Establishing Devotional Routines with Kids

Are you looking for some new routines to study God's Word in the new year? Maybe you are hoping to establish the same routines for your children and preteens.

A new year is a great time to start a new devotion book.

Here is a portion of my post on the Christian Children's Authors blog from last January on that very topic.

Kids of this age might not say that they thrive on routine, but they do. And tweens who have a routine devotional time are much more likely to chillax as they learn the promises of the Bible.

For example, the child who understands that there is a set time to complete school work, expects it to be so. He or she might not verbally welcome doing school work, but knowing that there is a designated time to get it done is calming in a way.

What about learning God's Word? Again, if there is a routine, the tween will automatically expect it. Having a ready mind set goes a long way on the path to achievement.

Here are four considerations that parents can use to create and maintain a devotional routine to help tweens  chillax in God's Word.

• Time - Let's face it. We are all creatures of habit. If an activity has a regular time in our lives, it is likely to get done. Otherwise, well meant intentions can go by the wayside. Help tweens establish a regular time for their devotions.
• Place - When a devotional time happens in a regular place, there can be fewer distractions. For example, perhaps the tween devotion takes place every evening in a quiet place in his room (perhaps with an adult). It is much more likely to be productive than if it is in the family room in the midst of video games and conversation.
• Material - It is important to have a devotion book to use with the tween's Bible. Choose a Bible translation that fits the tween's reading ability and a devotional book that engages him. There are devotions of many different formats available.
• Participants - A time of devotions can be alone or with a family member. With a child who is old enough to read independently, it is a great idea to incorporate some individual time and an additional time of reading, discussion, and praying with an adult family member.

I hope you will join us on the Christian Children's Authors blog for more posts about all things reading with Christian kids.

Three Kinds of Gift Books for Children

Do you have a few things left to get for Christmas? Me, too!

I've been looking over my family's wish lists. And something stood out about books. It won't be a surprise to you.

Kids enjoy different book formats.

Here are three formats that are great considerations as you finish up your Christmas shopping.

1. Traditional, Print Books - Traditional books can be wrapped and tucked inside a stocking or placed under the tree. They can be held and enjoyed again and again as the child or teen turns the pages and takes in the illustrations. Traditional, print books can be shared between parent (or grandparent) and the young reader. These books can be stowed away for future generations to enjoy. We can probably all agree on the benefits of books that we can hold and share with others... But some young readers are changing... And screens are more and more important in their young lives.
2. Ebooks - One reader on my Christmas list ONLY reads ebooks. Ebooks offer the convenience of being transported easily from place to place. One device can hold an entire library and can be tucked inside the child's book bag, ready to board the plane to Grandma's or keep one entertained in the back seat of a car.
3. Audio Books - Audio books offer their own set of perks. They are convenient and can be enjoyed individually or shared with a group. I posted about the draw of audio books for some kids who struggle with reading, but readers of all abilities enjoy listening to books.

What about the kids and teens on your Christmas list? What kinds of books will keep them "turning the pages"?

Carol

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A Note from Carol:

I have the amazing opportunity to write books for children and preteens. My preteen devotionals are for kids ages 8 - 12, written in the popular doodle format. Kids read a short devotion and then write or doodle (draw) how the Bible text applies to their own lives. The books make great stocking stuffers and gifts for Sunday School groups. You can check them out by clicking on one of the pictures at the right. 

Choosing Books for the Trip to Grandma's House

Screens for kids. I am a fan.

And not so much.

Certainly today's kids are part of a technological generation. Most adults joke that if they are stuck with a computer or phone question, they should ask a child to help.

In the next few weeks, lots of families will pack their bags to visit grandparents and other relatives. Here's to hoping that books, not screens, will be the biggest consideration for what goes into children's travel bags.

Books about Travel

Kids love to travel - for the most part, anyway. Traveling is an adventure that includes new places, new people, and new experiences. Is it the child's first time on a plane, include a book about air travel. Does Grandma live in a different geographic region? Include books about that area. They will teach new information and will serve as a natural answer to the never ending question Are we there yet?

Books about Christmas

Everyone is excited about the approaching celebration of Jesus' birth and the many Christmas traditions. Why not include a book or two about the holiday? Reading about the Christmas story is a wonderful way to teach about the blessed event and to help kids corral their excitement as they focus on the pictures and text.

Books about Special Interests

Christmas vacation is a time away from traditional learning, but kids never stop wanting to learn about things that interest them. Include a new book about a high-interest topic. Here are some things to consider when choosing high-interest books.

Books to Share with Grandma

Grandparents never tire of sharing books with their grands. Perhaps they are books that Grandma will read aloud to little ones. Perhaps they are books that beginning readers will proudly read to her. Maybe the books will be books that preteens can read and discuss with Grandma. 

At the beginning of a new year, many people start a new devotional. Choosing one that a grandparent can begin with a young child or preteen is a wonderful way for grandparents to share their faith with another generation. I am privileged to be the author of two devotionals for preteens. Dare U 2 Open This Book is for boys ages 8 - 12. Just Sayin' is for girls ages 8 -12. You can read more about them by clicking on the pictures to the right.

What kind of books will your kiddos pack this year?

Carol

       

The Devotion Book Table

I met her at a book industry event. She was a children's ministry director for her church. I must admit she had a new-to-me idea that I truly loved.

Each year as we approach Christmas, she sets up a devotion book table for parents and kids.

Her goal is to get as many devotions for children and tweens in one spot for families to compare. Her hope is to get a good devotional fit into each child's hands as the New Year arrives. When families can preview and compare a wide variety of books, they are more likely to find one that their son or daughter will connect with and stick with for Bible study.

How can children's ministry leaders get sample copies of new, popular tween devotions? Many authors offer giveaways through sites such as Goodreads. Sometimes publishers have review copies available for the asking (if the reader is willing to post a review). 

For today only, I am offering a review copy of each tween devotional below to the first 25 children's ministry leaders who respond.

What: 

A review copy of Just Sayin' and Dare U 2 Open This Book

Who: 
Children's ministry leaders

How: 
Send the following to me at carolmcadamsmoore@gmail.com

• Your name
• Church name
• Church email address (for my monthly newsletter)
• Church snail mail address

What devotional is on your child's reading list for 2016?

Let's Hear It for Book Fairs

As you might imagine, I love books. I am drawn to places that have lots of books -- like libraries, bookstores, book sales, and book fairs.

Last week, I saw this.

Yay! Let's hear it for school book fairs! Book fairs have a special place in my heart. A school book fair is where I first got the idea for my tween devos from Zonderkidz. What better place is there to see what intrigues young readers?

This week marks the first birthday of Dare U 2 Open This Book and Just Sayin'.

   

Yes! We are planning a party, and you are invited. Keep an eye on my blog and on other social media for all the details. We are friends -- right? If not, let's connect. I don't want you to be left out of the festivities. It's not often we get to celebrate the birthday of twins.

It's Gonna Be a Great Summer

You have encouraged me throughout my journey to publication. I continue to stand in awe of our great God who would allow me to have such an opportunity for service and outreach.

He has given me yet another opportunity, and I need your help.

Today I am posting about a children's literacy-mission event at the Orlando Children's Church in a few weeks that is very dear to my heart, an outreach to 550 children from at-risk backgrounds in the inner city of Christian Authors Network and the CBA. I am extremely privileged to be the co-chair for the children's activities that will span two days.
Orlando, Florida. It is co-sponsored by the Christian Booksellers Association and the Christian Authors Network.

It is our prayer and our goal to give each child a bag with one or more Christian books.

Will you help me?

Reading, Drawing, and Summer Reading Programs

Happy Saturday! On Saturdays, I post on the Christian Children's Authors blog. Here is a bit of today's post.

As I write this, I have the windows open in my office. It isn’t summer yet, but summer is surely just around
the corner. If you are a parent, a grandparent, or the caregiver of a child, I am sure that you have been busy planning for summer activities.





Summer Reading Clubs were a huge part of my summer activities as a child. I remember getting a little booklet at the library. The purpose of the booklet was to have a place to record a few things about each
book I read: title, author, summary, and what I liked about the book. I also got a construction paper shape that would move one more space around the room with each book I read.

Read the whole post 


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Notes from Carol

I am blessed to have two new releases. They are tween devos from Zonderkidz. What people are saying about the devotionals --

• The super fun feature about this devotional is it is interactive. Each devotional encourages drawing or something else artistic right in the book.  Amazon Customer
• Got two grandsons who are creative and zany. Carol McAdams Moore has given me a tool to give to these young men that will incorporate their love of the wacky to the Creator of their minds.  Cleo Lampos

For boys -                                          For girls -

                          


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copyright (c) 2015 Carol McAdams Moore

Three Reasons to Give Children Books for Valentine's Day

Today I am posting on the Christian Children's Authors blog.
 
Happy Valentine's Day! Today, many children will be showered with cards and candy. Both are sweet expressions of love, but books also offer a great Valentine's Day gift option. Here are three reasons to consider books for a child or tween's Valentine's Day treat.

Read the complete article



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Notes from Carol

I am blessed to have two new releases. They are tween devos from Zonderkidz. What people are saying about the devotionals --

• The super fun feature about this devotional is it is interactive. Each devotional encourages drawing or something else artistic right in the book.  Amazon Customer
• Got two grandsons who are creative and zany. Carol McAdams Moore has given me a tool to give to these young men that will incorporate their love of the wacky to the Creator of their minds.  Cleo Lampos

For boys -                                          For girls -

                          


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copyright (c) 2015 Carol McAdams Moore

Marketing: Seven Benefits of Bookmarks

Today, I am blogging on the Christian Authors Network Blog about the benefits to authors and retailers of using bookmarks.

A bookmark is an effective marketing tool that can be used by authors and retailers alike. When my tween devos came out, the creative people at Zondervan put together some amazing bookmarks. With each of my marketing efforts, I am increasingly more thankful for those bookmarks. Here is a list of seven benefits of bookmarks.
Read the full post



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Notes from Carol

I am blessed to have two new releases. They are tween devos from Zonderkidz. What people are saying about the devotionals --

• The super fun feature about this devotional is it is interactive. Each devotional encourages drawing or something else artistic right in the book.  Amazon Customer
• Got two grandsons who are creative and zany. Carol McAdams Moore has given me a tool to give to these young men that will incorporate their love of the wacky to the Creator of their minds.  Cleo Lampos

For boys -                                          For girls -

                          


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copyright (c) 2015 Carol McAdams Moore

Christmas Memories and Hope

This morning I am blogging on the Christian Children's Authors website.

 

Have you decorated your Christmas tree yet? As I type, ours is a work in progress.Each ornament that we unwrap holds special memories. Some are angels made of paper doilies and glitter, the work of tiny hands in Sunday School in years past. Read More





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Notes from Carol

I am blessed to have two new releases. They are tween devos from Zonderkidz. What are people saying about the devotionals?

• The best tween (or teen!) devotional we've ever seen is by Carol McAdams Moore. Lots of pizzazz! - Meghan Carver
• Got two grandsons who are creative and zany. Carol McAdams Moore has given me a tool to give to these young men that will incorporate their love of the wacky to the Creator of their minds.  Cleo Lampos

For boys -                                          For girls -

                          


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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Sharing Your Book's Testimony

Today I am blogging on the Christian Authors Network.



I want to share one of the major benefits of a book signing — the opportunity to interact with readers. For Christian authors, among other things this is a chance to share the testimony of your book.  Read more






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Notes from Carol

I am blessed to have two new releases. They are tween devos from Zonderkidz. What are people saying about the devotionals?

• The best tween (or teen!) devotional we've ever seen is by Carol McAdams Moore. Lots of pizzazz! - Meghan Carver
• Got two grandsons who are creative and zany. Carol McAdams Moore has given me a tool to give to these young men that will incorporate their love of the wacky to the Creator of their minds.  Cleo Lampos

For boys -                                          For girls -

                          


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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

An Unexpected Blessing

Our Thanksgiving preparation began like every year. There was a rush of company cleaning and a trip to buy groceries. The menu was planned. The beds were made. And then it started.

At first, it was just a few flurries. Soon, those tiny specks changed to large flakes, and the ground was covered in white. It was snowing!

Other than being pretty, one might wonder how snow could bless a Thanksgiving gathering. It blessed our family in three ways.

The snow added a holiday mood.

Who can resist the holiday spirit that comes with a snowfall? It prompts finding Christmas music on the radio and singing along. At least one of our guests serenaded her cat with Christmas songs as they traveled home.

 

A kind of hush seemed to separate our home from the rest of the world.

I love the quiet that comes with snow. It is a kind of blanket that calls us to stay inside with our family, safe and warm. What a delightful blessing on Thanksgiving! Of course, the entire day was not spend inside, and part of what happened next reminded me of years past.

 

Some of our guests seldom see snow. 

I remember being 10 years old and praying for snow for Christmas. Living in our part of the Midwest, we seldom had a white Christmas, but nonetheless I prayed for it.

I was tickled that it snowed on Thanksgiving eve this year. Several of our young visitors reported that they don't get snow in their area. Instead, ice was much more likely to be the winter weather.

Snow lends itself to snowball fights. And, yes, that did happen this holiday.

So a beautiful snowfall was an unexpected blessing on Thanksgiving here. Did your family receive an unexpected blessing at Thanksgiving?



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Notes from Carol

I am blessed to have two new releases. They are tween devos from Zonderkidz. What people are saying about the devotionals --

• The super fun feature about this devotional is it is interactive. Each devotional encourages drawing or something else artistic right in the book.  Amazon Customer
• Got two grandsons who are creative and zany. Carol McAdams Moore has given me a tool to give to these young men that will incorporate their love of the wacky to the Creator of their minds.  Cleo Lampos

For boys -                                          For girls -

                          


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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Book Festival Fun

Do you enjoy going to outdoor festivals? I love them! Outdoor festivals are an opportunity for those who are enthusiasts about something to gather with those of like minds and hearts, as well as with those who are curious. For me, they rank right up there with parades, evening walks, and trips to the zoo.

This weekend was the first Lit in the Lou Festival in University City, Missouri. Authors, librarians, editors, booksellers, and readers gathered on Saturday for a day of book fun.





I enjoyed interacting with each group! I remember thinking, "I love it here. I don't want to leave." And so I did not, not until the last tents were breaking down and the bookstore owners were packing their boxes. It was a day of fun, of celebration, and of encouragement to keep doing what I love so much - writing.
                                                                                                                

What is your passion?

Author photo by David Lucas

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Notes from Carol

 

I am blessed to have two new releases. They are tween devos from Zonderkidz. What people are saying about the devotionals --

• The super fun feature about this devotional is it is interactive. Each devotional encourages drawing or something else artistic right in the book.  Amazon Customer
• I highly recommend this book for all parents, grandparents to purchase for any boys in their family. You definitely will not be disappointed!!  Amazon Customer

   


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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

A Thank-full Heart

Today I am blogging on the Christian Children's Authors blog. I hope you  will join me there.

It is fall in the Midwest. This week, I stopped at a roadside shop of sorts, a pickup truck filled with pumpkins large and small. When I was driving home with the small ones chosen to decorate my porch, I couldn’t help but think how blessed I am with family, friends, and God’s provisions. Read more




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Notes from Carol

 

I am blessed to have two new releases. The are tween devos from Zonderkidz. What people are saying about the devotionals --

• The super fun feature about this devotional is it is interactive. Each devotional encourages drawing or something else artistic right in the book.  Amazon Customer
• I highly recommend this book for all parents, grandparents to purchase for any boys in their family. You definitely will not be disappointed!!  Amazon Customer

   


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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Celebrating the Doodle Contest Winners

Congratulations to the Doodle Contest Winners!

A big thank you to everyone who entered the contest! They were ALL great drawings and showed hearts and talents being used for Jesus.

  ***Here are the winning doodles for the Doodle Contest*** 

 

Sydney from South Carolina sent this doodle.

Nate from South Carolina sent this doodle.

Sydney and Nate will each receive a signed copy of the devotional with their drawing and some goodies to share with friends.

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Notes from Carol

 

  What people are saying about the devotionals --

• I know so many tweens that will love it, too–we just need to get it in their hands. They are learning about the Lord in a non-threatening and casual way, which is awesome and what this age group needs. - See more at: http://margodill.com/blog/2014/09/25/cool-and-hip-devotionals-for-kids-by-carol-mcadams-moore/#sthash.utX3wvxY.GRa3Md2u.dpuf
  I know so many tweens that will love it, too--we just need to get it in their hands. They are learning about the Lord in a non-threatening and casual way, which is awesome and what this age group needs. More  Margo Dill, Author
• I know so many tweens that will love it, too–we just need to get it in their hands. They are learning about the Lord in a non-threatening and casual way, which is awesome and what this age group needs. - See more at: http://margodill.com/blog/2014/09/25/cool-and-hip-devotionals-for-kids-by-carol-mcadams-moore/#sthash.utX3wvxY.GRa3Md2u.dpuf
  I know so many tweens that will love it, too–we just need to get it in their hands. They are learning about the Lord in a non-threatening and casual way, which is awesome and what this age group needs. - See more at: http://margodill.com/blog/2014/09/25/cool-and-hip-devotionals-for-kids-by-carol-mcadams-moore/#sthash.utX3wvxY.GRa3Md2u.dpuf
  She definitely knows how to speak into the hearts of this age and my daughter says this is the coolest book she's had about God! More  Melissa, Parent and Homeschooler
• II wanted to let you know how much my students enjoyed your bookmarks and devotion pages. We have been studying "ways to become wise" in Bible class and were discussing reading our Bibles a few days before the items arrived. They made a great added bonus to my lesson plans. Thank you so much!!!!

• I wanted to let you know how much my students enjoyed your bookmarks and devotion pages. We have been studying "ways to become wise" in Bible class and were discussing reading our Bibles a few days before the items arrived. They made a great added bonus to my lesson plans. Thank you so much!!!!  Andrea Chevalier, Educator

 

   


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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Book Giveaway

September is here! Dare U 2 Open This Book and Just Sayin' will release on September 16th! I am very thankful for your prayers and encouragement. To celebrate and to try to reach as many kids as possible, I am hosting a 30-day giveaway.

Dare U 2 Open This Book

                                                                        Just Sayin'

Are you a children's ministry worker? Today I am giving away one of my books - your choice - to the first person who comments on this post. If I have already sent you something in the giveaway, let's let someone else take this one.


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Notes from Carol

Do you like to celebrate your birthday? Ever celebrate for your entire birthday month? Yeah. Me too.
This is the birthday month for my tween devos. They will officially be released on September 16th, but they are available for pre-order on Amazon now.
 
I thank God for this opportunity to share His Word with readers who are 9 -12 years old. Will you help me get the word out to them? I believe that God blesses us so that we can bless others. This month, I will have one giveaway a day. I do hop around a bit, so the giveaway might be here, on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/cmcadamsmoore), on my author page (https://www.facebook.com/Carol.McAdams.Moore), or on Twitter (@CMcAdamsMoore). Just sayin'.


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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

A Children's Writing Contest

Sometimes, kids cringe when they are asked to write something. A creative writing contest can be fun and put those apprehensions at bay.

I am a member of the St. Louis Writers Guild. Each year, the Guild sponsors a writing contest for kids and teens. This year's Young Writers Awards Contest is happening N-O-W. The Guild has a super writing prompt for the contest. AND there are cash prizes!

Feel free to print the entry form for the young writers in your life. Make sure to print both sides!

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Notes from Carol

Do you like to celebrate your birthday? Ever celebrate for your entire birthday month? Yeah. Me too.
This is the birthday month for my tween devos. They will officially be released on September 16th, but they are available for pre-order on Amazon now.
 
I thank God for this opportunity to share His Word with readers who are 9 -12 years old. Will you help me get the word out to them? I believe that God blesses us so that we can bless others. This month, I will have one giveaway a day. I do hop around a bit, so the giveaway might be here, on my author page, on Twitter (@CMcAdamsMoore), or on my blog (carolmcadamsmoore.blogspot.com). Just sayin'

Dare U 2 Open This Book

Just Sayin' 

Today's giveaway (a set of bookmarks) is going out to Rhonda Tohline Friday!




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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Writer/Blogger World Tour: This Is How I Do It

Many thanks to Cindy Ervin Huff for inviting me to participate in this blog tour!

Cindy Huff has been freelancing for over thirty years for children and adults in both the Christian and general markets. She has 100+ writing  credits in both fiction and non-fiction.  Her unpublished Historical Fiction Secrets and Charades received the Editor's Choice Award at the 2014 Write-to-Publish Conference. It is now in the hands of awesome editors. She is the President of the Aurora, Illinois chapter of Word Weavers and a member of the Christian Writer's Guild.  Cindy loves making new friends and helping other writers. Visit her on any of the links below.



Connect with Cindy!

Writer's Patchwork Blog: www.jubileewriter.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cindyehuff
Twitter:@CindyErvinHuff

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Each member of this blog tour will answer the following four questions. Today is my turn to share with you!

What am I working on?

 

I am working on three things. The first is marketing my tween devos which will release October 7, 2014. I am super excited about this opportunity from Zonderkidz. Stay tuned to this blog and my Facebook page as we get closer to the release date!

My second focus is a young adult novel. Starting it was the response to a challenge from several people who care and are invested in my writing career. (You know who you are.) Once I sat down and started writing, I found myself hooked on the characters and the story line. I can't elaborate much more than that right now.

Third, I am working on a chapter book (think early elementary readers). It combines the heartfelt, yet humorous, real-life struggles of a boy, his dog, and his best friend. I so wish I could tell you more! Let's hope that this is on the bookstore shelves soon. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Three very different focuses - right? That's okay. I like it that way!

How does my work differ from other genres?

 

I think that my devotion writing for tweens differs from others in the same genre in its format. I love to see what kids are reading. Then, I try to find commonalities between those books. My tween devos are similar in format to other popular tween books that incorporate a variety of ways to engage readers.




Here is how the publisher describes the one for boys: 

Dare U 2 Open this Book is not your typical 90-day devotional for guys. It’s an all-out open space for you to explore and learn more about yourself and your faith with prompts to get your mind thinking and your creative ideas flowing, turn your thoughts and emotions into dynamic doodles, fill in the prayer blanks, solve puzzles, and more.

Dare U 2 Open this Book challenges guys to follow Jesus. Best. Idea. Ever.

 

 

Why do I write what I do?

 

That might best be answered with why I write.

I love writing for beginning readers because they are so excited about learning to read for themselves. I blogged about it here.

Writing for middle grade is just as dear to my heart. Tweens are at a challenging age. In more and more situations, they must choose to follow what they have been taught or what the world is offering. Read more about why I write for middle grade here.


 

How does your writing process work?

On a writing day, I like to follow a certain order of work. I wouldn't call it a schedule because it might begin at a different time each day and the components might last varying times. Nonetheless, the order of the day is what helps me stay on track and accomplish as much as I can.

I begin with my own quiet time (reading the Bible and praying). This is also a part of my writing time for two reasons. I believe that God has a plan for my day (and yours). Focusing on His Word and praying helps me get in tune with his idea of what my day should look like. Because I write devotions for kids, lots of ideas for those come up during this time as well. Okay. Confession time. You know the spiral notebooks that they sell very inexpensively at back-to-school time? I use one of those for notes and devotion ideas from every one or two books of the Bible. Yep.

Next I try to focus on actual writing. It might be working on a proposal or writing something like a manuscript, article, or a blog post. This comprises the bulk of my writing time.

At the end of the day, my mind is tired (so is the rest of me). I use this time to research churches and Christian schools that might be interested when I have an author event their a specific area.


I hope that those answers explain a little more about my writing. Thanks again, to Cindy for including me in this blog tour. Next Monday, I am excited to hear from Karen Whiting and Cleo Lampos.

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Karen Whiting is an international speaker and award-winning author of seventeen books. She’s the former television host of Puppets On Parade. Her newest books are Nature Girl: a guide to caring for God’s creation and The One Year My Princess Devotions. Her upcoming releases are The One Year Devotions for Active Boys and Hope From His Heart (a devotional for women).

Karen loves to let creativity splash across the pages of her writing as she encourages families to thrive, treasure one another, and connect to God.

Connect with Karen!

Blog www. http://karenwhiting.blogspot.com/

Facebook www.facebook.com/KarenHWhiting

Website www.karenwhiting.com

Twitter  www.twitter.com/KarenHWhiting

Pinterest www.twitter.com/KarenHWhiting

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Cleo Lampos is a retired teacher who has developed her writing and speaking skills into a ministry. With 26 years of special education under her belt, she enjoys preparing for lecture series based on the lives of teachers. She brings one granddaughter to Open Mic at the local library where they participate in the fun. The Teachers of Diamond Projects School is a series of novels about urban teachers that she has written. Teaching Diamonds in the Tough is her narrative nonfiction based on her years of journaling. One historic fiction, A Mother's Song, is a tribute to the mothers of the orphan trains. All her books are published by Oak Tara.

Connect with Cleo!

Visit her blog: http://www.cleolampos.com 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CleoLampos