
I delved into the amazing life of John Lewis while doing research for several books I wrote about the Civil Rights Movement for Scholastic. I knew he advised young people to get into "good trouble", and when I read the origin story of that phrase and how it defined his life, I knew I had to write this manuscript.
“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America.”
-John Lewis, 2020
Evolution
Description:
Evolution is a novel about truth and consequence. Seventeen-year-old Darwin was abused by his alcoholic mother growing up. He received no love or affection, and he treats women as he had been treated —with hate and violence. When he meets Karyn, the sixteen-year-old half sister he never knew he had, he discovers he’s capable of caring. But he’s still filled with rage at the father who left him at his mother’s mercy. He wants love, but he craves revenge. Which emotion is stronger?
Evolution confronts the darkness lurking in everyone, and tears down the barriers dividing “us” and “them.” We are all of the same descent.
The Inspiration:
I wasn't looking to write this story, but Darwin spoke to me when I was turning the corner to my street. I had the stirrings of a story brewing, with the opening line "Duct tape is good." I knew the character was an antihero, and I was excited for it. But when I met Darwin, I realized that I cared about him, no matter what he'd done. This was the most upsetting and challenging thing to happen in my writing career. Writing this manuscript made me face the brutal truth about humanity--an inevitable tragedy.
I thought the character's name was Daryl, but he told me his name was Darwin. I responded, "Then I guess the name of this story is Evolution."
Of all my compelling manuscripts, I consider this my greatest work.
