Educators & Librarians

History Lessons

Posted by Sarah L. Thomson on Aug 13, 2014 in American History, Book: The Secret of the Rose, Children's Literature, Educators & Librarians, Nonfiction, Thomas Jefferson | Comments Off on History Lessons

Thomas Jefferson: President and Philosopher by Jon Meacham, adapted for young readers by Sarah L. Thomson

Exciting to receive in the mail recently an advance reader’s copy of Thomas Jefferson: President and Philosopher. I got to adapt this young reader’s version of Jon Meacham’s amazing bio of Thomas Jefferson, and it will be out in September.

Lovely to see all the art in place–portraits of all the major figures, political cartoons from the day, photos from Monticello. It’s going to be a gorgeous book as well as instructive.

Writing and adapting books is how I get my history, these days, and it’s as good a method as any, although a little haphazard at times. (I know a lot about the Elizabethan theater, for example, but only up till 1593, when my book The Secret of the Rose was set. At the moment I’m busy getting a grasp on feudal Japan.) One of the great results of adapting Meacham’s work is that I have a new understanding not just of Thomas Jefferson, but of the American Revolution as a whole, and the way our history fits into the struggle between France and England for dominance of the New World.

Around the Neighborhood in the Garden

Posted by Sarah L. Thomson on Jul 30, 2014 in Book: Around the Neighborhood, Educators & Librarians, Events, School Visits | Comments Off on Around the Neighborhood in the Garden

Author Sarah L. Thomson (that’s me!) reads her picture book Around the Neighborhood.

Such fun visiting the Friends School of Portland to share Around the Neighborhood for their Stories by the Garden program! If you’re in the Portland area with little ones, do check out this program. What’s nicer than a visit to sweet, scenic Mackworth Island, a story to hear, and maybe a picnic lunch to enjoy afterward on the trail that goes all around the island?

The kiddos were energetic and delightful. We read the book (in the gym rather than the garden, due to weather), sang the song, and then scattered outside for a scavenger hunt.

This is such a happy, adventurous book for a summery activity or story hour. Check out the fun and free Activity Kit if you’d like to recreate our scavenger hunt. We had a great time!

Hylary the Library Lady

Posted by sarahlthomson on Mar 26, 2012 in Book: Mercy: The Last NE Vampire, Educators & Librarians | Comments Off on Hylary the Library Lady

Hooray for Hylary the Library Lady, who gave Mercy a glowing review. May Mercy have many fans in California, far from her New England roots! (Useful discussion questions here for teachers and librarians–good stuff if you’re planning to use Mercy in the classroom or for a book club.)

Test Your Vampire IQ

Posted by sarahlthomson on Dec 2, 2011 in Book: Mercy: The Last NE Vampire, Educators & Librarians | Comments Off on Test Your Vampire IQ

Think you know your Angel from your Edward? Find out just how sharp your stake is here.

If you can identify the sources for all of these famous fictional vampires, I’ll send you a free Mercy tattoo. (Actually I’ll send you one if you just ask. To be honest.)