July News

Hello! I hope you’re having a sweet summer so far.

My first published story came out this month in the July/August issue of Ladybug. I wrote about Gavin Sets Sail in this post. I love the engaging, charming illustrations by Dian Wang!

I received the delightful book Sloth & Squirrel in a Pickle as my prize for participating in Susanna Leonard Hill’s Mix ‘n’ Match challenge this year.

Bella’s Recipe for Success was written by one of my kidlit friends and former critique partner, Ana Siguera and illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez. I love the theme, humor, and heart of this beautiful book.

Some books my little ones and I have loved this month:

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My family and I started the summer off with a big road trip to NY, PA, VA, and back to NC. Here are a few photos of some of the little things that delighted us on our big trip.

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Dancing at Natural Bridge, VA

Last year I participated in the #SunWriteFun writing contest and won a prize for my story, Seafood Shack. This year I decided to participate again. The theme is sports! For this contest, the story must be nonfiction or informational fiction. My story can be found on the #SunWriteFun website and below.

PICTURE PEP TALK

By Sarah Meade

WC: 199

Ding-dong!

Sabrina answered the front door. 

Her best friend Dana rushed in.

“I’m not going to practice today,” said Sabrina.

“Are you really going to quit the soccer team?” Dana asked. 

Sabrina thought of her epic wipe-out on the field yesterday. “Yeah.”

“I don’t think you should,” said Dana. “Everybody falls sometimes. Even Olympic athletes.”

Dana gave Sabrina a small photo album. 

Inside were pictures of . . . strangers.

“Who’s this?” Sabrina asked.

“That’s Sky Brown, the youngest professional skateboarder ever. Last year she fell. From fifteen feet! She got hurt, but she healed and got back on her board. She’s competing at the Olympics this week.”

“Wow,” Sabrina said. 

Dana pointed. “This is Megan Rapinoe, who recovered from a big knee injury before the last Olympics.”

Sabrina paged through the album.

“That’s the Paralympics Women’s Track and Field Team.”

Sabrina studied every page.

She smiled at Simone Biles on the balance beam and Serena Williams swinging a racket. 

The last photo showed Sabrina and Dana smiling in their soccer uniforms.

“Wow,” Sabrina said. “You made this just for me?”

“Yep,” said Dana. “We all need a pep talk sometimes.”

Sabrina hugged the album, then Dana. 

“I’ll go get my cleats!”

Thanks for reading!