Gennifer Choldenko

Happy #BookLoversDay! ❤️

My mouth waters when I’m picking out my next read. Anybody else feel that way?

Here's to bookmakers and booktalkers everywhere.

Today is my Dad's birthday.

He was a Disney Legend honored for his work running Disney Music. Most days he read at least one book from start to finish.

He died when I was 18, so he never knew that I would make my living as an author. I can't tell you how many times I've imagined telling him.

It's time for another #WritingTip for collaborations! My fifth tip is: Take advantage of weaknesses. They are an opportunity to learn from your writing partner.

I know @kaaauthor.bsky.social and I have both learned a lot while writing the Dogtown books together. 💙

#mglit @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

✨Book giveaway!✨

Today is the 10-year anniversary of CHASING SECRETS, my #mglit novel about a deadly pandemic in San Francisco in 1900. 🐎🌉

To celebrate, I'm giving away 4 signed copies over on my Instagram page. See details here! buff.ly/jRbcFcI

@randomhousekids.bsky.social

My fourth #WritingTip for collaborations is: Take advantage of your team's strengths.

I look forward to sharing another writing tip with you next week!

#mglit @kaaauthor.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

I loved receiving this letter from a reader.

"I wanted to reach out to let you know how much your book Notes From a Liar and Her Dog meant to me as a young person. I probably read it over 15 years ago. It definitely shaped me as a person and I really identified with the main character Ant."

This year, THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN won the Judy Lopez Memorial Award.

It's an honor to be in the company of some of my all-time favorite books, including: El Deafo, Wonder, Pax, The Night Diary, Esperanza Rising . . . Complete list here: buff.ly/Ls1K6VM

Right. You have to figure out how to sync with someone whose work cycle is different.

My third #WritingTip for collaborations is: Be patient.

Working on the Dogtown series with my friend @kaaauthor.bsky.social has been one of my favorite writing experiences. I'll share another collaboration tip next week.

#mglit @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

What are you reading now? What do you recommend?

Just finished GATHER by Kenneth M. Cadow. Love, love, loved it.

I'm in the middle of an arc for A WORLD WITHOUT SUMMER by Nicholas Day. Like his previous book, MONA LISA VANISHES, this one is terrific. . . but in a terrifying kind of way.

I'm back with another #WritingTip for collaborations: Communicate about everything!

I created these tips from my experiences working on the Dogtown series with my dear friend @kaaauthor.bsky.social. I'll share another tip next week!

#mglit @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

Today's #WritingTip: Make a lot of mistakes!

As author Margaret Bechard once said, “Early drafts and wrong choices in a story are like the manure spread on the field so that the right choices can later flower.”

"My name is Hank Hooperman, but my little sister calls me Pooperman. We are Hooperman and Pooperman, according to Boo. I'd like it to be Hooperman and Superman, but try telling that to Boo."

(Fun fact: During the last draft change, I finally saw that "Hooperman" rhymes with "Pooperman.")

Writing the Dogtown series with a friend like @kaaauthor.bsky.social is as wonderful as it sounds. ❤️

We've put together 7 #WritingTips for working on a collaboration, and I'll share one every week!

Here's my first tip: Put the team first.

#mglit @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

I have a summer challenge for your young writers: One-minute writing lessons! ✍️

These videos are a quick, fun way to sharpen writing skills for ages 8-13.

What will your young authors create? Let me know! buff.ly/ga1hFpX

It's Lasagna Awareness Month. 🍅

I'm celebrating by sharing Bea Trixle's signature recipe, from my #TalesFromAlcatraz series!

It should feed 6-8 adults. Unless one of them is Moose — that kid has a hollow leg. 😂 buff.ly/SEqR5mm @penguinkids.bsky.social #mglit

3-Legged Dog Picnic

Did you know that there's an annual picnic in San Francisco called the "Tri-Pawed Picnic" that celebrates three-legged dogs?

I love this idea. It reminds me of DOGTOWN's narrator, Chance! 🐶📚 @kaaauthor.bsky.social

Do you have a three-legged dog?

So glad I won't be alive in 2083!

Last month, I was overjoyed to virtually join the Pasadena Public Library for a DOGTOWN Celebration!

Families received gift copies of the book, art students made a doghouse guessing game, and two bonded dogs were adopted from Pasadena Humane Society.

Thank you, Pasadena. It was a magical day.

July is Disability Pride Month!

My sister, Gina, had Autism and is one reason why I believe in the importance of portraying neuroatypical characters in my books.

Thank you to @mackidssl.bsky.social for this list of books to read and share! buff.ly/tuVCRS6

Camp Mackids Recommends Dog Days of Summer! A graphic of a camping set up with a tent and wood fire.

A book cover. The title is Wish by Barbara O'Connor. The cover is set against a background of various camping supplies.

A book cover. The title is Dogtwon by Katherine Applegate, Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by Wallace West. The cover is set against a background of various camping supplies.

A book cover. The title is How to Steal A Dog by Barbara O'Connor. The cover is set against a background of various camping supplies.

The school year is coming to a close, which means your summer of reading is here! ☀️ We're returning with Camp Mackids to provide you with reading recs all summer long 😍🏕️

To help prepare you for the dog days of summer, here's a fabulous list of middle grade featuring man's best friend - dogs! 🐶

Full disclosure: Without the help of coffee and chocolate, I would be unpublished.

When it comes to research, there is nothing like first-hand experience.

While researching ORPHAN ELEVEN, I attended the Circus Historical Society's annual conference in Baraboo, Wisconsin! 🎪 @randomhousekids.bsky.social

I take my book research very seriously, and one of the high points of my career was getting to research ORPHAN ELEVEN. 🎪🐘

I traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand to visit four of the most respected elephant sanctuaries. It was the best trip of my life. @randomhousekids.bsky.social

One of the most common questions readers ask me is how I came up with the idea for AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS.

👕🔑

I got the idea from an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about kids who lived on Alcatraz. I signed up to volunteer on Alcatraz Island the very next day!

"Mom went out last Wednesday. She said she'd be home early, but when I woke up the next morning, she wasn't there."

Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, and shared my #mglit book, THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN. 💙

"Happy #Juneteenth! 🌟

One great way to celebrate is to read, recommend, and support books centering Black characters and experiences.

Here is a list of recommended titles, a directory of Black-owned bookstores, and more from @libro.fm! buff.ly/QA7ZhxA%22

Just finished @kaaauthor.bsky.social's new book, POCKET BEAR. The cat Zephyrina is a hoot. POCKET BEAR is a perfect balance of funny and poignant. Her books are hopeful without ever sugarcoating. Launches Sept 9.

Happy Father's Day. 💙

I dedicated DAD AND THE DINOSAUR, a #picturebook written by me and wonderfully illustrated by @dansantat.bsky.social, to my father and all the loving dads out there. @penguinkids.bsky.social