Gretchen Woelfle

MY TRIP TO AFRICA!
I went to West Africa last November-December to give author talks at international schools in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal. It was my first trip to Africa and I want to go back see more of it. My good friend, novelist Carolyn Marsden, and I traveled together and worked with students from many different countries. We also did some exploring which we were there and heard some great music!

MORE BOOKS ON THE WAY
My first (middle grade) novel will be published in 2011 by Holiday House. It's a partly true, partly imagined story of a young cutpurse who gets caught by Shakepeare and his players back in 1598 London. BTW, a cutpurse is like a pickpocket - except they didn't have pockets back then.

I've also got two picture book biographies coming out in 2012, about more feisty women from American history. More details later.

COOL BLOG
Take a look at the great blog: Interesting Nonfiction for Kids at http:/​/​www.inkrethink.blogspot.com.
I, along with other award-winning nonfiction writers, am writing about how we write, problems we've encountered, terrific books, and much more..... It's a wide-open forum that you can join.

BLOG PLUS
Our INK Blog has expanded into a database for librarians, teachers, and all those who are looking for the best in contemporary nonfiction for children. You can browse or order from http:/​/​www.inkthinktank.com But don't just take my word for it....

"How lucky we are to have this resource at our fingertips, a database of high-quality titles by some of the most talented authors and illustrators in the field of children's lit today! Teachers and librarians, do not miss this chance to bring such appealing titles to child readers."
Julie Danielson ("Jules"), Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

TERRIFIC BOOK REVIEW WEBSITE
Check out Colleen Mondor's review of Jeannette Rankin: Political Pioneer -- and other great books at http:/​/​www.bookslut.com/​bookslut_in_training/​2008_01_012153.php.