Learn about her amazing and growing collection on Goodreads
What
are you reading now?
I’m
reading Newbery Medal winner Holes by
Louis Sachar. I’m also reading Bjorn’s
Gift, the second book in a middle grade trilogy by fellow Wisconsin author Sandy
Brehl about how families were affected by and resisted the German occupation of
Norway during World War II.
Lisa: I love Sandy and her work! Bjorn's Gift was just published last October by Crispin Books.
Share
some of the books you read last year that you recommend.
One
of the most compelling books I read last year was Newberry Honor winner Brown Girl Dreaming, a story in verse of
the mesmerizing childhood journey of Jacqueline Woodson to find her place in
life.
I
also would recommend Odin’s Promise,
the first book in Sandy Brehl’s trilogy. Eleven-year-old Mari and her dog Odin are
characters you’ll definitely want to follow beyond one book.
I’ve
also read many picture books and board books. Some of my favorites are those
with wonderfully diverse art illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton.
What’s
next for you?
My
next book, set to release this year or next, is in a similar vein to Seven Miles to Freedom, and will come
out from the same publisher, Lee & Low Books. This time an amazing enslaved
woman is featured.
I
am currently working on another manuscript about several enslaved people who
went on to greatness, and I recently finished two manuscripts for the very
young inspired by our newest grandson.
Do
you work on more than one project at a time?
I
generally work on only one project at a time because to do my best work I need
to completely immerse myself in a project. The manuscript takes over my mind
and imagination even when I’m not sitting at my desk.
About Janet:
Janet
Halfmann is an award-winning children’s author who strives to make her books
come alive for young readers and listeners. She has written forty fiction and
nonfiction books.
Janet
writes picture books about nature and animals. She also writes about
little-known people who have accomplished amazing feats, such as Robert Smalls
in Seven Miles to Freedom.
Before
becoming a children’s author, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children’s
magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books
in Racine, Wisconsin. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of five.
When Janet isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visit
living-history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a
farm in Michigan and now lives with her husband in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Website:
http://www.janethalfmann.com
