Curious George, the Refugee
Those who fled war and political persecution have enriched our society in so many ways–including with words and images. Curious George is only one of the characters created by authors and illustrators from all over the world who made the United States a refuge and a home.
For more books created by refugees, click here.
Read MoreRead, My Child. Read.
Let’s be thankful for libraries, for heroes who marched, for books that share experiences and emotions and lives. John Lewis, thank you.
Read More
Visiting with Ben
Ben kindly greeted me at the visitor’s center.
On book tour in Philadelphia (yes, I still love saying that), I got the chance to visit the Franklin Museum on the site where Ben Franklin’s former home and print shop stood. Fantastic museum, so well done! Since he is a major player in The Eureka Key, I feel a bond with him. Once you write about a person, it does sort of turn them into your best friend.
Franklin used this contraption to store electricity. It’s kind of like a colonial-era battery. He was fascinated by electricity and tinkered with it constantly. The kite and the key are his most famous experiment, but not the only one.
The “ghost houses” outline the space where Franklin’s home and his son-in-law’s print shop once stood. Evocative and strangely beautiful
The glass harmonium itself–invented by Franklin, it plays a key part in a pivotal scene of the novel.
Isn’t it amazing what archaeology can, er, dig up?
A Stroll in Philadelphia
The Eureka Key
Amazing to be staying in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district. I took a little walk to stretch my legs after the plane ride, and wound up visiting Ben Franklin’s home, walking past the oldest post office in the U.S. (supervised by B. Franklin, postmaster), getting a glimpse of Mr. Franklin’s grave, and taking a quick peek at the liberty bell. My goodness! And all so relevant to The Eureka Key, in which my three young heroes have to track down the key that Franklin flew from his kite, or dire consequences will ensue.
Read MoreSarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Thomson focuses on newfound connection, magic, and suspense to conjure a fast-paced, heartwarming mystery. Thomson’s world is populated by resourceful protagonists, fanciful creatures, and quirky supporting characters.”
—Publishers Weekly