Poetry Friday: Book Birthdays!
Margaret is hosting today over at Reflections on the Teche. Hop on over there for the roundup.
Book Birthdays!
Lots of books came out on Tuesday, March 4!
I’m excited that One Step Forward made its way into the world. I celebrated by signing pre-orders (thank you to those who ordered) at One More Page Books.
It was also cool to get the print version of School Library Journal. It’s the only review journal I get at school, so it was fun to see my book in there.
You can hear the audio book sample over on Youtube. Many thanks to Chanté McCormick for giving voice to Matilda.
edited by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, illustrated by Olivia Sua
Candlewick
This book also came out on Tuesday, and has big, beautiful illustrations and is full of great poems for kids from tons of poets you will recognize.
by Teresa Robeson, illustrated by William Low
Astra Young Readers
Teresa and I are in a critique group together, but I hadn’t seen this one until it came out. It’s a great additional to school libraries!
Haiku of the Week
dentist office
cotton candy sunrise
no sugar allowed
Photo Taken: outside my dentist’s office February 18, 2025
Haiku Written: February 25, 2025
RECREATE
The past few weeks my writing time has been invaded by business and marketing stuff. My Nevermores friend, Brooke, lives about two hours from me. She invited me for a Saturday of writing last week.
We sat at her dining room table and reviewed illustrations for books we both have coming out in 2026 (two different books, both nonfiction, both from Chronicle).
I also got some writing done. It was a great break to keep me away from worrying about business related to-do’s.
I also watched a really amazing webinar about the history of the musical “Suffs.” One of the speakers, Rachel Sussman, mentioned that she gave Jailed for Freedom to Shaina Taub more than a decade ago, which inspired the musical. It was a great reminder that creative things take time.
This also was a great reminder that I really love the topic of suffrage, and even though One Step Forward is out in the world, I’m not bored of it yet.
25 Comments
Denise Krebs
Marcie, congratulations! I’m sure you won’t tire of Matilda. I just ordered mine last nigt, so I’ll have to wait for your next batch of signings. Love the “cotton candy sunrise.”
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Hooray! Thanks for ordering!
Irene Latham
Marcie, how FUN to recieve SLJ and admire your own book’s review!! I’m excited for your and Matilda’s journey…so great to see this book out in the world. Thank you! Thanks also for sharing these other releases. I’ve got Teresa’s book on order! xo
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you! Yes, SLJ is the only review journal I purchase for my library (the rest I look at online). So excited to see it!
Tracey Kiff-Judson
Yay! It is finally here! Loved the Audiobook preview. You truly brought Matila to life. The voice you created feels flawless for the period. Chante McCormick’s reading is like listening to strawberry ice cream! Congratulations on successfully sharing this story with the world.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Tracey!
jama
Hooray and congrats again on your book’s release this week! How exciting to see that starred review in SLJ too.
Love your haiku (amazing photo!).
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Jama!!
Sarah Grace Tuttle
Congratulations on the book joy Marcie! I hope you have a fabulous time celebrating, and that your book finds and inspires many readers.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you so much!
Mary Lee
Congratulations!! And excited for your 2026 book, too!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Me too! Looking forward to sharing cover art (I hope soon)!
Rose Cappelli
Hooray for book birthdays! Can’t wait to hold your book in my hands! Happy that you and Brooke were able to spend time together.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
It was great to focus on writing with a friend! Wish you were there!
Linda Mitchell
I can’t wait to get my hands on, ‘One Step Forward!’ I’m so glad you’re not bored of the topic yet. I’ll bet you’ve got at least one more suffrage book in you. Yes? I’m wishing you more delicious writing time. This is such a busy time of year that I get cranky when I can’t write …or write as much as I want to.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
At least one more book (I hope). I feel like I’m not doing enough creative stuff at the moment. Soon!
Linda
Congratulations, Marcie! You’ve been waiting a long time for this. It makes me happy to see you holding your beautiful new book!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Linda!
Linda
Congratulations, Marcie! You’ve been waiting a long time for this. It made me happy to see you holding your beautiful new book!
Margaret Simon
Marcie, I have enjoyed watching you share Matilda’s story with snippets on Instagram. Congratulations! Your cotton candy sugarfree sunrise is inspiring. Keep up the good work.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you! I’m a bit of a research nerd, so it’s been fun!
Karen Edmisten
Happy book birthday, Marcie! My copy is making its way to me and I’m looking forward to it!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Yes! Thank you for ordering! I loved getting to sign it.
Janice scully
I understand how you can’t be bored with suffrage. Freedom or lack of it is always a fascinating topic. It gets to one’s heart. Great post. I definitely will read your book.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Janice–so true! “Freedom or lack of it” is fascinating and heartbreaking.