My Book List (In order of publication)
Roar Like A Girl, Little Pickle Press, 2016. We first met the highly-spirited, ever-optimistic, journal-writing, book-loving, candy-eating, community-rent-paying Willa Havisham in the best-selling novel, The Wedding Planner's Daughter, (Simon & Schuster, 2004), set in the fictional small town of Bramble, Cape Cod, MA, by the ocean, with a cast of unforgettable characters we've grown to know and love. Now, after tragedy upends her perfectly happy world, Willa is forced to leave her sweet small town and start fresh in a city by a river. "Welcome to Troy, New York, Willa, the birthplace of Uncle Sam." We know, we know... "a river's not an ocean"... but keep an open mind and heart, Willa...there's a lot to love in Troy, too...and just wait until you meet your new neighbor, Rob.
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Writing it Right, The Troy Bookmakers, 2015. An inspirational memoir about the transformative power of writing, co-authored with my poet mother, Peg Spain Murtagh. Books, baseball, faith, family, parks, pets, road-trips, recipes, Oprah and the ocean...on and on... we found much to be grateful for. (ISBN 978-1-61468-244-8)
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Fireflies: A Writer's Notebook Little Pickle Press, 2014. A great way to inspire and spark a young writer's imagination.
2014 Mom's Choice Gold Award in Inspirational-Motivational Category
Benjamin Franklin digital Gold Award for the Catching Fireflies app
2014 Mom's Choice Gold Award in Inspirational-Motivational Category
Benjamin Franklin digital Gold Award for the Catching Fireflies app
BIG, Little Pickle Press, 2012; illus by Clare Fennell (all ages)
Are you “big” yet?
2013 Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner!
Nautilus Book Awards Silver Medal: 2013 Better Books for a Better World
2013 Gelett Burgess Award in the "Growing Up" category
Are you “big” yet?
2013 Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner!
Nautilus Book Awards Silver Medal: 2013 Better Books for a Better World
2013 Gelett Burgess Award in the "Growing Up" category
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Dreamsleeves, Scholastic Press, April 2012 (ages 10-adult)
“I loved it!” Newbery author, Jerry Spinelli
“A touching story full of inspiration and hope.” Kid’s Next, Indie Booksellers
“...about the difference between hoping for change and making it happen,” Publisher’s Weekly
“This inspirational story will resonate with a wide range of readers.” Kirkus
“Dreamsleeves reminds us of the pain of innocence lost, the strength of love, and the power of hope.” NYT bestselling author, Laurie Halse Anderson
“I loved it!” Newbery author, Jerry Spinelli
“A touching story full of inspiration and hope.” Kid’s Next, Indie Booksellers
“...about the difference between hoping for change and making it happen,” Publisher’s Weekly
“This inspirational story will resonate with a wide range of readers.” Kirkus
“Dreamsleeves reminds us of the pain of innocence lost, the strength of love, and the power of hope.” NYT bestselling author, Laurie Halse Anderson
Willa 6: From Willa, With Love, Scholastic Press, June 2011
While JFK is away, another handsome Bramble boy hopes to win Willa’s heart.
“A fun, feel-good read.” VOYA
While JFK is away, another handsome Bramble boy hopes to win Willa’s heart.
“A fun, feel-good read.” VOYA
Willa 5: Wish I Might, Scholastic Press, May 2010
Mermaid sightings and a newly discovered British half-brother make for excitement galore!
“A wholesome summer read with a lot of conscience.” School Library Journal.
Mermaid sightings and a newly discovered British half-brother make for excitement galore!
“A wholesome summer read with a lot of conscience.” School Library Journal.
Sweet and Sunny, Scholastic Press, January 2010
Sunny continues her quest to create a national Kid’s Day, while improving other holidays along the way.
“Sunny shows what can be accomplished when someone believes in you.” School Library Journal
American Library Association Notable Book
Bank Street College,“Best Children’s Books of the Year”
Sunny continues her quest to create a national Kid’s Day, while improving other holidays along the way.
“Sunny shows what can be accomplished when someone believes in you.” School Library Journal
American Library Association Notable Book
Bank Street College,“Best Children’s Books of the Year”
A Pearl Among Princes, Dial, September 2009
On an island where princes learn to be charming, Gracepearl’s destiny calls.
“Sure to make you giggle! 5 out of 5 stars!” Books and Literature for Teens
“The Best Children’s Books of the Year” Bank Street College
On an island where princes learn to be charming, Gracepearl’s destiny calls.
“Sure to make you giggle! 5 out of 5 stars!” Books and Literature for Teens
“The Best Children’s Books of the Year” Bank Street College
Kip Campbell’s Gift (sequel to The Funeral Director's Son) Simon & Schuster, August 2009
At the risk of becoming the school freak, Kip uses his secret talent to help save his family’s small-town funeral home business.
At the risk of becoming the school freak, Kip uses his secret talent to help save his family’s small-town funeral home business.
Willa 4: Forget Me Not, Scholastic Press, 2009
Willa begins a Cape Cod summer filled with romance, fun, and a startling surprise.
“Each book is like taking a vacation with Willa to Cape Cod. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next Willa book!” TeensReadToo
Willa begins a Cape Cod summer filled with romance, fun, and a startling surprise.
“Each book is like taking a vacation with Willa to Cape Cod. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next Willa book!” TeensReadToo
Sunny Holiday, Scholastic Press, 2009
Sunny sets out to create a national holiday for kids.
“100 Best Books for Reading and Sharing,” New York Public Library
“Best Children’s Books of the Year,” Bank Street College
“…full of high hopes and sensible advice, this feel-good story slips down easily” Kirkus Reviews
**2012 Massachusetts State Book Award Finalist**
Sunny sets out to create a national holiday for kids.
“100 Best Books for Reading and Sharing,” New York Public Library
“Best Children’s Books of the Year,” Bank Street College
“…full of high hopes and sensible advice, this feel-good story slips down easily” Kirkus Reviews
**2012 Massachusetts State Book Award Finalist**
Catching the Sun, illus. by Peter Catalanotto, Charlesbridge Press, 2008
Dylan and his Mom capture an unforgettable birthday memory at sunrise on Cape Cod.
“Warm and winning.” Kirkus Reviews
“100 Best Picture Books,” Bank Street College
Dylan and his Mom capture an unforgettable birthday memory at sunrise on Cape Cod.
“Warm and winning.” Kirkus Reviews
“100 Best Picture Books,” Bank Street College
The Funeral Director’s Son, Simon & Schuster, 2008
At Campbell and Sons, Kip helps the dead rest in peace.
“Ms. Paratore makes me wish her stories never ended!” 5 Stars, TeensReadToo
At Campbell and Sons, Kip helps the dead rest in peace.
“Ms. Paratore makes me wish her stories never ended!” 5 Stars, TeensReadToo
Willa 3: Willa by Heart, Simon & Schuster, 2008
A mysterious new girl in Bramble threatens to steal Willa’s lead in Our Town and JFK’s heart as well.
“Charming, funny, sure to please anyone looking for a good story.” Kirkus Reviews
A mysterious new girl in Bramble threatens to steal Willa’s lead in Our Town and JFK’s heart as well.
“Charming, funny, sure to please anyone looking for a good story.” Kirkus Reviews
Mack McGinn’s Big Win, Simon & Schuster, 2007
In a family of sports legends, Mack strives for one “big win” to make his father proud.
“Mack’s believable narration and ample sense of humor make this sports story a cut above the rest.” Kirkus
In a family of sports legends, Mack strives for one “big win” to make his father proud.
“Mack’s believable narration and ample sense of humor make this sports story a cut above the rest.” Kirkus
Willa 2: The Cupid Chronicles, Simon&Schuster, 2006
Willa hosts dances at her family’s Cape Cod inn to help save the Bramble library and hopefully date a boy named JFK.
“Willa’s spirit keeps it fun, but it’s her smarts that make her memorable.”Kirkus Reviews
Willa hosts dances at her family’s Cape Cod inn to help save the Bramble library and hopefully date a boy named JFK.
“Willa’s spirit keeps it fun, but it’s her smarts that make her memorable.”Kirkus Reviews
Willa 1: The Wedding Planner’s Daughter, Simon&Schuster, 2005
Setting anchor on Cape Cod with her famous wedding-planner single mom, Willa hopes her life-long dream for a father will finally come true. Over 1/2 million copies sold!
“Made me laugh out loud!” Meg Cabot, author, Princess Diaries
Setting anchor on Cape Cod with her famous wedding-planner single mom, Willa hopes her life-long dream for a father will finally come true. Over 1/2 million copies sold!
“Made me laugh out loud!” Meg Cabot, author, Princess Diaries
26 BIG Things small Hands Do, illus. by Mike Reed, Free Spirit Press, 2004
“Awesome ABC Book!” Scholastic Instructor Magazine
iParenting Media Award Winner
“Seal of Excellence” Creative Child Magazine
“Awesome ABC Book!” Scholastic Instructor Magazine
iParenting Media Award Winner
“Seal of Excellence” Creative Child Magazine
How Prudence Proovit Proved the Truth About Fairy Tales, illus by Tamara Petrosino, Simon & Schuster, 2004