A Single Shard has been named to School Library Journal's Best Books of the Year list (one of 60 titles), and also to the New York Public Library's annual best list, "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing." Also, The Kite Fighters has been named one of 25 "Notable Books for a Global Society" by the Children's Literature Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association. Given the number of terrific books that come out every year, I'm truly thrilled and honored by such recognition.

The 2002 edition of the Children's Writers and Illustrators Market (Writer's Digest Books) is now available. In it you'll find an article I wrote about the importance of reading for those who want to write and get published, and an 'Insider Report' on me and my work. Plus LOTS of other helpful articles and those invaluable market listings.

The good people at Clarion Books have just sent me a proof of the jacket for my next book, due out in April--and I really like it a lot. When My Name Was Keoko is the story of a girl and her brother set in Korea during World War II, when the country was under Japanese occupation. Much of the story is based on my parents' experiences. April is still a ways off, but receiving the jacket proof makes it seem closer. A sneak peek:

WINNERS of the November drawing for a free copy of Seesaw Girl--FOUR winners this month, to help celebrate the holidays! Enter the new contest for December, and check out my guestbook's new feature: A question of the month for you to answer.

Q&A: a few tips for beginning writers wondering where to submit their work.

Recent reading: What I read in November.