Welcome Author Beth Anderson – Giveaway Alert

Posted byauthorlaurablogPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , ,

Today I am pleased to share my interview with Beth Anderson who has written several inspiring nonfiction picture books. She has a gift for finding a person in history most of us have never heard about and telling their story in a fascinating way. Her books, SMELLY KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES, How James Kelly’s Nose Saved the New York City’s Subway, illustrated by Jenn Harney and LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT! Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights, illustrated by E.B. Lewis are a few wonderful examples that I have on my bookshelf. Today we are here to celebrate CLOAKED IN COURAGE: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier, illustrated by Anne Lambelet. Beth and I were part of a shared story time in November and I was lucky enough to hear her read CLOAKED IN COURAGE: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier. It’s an amazing story, to say the least.

Beth is offering one lucky winner (US only) a copy of CLOAKED IN COURAGE: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier and if the winner is an educator, she will also share a virtual chat about the book.

What were you like at the age of your target audience?

Raised with a “can do” attitude, I learned to tackle projects, enjoy the outdoors, and be creative. I built forts and Barbie staircases in the bookshelf. I tinkered with wood scraps and tools. I read stories and wrote poems. I was blessed to have parents who taught me to explore. Here’s me (second from the right) at age 7 with my first dive into history on a family trip to Salem, Illinois, where Abraham Lincoln lived. You can see my love of history—and Lincoln—started early!

Beth’s love of history began early

What inspires you?

For me, inspiration occurs in many forms, places, and different times. Whether it’s nature or a person or an idea or an event, it always involves a WOW factor. As far as writing for children, credit goes to my students. Many of them had faced overwhelming challenges as immigrants and refugees. They constantly amazed me and widened my world. Their hunger to learn and discover possibilities influenced the type of stories I write—stories that I hope will widen the world for many. 

What’s something you hope readers take away from your books?

As I just mentioned, one of my goals is always to widen a young person’s world, and in doing so, open hearts. I want kids to see themselves, and others, as capable, as change makers, and as participants in history. We’re all living history every minute. When we look at the past and see how change happens, we can look to the future and see possibility.

What’s next for you?

I’m looking forward to seeing three books in the pipeline come to fruition. THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes, is due out Spring 2024. This is humor + history + science—my supreme delight!—in a story involving scientific inquiry. 

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: KATE WARNE AND THE RACE TO SAVE PRESIDENT LINCOLN is with illustrator Sally Wern Comport at the moment. It’s scheduled for Spring 2025.

There’s one more under contract as yet unannounced…

AND I’m excited about a current “revolutionary” work-in-progress. My lips are sealed. Stay tuned! 

To learn more about Beth and her books:

  • FB: Beth Anderson
  • TW: @BAndersonWriter
  • IG: @BAndersonWriter 

Published by authorlaurablog

I'm a reading specialist from Chicago, now living in the beauty of the Roosevelt National Forest in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. My first book "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" features a creative and curious girl who loves science, her little brother, and her very patient parents. I'm currently writing a MG novel and several picture books with STEM elements and dogs.

25 thoughts on “Welcome Author Beth Anderson – Giveaway Alert”

  2. I enjoy reading Beth’s books and this one sounds so good. I like the author’s quote, “When we look at the past and see how change happens, we can look to the future and see possibility.” This needs to be on a poster for classrooms and libraries. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this beautiful book by one of my favorite authors.

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  3. Congratulations to Beth on another great book. This one is exciting because it features strong women. Beth has been writing books about unsung hero’s and letting children and adults alike know about these courageous people.

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    1. Thanks for reading, Elisabeth. Yes, I was really impressed by this one and the fact it was a woman fighting in the Revolutionary War! I can’t imagine being so brave! Good luck in the giveaway.

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    1. Lynn, thanks for reading. Beth is an amazing biographer. She finds stories I didn’t know about and makes them fascinating! I especially like reading about women in history. Good luck in the giveaway.

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  8. Your books remind me when my daughter would search for her National History Day topic during her middle and high school days. She always looked for that historical gem to research. NHD gave her a love for history. Thanks for bringing history to life.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by the blog and sharing your daughter’s experience! It’s wonderful to hear how she looked for historical gems instead of the obvious ones sitting in plain sight. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  9. When you wrote,” I built forts and Barbie staircases in the bookshelf. I tinkered with wood scraps and tools”, knew I’d found a kindred spirit. I did all of those things as a child, too! I love that you wrote about a strong woman who didn’t let cultural expectations stop her and I would enjoy sharing your book, “Cloaked in Courage” with the children in my life. Thanks for your generous offer.

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